The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
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March 2010 @ The Brook

Tickets On Sale When Price is Shown

Fri 5th Mar
Doors 8:00pm
Very Special Tour Warm Up Show! They loved The Brook so much last time, that they are doing the warm up with us again!!! It's not just you that loves The Brook...
The Brook are (again) very proud to present...

10cc

This Show Sold Out Last Time!!!
Graham Gouldman's Legendary Chart Toppers playing songs like: Dreadlock Holiday, I'm Not In Love, Things We Do For Love, Rubber Bullets & Good Morning Judge & 1,000,000 more songs that you know.
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Not a description of Oscar Wilde, but one of the UK's most popular yet unsung musical heroes, GRAHAM GOULDMAN, whose catchy tunes and lyrical messages are still being enjoyed in most corners of the world, some thirty years after his first hit. If songs like the timeless classic, I'm Not In Love, the poptastic Things We Do For Love or the quasi reggae Dreadlock Holiday mean little or nothing, then reader, read on, you've had you ears tuned to the wrong station all these years.

Between 1972 and 1976, 10cc had an outstanding string of hit records, such as the two No 1's Rubber Bullets and the aforementioned I'm Not In Love, I'm Mandy Fly Me, Wall Street Shuffle, Art For Art's Sake and many more, making them one of the most successful and influential English bands of the '70s.

Graham had found a natural songwriting partner in the sweet voiced Eric Stewart; I'm Not In love became an all time classic love song. "I'd already written the sort of suspended chords at the beginning of the song", says Graham, " and Eric came up with the title … he saw it more as a song about not having to say "I Love You", but I saw it more as someone trying to ignore the obvious".

In the 20-something years since Gouldman and Stewart wrote the song, its been covered by artists as diverse as the Pretenders (their version featured in the smash movie Indecent Proposal), Will To Power, and, more recently, The Fun Loving Criminals.

Between 1972 and 1976 all four of the band's albums were bit hits, with three reached the UK Top 10.

In 1976 Godley and Creme left the band, Stewart and Gouldman retained the name and continued the hits with Good Morning Judge. The No 1 Dreadlock Holiday and the international smash Things We Do For Love. Then fate turned nasty when Eric was involved in a serious car accident at the end of 1979; things were never the same again.

While Eric embarked on a long convalescence, Graham took stock of his career and decided to take on some solo projects. Having always harboured a love of film which rivalled his love of music, he had occasionally toyed with the idea of writing film soundtracks, but hadn't exactly been sitting around twiddling his thumbs looking for something to do. And this was the ideal time to try something different.

First he wrote the theme song to the respectfully successful Farrah Fawcett movie Sunburn and a year later he released an album of songs written for the hugely popular animated feature, Animalympics which continues to sell steadily on video.

As soon as he'd finished Animalympics, Graham was invited by none other than The Ramones to produce their Pleasant Dreams album for Sire Records. Thinking his musical ideas must be a million miles away from those of Joey and da brudders, Graham was, nevertheless, intrigued by the prospect of working with one of New York's finest groups of punk rockers. The result was that they all had enormous fun and the record was the third most successful of The Ramones' huge catalogue of albums.

Into '83-'84 – Graham and Eric decided to formally disband 10cc. Graham subsequently formed Wax with American songwriter Andrew Gold, whose biggest hit to date had been Lonely Boy and whose theme for the evergreen TV series The Golden Girls had made him hot property.

Wax signed to RCA and had hits with Right Between The Eyes (which sat at No 1 in Spain for six weeks, as well as being a UK and US hit) and Bridge To Your Heart which hit No 12 in the UK. Although Wax released their third and last album in 1989, Gouldman and Gold continued (and continue) to write together.

Into the '90s amid renewed interest in everything 10cc-ish, Graham reunited with Eric Stewart to record a new 10cc album, Meanwhile, which featured some input from Godley and Creme. Although a moderate success in the UK, the album was enormous in Japan. Before you could say Sushi, Graham and Eric had jumped on a plane to Japan where their tour was so successful that the duo, with an extended line-up, were invited to return the following year.

Back into the swing of touring, 1991 and 1992 saw the band undertake tours of Japan, the UK, and most of Europe. Touring continued into the following year when the band signed to the Japanese label Avex, recorded a live album and then started work on another 10cc album, Mirror Mirror. Huge amounts of promotional work followed and Graham and Eric found themselves trekking up and down the country armed only with an acoustic guitar.

As if the '90s hadn't been busy enough already, 1995 turned out to be one of the most active periods with tours of the UK, Japan and Europe, an acoustic show at the famous Lloyds of London Building and to cap it all, a BMI citation for an unprecedented THREE MILLION plays on US radio for I'm Not In Love. This followed the BMI citation for two million plays of Things We Do For Love and one million plays of Bus Stop. Graham was beginning to run out of wall space.

Graham has also wrote with and for a number of people. He and Tim Rice partnered on the song The Monkey And The Onion; Graham wrote The Way I'm Feeling Tonight with Paul Carrack for the latter's album (released in August 2002). He also wrote songs with the late Kirsty McCall for her album and with Suggs (from Madness) for his, as well as spending time in Nashville writing with, among others, Country Songwriter of the Year Gary Burr.

The Wax Files, which features tracks from all three Wax albums as well as newly recorded material with Andrew Gold, released in the UK on the For Your Love label (through Dome records) and Graham also worked on writing the soundtrack for Paul Hills' new film, Raving Beauties.

Graham Gouldman is the complete musician; it's what he's always done, it's what he'll always do. And he loves it, "I just can't imagine doing anything else", he says, "I Love working with new, sometimes unsigned artistes because it's great to work with new people. I know I benefit from their fresh perspective, I can only hope they then benefit from my experience."

During the late-'90s, Graham assembled some friends to do the occasional live show, playing mainly 10cc material, but also featuring some of his earlier hits. In 2000, concerts in the UK, Belgium and Germany were so well received that he decided to take it more seriously.

With 2002 being the 30th anniversary of the 10cc hit Donna, Graham thought it good opportunity to play more live shows and remind people of the original band's musical genius. A UK tour covered 28 cities and towns from April-June, followed by selected one-off events during the summer and shows in Europe.

Since then, Graham and the band have played shows across Europe, toured Australia, New Zealand and Japan and performed at several UK festivals.

With increased radio play for the classics I'm Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday, a resurgence of interest in 10cc developed through 2006 and an exceptional headline spot at the UK's Cropready Festival in August helped set the scene for 2007, when the band played more than 40 UK concerts across two national tours.

To coincide, Universal Records released the TV-advertised, double CD 10cc: Greatest Hits … And More, featuring the obvious band numbers, plus hits Graham wrote for others and collaborations, including two new tracks written with Kevin Godley.

In June 1007, the Mail On Sunday newspaper produced a special 10-track Best of 10cc CD, distributing more than 2.4 million copies throughout the UK and Eire. The MoS reported that their UK circulation rose by 233,000 that day.

This year sees the band doing summer festivals across the UK and Europe, with tours on Denmark and Belgium confirmed and a major UK tour planned for the autumn. The first three months of 2008 already contain a 21-date tour of Holland and four arena shows in Germany.

The live band's line-up is:

Graham Gouldman – bass, guitar, vocals
Rick Fenn – lead guitar, vocals
Paul Burgess - drums
Mick Wilson - percussion, guitar, vocals
Mike Stevens – keyboards, guitar, sax, vocals
Paul has worked with 10cc from the beginning and Rick joined the band in the mid-'70s.

10cc Chart Positions:

Rubber Bullets 1
I'm Not In Love 1
Dreadlock Holiday 1
Donna 2
Art For Art's Sake 5
Good Morning Judge 5
The Things We Do For Love 6
I'm Mandy Fly Me 6
Life Is A Minestrone 7
The Dean And I 10
The Wall Street Shuffle 10

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Sat 6th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Rufus Stone

Southern Soul - 1st gig since NYE

Never mind your Wigan Casino, Rufus Stone at the Brook is where it's at.

