The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
Or Buy 24 Hours On-line ::

May 2010 @ The Brook

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Andrew Roachford has been on the UK music scene for over a two decade and taking his accolade from the 80's and 90's of becoming Columbia's biggest selling UK act for ten years with a seven album recording deal.

Andrew continues to grow, as a songwriter and has also released his own critically acclaimed solo albums Heart of the Matter, in 2003 and his second solo album Word of Mouth. (Released in March 2006.) Andrew continues to takes his "got to be seen" live show on tour worldwide. His sound has changed from the soul/rock fusion of debut hits 'Cuddly Toy' and 'Family Man' to more contemporary and unique soulful style.

Bring things up to date 2007 Andrew had a Number 1 single in the dance charts with ride the storm reworked by Carl Kenny and CR2, which became a dance floor anthem in Miami, Ibiza and UK. It was also a sought after record for many compilation like Pasha, Ministry of Sound.

He is currently writing songs for Joe Cocker's forthcoming album, which is due out 2010. Also he has collaborated with hot young produces and artist "Crazy Cousins" who have produced a mix of a new forthcoming track off the new album called "Good for me" Which is due out late summer.

Andrew is busy writing his brand new album, which will contain tracks that are very different for him and is working with some great new songwriters.

In these upcoming live shows Andrew will be playing all his hits, plus a preview of his new materiel

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A top class songwriter and veteran of the guitar, John is best known for his work with Pentangle, although he has maintained a recognised profile as a solo artist throughout his musical career. Whilst thought of by many as being a folk musician, John's musical influences are many and varied including early music, blues, world music and classical. Appearing with John is multi-instrumentalist Robin Williamson and together they perform a mixed set of tunes honed to perfection during their time on the road.

He has worked with some of the world's top artists, from Emmylou Harris to the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton to Eric Clapton.

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This multi-talented band features some of the top musicians in the UK.

Hogan's Heroes was formed by their namesake Gerry Hogan over 20 years ago, specifically to back Albert. Their first gig took place in 1987 at Gerry's annual festival for pedal steel guitar.

They have played together on a regular basis since that time, and as a result have become one of the tightest units in music.

Their list of credits speaks for itself:

Gerry Hogan
Pedal Steel Guitar / Dobro / Guitar

Gerry has worked both as a studio and gigging musician.

Credits include:
Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith The Everly Brothers,Dave Edmunds, Wet Wet Wet, Pulp, The Proclaimers, Jimmy Nail, Mott the Hoople and Matchbox.

Peter Baron
Drums / Vocals

Peter too has gigged and worked extensively in studios.

Credits include:
Elkie Brooks, Lulu, Leo Sayer, Huey Lewis, Dave Edmunds, Geno Washington, The Three Degrees, Elaine Page, Sam Brown, The Bay City Rollers and Renaissance.

Brian Hodgson
Bass Guitar / Vocals

Brian has a background in songwriting and production

Credits include:
Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Dave Edmunds, Shakin' Stevens, Peter Sarstedt, Lonnie Donegan, Neil Innes, Sonny Curtis and Matchbox.

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SON OF DAVE
NEW ALBUM : 'Shake A Bone' (Kartel) Release Date: March 22nd 2010
Cat no: KCDL023, KLPL023, KCDL023D

"Chicago is famous for its dark, dangerous out-of- the-way blues dungeons, where the music invokes a synesthesia hologram of funky despair and the air is hot with excitement and the scent of Japanese businessmen. It was in just such a dive, a little hole-in-the-wall called Electrical Audio Studio B where I first encountered Son of Dave, blowing a hot electric harp and keeping time with a back porch digital looping delay..." Steve Albini (December 2010)

Following on from Son of Dave's critically acclaimed 2008 album '03' the notorious genre- alchemist returns with his latest offering 'Shake A Bone' recorded and mixed by Steve Albini in Chicago. Due for UK release on March 22nd 2010 via Kartel on CD, vinyl and download.

The celebrated fusion of funk vocal-patterns with divergent rhythm-and-blues riffs and New Orleans atmosphere are relit for a fourth time under Benjamin Darvill's moniker Son of Dave. The conspicuous songs of Darvill stem from a real ache to conquer a guitar dominated world of music with his raucous harmonica playing. Fuelled along by vocal beat-boxing, foot stomping and a medley of improvised percussion. The Son of Dave imagination concocts a wholly modern yet timeless sound reminiscent only of Son of Dave.

Like any album made from passion it's as rough only as much as Son of Dave wants it to be, with moments of sonic disorder, verbosely outrageous uses of the harmonica, and others of pure, rhythmically controlled homages to big-band swing. It's not meant to be easily filed in your record collection, instead sit beside it like a noncompliant child, still working out what it wants to be while challenging its elders at every new acrobatic arrangement. Of course the philosophy is best expressed through Son of Dave himself, who has written his own introduction letter to the record.

