The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
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November 2008

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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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The Fall

Everybody knows that John Peel's favourite song was The Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks', and everyone can sing along to that song.  Not many people know that The Fall were actually John Peel's favourite band, and few could actually name one of their songs.  However, this doesn't mean their reputation and influence is of no importance.  Out of all the late 70s punk and post-punk bands; none are longer-lived or more prolific than Bury's The Fall.  Throughout their career, the band has undergone a myriad of line-up changes, but at the centre of it all was the constant force of sage Mark E. Smith. With his snarling, nearly incomprehensible vocals, and consuming bitter cynicism, Smith became a cult legend in indie and alternative rock. 

Over the course of their career, The Fall went through a number of shifts in musical style, yet the foundation of their sound was a near-cacophonic, a-melodic jagged jumble of guitars, sing-speak vocals, and keyboards.  In 1984, Smith's American wife Brix joined the band as a guitarist, bringing a stronger sense of pop melody to the group.  By the mid 80s, the band's British following was large enough to result in two UK Top 40 hits, but in essence, the group has always been a cult band; their music was always too abrasive and dense for the mainstream. Last year The Sanctuary label reissued two classic albums, 'Live at the Witch Trials' and 'Dragnet', with much better sound than ever before and some bonus tracks were added to 'Dragnet'.  A tour of America was planned but on a visit to Newcastle Smith slipped on some ice, breaking his leg.  A bystander came to help him up but Smith fell again, this time cracking his hip.  Despite a metal rod running from his knee to hip, the Fall went ahead with the American tour with Smith delivering his vocals while seated at a table.  Later Beggars Banquet released the first true career spanning compilation of the band, '50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong.'  The leftovers, live, and outtakes compilation 'Interim' were released November 2004.

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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.

With 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

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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Rhys Adams remixed Mark Rae's 'Candystripe' under the name of Frankie Valley subsequently lent his production and writing skills to Mark's follow-up LP 'Into The Depths' and a natural collaborative partnership was cemented.

Rhys and Mark later joined forces while producing the album 'Two Culture Clash' for Wall of Sound in 2004 aSnd the pair went to Jamaica to record in situ with local vocalists - the level of activity that followed resulted in a hard-drive full of half-finished rhythms which inspired them to create an album project. The name Yes King originates from a Jamaican greeting which was bestowed by the Jamaican artists they worked with over the course of making the album - the term was used so often that it captured the essence of the project.

The title of the album came from reggae legend Dawn Penn's track 'Rock This World' which sets the tone for the album. Although conceived in Jamaica Yes King has a strong London feel. There is a rich history of Jamaican music in Ladbroke Grove, the bulk of the album was recorded close by, many London based artists make guest appearances on the album and collaborators Mystro and Sweetie Irie were raised in the area. Ladbroke Grove's Trellick Tower was chosen for the artwork as it captures the spirit of Yes King and is the most prominent landmark in the area. The album production consists of a blend of the old and new, bringing the best of both worlds together through live instrumentation with the crunchy beats associated with hip hop and R&B, and also by authenticity to its reggae roots through the instrumentation and melody epitomised by the brass. Such diversity has created a truly unique album offering something to young hip hop fans right through to old school reggae lovers.

The album features guest vocalists as eclectic as the production styles and includes performances from Ayak - a 22 year old female singer/rapper who won 2004's Prince's Trust Urban Music Awards; Dawn Penn - immortalised by her dancehall classic 'No, No, No'; Veba - one of the UK's finest female vocalists who appeared on both Rae & Christian albums; Tor - an East London based female rapper described by Ras Kwame as "One of the sickest lyricists the UK has to offer"; Mystro - arguably the UK's finest lyricist with a critically acclaimed debut album under his belt; Kenny Knots - a UK based dancehall artist with a string of top ten hits to his name; Sweetie Irie - who has been at the forefront of the UK Ragga scene since the eighties collaborating with artists such as Ian Brown and Gorillaz; Baby Chann - the only female member of legendary UK bashment crew Suncycle; Prezident Brown - original Jamaican reggae deejay of Hi Power Soundsystem and Pete Simpson - a vocalist from Sheffield who has worked with artists such as Joey Negro, Jon Cutler and Southampton's Part Time Heroes (who's Double Bass player is often seen rushing to-and-fro at The Brook)

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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.