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Band PicTime to dance the night away with the band who make every gig a party night! Those that have followed the band will know that the Rufus Stone Soul Band, based in their home town of Southampton, has been around in many guises since their start in late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, which ensures that they get the maximum involvement from their audience.

Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road but still as soulful as when they started. The music is authentic soul with selections from The Blues Brothers and The Commitments, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex and many others.

During their time together there have been a number of highlights that include support to some of the top soul artists like Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Geno Washington, Ben E King, and Gloria Gaynor.

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Mon 8th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Coco Montoya

Played with Albert Collins, John Mayall, Bo Diddley...
Over the course of his 30-year career, US guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya's explosive guitar playing and soul-driven voice have propelled him to the upper reaches of the blues-rock world
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Band PicCoco Montoya is an upside down, left handed rock blues guitarist with a fine pedigree that includes 10 years with John Mayall's Blues Breakers and learning his chops with Albert Collins, first as a drummer and then as a guitarist.

Since becoming a solo artist in his own right in the mid 90's he's picked up a WC Handy Award for 'Best New Blues Artist', has cut 5 well received albums and now undertakes his first major UK in support of his 'I Want It All Back' debut release for Ruf Records. And as Coco explains it's produced by the Grammy Award winning Keb' Mo' and marks a significant change in direction for him.

Your new CD 'I Want It All Back' seems to have shifted the emphasis on your style from guitar to the voice'?

Yeah you did well to pick up on that so quickly. The voice really is the focus for this album. Kevin (Keb) pulled me aside and really wanted me to focus on that - he said "we'll beat the hell out of you" - and take it all a stage further; We had a good talk and he pretty much laid out what he wanted to us to do. And actually looking back it really was the greatest thing for me to be taken out of my comfort zone and I think it worked so well.

In many respects there's a parallel here between 'finding your voice' literally, and John Mayall telling you to find your voice through your own guitar playing?

Yeah, in fact John Mayall once gave me a real bollocking one night, telling me what he wanted me to do, which was basically to play the way I felt a piece. He didn't want my attempt at Clapton licks etc. he said, 'forget the rules son, you should interpret stuff in your own way'.

And it's your roll as an interpreter of songs that really shine on the new CD?

Well this was a different project for me as I was able to do some songs that touched me in different ways. In fact a couple of these songs by the Marvelettes and Mary Wells are songs that have only been sung by women before. But I already loved the songs and enjoyed messing around with them and coming up with something of my take on them.

How did the songs come together?

Well they basically came from Kevin (Keb), with two from Jeff Parris and two from the Nashville song writer Gary Nicholson. And the whole thing was a good exercise for me as Kevin's approach to songs is very laid back and he is also very understated in what he does, whereas Jeff Parris is an exciting character who takes things a bit further and always goes for that bit of extra reach. And when you consider that my previous album (which was produced by Paul Barrere from Little Feat) was an album on which we stripped things down and went for the raw sound, you can see how different this new project is for me. And I'm loving it as it's really taken me from one place to something very different. If you asked me what do I like most about the new cd I'd have to say it's the fact I've had a go at different things from what I've done before. Its music we all enjoyed making and it's a new experience, an exciting one and a real challenge that I am enjoying.

Did the fact you moved from Alligator to Ruf records give you more room to move?

Hahaha John Mayall would love that. Let's plug him again, 'Room to Move' hahha. But, yeah absolutely, in meeting Thomas Ruf, I met a guy who I sensed had the same goals as me. He's willing to take chances and work with artists who take chances, which is important for me. It's as important to produce good, inspirational music as worry about the commercial aspect. You know, chance makes life interesting, and by doing things that way you might just open up your music to new people which is great.

How did you meet Keb' Mo' (Kevin Moore)?

We had the same manager John Doncimino and we've known each other for about 5 or 6 years, but there was never any expectation on my side for him to get involved in my career We were happy being friends. But I always liked his music and appreciated what he does. But we did start talking gradually and it was along the lines of, 'we should do something', but only if it's the right thing musically, then I'm up for it.

Of course Kevin is a 3 times Grammy award winning artist, so it really needed to be something that we both musically wanted to do, rather than him just helping out. Then the idea of production came up, and he said yeah, he'd love to do it. And for me it was the very best thing that it all came together that way…almost in an artistic way, rather than via some business plan. I am so grateful for his time, energy and ideas that he brought to my album.

Going back to your career as a sideman, at what point did you realise you had your own sound? Was it when you stepped out on your own?

I don't really know. In many respects it came much later than you might think as I hear all my teachers in my head when I play. The influences are all part of what you do be they Clapton, Albert Collins, Freddy and Albert king or Buddy guy. All those influences come out in your playing, but I guess at some point other people do hear your own personality in your playing. But still there's wider influences at play like British Blues for example and the fact I play upside down, left handed like Albert King. All those things are in there so I guess the answer is that your own style comes from other people's visions of how they hear you and then you having the self confidence to go with that.

It must have been a wrench after leaving John Mayall's Blues Breakers, almost as big as when you left Albert Collins? I was totally lost when I left John Mayall. It was really the same feeling as when I quit being a pro musician after leaving Albert. You start worrying about the money, security and thinking about the security of a day job, maybe even bar tending again.

Plus you have to remember I was drinking a lot and a drug addict. When you are like that you can't really see any other horizon. But Albert's advice helped me and even John was very helpful and encouraging even though I was quitting his band. The first thing was I needed to sober up, but at least I recognised that. So what happened was I had a friend called Albert Molinaro who owned a guitar shop 'Guitars 'R Us' in Hollywood. It became very famous actually with Eric Clapton, George Harrison etc going in there. Anyway he wanted to produce a record and wanted me to be the subject. So we recorded when we could. At the finish it came out pretty well and I got Zomba/Silvertone in Holland interested in it. So I had my first solo album with plenty of guests on it, but the enthusiasm by one part of the label wasn't shared in either New York or London. If anything, after I later signed to Blind Pig I realised a big label isn't necessarily what you need for music like this.

After you cut the album you were apparently turned down by Alligator records with who later signed you up?

Bruce Iglauer wasn't interested point blank. He said this record 'Gotta a Mind To Travel' will do no good for your career. I thought well if nothing else, its not bad and its got Albert Collins, John Mayall, Al Cooper, Debbie Davies, Mike Finnegan, Joe Yuele and Richie Hayward on it, no way is it not going to get a release. So it was picked up by Blind Pig records and it turns out Bruce Iglauer from Alligator was livid that I signed with them. In fact I made 3 CD's with Blind Pig which I was happy with; I only left for Alligator later because I thought they would have better distribution.

The album gave you a WC Handy Award for 'Best New Blues Artist' and set you on your solo career?

Well I was both grateful and pleased to be out there as a solo artist. Then I worked with Alligator and recorded 'Suspicion'. I was happy to work with Bruce and above all proud to be on the same label as artists I respect like Albert Collins and Koko Taylor, but Bruce's power trip was a bit stifling, he kind of over micro manages people. In fact I thought the last cd could have been better. That's not to say Paul Barrere didn't do a good job, in fact he was great. But we were in a very controlling situation. And I thought long and hard about things, about how I was an artist in my 50's and not a kid looking to have a top ten hit. For me it's got to be about the music and making music I'm proud of. It's like being an artist you can hide your canvas for a while but then bring it out and then let the chips fall.

Which bring us full circle again as Keb' seems to have been the conduit to you expressing yourself on the new CD?

Exactly. He was interested in what I wanted to do and he had his ideas and so the source and imagination came from us and we interpreted the music that way and I love that about the project. And given what Thomas Ruf had to say about who saw things it all came together.

Tell me about your role as a band leader, did you learn it all from Mayall or some from Albert Collins?

I leant a lot from both obviously. Albert taught me a lot of things earlier on, but John Mayall helped me so much. John is a great organiser and above all he told me to 'accept my mistakes and learn from them, consider them opportunities'. Nothing ever deterred him. He told me he used to have people screaming at him but he never deviated form his path. He never let a negative thought stop him from doing anything. He was and is at peace with himself with who he was.

