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 ::

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Following the success of February's Tsunami Appeal fundraiser, Deadbeat promotions eagerly return to the Brook in association with The Saint FM, to bring you the cutting edge of the new local talent in the City.

FLEEING NEW YORK

Headliners Fleeing New York are possibly the most successful new act out of Southampton since Delays. Receiving a multitude of critical acclaim from such establishments as BBC Radio 1, NME, Kerrang, The Sunday Times, The Independent & Rock Sound to name but a few. Fresh from Reading Festival this year we are expecting great things from this two boy, one girl trio. In addition to their accolade of success, Fleeing New York also packed out the Islington Academy earlier in the year, only to be filmed and televised for Channel 4's E4.  Offering the highest quality and accessibility in indie/art-house rock, their music is a spiky and yet a melodic plethora of noise – guaranteed to engulf the audience in an ethereal haze, only to leave them bewildered wanting for more.  'The UK's answer to The White Stripes? Fleeing New York are brimming with two essential ingredients that makes great bands, chemistry and good tunes.' BBC Radio 1 'The Trio's wonderful songs steer a thrilling pop-punk-blues path through territory first visited by The Beatles, The B52's, Pixies, Supergrass, The Von Blondies and The White Stripes… They could be HUGE!' The Sunday Times Do you have iTunes?

Then Click here for a preview ::

DEAD! DEAD! DEAD!

Since playing at the Brook in February this year, Dead! Dead! Dead! Have gone from strength to strength. Not only have they completed their first national tour, but also they have received acclaim and admiration from each port that they have called at; including such famed venues such as the Cavern in Liverpool and the Marquee Club in Leicester Square. Having played with the likes of Ash, Delays, The Departure, Artic Monkeys, Forward Russia, The Paddingtons, Battle, Dive Dive and The Alps. Dead! Dead! Dead! are fast becoming top of their game, growing with confidence and charisma each time they play. As a result of which they have recently been asked by Tom Vek to support him at his local Portsmouth Gig in October. In a nutshell, this four piece indie / art-house rock outfit deliver a pristine performance, compressing the energy and vigour of a dozen bands into an elated and intelligent controlled explosion! With a spectrum of contradictory sound, the beautifully disturbed mind that is Dead! Dead! Dead! offers harmonious foresighted lyrics, dreamy soundscapes, crazed rantings and frenzied guitars attacks; whilst all the time maintaining a steady infrastructure with solid and innovative percussion and killer bass hooks. "So enthralling is their vast sound and original style, that it's a challenge concentrating on anything else while you're listening to them... catch them at a local venue while you still can" The Mag "It would be an epic farce if they aren't big stars soon... Tricky to describe, bar one certainly: we need this band in our lives" Planet Sound Teletext Logo Magazine
"True music.. dark, beautiful, melodic harmonies... hard to define... an aura of refreshing style... they'll soon be shuffling into the fast lane. How can they not?" British Broadcasting Corporation
"The music itself is bold and defiant and has a self-assuredness that is bound to see them go places." 

LAURA LOST

Four piece - punk rock indie outfit. details on www.lauralost.com. Fairly new so not many reviews I'm afraid, but they seem to have an increasingly solid following. Having recently played Astoria 2 in London and got picked up by Mean Fiddler.Both Razorlight and the Killers have come to their gigs. Laura lost aint got no soul.We are quite pretty actually,We dont need no education.we make noize And will always suffer with the lover.To all the people that have ever never allowed us to buy platforms you are going to shoe hell whilst we walk around in all mannner of pretty converse.We make noize xxx The band have a lot of similar musical tastes and a lot different ,We all agree on The pixies ,radiohead and the floyd.bUT THERE IT ENDS and the arguments begin.But fuck it at the end of the day its about our tunes now. So we could say about all these gigs we play and how much work we do but id me (laura) would rather tell you about this mad trip I had the other day in The tiny tee tent at The Bestival.It was here I thought a lot about my band of Laura and the Lost boys the most.I mainly thought Yeah we play glamouros indie rock and roll to the true followers and surely brandon will love me and then I met this boy and he told me his name was Ben lost and then we went to this big bollywood tent and someone waz playing our song tragic and I nearly cried he had such a pretty face .....................xx we want to play music all over the place ,we Wanna be adored .Its just I have a confusing place that I need to be it is our stage .We will not be commercialised or imprisoned we dont write the script(actually thats a lie most of the lost have a very good chance of being imprisoned within the next few years)but failing that we will overcome everything and take the motherfucking rock n roll crown or whatever you know a crown made daisys