Shades of Springsteen, Rea and Knopfler there may be - but Martyn Joseph is a performer like no other. Powerful voice and 'outstanding lyrical intelligence' - Bob Harris - Radio 2

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Acoustic artist Martyn Joseph? Not just what it says on the tin.

Another guitar laden singer songwriter he may be, but in these transient times where musicians have a seemingly inevitable disposability, the longevity of Martyn's thirty year career suggests he has something special to offer, and indeed he most definitely does.

For the first time in fifteen years, the "Under Lemonade Skies" UK tour earlier this year saw Martyn Joseph joined onstage by a live band. Following the success of this tour Martyn has chosen to include some Band performances in the forthcoming Autumn tour, and as The Brook is one of Martyn's favourite venues in the Uk, he's looking forward to them joining him onstage at the show.

A Martyn Joseph Band gig is something very special. There's all the passion and polish of Martyn's solo gigs but bassist Andrew Coughlan and drummer Mason Neely (both stalwarts of the Cerys Matthews Band) add a whole new dimension with their superb yet sensitive playing enhancing Martyn's performance but leaving him all the space he needs. Furthermore, Martyn clearly enjoys sharing the stage with the other two musicians, so a Martyn Joseph Band gig is not only musically uplifting, but enormous fun too!

Often likened to musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer and Bruce Cockburn, Martyn's come a long way since the days when Epic signed him after he sold 30,000 copies of his self-financed album ‘An Aching and A Longing'. He continues to tour extensively on both sides of the Atlantic, building up a constantly expanding and enthusiastic fan base, bringing to their towns what many have described as ‘the best musical experience of their lives.'

There is versatility to Martyn's music that is hard to categorise. Many have tried, resulting in labels such as Folk, Rock, Soul, Folk Funk and Americana; all of which somehow miss the mark. But sometimes music doesn't need a defining genre. Martyn's music and social commentary manage to empower and speak for many. Built around memories and observations alike, his work is inspired by all that's good in the world and also that with which society often falls short.

Martyn Joseph. A unique talent driven by passion and love for his trade, he continues to write, sing and play from the heart. It's a road he's been travelling for most of his life and as he often tells his audience; ‘you keep turning up and so will I.'

Just when you think you've got a handle on singer songwriters, along comes Martyn Joseph to blow the myth away.....

In a year that marks 31 years in the business, Martyn proves that there's nothing predictable about his gigs – only that they can make you laugh, cry, get you thinking, leave you reeling.

An acoustic artist with an electrifying spontaneity, this colossally gifted and gracious Welshman has five Top 50 hits to his name (including Dolphins Make Me Cry and Please Sir) and has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic for over two decades. Touring both solo and with the likes of Ani DiFranco, Art Garfunkel and Jools Holland he has won fans everywhere with his uncanny melting pot of material which ranges from rock to blues, jazz, Americana and even, "funk folk"!

A mean guitar player with a powerful voice, Bob Harris has praised the "outstanding lyrical intelligence" of his songs while he was voted Best Male Artist in the BBC Welsh Music Awards.

Shades of Springsteen, John Mayer and Bruce Cockburn there may be - but Joseph is unique and no two shows are ever the same.

He has an enviable high level connectivity with his audience whether it's an arts centre in his native Wales or a 5,000 strong crowd at the Royal Albert Hall. His gigs are like taking a rollercoaster ride with a chameleon as he dips and dives between mighty and meek songs, railing against the broken promise playground of global leaders, throwing in some wry humour, holding tight to common man anthems and then "disarming" for unexpectedly fragile love songs that can knock you sideways.

It might be just another evening when you go in to a Martyn Joseph concert – but it certainly won't be when you come out.....

"Britain's best kept secret…..a challenging songwriter and compelling and courageous live performer – MOJO

"He is one of our most intelligent writers. He gets better and better like the finest of wines" - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

"Songs of social commentary as much as love, with a rootsy sensibility" – Time Out

"A depth, resonance and emotional punch which belies comparison" – Q

"One of the most charismatic and electrifying performers in Britain today" –Tom Robinson, BBC 6

Touring with old and new material, expect greatest hit 'Promise Me'.