Self-produced by Benjamin Darvill, 'Shake A Bone' is, like all Son of Dave material, written to be devoured by its listener; not dissected or deliberated on. It's a classic piece of pop not made to any recognisable model, but with a strict agenda to be a piece of dusty blues you can gladly dance to in downstairs jazz bars or sunny Hyde Park gatherings.

The album is out on March 22nd, and a full UK and European tour to accompany the release will be announced in January 2010. For more information on this, and words from the man himself, visit www.sonofdave.com.

Past press quotes;
"Great pop tunes with meaty hooks and catchy choruses" NME
"Makes even Beck seem conventional" Uncut
"A musical chameleon of great dexterity" The Independent
"Son of Dave is one of the most entertaining live performers in the world" Dazed & Confused

Blondie Tribute returns to The Brook

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Celebrating over 30 years of Blondie, and their induction into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, do not miss this explosive tribute!!

No other female fronted band has ever beaten Blondie with their string of hits and run of success! Blondie emerged as the great pop icons of the late '70s new wave punk scene by defying easy categorisation. They scored their first major hits with reggae, rock/disco and hip-hop songs. They wrote great rock hooks and brilliant ironic lyrics. They had the hippest clothes and the coolest hair – blonde bombshell Debbie went from the pages of Punk magazine to being on the cover of just about every mainstream publication on the news stands! 2008 was the 30th Anniversary of the Fantastic Album, Parallel Lines and saw Blondie performing a World Tour including major UK Sold Out dates.

Cardiff based Atomic Blondie, now also hotly tipped as one of the UK's leading Blondie Tribute bands, have performed all over the UK and Europe and has also had the pleasure of featuring on tour with the legendary 'SLADE' and 'ROY WOOD' on a regular basis, plus performances with 'SHOWADDYWADDY'!! Plus recently with Dr & The Medics and Bad Manners! Our 'Debz' has also had the pleasure of performing for top musician and member of 'Yes' RICK WAKEMAN plus an event for the cast of BBC 1's Eastenders.

You do not want to miss this tribute!

The show features all the classic hits including; Heart of Glass, Sunday Girl, Maria, Tide is High, Rapture, Hanging on the Telephone, Denis, Dreaming and many more including recent versions from Blondie's 'Live By Request' TV Show in the USA.

A combination of great experienced top-class professional musicians and a stunning experienced professional vocalist!

SIR OWEN GEE – KISS FM – "Electric!!!!!!!"

Quote from:

The Blondie Review (USA) - "I recently visited your Web site and must tell you that I am very impressed with the performances from you and the guys. Your vocals, Deb-style presentation, the music, the arrangements ...... everything, are most impressive and spot-on." TBR

You Do No want to leave them Hanging on the Telephone!

Call Me! ....on 02380555366

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

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Time 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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Fragile do not only pay tribute to the music of Yes, but also promote continuing interest in this legendary classic rock band. Yes stand unique as enduring exponents of the original progressive rock scene, and their legacy to the genre is immense.

2005, with the release of their new 'Odds & Sods' CD and the significance of events surrounding Steve Howe's special guest appearance with Fragile on the 9th June, gave the band a huge boost in profile. Steve Howe's appearance with Fragile represented a major endorsement of the band and defined Fragile as something more than 'just a tribute'. The confidence that flowed from this experience was to impact massively on the quality of the band's performances for the rest of the year.

Fragile, the original European tribute to the music of the classic progressive rock band YES are due to perform at The Brook.

Fragile were the first band to perform a tribute to the music of YES in Europe and celebrated a decade in action in 2008. This year sees Fragile touring in their 12th year with a refreshing new show featuring a vast range of authentic arrangements of the most popular classic YES numbers including: Siberian Khatru, And You And I, Close to the Edge, Awaken, Wondrous Stories, Gates of Delirium (Soon), Yours is no Disgrace, Starship Trooper, Long Distance Runaround, The Fish, Roundabout, Owner Of A Lonely Heart and more.

Whether you’re a new prog fan or you remember Yes from their heyday, where better to be than the The Brook on 9th May? Get a taste of the band on MySpace?

What YES themselves say about Fragile.

"Playing with you guys reminds me of an early, earthy, more British Yes" - STEVE HOWE
".....Fragile pretty much knocked my socks off.....they had it down. The guys were great, Steve and all the lads were really good" - STEVE HOWE on Planet Rock Radio

More information about Fragile.

Like YES, the band was founded in London and since 1998 have worked with original YES members Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White, Peter Banks & Roger Dean on some fantastic YES related projects throughout the UK, Finland, Holland, Belgium & Switzerland. This includes a series of now legendary shows with celebrated Yes & Asia guitarist Steve Howe in 2005/6 and 7.