You also teamed up with Walter Trout for five hard years in your decade withThe Blues Breakers, at a time when Disco had decimated Rock/blues. You must have been through some hard times.

They were hard times for the music but John always had an audience. They were also very different times. I hadn't seen Walter for ages until a little while back and we hooked up and talked about what happened between us at the time. We really used to have battles on stage and the Coco fans and Walter fans would be on either side of the stage. It was a real battle between us, we were fighting, to see who could be better, who could be louder and we both fell into that trap, but people loved it.

I guess it was an age thing?

Well partly that but John was giving us some success, we never had before. We played to some huge crowds and I met a lot of my heroes like Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, George fame and Bob Dylan

What was Dylan like?

He was pretty strange though I don't think Bob was to enthusiastic about meeting me (laughs). But there was a lot going on in that band, not least the fact you also had the constant worry about the ghosts of the previous guitarists in the Blues Breakers. When I took over from Mick Taylor I was as excited as I was apprehensive, but then John brought in Kal David for a while on guitar so I thought, well at least he can take some of the strain on his back. Then Walter joined and we had our love/hate relationship. We used to fight and argue like brothers but we looked after each other. Years later we reconnected and it was wonderful time a very very emotional meeting. I played an upstate festival in New York and he came out, and we said 'let's do it and three songs in we both started crying. And couldn't stop. But we had so much fun playing music together again and I hope that me and Walter will finally do something together again in the future. I already recorded with him on his 'Full Circle' album.

Do you see your new cd 'I Want It All Back as having crossover appeal to a wider audience for both Coco Montoya and your brand of the blues?

Well I think blues has always had that ability to draw in different audiences and musicians to it and maybe this will be a step along the way. Going back to when I played with Albert Collins, I was amazed to see people like Joan Jett and her band and Styx coming to see Albert. That was really amazing. And over here Gary Moore did a lot of good things to open up the market for Albert and for new people to feel the music.

Finally what can we expect at the live shows this September?

Well I guess when you've got a bit of history you naturally dip into that. We've got some tunes from the new CD and some from the 6 albums I've done so far, plus there will be room for some John Mayall and Albert Collins stuff. So let's see if we can bring in a few more people to hear what we do.

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Thu 11th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Eric Sardinas & Big Motor

From the USA classic blues-rock

Since the release of his 1999 debut CD Treat Me Right, Sardinas and his band have toured throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia.

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Eric Sardinas and Big Motor

On his fourth album, Eric Sardinas and Big Motor, the artist delivers a powerful musical statement that stands as his most accomplished release to date, fueled by a wily sense of adventure, imagination and ferocious lead guitar finery. Honest, soulful and fire-branded with a gritty passion, Eric Sardinas is the real deal, infusing his music with an embattled spirit, reconfiguring deep southern blues with the finesse of a master.

Picking up the guitar at the age of six, Sardinas reaped a heavin' helpin' of inspiration from a melting pot of influences numbering R&B, gospel, rock and roll and most tellingly, his profound love of traditional blues forms. All inform the songwriting and incendiary playing onthe new album. And while those influences inexorably shape his playing he's no mere mimic. Instead, he's absorbed all those styles into his DNA, reinterpreting them into his own driving contemporary blues/rock sound. On the new record, helping to power Sardinas' musical engine is a crack rhythm section featuring the driving bass of Levell Price and drum thunder of Patrick Caccia.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Matt Gruber, the CD kicks into overdrive with the propulsive kick of the opening cut "All I Need," the musical ride accelerating into top gear, blowing rubber at 100MPH. A relentless groove, Sardinas' earthy vocals and tasty slide guitar make this the perfect introduction. "The swampy introduction is kind of a metaphor for the big motor sound coming at you," attests Sardinas. "I wanted the songs to take you on a ride."

Gospel meets Texas rock on "Ride", "Door To Diamonds" is the ultimate kiss-off to a spurned lover while "Find My Heart" pile drives the listener with walls of explosive guitars, soulful vocals and contagious energy.

"Listen, can't you hear that train, coming down the line now and calling my name" croons Sardinas on "Gone To Memphis", a more lyrically reflective track, earmarked by contours of melodic innovation, impassioned singing and an arresting, hooky chorus that refuses to leave your brain. "'Gone to Memphis' is not literally about walking out the door but already being through it," asserts Sardinas. "It's more about mentally moving forward and doing what it takes to make those moves. Memphis is a big part of my psyche so I used it in the song."

Opening with the strains of a live audience, a snarling lick drives "Just Like That," a gut-busting blues stomper characterized by the artist's jaw-dropping dive-bomb slide guitar pyrotechnics, which reflect his love of Son House and Robert Johnson.

An amphetamine paced rootsy take of Elvis Presley's 70's smash, "Burning Love" updates "The King's" slice of gold with dobro flavored ferocity. "It's a beautiful and honest song and one I grew up with," said Sardinas. "The simplicity of the message belies a complexity and that appealed to me."

Setting the scene on the closing track is the lonely sound of the swirling wind whistling through the fields, the Tony Joe White penned "As the Crow Flies" is the record's tour-de-force. The song's glorious wide-screen sound serves as a showcase for Sardinas' emotional vocal and dobro playing before racing toward the finish with the rhythmic thrust of layers of acoustic and electric guitars.

Scoring accolades for his previous studio albums (1999's Treat Me Right, 2001's Devil's Train and 2003's Black Pearls), Sardinas has garnered acclaim for his explosive live performances, which clearly demonstrate his consummate six-string agility. A veteran of the live circuit, he's racked up thousands of performances worldwide.

You don't need a weathered road map or expensive GPS system to navigate your way through the 11 musical signposts on Eric Sardinas and Big Motor. So what are you waiting for? Rev this baby up, crank the motor, and take it out for a thrilling musical ride you'll never forget....

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Fri 12th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Fleetwood Bac

Bac Again!

(Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

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Band PicFLEETWOOD BAC are the world's first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, and raved about by Peter Green's biographer, the only Mac tribute band to authentically replicate the classic Stevie/Lindsey/Christine/John/Mick 'Rumours' line-up.

The band returned in 2001 with their best line-up yet, and in the last 2 years the response has been amazing. Rave reviews in 'The Stage', The Fireflies and Go Your Own Way (the U.K.s leading Fleetwood Mac fansites); an endorsement from The Nicks Fix (the official Stevie Nicks website); and ecstatic audiences wherever the band played, including wowing an audience of 10,000 at the H.O.G. festival in St. Tropez, and very successful recent shows in the Cayman Islands. The band has also recently been rated by The Times as one of the U.K.'s leading tributes, alongside The Bootleg Beatles, Bjorn Again and the Counterfeit Stones.

The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got the seal of approval from 'Big Daddy' Mick, and built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans through numerous tours, festival appearances, corporate events and TV and radio slots all over the U.K. and Europe.

Fans include original Mac bassist and biographer Bob Brunning, who has joined the band several times on stage for great versions of 'Need Your Love So Bad', and Peter Green's official biographer Martin Celmins.

The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the Stevie Nicks/ Lindsey Buckingham/ Christine McVie 'Rumours' era of the band (still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time). It also features several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie's biggest solo hits, in a theatrical two-hour show, including costume-changes and an acoustic section.

Songs featured include: Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, You Make Loving Fun, Tusk, Gypsy, Everywhere, Oh Well, Rhiannon, Little Lies, Black Magic Woman, Seven Wonders, Say You Love Me, Big Love, Oh Diane, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, Albatross, Sara, Man Of The World, Hold Me, Green Manalishi and Need Your Love So Bad.

Fleetwood Mac fans are also raving about seeing and hearing favourites like: Gold Dust Woman, The Chain, 2nd Hand News, Silver Springs, I'm So Afraid, Songbird, Sisters Of The Moon, Isn't It Midnight, Leather And Lace, Oh Daddy, Monday Morning, Landslide, I Don't Want To Know, Beautiful Child, Over My Head, Never Going Back Again, World Turning, Blue Letter, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You, Eyes Of The World etc.