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Touring together for the first time are: 'The Mad, The Bad & The Dangerous!' featuring THE HAMSTERS, WILKO JOHNSON and JOHN OTWAY A rockin' package which promises an evening of knock-down, drag-out Rhythm & Blue Murder! The Hamsters have long been established as our premier Blues-Rock band; Wilko Johnson was the guitarist/songwriter of Dr. Feelgood in their number-one album Seventies heyday; and John Otway is the UK's best-loved Rock'n'Roll eccentric. In his long and illustrious career he's sold out the Royal Albert Hall and had two top thirty hits.

Mick Slacker & Co capture the excitement of the Rolling Stones at their peak

Support by Dynamo 5

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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???

"There's no young English blues guitarist with more vivid musical ideas than Lister, his guitar playing on tracks like 'Say Goodbye' or 'Balls Of Steel' is a fire hazard!" -MOJO

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Awesome AC/DC Tribute

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AC/DC is a band whose appeal is huge, widespread through the generations and totally indifferent to musical fashions. Their unique formula of tight riffs and fat rhythm combines dance ability with hard-rocking anthems that flow through the blood of all who have been smitten by their cheeky-but-colossal offerings. If you want to see AC/DC, but your options are limited, then check out DIRTY DC. You will not be disappointed. All the energy and electricity of an AC/DC show along with completely faithful renditions will leave you trembling, with a smile on your face.

DIRTY DC have been playing throughout Britain and parts of Europe since 1998, and have developed the line-up and dynamic stage show that has made their current reputation seriously strong amongst AC/DC fans, whether die-hard fanatics, or just people who want a good night out. Every visual detail has been fine-tuned; from drum kit model to footwear, but most importantly, the musical delivery and stage show has an impact that does not fail to impress. DIRTY DC gives real value for money where others seem to fail. Every superlative in the book has been repeatedly used in describing the DIRTY DC show. From "I was totally amazed by your performance", "The best tribute band we have seen for ages, and we've seen a few"," The whole band are amazing, you guys are so good that you look and sound just like the real thing" and from Chris Slade himself (AC/DC drummer from 1989-94) "You have it spot on, excellent, I really enjoyed the gig." The extraordinary passion that AC/DC arouse, and which has ensured they remain one of the biggest, if not the biggest band in rock flows through the DIRTY DC performance and through their audiences. If you really want to rock and can get to a DIRTY DC gig, do not miss the chance.

Classic 8 Piece Soul Band

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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.

Singer, songwriter and guitar playing son of Luther.

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Adam Hills

  "Hills delivers stand up so effortlessly brilliant you wonder why some comedians even get out of bed." The Guardian At long last, the Australian comedian you've all been waiting for, Adam Hills, is about to embark on his debut national tour, with his highly original and hilarious show Happy Feet. In it he talks about his experiences of travelling at the time of September 11th, combined with the "scarier" topic of having an artificial right foot. The tour kicks off  on ................. culminating on............. This is a must see show. "Any day of the week is improved by this great, warm-hearted, hugely funny show." *****  The Scotsman Guaranteed to have you in stitches, Happy Feet is a highly personal, thought provoking and insightful show. Twice nominated for The Perrier Award and a sell out phenomenon at The Edinburgh Festival every year, this is now is your chance to see Hills, one of Australia's most talented and widely respected comedians. Whether you regularly view comedy, or not, this show will undoubtedly appeal to you. "So life affirming that everyone leaves with a spring in their step." The Evening Standard