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Beverley Craven's  self-titled debut  album sold almost 2 million copies worldwide and the Top 3 single "Promise Me" taken from the album  still receives regular air play all over the world. With such a storming start to her recording career it was inevitable she caught the eyes of the BPI and was nominated for  Best British Newcomer, Best British Female Artist and Best British Album at the 1992 Brit Awards.

Eight and a half months pregnant with her first daughter at the Awards Ceremony she took to the stage to accept her gong  - Beverley Craven -  Best British Newcomer.

Her second album "Love Scenes", featuring the legendary Jeff Beck on guitar and  complimentary sleeve note quotes from the "Fifth Beatle", legendary producer Sir George Martin.was an instant top five success and 3 daughters later she released her third album "Mixed Emotions", recorded and produced in her studio at home and featuring the great Manu Katche on drums , Pino Palladino on bass and guitarists Ian Bairnson and Dominic Miller. 

In July 2006, Sony released a 'Best of Beverley Craven' album, featuring all her well-known hits, as part of their 'Legends' collection.

After a long break from the music business   Beverley Craven went back  on the road in 2007 and treated a few venues to a preview of songs she had written for a new album.  Looking great and sounding great she rewarded her fans for their patience and converted a few "non-believers" along the way.

Due for release this autumn, "Close To Home" is Beverley at her best.  Check out the tour and listen to the album – you will not be disappointed.

Exceptional Mod Band doing their "Mods & Rockers" Set

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Lymington boys who recently secured a stint at the prestigeous Real World Studios with producer John Jacobs (Elvis Costello, Pink Floyd, Divine Comedy)

"The best sixties covers band in the world" with a massive tribute to...

"The Who" and nobody plays it better than this band says time out !!! "Small Faces" "The Kinks" "The Yardbirds" "Desmond Dekker" "Spencer Davis" "The Animals" and many more. Up to 2 hours of devastating energy and fun. A truly brilliant unforgettable nights entertainment. Fresh from last years headlining at the isle of wight scooter rally and the small faces convention and Butlins sixties weekenders plus countless gigs the band are eager to meet and play to as many like minded fans of the greatest era of music and bands of the sixties and all heard in one night.

Guitarist Steve Byrd started as a young 18 year old protege in Zzebra in the mid seventies before joining Gillan, Holly Johnstone and Kim Wilde. Still one of the top session guitarists in this country/

Bass guitarist Steve Barnacle has played in Rick Wakemans band, Spear Of Destiny, Visage, Tina Turner, Pete Townsend used him on Face To Face, Fish and probably the biggest band so far apart from Rod Stewart.....Queen in New York at the rock n roll hall of fame depping for John Deacon

Drums Johnny Marter actually met Jimi Hendrix as a very young lad in a band signed to Chas Chandler before joining and having big success with Mr Big, then Voyager, Micky Moody, a spell with Marillion and then tours with Fish and is the resident Sas Band drummer

Keyboards Mickey Simmonds another child virtuoso joined Mike Oldfield's band for almost 10 years, and then successful tours with Joan Armourtrading, Paul Young's band, Camel and most recently md for the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band

Vocals Johnny Warman started the mods 5 years ago to pay homage to the music he grew up through and what turned him onto being a musician. Johnny has worked with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Ringo Starr, Peter Gabriel, Asia, Cheap Trick, House Of Lords, Humble Pie and has had a very successful solo career making 4 albums. 

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Anyone who has seen this tribute to L.A. based supergroup GUNS N' ROSES will readily agree with their reputation as one of the most exciting tribute bands on the circuit today. The band's ability to combine their heavy metal technique with punk attitude has seen them receiving ecstatic reviews all over Britain, and their raw energy and frighteningly good stage show has led to GUNZ N' ROZES being labelled "THE MOST DANGEROUS TRIBUTE BAND IN THE WORLD"