In 2009 Fragile appeared on Primetime UK TV with Richard & Judy, Rowland Rivron, Rick Wakeman & Roger Dean, performed to over 35,000 at the Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool with Alan White and performed at an exclusive event for a Roger Dean Exhibition.

Band members past and present have left their mark in a variety of live and studio projects including work with Jon Anderson, Adam Wakeman, Marillion, former Marillion front man Fish, Voyager, Don Airey, Bernie Marsden's Alaska, Former Jethro Tull members Glenn Cornick and and more.

It has been too long! Them that done The Sopranos theme are a mighty fine live act! Don't miss.

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Alabama 3 know all about being outsiders. They've taken an outlaw approach since the day they first emerged from the free party scene to combine acid house with country and western. Across four deeply infectious, darkly humoured, lysergically charged albums they've made impossible musical collision sound as natural as the swamp, They've cheated death on the road to bring one of the most exhilarating live shows ever to have emerged from rehab. They've dropped subversive politics into sweet country verses and delivered sermons of love to the Godless masses. They've enriched and inspired the chemically charged underground through their counter-cultural, proto-situationist pursuits and, despite of, or perhaps because of all this, they've even provided the theme to the profoundly paranoiac Mafia (outlaw) series "Sopranos". Oh yes, Alabama 3 may come on like Irvine Welsh's house band stalking the gutters of ghetto culture, but they infiltrate the corridors of the mainstream just as easily. Like any good counter-cultural, proto-situationist country and western techno outlaw band from Brixton in fact.

The Alabama 3 script(ure) was conceived by Larry Love (Rob Spragg) and The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love (Jake Black) in the sweat soaked hedonism of the free party experience of 1988, blueprinted over two twelves for Nottingham's DIY imprint and finally delivered as a fully fledged sermon by the mid-90's in the shape of The First Presleyterian Church Of Elvis The Divine (UK) with its band of misfit disciples – The Mountain of Love (Piers Marsh), Sir Real Congaman Love (Simon Edwards), The Spirit (Orlando Harrison), Rock Freebase (Mark Sams) and L.B. Dope (Jonny Delafons).

Read a smashing review of their new album "Revolver Soul" in The Independant here.

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LIMEHOUSE LIZZY - THE GREATEST HITS OF PHIL LYNOTT & THIN LIZZY

Renowned for an action-packed pyrothechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide.

Attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as "beyond tribute", by both audience and critics alike.

Following the enormous success of their ˜Live & Dangerous" & ˜Dedication" tours, the band embarked upon their "Into the Limelight" 2008 tour to tie in with their appearance on an episode of BBC2's 'Arena' documentary series of the same name. The tour travelled as far as a headline slot at the Rhodes Rock festival in Greece, and the Virgin Atlantic Music festival in Barbados. The band appeared alongside diverse world music acts, and played a Thin Lizzy set representing the celtic rock genre.

Their latest tour continues to explore and celebrate the artistic and musical legacy of the hard-living, hard-rocking, yet at times surprisingly tender and romantic artist that was Philip Lynott.

Expect more of the Celtic influenced tracks like "Whisky in the Jar" and "Black Rose", amongst the usual razzamatazz and classic tracks "The Boys are Back in Town", "Sarah" and many others we've come to expect from one of the most highly rated acts on the circuit.

"Limehouse Lizzy's Wayne Ellis, an uncanny ringer for Phil Lynott..."
The Guardian

"entertainment for more than a decade…fantastic live music"
Arena BBC2

"if you're sceptical about tribute acts, you won't be after seeing Limehouse Lizzy"
Radio Times

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Metal Band led by former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera.

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Fairport Convention acoustic tour

A lighter take on classic folkrock

Fairport Convention, the legendary band who originated folkrock music, are on the road in May and Southampton music-lovers are in for a treat. The Oxfordshire-based band's concert at The Brook on Wednesday 19th May will present a fresh take on the Fairport repertoire.

Fairport Convention will perform a selection of old favourites and new material. As well as classics from their enormous back catalogue, the band will be airing songs and instrumentals intended for their forthcoming new album.

This line-up features Simon Nicol (vocals, guitar), Dave Pegg (bass guitar), Ric Sanders (violin), Chris Leslie (mandolin, fiddle, vocals) and Gerry Conway (percussion).

"We're really looking forward to visiting Southampton again." says founder-member Simon Nicol. "We love the local audience and The Brook is a great venue for live music. "

It has been a busy year for Fairport. The band spent most of January in Germany followed by five weeks touring the UK. March saw them playing in Ireland and Italy. The year has been special for bass player Dave Pegg too – it is his fortieth consecutive year in Fairport Convention.

After their May tour, the band members will be preparing for their annual open-air music festival at Cropredy in Oxfordshire which takes place on 12, 13 and 14 August.

To book tickets for Fairport Convention's Southampton concert ring The Brook's box office on 02380 555366.