Papa CJ - Indian Comic

Papa CJ is a direct descendent of the Maharaja of Merebaapkaraj (pronounced Mere-baap-ka-raj) in India. He is a 1st generation Indian comic who has earned 'street-cred' by repeatedly demonstrating cutting edge wit reflected in entertaining delivery and is storming rooms across the United Kingdom. The young prince has scaled an 18,000 ft peak in the Himalayas, trekked into the Grand Canyon, flown paragliders and jumped out of an airplane. The qualities that come with these turfs are reflected in his performance and one reviewer had described him as "possessing the energy and attitude of an Indian Chris Rock". This man defines the term 'rising star' and is not a spark but a forest fire. After first stepping on the steady 'stage' at the late Malcolm Hardee's Wibbly Wobbly Boaton 26th Oct 2004, he has been conquering milestone after milestone at astonishing pace. Only 35 days after his first ever gig he stepped up from the audience at the most intimidating open spot night on the planet – The King Gong Show at the Comedy Store London – and walked away as the winner of the night! Since then he has done 7 more King Gong Shows, never been gonged, and won the night half the time he has stepped on that hallowed stage. In addition to Gong crowns in London and Manchester, he has won new act nights at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester and the Comedy Café and the Bedford in London, where he received his first standing ovation and encore.

Kerry Godlimen

Actress and stand-up comedian, Kerry Godlimen, trained at the Rose Bruford College and has since been in numerous Television and Theatre productions while still managing to perform regularly on the UK comedy circuit. Kerry burst onto the comedy scene in 2003 in Babycham Funny Women, for which she received a special mention. She won second place in The Hackney Empire New Act Final in 2004 and then went to the Edinburgh Festival as part of BLING BLUSH & BONK with, Ava Vidal and  Roisin Conaty, where she was described by Chortle as "the one to watch". 2005 has seen Kerry filming an all-new comedy sketch show called 'Spoons', which can be seen on Channel 4 from September, performing every night at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of Big Value Comedy and she has also been asked to take part in the Dove Naked Truth Comedy Tour, performing in venues all over the UK representing the best of female stand-up.

Return of the Singer of Family & 70s r'n'b band Streetwalkers

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Highly respected and arguably Britain's finest rock vocalist, Chappo first came to prominence during the late '60's in the Leicester based band THE FARINAS. After moving down to London he teamed up with U.S. producer Kim Fowley, the band changed their name to FAMILY.

Over the next seven years Family achieved success and critical acclaim, both for their innovative albums that highlighted the Chapman/Whitney song writing partnership, and their searing stage shows, dominated by the distinctive voice and presence of their charismatic frontman. Family enjoyed four hit singles, "In My Own Time", "Strange Band", "No Mules Fool" and "Burlesque" whilst the albums "Music In A Dolls House", "Entertainment" "A Song For Me", "Fearless" and "Bandstand" all charted.

By 1973 family had reached the end of the road, however Chapman and Whitney remained together to form STREETWALKERS. A popular attraction on the college circuit, especially in Germany, the group released four albums scoring a fair degree of success particularly with "Red Card" a top 20 album throughout Europe and the U.K.

1979 heralded the release of Roger's first solo offering "Chappo", superb album that captured the change of direction in all it's glory. Quickly followed by the explosive "Live In Hamburg", his popularity in Western and Eastern Europe reached an even higher level, culminating in a live appearance on the legendary "ROCKPALAST" TV show with his now full time band THE SHORTLIST. Further commercial success followed in the following year with the single "Let's Spend The Night Together", the album of the year "Hyena's Only Laugh For Fun" and the European best selling Mike Oldfield song "Shadow On The Wall".

Chappo's raw uncompromising style had reached a ready market and the mid-80's found him releasing an album a year, notably the widely acclaimed "Walking The Cat", whilst continuing to tour extensively throughout Europe and the U.K. Into the '90's the continuing creativity yielded "Hybrid & Lowdown" and "Kiss My Soul", both albums also finding welcome favour in the U.K. The 1998 release of "A Turn Unstoned" yet again displayed Chappo's song writing skill and astonishing vocals, this time also opening up a whole new generation to his unique talents.