Gunz N' Rozes are: Frontman GARRY CROWLEY's appearance on T.V.'s "Stars In Their Eyes", won so much acclaim that he was asked back to appear on the show's Christmas Special. He also performed vocals on N-Trance's recording of the Guns N' Roses classic "Paradise City". N.G.P. (Rhythm). NGP's energetic impersonation of IZZY STRADLIN's stage performance and guitar work, makes his physical resemblance a bonus. He also does much of the backing vocals, always spot on. SNAKE (Bass). Snake's hard edged bass style cuts through with punk attitude allowing his impression of DUFF McKAGAN to be uncannily accurate. STEVE HARCOURT (Drums). Recreates MATT SORUM's drumming with unswerving confidence. He is a drummer experienced in many techniques whose love lies in heavier styles. JOE HARCOURT (Lead Guitar). His performance as lead guitarist SLASH is simply superb, all of his classic riffs and solos are recreated note for note, and Joe's physical appearance is remarkably similar to Slash.

All the classic tracks including "Paradise City", "You Could Be Mine", "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle", etc, etc, are performed by the band along with many other songs from the albums, "Appetite for Destruction", "G N' R Lies", and "Use Your Illusion I and II".

Skinny Molly was started by Mike Estes of Lynyrd Skynyrd with Dave Hlubek of Molly Hatchet, and Kurt Pietro recalling the best of Skynyrd and Mike Estes: including "Gimme Three Steps", "Call Me The Breeze", "Saturday Night Special", "Sweet Home Alabama", "That Smell", "Simple Man", "What's Your Name", "Freebird" plus Mike's own "Straight Shooter" & "She's Rockin" etc…

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SKINNY MOLLY features the former Lynyrd Skynyrd and Artimus Pyle Band guitarist Mike Estes.

Long regarded as one of the South's very best guitarists Mike originally wrote songs for The Rossington Collins Band & Lynyrd Skynyrd before being asked to join Skynyrd. Mike was subsequently inducted into the Hollywood Hall of Fame and played on the band's legendary 1995 "Endangered Species" and "Southern Knights" CD's as well as on the "100 Minutes of Skynyrd" DVD.

In Skinny Molly he is joined by brilliant young Florida based slide guitarist Keith Whalen in a twin guitar attack that launches into classic Southern Rock and boogie set featuring the best of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The full line-up includes bass player Gary Nutt (Mike Tramp), drummer Kurt Pietro (Brave New South) and Keith Whalen on second guitar. Expect long hair, Marshall stacks, classic guitar led rock and boogie!

Back in 1973 Lynyrd Skynyrd changed the course of rock music by leading a new Classic Rock scene from the south, The debut album "Pronounced Leh nerd-skin-nerd" included the anthem "Freebird", and the band went on to sell 26 million records. Tragically a plane killed several band members and their road crew, and it was only 10 years later that Skynyrd reformed with members of their extended musical family.

By the mid 90's the South's leading guitarist Mike Estes joined Skynyrd for their first acoustic release and DVD. It was one of the most exciting later Lynyrd Skynyrd line-ups ever! Now comes Skinny Molly recalling the best of Skynyrd and Mike Estes: including "Gimme Three Steps", "Call Me The Breeze", "Saturday Night Special", "Sweet Home Alabama", "That Smell", "Simple Man", "What's Your Name", "Freebird"!!! + Mike's Straight Shooter "She's Rockin" etc…
Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Molly Hatchet/Blackfoot/The Outlaws etc…

This is Classic Southern rock 'n' boogie played by the best in the business from the Deep South!

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Dublin-born Imelda May has the rare kind of raw talent and timeless glamour that truly illuminates the stage. You don't just watch Imelda perform, you experience it, "She holds her audience by the scruff of the throat, reaches down and tears out your heart" (www.rhythm-and-booze.co.uk). Whether it's her infectiously unique fusion of rockabilly, blues and jazz, her extensive self-penned repertoire, her sassy burlesque-inspired performances or her distinctive interpretation of classic standards, her appeal is both seductive and undeniable. As such, she is fast emerging as one of the finest vocalists from the UK Roots music scene today.

Winning friends and fans from a diverse cross section of people, from the late Kirsty MacColl to Jools Holland, Imelda May has shared the stage with an impressive array of musical talent - Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello and Elton John, to name but a few. Winter 2007 will see Imelda accompanying Jools Holland on tour, culminating in her Royal Albert Hall debut in December.