"one of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today" Classic Rock magazine

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Up until 2002, Oli Brown had never picked up a guitar, yet by 2006 (at just 16) he had toured in America, TWICE, opening for  Blues royalty such as Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Taj Mahal, shared UK stages with Walter Trout, Paul Jones, Buddy Whittington and even the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall.

Such hallowed connections only serve to reaffirm the belief, that for many, Oli is the most promising Blues man to emerge from Britain in a long time. Not only a guitar prodigy but also a singer, songwriter and consummate performer. This is a  young man who shows total dedication to the genre he loves.

In late 2006, whilst playing at jam sessions, Oli met Simon Dring, a superb drummer and Fred Hollis, a highly talented bass player. It was during these sessions, finding that not only did they get on well musically, but also as friends,  that Oli asked both Fred and Simon to join him in The Oli Brown Band. March 2007 was the start of their live gigs.

Paul Jones saw and heard the potential and invited The Oli Brown Band, to do a live session for his BBC Radio 2 show. The session was aired May 14 2007 and received rave reviews.

Oli went back to play in the States during July and August of 2007 (guesting with the American Blues band, Blinddog Smokin') there he hit the Mid West with his young British Blues and built up his reputation even more.

In November 2007, The Oli Brown Band was selected by "Blues in Britain" to perform at the 24th International Blues Convention in Memphis, Tennessee. Oli and his band were the ONLY UK act to be chosen to represent Britain at this prestigious event !! 

In February 2008, Oli  was invited to record at Ardent Studios, Memphis, by John Fry himself, not only to cut a couple of tracks, but also to have The Oli Brown Band  record a live session for their "Ardent Session" (a weekly radio transmission). An honour indeed and not taken for granted. It is worth pointing out that The Oli Brown Band live session had over 1.4 million hits (YES ! 1.4 million !) in three weeks !

Oli signed to the major Blues label, Ruf Records, in January 2008  and went into the studio (with Fred and Simon) in March 2008 to cut  the tracks for his first official album "OPEN ROAD"(consisting of 8 original tracks and 3 great covers), it was released in  June 2008 and has received excellent reviews.

Here are just a few of the UK reviews for "Open Road"

"has the Blues under his fingernails" Classic Rock
"a debut that lives up to expectations" Mojo
"the future of the Blues is evidently bright" Guitarist
"definitely one for the present as well as the future" Guitar and Bass
"a sparkling debut" Sunday Express

2008 had The Oli Brown Band gigging extensively and included supporting artists such as Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Walter Trout, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Devon Allman's Honeytribe, Jon Cleary and Buddy Whittington.

Oli spent the month of August gigging in America, alongside Sherman Robertson, Miss Blues, Billy Branch and Blinddog Smokin'.

In 2008 Oli secured endorsements from Hofner, Fender, Vanquish and Ernie Ball.

Ecstatic reviews here, Europe  and in America, only go to show that this young British singer, songwriter and musician has a great future ahead of him.

Haven't seen Oli perform ? Here are some comments from people that have,

"a great talent" John Mayall
"Oli is MY hero" Walter Trout
"one of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today" Classic Rock
"a great band, the BEST we have worked with" Devon Allman (son of Greg Allman)
"East Anglian whiz kid not to be missed" Paul Jones (Manfred Mann, The Blues Band, BBC Radio 2 )
"Blues prodigy set to shake the British scene out of its slumber" Classic Rock
"Oli is the most promising Blues man to emerge from Britain for a long time" Blues Matters magazine
"a lot of fire and passion" Aynsley Lister
"he PLAYS the Blues" Otis Grand
"more soulful and rhythmically creative than a Zulu war drummer !" Elmore (American music magazine.)
"the real deal" Blues in Britain magazine
"we would like Oli for future shows with Johnny Winter" Paul Nelson, Johnny Winter's manager.
"let's do it again !" The Fabulous Thunderbirds

"I have played with all sorts of blues musicians all over the world, I even made a film Deep Blues where I went to Mississippi and recorded with some legendary players such as R.L Burnside and Jesse-Mae Hemphill".

"Last year I heard something I thought I would never hear... a British White Girl playing blues guitar so deep and passionately it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!" (Dave Stewart/Eurythmics)

When Dave Stewart had his big experience, Joanne Shaw Taylor was only 16. Her skills at the Telecaster were so perfect that the blues fan and Eurythmics-frontman asked her to join his supergroup D.U.P. to tour Europe in 2002. She was also offered a record contract but the label went bust. Today Joanne is 23 and happy about the fact that she took her time with the recording debut: "I wanted to take time out to really work on my craft and make sure that when I did an album it was the best that I could do."