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Sat 13th Mar
Doors 8.00pm

The Bon Jovi Experience

Brook Favourites
The best way to enjoy American stadium rock - 6ft from the bar and ten from the stage! Bring your mum - she'll enjoy it too!
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Band Pic

The Bon Jovi Experience are the worlds first and finest tribute to the Great Bon Jovi and features Jon Bon Jovi clone frontman Tony, (Jon By Jovi), accompanying him are 3 other ex By Jovi members, namely Jon (Tico) drums, Rob (Hugh) bass and Chris (Dave) keyboards, having left the now Defunked By Jovi. With Edd, (top Richie Sambora Guitarist,) in place, together they produce the looks and sounds of the real thing so closely that, i quote: "you could almost be fooled into thinking that this band was the real thing" and "quite simply a mirror image of the man himself".

Tony has been performing the music of Bon Jovi for over ten years now and the band were the first to be asked to perform on the Us New Jersey Tribute Album, "Garden State Of Mind". He is the Only Uk Bon Jovi tribute band frontman to actually be asked to Appear On Channel 4's Big Breakfast Show with the real Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora but was unable to do so due to committment to shows already booked in The Middle East. They were told recently by Radio 1 Dj and tv personality Chris Evans that "they were the best tribute band he had ever seen" and have also been asked to appear live on Chris's show in the future. the band has a significant fan base not to mention Tonys various tv and film appearance's, (itv's International Stars & Their Doubles hosted by Dale Winton, bbc's doctors series and british Film Kinky Boots.).

Tony recently attended a couple of Bon Jovi shows himself and was actually mobbed when he was mistaken for the real Jon Bon Jovi by hundreds of screaming Bon Jovi fans and official photographer's asking for autographs and pictures. Chad Kroeger, frontman with Bon Jovi's guest band Nickelback, even picked Tony from the forty thousand strong crowd and said, i quote, "have you seen this guy he's that much like Jon Bon Jovi its freaky man" then had his own photographer take pictures of him, as a result Tony has been the topic of conversation on the official Bon Jovi website from people asking who he was, an honour that no other Bon Jovi tribute band frontman has ever gained.

Then, on monday 13th november 2006, tony and the band recieved the ultimate accolade when they were requested by Bon Jovi to perfom live at the hard rock cafe in london for the celebrations surrounding Bon Jovi's induction into The Uk Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame. During this performance Jon Bon Jovi himself joined Tony and the band on the stage and performed the song 'Who Say's You Can't Go Home.' to the delight of the sell-out 'backstage with Jon Bon Jovi' fanclub audience of die hard fans. yet another honour that no other Bon Jovi tribute band has ever received… from touring all over the world, (every major city & town in the uk,The Channel Islands, Malta, Holland, Spain, Ireland and the very first Bon Jovi tribute to tour the Middle East to name but a few!)

The band have seen many sell out shows with wild reactions from the crowds and with a full tour schedule for 2006 / 2007, the boys are no strangers to living the rock n roll dream. so if you enjoy stadium rock at its best this is definatley a band not to be missed.

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Sun 14th Mar
Doors 7:30pm

DMF Logo"Sound of The C"

Selection of the finest up and coming bands!

The best up and coming indie bands for your delectation. Could be the future unearthed right here.

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Adv £  6.00
10:40pm

Summers

A stadium rock show you will not forget!!!

You will believe Classic Rock is alive and well, You will sing the songs all the way home.

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10:00pm

Melodramas

Off-kilter pop that rocks like a ninja

The New York Dolls personally asked this band to play with them. Radio One: "These guys are incredible... they're gonna be huge".

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9:20pm

Biuret

Indie Rock Pop Direct from Seoul, Sth Korea
Biuret released their first EP in 2005 and within months sold out the first pressing.
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8:40pm

Saracens

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8:00pm

The Macualay's

Charley Macaulay's sensational sound and innovative writing has established her as one of the UK's most exciting new talents
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This is a very special "Sound of the C" with a documentary being filmed in the venue, and a FIVE Star ***** line up !

Fans will have the chance to not only be in the documentary to be broadcast at a later date nationally and internationally but every ticket will go into a draw to meet the bands back stage, have photos and be interviewed for the cameras!

Band Pic8.00pm: The Macaulay's

Live & Unsigned 2009 winner 17 year old Charley Macaulay and her new band fresh from supporting Anastasia, a little lady with the biggest of voices !

Charley Macaulay's sensational sound and innovative writing has established her as one of the UK's most exciting new talents. Charley is a 16 year old Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist from Southampton, England. With 10 years of experience already under her belt including singing on big stages and writing new material, Charley's passion and dedication to music is undeniable. Her career began at the E-minor Pop Academy where she established her unique and edgy sound. In 2007 she began touring and performing at local venues but it was in 2009 that Charley's career soared, as she won the under 18's Live and Unsigned National Grand Final. Beating 10,000 other hopefuls from across the UK, Charley received her award from Radio 1's Annie Nightingale and impressed former Sex Pistols Manager Malcolm McLaren. And to top it off, she has recently reached the number one spot for UK Undiscovered with her groundbreaking original track Superman. It's been a busy year for the talented singer. She has recently embarked on her first National tour, playing to sell out crowds in some of the UK's most prestigious venues including Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Portsmouth Guildhall, Sheffield City Hall and Newcastle's Journal Tyne Theatre to name a few. Adding to her achievements, Charley has supported some of the world's biggest stars including Anastacia and Simply Red. This summer she also performed alongside Escala and opened the 2009 concert at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Other noticeable accomplishments include Coming 2nd in National competition Star Sensations and being named 2009's Best Female Vocal in Southampton, and Voice of the year rated by 'The Mag'. Whether she's performing with her band or playing an acoustic set with talented guitarist Matthew Shenton, Charley is clearly one of the UK's brightest up and coming musicians and has already been recognised by Myspace as one of the country's best emerging singers. Follow Charley on MySpace acoustic page Twitter: & Facebook:

Band Pic8.40pm: Saracens

The Saracens: 4 Hampshire lads, bringing many different past sounds and styles into a tightly played modern package. "This Band brought a rammed venue to their feet. The most outstanding debut we have ever seen. An outstanding and polished act." Promoter Jurassic Mark

The Saracens are group of four based in various locations around Hampshire, bringing many past and present styles into a tightly played modern package. The group originally met in 2006 and formed the Saracens in mid 2008. Since they started gigging in April 2009 they have played venues all around the south of England hoping to build a solid fanbase and move further around the country. Come down and see good set of melodic alternative rock songs and an up and coming band with great passion and stage presence.

Band Pic9.20pm: Biuret

Pan Asian winners of "Suitasi", Asia's bigger and much cooler version of X Factor, fronted by the beautiful Hey Won Moon & Jai An, just flying in to play with their pals Melodramas.

Formed in 2002, Biuret, is a high energy, dynamic Rock Pop Band led by the stunning Hye Won Moon (Lead Vocal, Guitar, Songwriter) and supported by Jai Hyun Ahn (Bass Guitar) and Gyo Won Lee (Lead Guitar) Biuret released their first EP in 2005 and within months sold out the first pressing. Since then the band has been working extremely hard to perfect their performances, original songs and sound, performing in over 600 live shows from Clubs, College Festivals, TV Appearances, Musical Theatre Productions, Rock Festivals to Opening for British Rock Group - Oasis.  This energetic, dominate band manages to deliver what we love about rock whilst still keeping elements of pop in the mix, it is no surprise that they are the Sutasi 2009 Overall Winners (A Pan-Asian Music Search to find the Best Contemporary Act across Asia). Since winning the Sutasi title, Biuret have been busy working on a new album as well as performing in Korea, Australia, Japan and London. The Sutasi Prize will see the band collaborate with major US Songwriters and Producers to create their first International Release scheduled for May 2010.