In 2001 a new live album "Rollin' And Tumblin" was released followed by an extensive touring programme into 2002 and beyond. Recorded with his band The Shortlist the album represents a slight shift in musical emphasis, still ballsy but featuring 12 string acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, still capturing all the musical passion of a true rock and roll legend.

In February 2003 a 4 x CD Box set entitled "ROGER CHAPMAN, FAMILY & FRIENDS" was released on Mystic Records (MYS CD 161) charting the life and career of one of Britain's finest and most popular singers. This is to be followed by the release of the whole of Roger's back catalogue containing enhanced artwork and bonus tracks.

In November 2005 Mystic records released a further 4 x CD box set, a limited edition Family set entitled "OLD SONGS, NEW SONGS"featuring the first ever release of the album "Old Songs, New Songs" on CD.

"ONE MORE TIME FOR PEACE" – One More Time For Rock's Greatest Vocalist – ROGER CHAPMAN!

Thunderous rock from loud Led Zeppelin replicants

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GOOD TIMES PROMOTIONS present
WHOLE LOTTA LED a tribute to Led Zeppelin performing the "Knebworth 79 Set " From England Whole Lotta Led are now considered by many to be one of the greatest tributes to Led Zeppelin around.

Playing upward of 100 concerts to some 40,000 people a year. 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.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. With a 4 month nation wide tour from November through to March 2006 Whole Lotta Led will celebrate those two legendary Led Zeppelin shows at Knebworth in 1979 by playing the same set as Zeppelin done back then . With all the Zeppelin Classics and more totalling up to a two and half hour plus show this will be one not to miss.

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.

Fantastic Santana Tribute

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ALL THE HITS: With a stunning two hours of favourites from Abraxas to Supernatural, the La Vida Santana live sets include selected songs many of the Santana albums. Check their website for samples of their work.

Paul Young & his tequila drinkin' party boys

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Los 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.

Jamie 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!!!

Legend of the 70's rock group - Emerson, Lake & Palmer visits The Brook

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"uses that driving, road-cooking type zydeco groove, and puts soulful blues on top of it."

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Tribute to Bon Jovi

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Following the success of February's Tsunami Appeal fundraiser, Deadbeat promotions eagerly return to the Brook in association with The Saint FM, to bring you the cutting edge of the new local talent in the City.

RoSHAMBO

RoShambo are an up and coming band who have only been performing since March 2004 and already packing out music venues on the south coast plus continuing to create diverse sounds of indie, funk, techno and rock. The five lads from Lymington, Hampshire recently won London's Rock Garden's Battle of the Bands competition where they competed against superb musical talent of other unsigned bands from around the UK. It was a unanimous decision the judges confirmed. RoShambo are an entertaining act and currently refreshing the music scene. This band is definitely one to watch out for. For more information visit their website. RoShambo are: Martin Gregory Lead Singer , Dan Lord Guitar / Keyboard , Steve Gregory Guitar , Rob Cutler Bass Guitar & James Luke Drums

THE ALASKAN PIPELINE

"prettily constructed forays into subtle meloncholia" - NME "the atmosphere is ethereal, the vocals are soaring and the songs are smouldering" - Drowned in Sound "an original and contagious sound that just locks onto you and draws you in" - Logo-Magazine "coming across like Damien Rice fronting My Morning Jacket, their songs are so beautifully crafted that total attention is gained from everyong here" - South Scene "awesome" - Emma Scott Kerrang "their songs flow like water" - Hampshire Chronicle