For White Sugar Joanne took a plane to Memphis where her label RUF had booked Jim Gaines' studio. Jim had worked with some of Joanne's idols like Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He brought in the experienced sessionmen Steve Potts (drums) and Dave Smith (bass). "Working with these guys was totally easy. I knew of them because of Luther Allison and Jonny Lang's albums. They didn't know the tracks until five minutes before we recorded them. I made them listen to the songs once and then play them. It was fantastic. They got so much feeling and soul. They are amazing guys to work with."

The power trio - that's the kind of band which suits Joanne Shaw Taylor, are also at home in Birmingham, where she and her trio play the pubs, clubs and festivals. "I always wanted to try the power trio thing, like Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Paladins or Jimi Hendrix. I thought it would bring me on as a guitar player and a singer - which I think it has done. And" - Joanne chuckles - "it's also cheaper, you know."

She talks about some influences. When Joanne was a little schoolgirl, she was caught by the rough side of the blues: SRV, Albert Collins, the Paladins, Jimi Hendrix. At Christmas she got her first electric guitar. The old classical guitar, which she had played since she was eight, vanished from the children's room. "As soon as I heard SRV and Albert Collins I knew pretty much that I wanted to do that full stop. That was the lifestyle route that I was going to go down. It was never a hobby. I was always very serious and dedicated to it."

White Sugar is the proof. The confident and young British woman keeps the traditions of her idols but she is going her own way. With her record debut she demonstrates her talent with ten songs that she has written herself. Playing the hard stuff à la SRV, making us feel the bite of her Telecaster just like Albert Collins did or working out charming little riffs from the Jimi Hendrix book - Joanne is always seeking - and finding - new terrain. Funky shuffles, soulful ballads or the hypnotic hookline of the title track, a burning instrumental, she presents her craft powerfully. Some songs were written during the flight to Memphis, a few others were written 10 years ago and are kind of her signature tunes.

There is the autobiographical Kiss The Ground Goodbye, deep feelings come wirh Heavy Heart or Blackest Day, a song that Joanne wrote when she was 14. "With Blackest Day I really wanted to show my influences." She can be proud of her first album." "She's my pride & joy..." SRV once sang. Her fans will be proud of Joanne, too...

"She plays with more attitude and flare than most. Massive potential here. Inspiring."
Guitarist magazine

"Catch her live if you can, then you can say: I was there at the beginning"
Blue Print Magazine

"Joanne IS the new face of the blues"
Blues Matters

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Mick Slacker & Co's tounge in cheek tribute act just gets better and better.

The BOG ROLLING STONES have earned a reputation as one of the most authentic sounding tribute acts around. Satisfaction's always guaranteed when these long haired boys come home to the Brook!

Their tongue in cheek humour, wigs, stripy trousers and boundless energy make them an act not to be missed. The question is.....would you let your daughter go???

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T.Rextasy are the only band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan's Catalogue Management, are now officially recognised as the world's No.1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T.Rex. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz, T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan's rock and pop anthems.

With a career spanning over 17 years, T.Rextasy are now regarded beyond the boundaries of 'tribute' and are respected in their own right. They are also the only band to have the blessing and support from Marc's own family and Ex-T.Rex band members, including June Bolan (Marc's wife), Gloria Jones (Marc's Girlfriend), Rolan Bolan (Marc's Son), Mickey Finn (T.Rex conga player), Tony Visconti (T.Rex producer), and others

They have toured worldwide playing at venues such as the gigantic Ariake Coliseum in Japan, and Wembley Arena in London. They also perform alongside artists such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), and Slade amongst others.

In September 2007 T.Rextasy played to 40,000 at BBC Proms Night at London's Hyde Park, and headlined at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London where special guests appeared alongside them including Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Gloria Jones, Shakin' Stevens, and Tony Visconti. A DVD of the concert is now officially available.

'They're the closest you're ever going to get to the real thing'
- Bill Legend (original T.Rex drummer)

'T.Rextasy are a great tribute to my Dad. They have my support 100% - Rolan Bolan (Marc's son)

'T.Rextasy have my utmost approval and I wish them well' - Gloria Jones (Marc's girlfriend and Mother to Rolan Bolan)

'T.Rextasy play a wonderful replica of Marc's music and recreate his songs so authentically – Steve Harley (Cockney Rebel)

'T.Rextasy are the tribute act who break all the rules by being bloody brilliant. Danielz is an exact replica of Marc, he's uncanny.
- The Independent on Sunday

'Danielz is a curator of Bolan's life, a perfectionist protector of the legacy – T.Rextasy play with a poignant, flamboyant skill.'
- The Observer

'The lead singer not only sounds like Marc Bolan but is an unnerving physical reincarnation. They play with a passion that lifts their performance above imitation'
- Leicester Mercury

'T.Rextasy's impeccably worked routine must have spooked the parade who came to pay tribute.'
- London Lite

'This is the most fitting tribute band I have ever come across.'
- Cornish Guardian

'This bore the hallmarks of a real Bolan gig. Responsibility for celebrating Bolan's memory couldn't be in better hands.'
- Lancashire News