Biuret are three beautifully stunning, sexy artists who incorporate strong emotional vocals, infectious live performances and superior musicianship. This, together with their amazing natural talent, energy and charisma delivers a band that you won't forget and everyone is going to want to know about.
Band Pic10.00pm: Melodramas

Melodramas' short history has been nothing short of dramatic. After winning a showcase competition to be crowned best new band (they entered on a whim despite never having previously played live), they soon won over the international community through self-recorded demos... costing £30. Appearances in Australia (for Rolling Stone), Kuwait and the UK followed as well as a sold-out show in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Being picked up on the radar by the higher echelons of rock and roll, The New York Dolls made a personal request for Melodramas to support them on their UK tour. The craziest thing is that the story has only just begun. Radio One: "These guys are incredible... they're gonna be huge".

Band Pic10.40pm: Summers

SUMMERS are bridging the gap between the iconic stadium rock legends of old and the current new wave of music, taking a 1980's born genre and firmly stamping their own sound all over it, approaching their intelligently crafted sound with twin guitar led riffs. With an exciting stage show and adrenaline fuelled melodic rock songs, SUMMERS - the charismatic new British bad boys of rock are raising temperatures across the UK.

The band themselves were approached by producer Clyde Ward who's credits extend to artists such as Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz,George Michael and Sting. His experience has brought a new dynamic to the table with song-writing collaborations on strong anthemic songs.

SUMMERS are at their best when they're on the move. The pending debut album shows their commitment to hard-hitting rock without compromise whilst retaining their indelible signature sound. Closely following their every step will be the BBC Access All Areas production team who will be filming the band for their forthcoming television show.

Not a night to be missed, there is a scene in the South . . . we like to call it the . . . "Sound of the C" ( and The Brook was always destined to run into the C )

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Thu 18th Mar
Doors 8.00pm

Comedy is back at The Brook!!!

Laugh-Out-Loud-Comedy-Club Featuring....

Marty McLean, Sean Collins & Simon Clayton

If you show us another Brook ticket - you can buy 2-4-1
If you become a fan of The Brook on Facebook - you can get em for half price!
But don't take our word for it - 'Wabble wousing comedy' - Jonathan Woss  
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Band PicWhat better way to chase off those winter blues than by having a ruddy good laugh?!!

Following the success of 2009's LOL Comedy Club, 2010 sees The Brook playing host to the monthly Thursday night comedy event, which showcases some of the finest comedy talent established in the UK as well as introducing some of the dynamic rising stars of these shores.

This month's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club is on Thursday 18th March and is proud to be hosting a veteran of Paramount's The Comedy Store...

Sean Collins

Sean honed his unique, storytelling style over 18 years. In 2000, his hard work and determination led to his receiving two prestigious Canadian Comedy Award nominations for 'Best Male Stand Up' and for his half hour 'Comic's Comedy Special' on CBC. In 2002, CTV gave Sean his first, hour long special as part of their 'Comedy Now' series and, building on this momentum, Sean did what he considers to be one of thee highlights of his career by performing a gala set at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, 2003.Fuelled by the desire to play to a more international audience, Sean left Canada for the UK and, within the five years that he has resided in Britain, he has written and performed three highly successful Edinburgh Festival shows, receiving rare, five star reviews and one of only a few Best of Fest accolades.

Now, firmly established as one of thee strongest, headline acts on the UK circuit, Sean has several TV and radio credits to his name, including The World Stands Up on Comedy Central, The Comedy Store TV show on Paramount for 2005, 2006 and 2008, The Blame Game Radio Show for BBC Ireland and a recently recorded hour special filmed in Amsterdam and sold to the national network, VARA. This DVD is set for release soon.

Also appearing is...

Marty Mclean

Band Pic...who has been touring across North America and Europe for the past 11 years. Marty has performed at numerous Improv venues and the World Famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. He has also made two memorable appearances at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival and is now about to embark on conquering the UK.
"Truly sticks out as an extraordinary performer, a true professional in the performing arts, a talent to be watched" – Brent Schiess, Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival

The third act this month is...

Simon Clayton...

Band Pic...who has been a stand up comic since the summer of 1995 and rapidly became a nation wide performer. On stage he talks about what he is; male, fat, mixed race, married, balding and anything else that currently makes him laugh (although not necessarily in that order). Here is what some other people think of him:

"Likeable fast thinking Londoner" - London Evening Standard

"Very skilful stand up" - Time Out

"Mr. Clayton's like a bottle of HP sauce - fat, brown and fruity" – Loaded

"Simon's natural brightness often leads to disruptive high jinks during registration" - Mr Massey, head of 6th Form, Southgate School

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Fri 19th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Los Pacaminos

Tequilla Party!!!

Come have a hoot with Paul Young & his tequila drinkin' party boys

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14.50

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Band PicLos Pacaminos are a band you can absolutely count on for a great night out! & some tasty nosh!!! Tex-Mex music is somewhere between the Mariachi and Norteno styles of Mexico and the country/blues sounds of South-Western America. The band empathises with Ry Cooder, Flaco Jiminez, The Texas Tornadoes, Los Lobos and Sir Douglas Quintet. (Their set includes songs like "Wooly Bully" the national anthem "La Bamba" and sometimes, if enough tequila is flowing, even "Speedy Gonzales"…) The band comprise some of the best known names in the business. From a variety of backgrounds they've covered all kinds of music but are all in accord on one - the sound that's brought them together as Los Pacaminos. (Photo - Keith Curtis)

The line-up is as follows: Drew Barfield: Guitar / Vocals. From A&M signings The Keys and The Big Heat, his song-writing credits include Go West, Joe Jackson, Paul Young and Level 42.

Melvyn Duffy: Pedal steel. Probably the finest young pedal steel guitar player in Britain, his credits include Jimmy Nail, Leo Sayer, and Deana Carter while his most recent tour was with Robbie Williams.

Steve Greetham: Bass / Vocals. Has worked with Joan Armatrading, Paul Young, Julia Fordham and Chris De Burgh.

Matt Irving: Keyboards / Accordion / Vocals. Has played with a whole host of artists including Lords Of The New Church, Paul Young, Squeeze, Chris Rea, Jools Holland, Roger Waters and Manfred Mann.

Band PicJamie Moses: Guitar / Vocals. An accomplished session player, he's worked with The Pretenders, Mike And The Mechanics, Chaka Khan, Gary Barlow, Mica Paris, Tony Hadley, Pete Townsend, Karl Wallinger, Paul Rodgers, Curtis Stiegers and Dave Stewart…to name but a few.

Mark Pinder: Drums. Several renowned cult acts claimed Mark's services including the Vampire Bats From Lewisham and Zaine Griff before he headed off to join Paul Young and Alison Moyet.

Paul Young: Guitar / Vocals / Super-Chef. Needs little introduction… from his days with Q –Tips to his number one solo hits "Wherever I Lay My Hat" and "Come Back And Stay", as well as "Every Time You Go Away", his hit albums and his collaboration with top Italian star Zucchero, Paul has always been loved for his unique vocal style and great personality and making a jolly good sauce!!!

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Sat 20th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

On-Stage 9:15
for a jolly long set!

Perfect Alibi - Sold Out! No Ticket = No Entry Sorry

Pink Floyd Tribute - Rick's Last Show!

If you like Floyd and haven't seen them yet then sort it out you crazy diamond! After many years service as their singer, this will be Rick's last show.

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Band PicMost of you are aware of the psychedelic phenomenon that was born in the late 60's, the inspirational chaos that was to become the typically British and well documented sensation Pink Floyd. They have sold over 210 million albums worldwide with titles such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall.

Today with the passing of Rick Wright in 2008 there will sadly never be the reunion that we all hoped for, but the music is timeless and will live on for many more years to come. How many 60's bands today are still attracting new and often young fans 40 years on?

Today, there are many bands trying to emulate this music, the most outstanding by far being Perfect Alibi - the definitive Pink Floyd tribute.

Band PicAround 1990, Dave Blake (lead guitar) and Rick Gauntlett (guitar & vocals) formed Perfect Alibi. Back then they were playing covers of classic rock songs by Pink Floyd, Marillion, Eagles, Neil Young and more. Being huge fans themselves and from the reaction of the audiences, more and more Floyd songs crept their way in to the set until it got difficult to mix other material in. Realising this a concert was staged in a theatre as a tester and Perfect Alibi emerged as a totally dedicated Pink Floyd tribute.