Imelda's creative evolution began at an early age. From singing with her sister in Church as a child to performing in nightclubs as an under-age teenager (she was once turned away from one of her own gigs for being too young!) her journey continues to be one of passion, substance and insight. In her own words "My whole life revolves around music. There's no magic story in there, just that I've been singing my ass off since I was four!! Oh, I did sing the jingle for a Findus Fish Finger ad when I was fourteen but I think the less said about that the better!!"

Inspired by such Jazz greats as Billy Holiday, Dinah Washington, and the undisputed queen of rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, Imelda is forging a contemporary sound all of her own. With a nod to the glory days of old but with her heart and soul very much in the present, this rockin' little minx belts them out with all the musical force of a veteran Rockabilly wildcat! As one reviewer put it, Imelda has a "voice so throaty and powerful, it suggests that this young twentysomething actually lived through the 1950s" (METRO).

2007 has been an exciting, affirming year for Imelda. In amongst being nominated for Best Burlesque Singer 2007 and making her movie debut in L.A., starring as the singing voice for a character in forthcoming American gangster movie, 'Dark Streets', she has been working on a new album of original material, Love Tattoo, alongside her talented band of renowned musicians; Steve Rushton on drums, Al Gare on bass, Darrel Higham on guitar, and Dave Priseman on trumpet.

Releasing her first album on November 19th, Love Tattoo is a timelessly truthful collection, an intoxicating blend of Jazz-a-Billy delivered in a direct and personal voice - unmistakably Imelda May and nothing short of captivating.

Hold on whilst Imelda May is rockin'. It's quite a ride!

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England. Recently shared a stage with Peter Gabriel.

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The Queens perform a show packed with the hits,  anthems and live favourites from the world's most majestic rock 'n' roll band.  With great attention to detail, they bring you the look, sound, raw energy and  showmanship of Queens' most memorable live gigs, faithfully recreating  highlights of their Live Killers Tour '79, Montreal '81, Milton Keynes Bowl  '82 and Wembley '86.

The band have rocked many large audiences, from  hardcore Queen fans at the Official International Queen Fan Club Convention,  to a 6,000 strong crowd at Cowes week. With an energetic stageshow and  outrageous costume changes, The Queens are the closest you'll get to  experiencing Queen perform live.

"They were very impressive, great  sound and show!" Jackie Smith, Official International Queen Fan Club  Convention.

The show includes such classics as Fat Bottomed Girls,  Killer Queen, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the  Champions and many more.

As if proof were needed that The Brook is THE eclectic venue. Award-winning trombonist Dennis 'Badbone' Rollins is one of the most talented and charismatic frontmen in all of jazz and his groove-based sextet Badbone & Co is widely recognised as the funkiest, most irresistibly dance-friendly group in the UK. Indeed Rollins is so funky that ex-James Brown star Maceo Parker asked him to join his band!

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Special guests the The Subb Zero Funk Unit based here in Southampton has taken the funkiest players from their uni big band and formed a funky combo specially coached for the occasion by 'Badbone' himself.

Dennis Rollins is well-known on the British and international jazz scene, celebrated for his versatility and unique approach to the underrated trombone. His mighty sound can be heard to full effect in his award winning band Badbone & Co's repertoire of groove-based, funky dance music with jazz overtones. Born in 1964 in the Midlands to Jamaican parents, and raised in South Yorkshire, Dennis cut his teeth at the age of 14 studying and performing with The Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. After years of study, Dennis moved to London and began playing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), and the legendary all-black jazz big band The Jazz Warriors. Over the years, Dennis, now based in Doncaster, has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country's, and indeed the world's, top jazz and pop personalities such as Courtney Pine, Baba Maal, Jamiroquai, US3, Brand New Heavies, and Blur; Dennis is currently a featured member of Maceo Parker's band.

In 2007, Dennis picked up Trombonist of the Year at both the British Jazz Awards, and the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Awards, and received nominations in the Urban Music Awards, and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Badbone & Co won the prestigious BBC Jazz Award for Best Band in 2006, and Dennis collected the Marston's Pedigree British Jazz Award for Best Trombonist the same year. His Rhythms of Fire project also won the 2006 Arts & Kids Award, part of the regional Arts & Business Awards.