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"The best thing I've heard all year would have to be the Justin Currie album, his lyrical bent is often dark and mosaic, his style is sublime…" Chris Difford, Squeeze (Mojo interview 2008)

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 "Even more satisfying, compelling and varied than the Mercury-nominated The Bairns. Haunting, original and magnificent" **** The Guardian
"Absolutely exquisite. A real work of art. I will be playing it least forever" Paul Morley
"an exquisite mixture of light and dark, instinct and artistry" **** Neil Spencer, Uncut

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Not many bands can count Radiohead, Portishead, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt, Ben Folds, Ewan McGregor and Nick Hornby amongst their admirers, but The Unthanks occupy a unique place in music. Northumbria sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank are unsentimental young storytellers outside of time, forging links between folk worlds old, new and other. Staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure ought to be polar opposites, yet they are easy bedfellows in the gentle hands of The Unthanks; the British counterpart to the leftfield folk leanings of Sufjan Stevens, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tom Waits and Fleet Foxes, nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and present in The Best Albums of the Decade (worldwide, all genres) in The Guardian and Uncut. Described by Britain's leading music journalist Paul Morley as "absolutely exquisite", new album Here's The Tender Coming employs a kaleidoscope of unlikely instruments and arrangements.

"Haunting, original and magnificent" The Guardian

"an exquisite mixture of light and dark, instinct and artistry" Uncut

"once in a blue moon type of every now and again, you hear music that is so complete, so wonderful, unique and yet familiar that it stops you
in your tracks. They have that blue moon magic about them, and they have it in spades" BBC Music
"Music as tough as it is gentle, as ancient as it is modern, and as coldly desolate as it is achingly intimate..
a sensationally graceful sound that can be epic and subdued, dreamy and specific, as well as supernaturally ancient and defiantly modern."
Paul Morley, Observer Music Magazine (Britain's leading music journalist)

"Music as tough as it is gentle, as ancient as it is modern, and as coldly desolate as it is achingly intimate.. a sensationally graceful sound that can be epic and subdued, dreamy and specific, as well as supernaturally ancient and defiantly modern". Paul Morley, Observer Music Magazine (Britain's leading music journalist)
‘Intimate, epic, overflowing with feeling and musical intelligence’ The Independent
"once in a blue moon type of every now and again, you hear music that is so complete, so wonderful, unique and yet familiar that it stops you in your tracks. They have that blue moon magic about them, and they have it in spades" BBC Music
"They are like the morning dew that hasn't steamed off yet, they are fresh and new and I really don't think they know how good they are" Robert Wyatt
Known for their timeless, unsentimental and quietly subversive tales of loss, fear, booze, brawls, abuse and sorrow, siblings Rachel and Becky Unthank are honest, young storytellers outside of time, forging links between folk worlds old, new and other. It's hard to imagine a British folk band with fans like Radiohead, Portishead, Robert Wyatt, Ben Folds, Elvis Costello, Damon Albarn, Ewan McGregor and Nick Hornby, but The Unthanks occupy a unique place in music. Influenced as much by the minimalist eccentricity of Steve Reich, Antony & The Johnsons, Robert Wyatt and Miles Davis, as they are by their Geordie native North East England, back home The Unthanks have established themselves as the most innovative and critically acclaimed folk band in modern history.
Using a kaleidoscope of unlikely instruments, their unique approach to storytelling involves to the complex relationship between modernism and learning from the past. Staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure ought to be polar opposites, yet they are easy bedfellows in the gentle hands of The Unthanks; the British counterpart to the leftfield folk leanings of Sufjan Stevens, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tom Waits and Fleet Foxes. Formerly known as Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, their second album The Bairns (2007) was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and appeared in The Best Albums of the Decade in both Uncut and The Guardian. New album Here's The Tender Coming is already BBC and Mojo Magazine Folk Album of the Year and featured in almost every UK music mag and broadsheet Albums of the Year poll.

PRAISE FOR HERE'S THE TENDER COMING
"Even more satisfying, compelling and varied than the Mercury-nominated The Bairns. Haunting, original and magnificent" 4 stars, The Guardian
"an exquisite mixture of light and dark, instinct and artistry" 4 stars, Uncut
"Folk music's most beguiling act is back" 4.5 stars The Sun
"There is nothing obvious about this album" 4 Stars Observer Music Magazine
"..a rare, undisciplined magic..this is another formidable work" fRoots
"Absolutely exquisite. A real work of art. I will be playing it at least forever" Paul Morley
"When confronted with music as splendid as this, it’s easy to be swept along on a wave of purple prose. "Beautiful", "haunting", and "beguiling" are all words that spring easily to mind whilst listening to this astonishing record..even such effusive descriptions drastically undersell" BBC Music Reviews