With the incredible guitar sounds of Dave Blake, the stunning vocals of Rick Gauntlett, and the excellent musicianship of all members of the band, Perfect Alibi are now widely respected and appreciated in their field, giving the audience a truly authentic reproduction of the music of Pink Floyd. With the emphasis on capturing the live Pink Floyd sound and with well over 40 songs in their repertoire, spectacular lighting/lasers/projections, this is a show not to be missed!

But don't take our word for it... judge for yourselves. You won't be disapppointed!

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Sun 21 Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Johnny Winter

Rock Legend Johnny Winter
A true guitar hero without equal returns to The Brook for a massive sell out show! Get your tickets early!
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22.00

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+ Opening Act

Larry Miller

Larry's Awesome guitar & lively performance
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Band PicJohnny Winter's contribution to the blues genre was recognised with his induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1988.

Johnny Winter was born John Dawson Winter III on February 1944 in Beaumont Texas.  Like his brother Edgar he was born an albino.  He began performing with Edgar in a band called Johnny and The Jammers, releasing  a single "School Day Blues."  During this period he was able to see performances by classic blues artists like Muddy Waters, BB King and Bobby Bland.  He developed a raw and savage style of blues guitar playing.

In 1968 Johnny began playing in a trio with bassist Tommy Shannonr and drummer Uncle John Turner.  The trio built up a big reputation, leading to their appearance in Woodstock in 1969.  By this time, Johnny had met stars like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison of The Doors; in fact Johnny can be heard on the infamous Hendrix bootleg, "Woke Up This Morning and Found Myself Dead."!

By the early  1970s Johnny had made a couple of well received albums and became a record producer, producing two Muddy Waters albums.  
He achieved a sales peak in 1971 with the gold-selling "Live/Johnny Winter" and returned in 1973 with 2Still Alive and Well" his highest-charting album. In the '80s he switched to the blues label Alligator for three albums, and has since recorded for the labels MCA and Pointblank/Virgin.

The early-2000s were quiet as far as new Winter recordings were concerned, but there were a number of significant reissues. Alligator issued the best of their years with the artist as Deluxe Edition  in 2001, Columbia/Legacy covered his 1969-1971 period with their 2002 release Best of Johny Winter, and Fuel 2000 came up with Winter's earliest recordings and compiled them on 2003's Winter Essentials 1960 - 1967. Sony reissued Winter's 1969 self-titled album with five bonus tracks in 2004, the same year the man returned with his first new album in nearly eight years, "I'm a Bluesman."

The archival reissues continued with Fuel's Introduction to Johnny Winter in 2006, which collected sides Winter recorded in his pre-Columbia years between 1960 and 1967 for the Dart, KCRO, Frolic, Todd, Hall-Way, and Pacemaker imprints.  All have served to put Johnny in the higher echelons of blues-guitar fame.

Support for the Johnny Winter gig at The Brook, comes from another  world class blues guitarist, Larry Miller. 

Preview by Peter Ashton


 
Band Pic Larry Miller

As the youngest son of a highly artistic and musical family from Guildford, Larry picked up his first guitar at the age of 7. After studying violin at The County School of Music, Surrey for 7 years, he chose to concentrate solely on his guitar. Larry then spent some time with some seasoned pro's where he gained invaluable experience playing regularly all around the South of England, concentrating on Freddie King and Peter Green numbers. Before long he formed his own band, playing his own songs, his way. A plethora of nation-wide live work followed to great acclaim, including a 'barn storming' set at the Reading Festival. Playing alongside the likes of Thunder, Ian Gillan, Climax Blues Band, Peter Green and Walter Trout and meeting up with Eric Clapton, Gary Moore , Rory Gallagher and Alvin Lee along the way, Larry Miller is fast becoming the U.K.`s top new Blues Guitarist. Larry's hard working band features ace drummer Andy `machine gun` Aust and Mel Waters on bass guitar.

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`FANTASTIC, WORLD CLASS GUITARIST` Bluesrockers USA `HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE - A TOTAL VICTORY` Kerrang UK `NATURAL SUCCESSOR TO RORY GALLAGHER AND ALVIN LEE` International Encyclopaedia of Rock `HIS GUITAR PLAYING IS SIMPLY MESMERISING` Bluesmatters UK `THE BEST IN-YER-FACE ROCK BAND AROUND` The Guardian UK `A BLUES ROCK POWER HOUSE` The Guardian UK `THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT WITH A CAPITAL `E`` Blues in Britain UK

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Mon 22nd Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Popa Chubby

"Chubby's heart is as big as his waistline, & those meaty fingers can not only negotiate a guitar fretboard, but make it sing. He's scorching, soulful & if you find modern blues is all a little pofaced, take a special delivery from the big man himself." - Classic Rock Mag.
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Born Ted Horowitz in the Bronx, NY, Popa Chubby was the son of a candy store owner.

At 13, Chubby began playing drums; shortly thereafter,  he discovered the music of the Rolling Stones and began playing guitar.

Although he grew up in the 1970s, Chubby took his cue from artists of the 1960s, including Sly & the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, among others. By the time he was in his early twenties, he enjoyed and played blues music, but also worked for a while backing punk poet Richard Hell.

Chubby's first big break was winning a national blues talent search sponsored by KLON, a public radio station in Long Beach, CA. He won the New Artist of the Year award and opened at the Long Beach Blues Festival in 1992.

Chubby has continued to play more than 200 club dates a year through the 1990s.

His Sony/Okeh debut, Booty and the Beast, was produced by longtime Atlantic Records engineer/producer Tom Dowd, whose recordings by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, and others are legendary.

In 1994, Chubby released several albums on his own Laughing Bear label, It's Chubby Time and Gas Money, before landing his deal with Sony Music/Okeh Records for Booty and the Beast, his major-label debut, released in 1995.

In 1996, the 1 (800) PrimeCD label released a live recording of Chubby's, Hit the High Hard One. Two years later, One Million Broken Guitars was released on Lightyear Records; Brooklyn Basement Blues followed in 1999.

In 2000, Chubby signed with the Blind Pig label and released How'd a White Boy Get the Blues? in 2001. The disc turned out to be a slight departure, incorporating elements of contemporary pop and hip-hop.

2002's The Good, the Bad and the Chubby showed great development in the artist's songwriting and included the 9/11 commentary "Somebody Let the Devil Out."

Blind Pig released a collection of early Chubby recordings, The Hungry Years, in 2003.

Troubled by the war in Iraq, Chubby released his most political album, Peace, Love and Respect, a year later.

Two albums previously available only in France -- Live at FIP and Wild -- were compiled by the Blind Pig label and released as Big Man Big Guitar in 2005, followed by a new studio set called Stealing the Devil's Guitar a year later.

Electric Chubbyland, a two-disc set of Chubby covering Jimi Hendrix songs, appeared from Dixierog that same year, and then was repackaged and issued as two single discs by Blind Pig in 2007.

 ~ Richard Skelly & Al Campbell, All Music Guide

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Tue 23rd Mar
Doors 8:00pm

Turin Brakes

Touring New Album + Single
It has been more than ten years since Turin Brakes released their first record. The anniversary was a time for celebration and reflection - a reminder of how far the South London duo have come and of what made them such a great act in the first place. It was also time to make a new album, a process which has brought Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian full circle.
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19.00

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Band PicTURIN BRAKES
NEW SINGLE SEA CHANGE (FRYCD418) – 22ND FEBRUARY
NEW ALBUM OUTBURSTS (COOKCD516) – 1ST MARCH
PLUS … UK TOUR IN MARCH

Turin Brakes, aka Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, have announced they will be releasing a new studio album, Outbursts, on Monday 1st March. The album will be preceded by a single, Sea Change, on Monday 22nd February.