SixNationState

A unique blend of indie/ska/pop swept up into an electrically charged storm of passion, enthusiasm, irreverence and at times near chaos. Sporting an array of panama hats, smoking jackets and floppy hair, one of the coolest bands you will ever see. Having already supported the likes of Nine Black Alps, SixNationState were put on this earth to have it, and have it they shall ? all of it. "In an Indie Wacky Races, a car-crash between an under-the-influence Zutons and the harmonic-pop mobile of the Futureheads would no doubt create a smoking wreckage in the shape of SixNationState" - www.drownedinsound.com "Musically fantastic, visually entertaining, brilliantly original" - www.the-mag.me.uk "The musical equivilant of red bull" - www.bbc.co.uk

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The "Rosetta Life Band" comprises of a group of West Country professional musicians initially brought together to record three BILLY BRAGG inspired songs that were written by three ladies who had been diagnosed with cancer. The song "We Laughed" has been released along with two other songs on a CD, which went straight into the charts at Number 11. The band is now gigging with these, and other songs, and has put together a set of original material calling on the unique situation of having three exceptional song writing/musical talents that are Helena, Robbie McIntosh, and Julie Lewis. The band came together as a result of Billy collaborating with his local pub/restaurant landlord: Adrian Collis, who regularly hosts and promotes music and live performance in his pub The Three Horseshoes Inn, Burton Bradstock, and other bigger festivals and events, predominantly raising money for charity as well as promoting the exceptional local talent that hails from the West Country. Therefore what better place to go to recruit the "Rosetta Life" band! The band comprises:

Helena - Vocals/guitar

Helena is  a well established singer/songwriter who has a unique talent of vocals and guitar playing, that is equally at home as a solo performer of fronting the energetic, but subtle melodies of the "Rosetta Life Band". Helena's folk/rock roots influences shine through in her incomparable voice as heard in the hit song "WE LAUGHED". She has an  exceptional command of the audience. Frequent radio plays from her own back catalogue of great albums reflect the professionalism of a first class singer.

Robbie McIntosh - Lead guitar/vocals

The unmistakable guitar playing style of Robbie McIntosh, has lead to a CV which reads like a Who's who of the music world!  Robbie has recorded and toured with The Pretenders, Paul McCartney, and more recently Nora Jones. He has also sessioned with famous names such as: Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker, Paul Young, and  Cher, to name but a few. Robbie's virtuoso guitar riffs and solos are a primary feature of the band. Robbie's vocals and harmonies blend remarkably well into the set.

Julie Lewis - Keyboards/vocals

In singer/songwriter Julie Lewis, the band has yet another rare talent to call upon to provide diverse material for their exceptional collective musical abilities. Julie's pedigree as an accomplished jazz influenced pianist is reflected in her CV of world cruising as a pianist with Cunard, to recording a fine solo album. Her vocals are equally at home fronting the band or providing exquisite, subtle harmonies with Helena and Robbie. 

Chris Lonergan - Bass/vocals

Bass player Chris Lonergan cut his teeth in the seminal South West blues outfits: Custers Last Blues Band, and Brahms and Liszt, where he first teamed up with drummer Ady Millward. Chris then went on to join Robbie McIntsoh on the  Douglas Adams inspired sessions with the likes of Dave Gilmour and Gary Brooker, which were recorded and transmitted by the BBC.  Chris and drummer Ady Millward, along with erstwhile ex Stackridge front man - Mutter Slater, also form the rhythm section of Mutter's original R & B band Little Dixie. They both also work with boogie- woogie  piano player Ben Waters, and have worked with the likes of Jools Holland in this capacity.

Ady Millward - Drums/vocals 

Along with Chris Lonergan, (who Ady has worked with under many guises), Ady forms the backbone of the band - the rhythm section. They have both worked together for many years, on various projects as highlighted above. Ady's powerful, yet subtle technique fits admirably into the band's flexible set of material. The intuitive understanding that the two of them have together is an integral sound of the band that is "Rosetta Life". To summarise, rarely does a band have one such exceptional musical/song writing talent, let alone the three that can be called upon to provide material  for the Rosetta Life band. Couple this with the exceptional vocals of Helena, the guitar wizzardy of Robbie, Julie's superb keyboards, and the intuitive rhythm section of Chris and Ady, and you have an exceptional act that are a privilege to see! Add to this the poignancy of the story behind the Rosetta life songs and the charity, especially the strength and courage of Maxine and the ladies and you have a unique experience that anyone seeing the band live will never forget!