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
- Best Albums of The Decade in Uncut and The Observer (The Guardian) for The Bairns
- Nationwide Mercury Award Nominees 2008 for The Bairns
- Uncut Inaugural Music Award 2008 Nominees (Fleet Foxes won)
- BBC Folk Award Horizon Award Winners 2008 and Nominees for Best Group, Best Live Act and Best Album
- BBC Folk Award 2010 Nominated for Best Group, Best Album and Best Song (results pending)
- Mojo Magazine Folk Album of the Year for Here's The Tender Coming
- Uncut Top 50 Albums of the Year for Here's The Tender Coming
- Guardian Top 50 Albums of the Year for Here's The Tender Coming

Their first UK Tour since the passing of The Man In Black

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The Tennessee Three

Johnny Cash's award winning Tennessee Three bring their legendary country and rockabilly back to the UK

Johnny Cash's award winning band 'THE TENNESSEE THREE' have announced they will be returning to the UK this October for their first full UK tour since the passing of 'The Man in Black'. The tour comes in support of the announcement that the band will be releasing the charity single 'Ring Of Fire' in aid of Children in Need this November.

The multi-platinum selling band will kick off the exclusive tour on 21st October, with an intimate date at the Jool's Holland Jam House, Birmingham, where the band will be performing a two set show celebrating the works of the legendary Johnny Cash, and will climax with a headline set at the Yorkshire Rock'n'Blues Festival in Wakefield.

Bob Wootton, also known as Johnny's right hand man, will lead the group, along side his wife Vicky Wootton (ex-The Carter Family). "It's an honour to have this opportunity to perform back in the UK, Johnny and June would be proud. In the words of my dear friend, the sound must go on..."

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"...Cover bands are big business these days, but this quartet are clearly a cut above most with suits, mop-tops and jerking stage manoeuvres all in place as they blast out 'From Me To You', 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please, Please Me' with note-perfect aplomb."

The Daily Telegraph.

There seems to be two different methods employed by tribute bands in copying their heroes. One is to immerse themselves totally in character, become the band. The other is to still do this, but do it with tongue very much in cheek. So how to interpret the greatest pop group of all time? The Silver Beatles go for option B, not taking themselves too seriously and this approach definitely works for them. They indulge in banter among themselves and with the crowd, making the most out of the fact that every Beatle is instantly recognisable. The first half of the gig is the young Beatles, suits and mop tops, covering all the early hits; 'Saw her standing there, Can't buy me love' among others before finishing on 'Twist and Shout'. Then it's a quick break and costume change where they miraculously transform into the older, hippie era Beatles; the period where they wrote some of their finest songs. Just point non-believers to songs like 'In my life' and 'Let it be' which show, more so than the early years, why the Beatles are still held in such esteem. Not that anyone here needed convincing. The 500 plus crowd, arms held aloft, nah-nah-nah-ing during the encore of 'Hey Jude'. Nope, no non-believers were present.

Review by Thomas Christie

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Lee Memphis King saw one of Elvis's films - 'Roustabout' - when he was only a few years old and has loved the man and his music from that day on. Even as a child he found himself imitating Elvis's voice and as he grew up this became an overwhelming obsession to perfect Elvis's voice and to recreate the excitement and passion that Elvis himself put into every performance. He says: "To me Elvis was the greatest performer and vocalist of the last century and I constantly strive for perfection when I perform his songs."

Lee Memphis King is a true Elvis fan and it is this genuine long felt love and respect for Elvis and his commitment to perform the closest tribute to the real thing which has led to his phenomenal success and which is reflected in the stunning performances that Lee Memphis King delivers. He pays meticulous attention to the way Elvis sings, to adopting the attitude and passion that Elvis expresses when performing and interpreting a song. Elvis's performances are lovingly and respectfully brought to life in every detail.

Lee 'Memphis' King was officially declared the best Elvis Tribute Artist in the world at the prestigious 2005 Collingwood Elvis Festival held annually in Canada. This is attended by the top Elvis tribute artists from around the world and the judges' criteria for awarding this prestigious title are based on the authenticity of the voice, stage performance, appearance and adopting Elvis's personality and passion on stage. The ultimate accolade!

In 2004 Memphis King played several UK Theatres including the London Palladium to critical acclaim and now, in this latest production, he portrays the entire performing career of Elvis.

Lee Memphis King is the producer and director of a serious production and tribute to the greatest entertainer of the last century, Elvis Presley.

In this latest production, Lee Memphis King portrays the entire performing career of Elvis Presley.:

The show starts with the exciting early Rock 'n' Roll years which started in 1954 at Sun Records led by the legendary Sam Phillips. During this time with Sun Records and later with RCA, Elvis recorded and performed famous hit songs like 'Blue Suede Shoes, 'Hound Dog' and 'One Night' which Lee Memphis King sings with the same energy and passion of his idol.