Having redefined the acoustic pop genre with their debut album, The Optimist LP, which was short-listed for the Mercury Music Prize in 2001, the pair went on to release a string of superlative collections which saw them gradually expand on their original sound and vision. By the time of their last album, Dark On Fire, produced by Ethan Johns, the acoustic troubadours had turned into a fully-fledged, plugged-in, soft-rock band. 

Now, with their new album, Outbursts, Olly and Gale have rediscovered the working practices that got them started in the first place, and with it their old sense of mission. Written, produced and (for the most part) performed entirely by the two of them, the album is a collection of songs that returns to the essence of Turin Brakes, and not only echoes the quiet, edgy genius of their most celebrated work, but surpasses it. "We thought 'Let's go back and do this whole thing like we used to'," Gale says. "Do it as a duo. That's where the magic is." 

"The fewer middlemen there are between us and the people who are interested in our music, the better," Olly says. "I think our fans found it frustrating when they could see that we were having to play some sort of a game when we were signed to a major label. We're embarking on a new era where there is a far greater immediacy between the band and the listener."

Pop song writing doesn't get much bigger than the apocalyptic musing of the opening track – and lead single, Sea Change, which begins with the line: "Six billion backs against the wall." Borne aloft by a patchwork of nimble, twinkling acoustic guitar lines, the lyric avoids grand, windy rhetoric. Instead, it relentlessly counts down, like a ticking time-bomb, from the concerns of six billion people to those of just one individual – which are, of course, exactly the same. Paper Heart an achingly vulnerable, waltz-time lament with a haunting piano and string part, dissects a relationship in which one person has the power to "rearrange the sunsets" and play with their lover's world as if it was a little stage set. Radio Silence, meanwhile, captures a sense of beautiful alienation redolent of 'OK Computer'-era Radiohead. The moment of complete silence towards the end, followed by a sudden surge of sound and the majestic guitar line in the outro is breathtaking. At other times, it is the simple power of words and tunes that give the album its distinctive emotional flavour. On Rocket Song, Olly navigates a melody line that climbs ever upwards in a delightful spiral, while Never Stops, a soulful, life-affirming mantra, with a raw, bluesy feel, sums up the enduring spirit of Turin Brakes and their uniquely thoughtful brand of acoustic music.

"We loved the idea that these songs were outbursts that were going to happen whether we liked it or not," explains Olly. "It's an album that has been made with no outside briefing or preconceived plans. It is absolutely true to ourselves."

In March, Turin Brakes will be touring the UK to promote the album.

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Wed 24th Mar
Doors 8:00pm

DMF Logo
New Model Army

Back again - brilliant last time!
Seminal punk/metal/rock group, New Model Army formed in Bradford in the early eighties and have been making some of the freshest modern punk since
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20.00

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+ Support From

The Virgin Marys

Explosive live performances& killer songs
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Band PicNew Model Army

As a seminal punk/metal/rock group, New Model Army formed in Bradford in the early eighties and have been making some of the freshest modern punk since. Their lyrics are always very poetic but still manage to express political and humanitarian messages, whilst their music is intense, angry, powerful and some might even say militant. NMA have a vast global following, ensuring that the songs and the passion they contain explodes into an atmosphere you would not believe, should you be fortunate enough to see them live. Their new studio album 'Today is a Good Day' is out now.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, New Model Army are a legendary global underground cult band. Formed by Justin Sullivan in Bradford in 1980, their beginnings were inspired by Northern Soul, Punk Rock and the incendiary atmosphere of the times. Since then, they have had a long, creative and eventful journey. They have been massively influential in 'post-punk', 'folk-rock', 'politico-rock', 'goth', 'metal' and all kinds of musical sub-cultures but, like Groucho Marx, they have steadfastly refused to belong to any club that would have them as members.

Band PicWithout ever having had a Top 20 hit in any country in their 29 year history, New Model Army have album sales in the millions, have attracted some of the biggest producers on the planet (Glyn Johns, Tom Dowd, Andy Wallace, Bob Clearmountain,) and built up an almost religious devotion amongst fans.

Originally formed as a three piece, the current five piece line up features, along-side Sullivan on vocals & guitar, Michael Dean on drums, Nelson on bass, Dean White on keyboards and Marshall Gill on lead guitar. This is a remarkable band - as hungry and focused as ever, with a continually regenerating audience and insatiable creative ambition. their eleventh studio album 'Today Is A Good Day' is out now.

Support comes from up and coming Macclesfield power-trio The Virginmarys


 
Band PicThe Virgin Marys

In an era where they say that less is definitely more; The Virgin Marys are the real deal!

Never being a band to do things by halves, the young Macclesfield Power-Trio have built a reputation for themselves with a three point attack: Explosive live performances, killer songs that will have you hanging from the edge of your seat, and an unbelievable belief, and sheer passion that's poured into everything they do.

Drawing on influences that range from the early blues artists, through to Heavy Rock, by way of the Psychedelica of the late 60s and 70s, The Virgin Marys continue to wow both critics and fans alike with their powerful, and unique, sound.

2009 saw The Virgin Marys play to sold out audiences in their local areas, and start to spread their magic further afield. Having just recorded their debut album, Cast The First Stone, with GUN singer, Toby Jepson in the producer's chair, and the legendary Mike Fraser (Metallica/ACDC/Nickelback) clearing his desk to get involved by mixing the album. This hotly awaited debut is scheduled for an early 2010 release, and has been preceded by Classic Rock Magazine tipping them as one of their top bands to watch out for in 2010.

The Virgin Marys are about to be unleashed on the world! Are You Ready!

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Thu 25th Mar
Doors 8:00pm
Good Times promotions present...

Whole Lotta Led

Brook Favourites
The Led Zepellin that us mere mortals can actually get to see.
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Band PicWith recent 3 page review in the Sunday Express and live footage on the BBC 6 o'clock News this band go from strength to strength. Whether a fan of the original Led Zeppelin or new to the sound come and be astounded by the music of Led Zeppelin .

Given the thumbs-up by no less a guitar god than Jimmy Page himself , Whole Lotta led are THE Led Zeppelin tribute band

Keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence , Whole Lotta led play to over 40,000 enthusiastic fans every year.They don't try and reproduce what the Classic Led Zeppelin line up looked like because for these guys it's all about the music, And what music. From six to sixty, audiences love the dedication and musicianship Whole Lotta led bring to classics like Whole Lotta love , Stairway to Heaven , Immigrant Song and When the Levee Breaks .

Whether a fan of the original Led Zeppelin or new to the sound come and be astounded by the music Led Zeppelin

Hailing from England Whole Lotta Led are now considered by many to be one of the greatest tributes to Led Zeppelin around. Generally playing two and a half hour sets and over 100 concerts a year their enthusiasm on stage is unequalled, with a stage presence full of magnetism that all audiences feel and share.

They are all exceptional musicians in their own field and without realising it create much the same energy, flair and magic that still holds Led Zeppelin as one of thee largest and most influential bands the world has ever seen. New generations are getting involved in the Zeppelin experience, audiences at Whole Lotta Led gigs span four generations from six to sixty and for most it is the first opportunity of seeing Zeppelin's music performed live. It has been many years now since Zeppelin split up, tributes keep the music alive but when Whole Lotta Led recreate a Zeppelin concert they keep the music fresh. Uniquely for a tribute band they don't have the pretence of trying to look like former members of Zeppelin, their integrity and musicianship comes through in the passion for the music they play. Jimmy Page met them and gave his blessing to what they are achieving. The band also raises funds for The ABC Trust, a charity founded by Jimmy Page's wife to help under privileged children in Brazil. She keeps in touch with the band and informs Jimmy of there progress.

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Fri 26th Mar
Doors 8:00pm
The music of Kate Bush played by...

The Hounds of Love

"Absolutely one of the best Kate covers I have ever heard!!!"
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The Hounds of Love Band represent all that is honest about performing great music.

This is a group of dedicated musicians fronted by vocalist Josie Mills who love and appreciate the work of Kate Bush, her compositions always elevated to a heart felt live performance.

See the Hounds of Love band live and you'll never experience a pastiche or cabaret act, they're more of a deal to inspire anyone to reach out for the original recordings that deservedly span generations of music lovers.