Billy Bragg quotes:

The three songs on this CD are the product of a series of song-writing workshops that I conducted at the Trimar Hospice in Weymouth during February 2005. I was invited to take part in the project by Rosetta Life, a charity dedicated to helping those facing terminal illness to share their experiences through the medium of art, poetry, film or song. Every Friday morning for six weeks, I worked with half a dozen women who came to the hospice for palliative care as they fought against the effects of breast cancer.

After a couple of weeks of talking about the process of song- writing and a few singalongs, the 'Friday Girls' began opening up to the idea of writing a song. Maxine Edgington had the clearest idea of what she wanted to do. In our first one-on-one session, she pulled a framed picture out of her bag and said 'Look, I've been given six months to live. I don't want to mess about. I want to write the song of this picture'.

When her condition was diagnosed in November 2004, Maxine's thoughts turned immediately to how she would be remembered, particularly by her fifteen year old daughter, Jessica. Determined that Jess should have positive memories of her after the grieving was over, Maxine commissioned a professional photo shoot which produced beautiful images of mother and daughter smiling together, looking as if they had not a care in the world. This was how she wanted to be remembered. As Maxine says 'Cancer is terrible, but at least it gives you the chance to put things right with those you love'.

One of these photos, which can be seen on the cover of this CD, was to be the inspiration for Maxine's song. Over the following weeks, she wrote reams of words, pouring her feelings out onto the page. My job was to take the words that best expressed the sentiments in the photograph and shape them into a song. I provided the melody, but the words are Maxine's alone. She called the song 'We Laughed'

In June, I got together with some local musicians and we recorded this CD. The additional tracks feature lyrics written by two of the 'Friday Girls', Lisa Payne and Veronica Barfoot. That there is not a shred of self-pity or morbidity in any of these songs is a testament to the spirit of these three women. I found the experience of collaborating with them to be inspirational.

You can find out more about how Maxine and I wrote the song, including short film clips of us talking about the process, at www.rosettalife.org
Do you have iTunes?

Then Click here for a preview ::

Fantastic Rockin' Band

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During the past twelve months, The Saw Doctors have toured non stop in Europe, USA, the UK and Ireland promoting their new album cd entitled The Cure. The Galway band made four trips to the USA , selling out the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, New York and headlining the Governors Inauguration Ball in Baltimore , Maryland.

Last summer, The Saw Doctors played every Festival from Shetland to Dubai and back again for the V Festivals in Essex and Staffordshire. In November, The Saw Doctors turned up in Celtic Park, Glasgow, playing three songs before the Manchester United versus Celtic Champions League match

Now in their nineteenth year as a touring band, The Saw Doctors revolve around the songwriting partnership of Davy Carton (Vocals) and Leo Moran (Guitars).

The Saw Doctors came together in Tuam, Co. Galway in 1988 when Leo Moran, realising that the potential for Irish reggae was somewhat limited, quit Too Much For the Whiteman, and got together with Davy Carton after his punk band Blaze X disbanded , despite the fact that their first single "Some Hope" was chosen as Single of the Week on Irish radio.

Success came early for The Saw Doctors – their second single, I Useta Lover, went to Number One in Ireland in September 1990 and was still Number One that Christmas. The Saw Doctors then re-released their first single N17 and on the back of I Useta Lover's success, N17, which was produced by Mike Scott of The Waterboys, went to Number One. The first album, If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back, was Number One for most of 1991.

After picking up a lot of Irish press and entertainment awards in the early ninties and posting a second Number One album (All The Way From Tuam), The Saw Doctors set about touring the UK and in February 1996, the band's third album "Same Oul' Town" went to Number Six in the UK Top Twenty, yielding two Top Twenty UK singles, World of Good, and To Win Just Once. The Saw Doctors appeared on Top of the Pops in January and July 1996 to promote the two singles.