The incredible '68 Comeback Special,' a landmark in Elvis's career, is recreated faithfully and respectfully by Lee Memphis King and his incredible band. He recreates the opening songs of the 'Special' to the famous 'sit down' and finishes with an incredible rendition of 'If I Can Dream' to close the first half of the show

The second half of the show is dedicated entirely to the 'Vegas Years' when Elvis would perform in Las Vegas and tour throughout the US and Canada - the definitive record of these performances are contained in his films 'Elvis - That's the Way It Is', 'Elvis On Tour' the 'Aloha from Hawaii' concert and 'Elvis in Concert'

Accompanied by his top level orchestra and singers and wearing costumes which are accurate in every detail, Lee 'Memphis' King recreates it all with stunning authenticity - the voice and equally important for Lee, the passion and energy that Elvis put into his songs. He leaves audiences in no doubt that they are witnessing the world's No 1 Elvis Tribute Artist. Pure entertainment and Pure Presley.

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Passenger

Passenger is Mike Rosenberg, a singer songwriter with a very different take on pop. The 23-year-old founder pens unsettling songs about stalking, wasted lives and the despair of abandoned dogs, all with an alarming eye for detail.

Is there something he's hiding? "That I have a disturbed mind, you mean?" laughs Rosenberg. "No, not at all. Even my darkest songs have a sense of humour. The worst crime you can commit in pop is taking yourself too seriously. Passenger has its down tempo moments and some of our songs are quite sensitive, but they all share certain quirkiness. In the end, it's about storytelling - creating characters and sending them off on a journey."

None of the songs are what you could call straight down the line, it's the juxtaposition of music and lyrics that tends to throw people. It's not unusual for an audience to leave with a bellyache from laughing and a red eye or two from crying - that is the measure of the hour-long rollercoaster that he captivates his crowds with. His current solo record strips the Passenger machine down to its bare running gear and, as you may expect, really exposes this storyteller's soul . . . Wide Eyes, Blind Love . . . 'nuff said.

Passenger ,released their debut album Wicked Mans Rest in 2007 to great critical acclaim ,championed by Radio 1's Jo Whiley and Q magazine .

In a very short space of time they have toured the US and Australia twice ,played V,Galstonbury,SXSW,Secert Garden & One Movement to name but a few of the international festival stages they have graced . . . I say they ,currently they have stripped right back to "their" bare bones and the current album finds lead singer songwriter 23 year old Mike Rosenberg playing by himself and totally baring his soul, a soul I should add that through consistent daily busking has sold over 8000 albums; in the last 6 months alone . . .

An uncommon talent, with an uncommon ethic . . . who really does leave you with . . . Wide Eyes, Blind Love . . .

The Warm

Formed in Southampton in September of 2003, The Warm are fiercely built a following throughout the U.K thanks to their dynamic live performances which showcase their emotive rock melodies and catchy pop hooks. Fans reaching as far as The U.S and Australia have given The Warm the incentive to keep on writing and performing, knowing their music is creating a positive international response.

The Visitors

A Folk Rock/Americana 4-Piece from Portsmouth. Their music is compared to Counting Crows, Whiskeytown and Wilco.

The band had their music used by Sony Computer Entertainment back in 2007 during the launch campaign of the Playstation 3, with the band's recordings added to PS3 demo units and distributed worldwide. Recently The Visitors found themselves as No 1 "ones to watch" both in 2009 and 2010 on Sony's new music video download site Vidzone with their latest single video achieving over 20,000 streams in its first week, The Visitors are expecting a busy year. Now with a brand new line-up together with a new recording and tour planned for this summer, the band are sure to be creating quite a stir in 2010!

Timshel

Reformed in late 2009 after an 18 month lay off, Timshel originally formed way back in 2003. The band has written more than five albums of material and recently enjoyed their first official release through Southampton label Angry Badger Records with the EP "The Vagabond Cain", a re-working of the 2004 mini-album "What Am I?". 
The band draw influence from just about any song they have enjoyed and sculptured a sound of 90's rock with 70's pinache for the new century. Some of the most commonly shared influences they have include Led Zepellin, Pearl Jam, The Alman Brothers, Nirvana, The Beatles, Guns N Roses, Blind Melon and The Black Crowes.

The four-piece pride themselves on musicianship and composition as well as critically acclaimed performances. Supports include Wishbone Ash and Larry Miller, and the band has played some of the best known venues in the south from Bournemouth to London. 

They have their first official album release due this summer with tracks including fans favourite "High Angel", the string-laden balled "Fun For You", rock anthem "Blame" and the wonderfully subtle, latin influenced "Daddy Come Home" to name a few. With a few years more experience than other local acts, Timshel have cermented themselves firmly in Southampton's music scene primarily by the prolific writing of mini-masterpieces rammed with hooks, choruses, riffs, solos and drum fills, it's rock music as it was always intended, loud and proud!