Josie Mills, singer, comes from York. Singing a pop song is one big step away from singing the diverse musical styles and athletic range demanded in performing a Kate Bush song. Without attempting to emulate the sound of Kate Bush, Josie finds the expression to communicate the songs of Kate Bush with impressive passionate sympathy.

What people have said about The Hounds of Love Band on YouTube

Seriously, is there anything I can say? I feel like I keep repeating myself saying how amazing your voice is and how awesome the whole band is! WOW! Maybe you should cover that Kate song?

This is just so beautiful, can't wait to see the band live. Very talented people.xxx

I just love Josie's voice, but the group as a whole are "on song" for me.

Man, that singer`s got an awesome voice! Really good control, hitting all those notes spot on. It`s also kinda ballsy and rock n` roll, which I like. Kate`s one of the best singers ever as far as i`m concerned so if someone can actually cover her stuff this well - then hats off to ya`ll!

It's like Judie Tzuke does Kate Bush. Nice cover.

Beautiful x x x

Very good. I'm half way through watching this cover of one of my all-time favorite Kate Bush songs, and I haven't cringed.

P.s Nice bloody moves!

Josie & band WOW! This cover is amazing, you are brave for choosing this song. It turned out Spectacular and I cannot wait to hear more! Your voice is amazing!

What a fantastic cover! I am a huge fan of Kate Bush and this is by far one of the best covers I have heard here on youtube! Awesome job! Great voice!

Absolutely one of the best Kate covers I have ever heard!!!

A STAR IS BORN, GOOD ON YOU JOSIE,

Love it!!!

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Sat 27th March
Doors 8:00pm

Jean Genie

Bowie Tribute
There's only one Bowie but if there were two Jean Genie would definitely be the other one.
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Band Pic Jean Genie were formed in 1993 in Birmingham by John Mainwaring the lead vocalist of the band. They play all over the world and pay tribute to Bowie's music of the 70s 80s and 90s. John has had many recording contracts with major companies under different guises and has toured with David Bowie's original band of the early 70s - The Spiders From Mars - being their vocalist. John has been produced by Bowie's producer Tony Visconti in the early 80s and worked with Jarvis Cocker of Pulp and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard. He has also had a number one hit in The Lebanon in 1990. Jean Genie play all of Bowies hits in an amazing show of complete detail. John Mainwearing is without doubt the only other David Bowie on the planet, his voice is exactly the same but you don't need to close your eyes because he looks just like him too.
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Sun 28th Mar
Doors 7:30pm

Dan Arborise

"John Martyn meets Nick Drake for the 21st century." IN THE MIX "Acoustic guitar hymns to truth and beauty....beguiling." UNCUT

Dan's second album 'Of Tide and Trail' - released in August 2009 - is a musically uplifting mix of dazzlingly innovative guitar sounds and his poignant intimate vocals, full of positivity for the human beings we are, for the tough times we live in, for our hearts and our heads, and for the possibilities of hope.

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Band PicDan Arborise, occasionally known as Dan Kijowski, was born amongst the jungles of Borneo to Polish parents. From there he moved via Nigeria to South London, where his teenage years were distracted by a classical training in both piano and guitar. However, classical was soon upgraded to electric and the Medieval Quartet was replaced by pop-punk 'Playground' and numerous other projects which received as varied a response from audiences as were the styles of music they played.

Legend has it that at this point in time Ricky Gervais offered to be Playground's manager, but fortunately for everyone concerned he chose a career in comedy instead. After a first UK tour of rave reviews and general adulation, "life differences" and "fear of flying" were cited as the causes of Playground's split, and so Dan decided to move to Edinburgh, where he studied physics.

Inspired by Nick Drake and John Martyn, and with Julian Cope as prescriber of pearls of nonsense and wisdom, Dan gravitated towards acoustic guitar and started to adopt Drake's more complex guitar techniques. Influenced by the sweet melodies, simple structure and heavenly harmonies of Glasgow's Teenage Fanclub, the songs soon began to flow and Dan began to evolve his unique style, playing clubs and venues throughout the UK.

Signed exclusively to London label, Just Music, Dan's first album 'Around in Circles' was released in 2006 to rave reviews, having been produced by the "blissfully ambient" Jon Hopkins (Coldplay, KIng Creosote) and mastered by Simon Heyworth, who remastered all of Nick Drake's seminal recordings. It reached No 2 in Mike Harding's Top Ten Folk Albums on BBC Radio Two.

Dan has toured nationwide, making a real impact in folk clubs, acoustic music venues, festivals and arts centres throughout the UK, including supporting Thea Gilmore on her national tour and going down a storm at Ullapool Guitar Festival. Dan was Artist of the Month in October and November 2006 for Caffe Nero, who promoted his music throughout their 285 retail outlets, and he supported John Martyn at Glasgow's Celtic Connections Festival 2007.

Dan's tender and haunting voice is the perfect match for his evocative and rhythmic guitar-picking. Expect unusual open tunings, songs that develop into instrumentals, and instrumentals that grow into songs, and a beautiful multi-layered acoustic guitar sound that is frequently transformed but never compromised by some amazing electronic guitar effects.

Band Pic"John Martyn meets Nick Drake for the 21st century." THE FLY
"Immaculate guitar, perceptive songs, luminescent production" WORD
"Acoustic guitar hymns to truth and beauty....beguiling." UNCUT
"A masterpiece...A gloriously fine album for the romantic optimists amongst us." BACKLASH
"Hypnotic 21st-century take on John Martyn....The spell that's cast lingers on throughout an impressive debut." GUITARIST
"Looking as though he has just stepped out from an early nineties warehouse rave, Mr Arborise is clearly a man of disguise. But never judge a book by its cover, because this novel is well worth a read and has been researched to its fullest, looking at the book of olde, his finger pick- ing styles and lush vocal harmonies make this a modern folk classic...This will make both artist and producer stand out from the rest of the folk ditties knocking around these days." HOODLUM TRIBE
"Expert in creating whole new levels of 'sombre.' " ACOUSTIC
"Arborise has combined intricate guitar playing with songs memorable enough to sing around a campfire." RECORD COLLECTOR
"Around In Circles is awash with sublime melodies delivered by not-as-simple-as-you-think acoustic guitar playing." GUITAR
"Gorgeous, picturesque songs." SWELL MUSIC "Without pretension he creates a reflective folk music that is timeless and evocative." KNOW THE SCORE
"Simplicity, delicacy and strong melodies." NEW-NOISE
"Arborise's charm and fragility is really alluring." PIXEL SURGEON

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Wed 31st Mar
Doors 7:00pm

Charity Night - "999 Live"

Emergency Service Personel drop uniforms & don guitars - for charity!
Emergency Services night in aid of Help For Heroes 3 bands made up of Emergency Services personnel playing anything from the Beatles to the Kaiser Chiefs.
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Soul Baby

"The New Forest's answer to the 'Sugar Babes'. Singing a variety of classic, to more recent soul hits"

The Mid-life Crisis

The Midlife Crisis are a 4 - piece guitar cover band of gifted musicians that not only put on kick-ass covers evening, but are so charming you could take them home to your grandmother!

Hattie Jacques' Playlist:

An eight piece band "Hattie Jacques' Playlist", play music from the Soul / Mod / Indie era, playing songs in their own unique style with a full horn section. Hattie Jacques Playlist are their best playing live and have a big signature sound.

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L.O.L. Comedy...

Comedy is back at The Brook - Mike Wilmott, Joe Bor and Patrick Monahan, Sunday 12th September.

Sunday 17th October - Junior Simpson & Mike Gunn

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Doors open 7:30pm, tickets £8.00 advance / £9.00 on the door or £4.00 if you become a fan of The Brook on Facebook

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Hand-picked selection of local bands, usually 4 bands per night, one show per month!

Sun 29th Aug

The Rebs,The Queue,The Lost Souls Club + Beatitudes

Sun 26th Sep

Summers, The Macaulays, Cavilry + Bizets

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