In February 2008, Dennis was granted Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Doncaster in recognition of his successful musical career, and for his role as an inspiration to Doncaster's musical youngsters. Martin Winter, Mayor of Doncaster said this to Dennis: 'This honour is the highest award the Borough can bestow, and one which you richly deserve. You have contributed much to our society and touched the lives of so many people'.

Dennis Rollins' Badbone & Co has released three critically acclaimed albums: Badbone, Make Your Move, and Big Night Out!, the 2006 album which is classic Dennis Rollins, but with extra funk.

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MARK STEEL has performed as a stand-up comedian on the British comedy circuit and on national tours since 1983. He has also written and performed four series of The Mark Steel Solution (Radio 4) and four series of The Mark Steel Lecture (Radio 4) - a collection of absorbing, half-hour profiles of historical figures. The television version of 'The Mark Steel Lectures' ran for three series on BBC4 and was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award.

Mark has written three books with a fourth book 'What's Going On' due to be released later this year. When not writing his weekly column for the Independent or broadcasting for the BBC, Mark can be found watching Crystal Palace play football during winter or following Kent County Cricket Club in summer.

'Steel is actually hilariously really funny. He also likes cricket, a pint and revolutionary socialism. In other words, he is the perfect human being and I want to stalk him.' (Nicholas Lezard – The Guardian)

'Mark Steel is the funniest Marxist since Groucho. He is bolshy, belligerent and bloody hilarious' (Francis Wheen – The Guardian)

'If only all subversives were like him' NME

World renowned guitarist - supported Joe Satriani on the G3 tour last year and confirmed to a younger audience what Gilbert fans have known for over 20 years that Paul Gilbert is simply one of the greatest guitarists on the planet today

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Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1956, Buddy Whittington began playing guitar at the age of eight after being inspired by his sister's records of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and, in particular, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. By the age of 14 he was already a part of the Dallas/Fort Worth music scene and playing regularly in the clubs along Jacksboro Highway.

Although he became versatile enough to be able to play anything from the country music of Bob Wills to the rhythm and blues classics of Bill Doggett to rock 'n roll, his main love was the blues. During the early 80's, he formed and sang with his own group "The Sidemen" who became well known to a large audience who loved their down home grooves. In 1991, "The Sidemen" were booked at a club called Dallas Alley to open up for none other than John Mayall. Apparently John was impressed enough to keep in touch and, when Coco Montoya left the Bluesbreakers in 1993, there was no doubt in John's mind who to call. Ever since that out-of-the blue phone call, Buddy has brought a powerful new dimension to the Bluesbreakers' sound.

It's been a Mayall tradition for the Bluesbreakers' guitarist to cover a Freddie King instrumental, starting with "Hideaway" by Eric on the "Beano", "The Stumble" by Peter on "A Hard Road", and "Driving Sideways" featuring Mick Taylor on "Crusade". Buddy continues this tradition in style with "Sen-Say-Shun" on the "Blues For The Lost Days" album, Mayall's 1997 Silvertone release. The Texas influence rears its head on "Dead City" from the same album and on "Ain't No Brakeman" from 1994's "Spinning Coin."

Unlike countless rock 'n rollers who carry racks of guitars around for every show, Buddy likes to keep it simple and plays only one - his 1963 Stratocaster plugged into a Dr. Z amplifier. He is also an accomplished blues songwriter and, in addition to the songs he sings with the Bluesbreakers on live shows, on the Bluesbreakers CD "Stories" he contributed his own "Romance Classified". He and longtime Mayall drummer Joe Yuele co-wrote "Pieces And Parts" and together, they also co-wrote 'Always a Brand New Road' on 1999's "Padlock On The Blues" and "Awestruck and Spellbound" on the latest CD "Road Dogs."ROAD DOGS'.

Although John Mayall makes Los Angeles his home base, Buddy is proud to live in Hurst, Texas with his family where he was raised and born to play the blues. He is currently working on material for a future album of his own.

Preview by Peter Ashton

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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 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.