"From country to punk to pop and rock'n'roll", explains Leo Moran on their success, "we stole all our favourite bits".

In April/May 1997, the Saw Doctors undertook their first major coast to coast US tour and as a result landed a US record deal with Paradigm Records in New York. The compilation album, Sing A Powerful Song, was released in November 1997, prompting Geoffrey Himes to write in The Washington Post "the Saw Doctors are one of the world's most appealing roots-rock outfits" ….in "To Win Just Once" they have crafted an anthem for the losers of the world".

Songs From Sun Street, the Saw Doctors fourth album was released on both sides of the Atlantic in 1998. The album release was celebrated in the UK with a sell out show at London's Royal Albert Hall. In America, the Saw Doctors headlined the American Fleadh concerts with Van Morrisson and Sinead O' Connor. At the Fleadh in San Jose (June 99), they had the crowd "jumping like human pogo-sticks" according to the San Jose Mercury News.

In a Saw Doctors' song, you'll listen in vain for the usual swaggering rock cliches about life on the road, drug problems and easy sex. Instead, continuing the tradition of all-time greats from Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams, their songs range from bringing in the harvest, to running away to join the army; from the plight of Ireland's unmarried mothers to the effect of strong religion on a nation's youth; from playing gaelic football against a neighbouring village to loving the prettiest girl in town but lacking the courage to tell her.

During 2000, The Saw Doctors spent most of the year writing and recording their fifth studio album, Villains?, working with programmer and producer, Giles Packham. Villains? was released to critical acclaim in October 2001. Craig Harris noted in the Boston Globe "with their latest CD, Villains?, a hook-laden mix of rock, pop and traditional roots, the Saw Doctors assume their place next to U2, The Pogues, and Thin Lizzy as one of Ireland's great rock bands".

In July 03, Tyrone Productions (Riverdance Producers) filmed a one hour documentary on the Saw Doctors and the documentary "A Different Kind Of World" along with a 80 minute concert that was recorded at a live show in Galway, was released on DVD and CD in March 2004. The DVD and live both entitled Live in Galway were launched at a sell out show at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Over the years, The Saw Doctors have built up a reputation as a great live band. They have toured in Australia, Canada, USA, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Norway and the UK. Paul Sexton of The Times in London observed that "if they could bottle the sort of bonhomie that can make an entire concert hall feel better, The Saw Doctors would have the medicine show to end them all".

For more gossip on The Saw Doctors, log on to the band's website

Read Review of the 2004 Gig ::

Always a fantastic show

£

Southside Johnny and his legendary band first came to prominence in the mid-70s when Johnny's former band-mate Bruce Springsteen hit the big time, causing the belated "discovery" of the New Jersey shore music scene.

Southside Johnny and E Street guitarist "Miami" Steve Van Zandt soon landed record deals, with Steve producing the first three Southside albums and Springsteen contributing songs like Hearts of Stone and Talk To Me. Tours of Europe, Scandinavia, Japan and the USA followed for Southside Johnny, and a first trip to England to tour with Graham Parker and The Rumour in 1977.

In the near quarter-century since those heady days, Southside has racked up a total of 16 albums, and the reputation as the ultimate, hedonistic live act. As Southside Johnny sums up: "I'll stack my group up against any group out there. We enjoy playing, and the audience enjoys having a good time....what I love about music is that it's a real shared emotion. I try to distill it down to that." The band's magic is captured on a new album, Messin' With The Blues, which features Southside's smoky, soulful voice, and the band's instinctive playing evoking the funky, late night ambience of a down-and-dirty juke joint. Just what they aim to provide at The Brook, in fact, with tracks like Gin-Soaked Boy and Cadillac Jack from the new album, and a stonking selection from their huge back catalogue. To be assured of a ticket for some mouth-watering rock and blues ring (023) 8055 5366 right away.

Preview by Peter Ashton