QUOTES

"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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In late October 2001, the band started the Convention Tour which would see them playing nine gigs in eight different countries. As an added bonus to the tour, NICKO MCBRAIN went along to each show and did a drum clinic. Of course, it's difficult to keep Nicko off the kit. So when HI-ON MAIDEN asked him if he would perform a few songs with them, he willingly obliged, every night of the tour!!!!!

At the Convention in Holland, ADRIAN SMITH was there to do a signing. The band asked if he would guest on a couple of songs and he agreed. Because he had to leave early to catch a flight, he couldn't stay around till show time. So they all agreed to do an inpromptu performance in the afternoon for the fans. Adrian (Smith), Nicko and HI-ON MAIDEN powered their way through THE WICKER MAN and 2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. To top it all off, there was a real treat instore at the last show in Portugal……STEVE HARRIS was there!!! He stayed to watch the whole show and even got up in the encore to perform FOUR songs. He allowed Speed to use his checker board bass, and Steve Harris used Speed's. The crowd went mad as STEVE HARRIS, NICKO MCBRAIN and the whole of HI-ON MAIDEN rocked them with THE WICKER MAN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME, WRATHCHILD and 2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT.

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"Smerins Anti Social Club host the Sound of The South West Spectacular"

Well renowned for their sell-out triumphant gigs across the UK, October sees Smerins Anti-Social Club return home to Southampton with a mind blowing sound showcase from the South West. Any event organised by these guys is bound to be a non stop party, but not just any old party, the party. Huge horns, heavy beats, ass shaking bass and tunes set to make your granny tremble with excitement, these shows always sell out; the buzz created around them is electric.

Smerins Anti-Social Club have been wowing the festival crowds with their infectious grooves for years and now they are taking our clubs by storm, these guys are poised for great things, catch them whilst you can!

'There's an emerging scene of bands that get the recipe just right and Bristol- based Smerins Anti-Social Club are one of the finest' [Venue Magazine].

This 10 piece lineup fuse the delights of ska, funk, dub, drum'n'bass and swing to maximum effect in their epic, brass instrumental marathons with regular guest vocalists, including sassy Aussie songstress Nuala Honan, bringing a new dimension to this intoxicating band. Their sound resonates with the unmistakable energy and their on stage presence holds invigorating power, vibrant colour and cheeky humour that has always been synonymous with their legendary live performances.

The fantastic South West showcase lineup this November features support from:

Yes Sir Boss!!!

'Yes Sir Boss!!! eat up genres like cream-cakes. Theirs is the kind of sound you might dream up with if you made a smoothie out of Tom Waits, Muse and Don Drummond and drank it in the backroom of a bar in Budapest circa 1890' [Ed Williams Suit Yourself Magazine]

Yes Sir Boss!!! are a collective of 6 young music graduates (previously Sellors and the Scientists), who have enjoyed some fantastic gigs including Glastonbury Festival and support for Joss Stone. Their music is hard to pigeonhole but with hints of reggae, rock and eastern European folk the band have a totally unique sound, perhaps fashioned during their solitary three years together writing music in Dartington College of Arts; a place celebrated for its inventive and unique artistic harvest. Their determination to play their music to the masses is compelling and their new songs will capture the imagination of any audience. Yes Sir Boss!!! guarantee to ding your dong!

MC Xander

'London's sonic shaman.' A Rapper and beatboxer, this innovative artist uses nothing more than a mic, a sampler, an FX box and his own vocal chords to record, loop and edit the phat beats, sounds and words which escape from his mouth. Intricate, multilayered beats carried along on sub-bass frequencies with astonishing vocal dexterity, reggae crooning, breakbeat bouncing, and a dirty drum and bass delivery. Spine-tingling, almost operatic vocals merge with Sanskrit chanting and magical melodies to create a platform for his conscious rhymes to bubble over the top.

The Uplifter

Classic reggae, original ska and modern dub from the man behind Tuesday's legendary reggae sessions at the Soul Cellar. Responsible for bringing acts such as Zion Train, Pama International and The Slackers to town, Southampton owes massive respect to the DJ and percussionist known as The Uplifter. 'The evergreen sounds of The Uplifter... providing the full 'footskanking, arms in the air, head shaking' experience that is the magic of real roots rock reggae' [Rhino Club 2006]

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).