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 2011 @ The Brook

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With their unique progressive rock Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.

The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of a couple of instrumentals, "Hocus Pocus", "House of the King", and "Sylvia", but we shouldn't forget their timeless albums "Moving Waves", "Focus 3" and "Hamburger Concerto". But like all good things, it couldn't last and internal wrangling ended this legendary group.

After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album "Focus 8", the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up! Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort. Also back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch jazz family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven, who without any shadow of a doubt can hit the mark when it comes to the guitar completes the band's line-up.

A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album "Focus 9 / New Skin", which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. This album -and the following gigs- will surprise the loyal fans. They will hear once again all the classic Focus tunes and they will be surprised at the strength and depth of the new material. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.

Thijs van Leer - Hammond-orgel, flute and vocals
Menno Gootjes - guitar
Bobby Jacobs - bass
Pierre van der Linden - drums

Melodramas

Melodramas combine spook-rock and theatrical pop to create a genre-busting celebration of noise.

In 2010, the four-piece were selected by Tiger Beer to represent 'the West in the East'. The experience has seen the band break new territories and play huge concerts in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Kuwait and Australia.

Closer to home, The New York Dolls and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) have both chosen Melodramas as main support on tour in the UK.

The band have started 2011 by recording their début album with Sam Williams (Supergrass, Plan B, The Noisettes), with Gaz Coombes providing backing vocals on 'Betelgeuse'.

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Eddi Reader was brought into the limelight with Fairground Attraction and their single ‘Perfect' and parent album First of a Million Kisses which both topped the British charts.  However, it has been her subsequent solo albums which signalled her increasing ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them all very much her own. 

From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi brings to joyous life all forms of song and what sets Reader apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance;  her ability not only to move the listener but to connect her experience to that of her audience.  Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music. 

She has effortlessly developed into one of popular music's most thrilling and affecting performers.

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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

Touted as the world's first and finest Fleetwood Mac tribute band. Come and watch them live up to the hype

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blackfoot are once more performing their classic tracks like Train Train, Highway Song, Baby Blue, Fox Chase, Left Turn, Fly Away and others as well as new song. Skynyrd's Pals ~ All the way from Jacksonville, FLA. Proper Southern rock for your delectation. Multi-Gold and Platinum selling no less!

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Blackfoot was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in the Fall of 1969 by childhood friends Greg T. Walker (bass and vocals), Rickey Medlocke (lead vocals and percussion), Jakson Spires (drums and vocals), DeWitt Gibbs (keyboards and vocals), and Charlie Hargrett (lead guitar). Originally called "Hammer," they played their first major concert performance at the Miami International Rock Festival in December 1969.

In March 1970 they re-named the band "Blackfoot" (contrary to legend, the name was suggested by drummer Spires) and moved to New York City and then New Jersey. DeWitt soon left the band, and Rickey began playing guitar full-time. They stayed in New Jersey, playing mostly college gigs until June 1971 when Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie VanZant called looking for a drummer. Rickey answered the phone and accepted the gig. Shortly thereafter, Greg T. Walker joined Rickey in Skynyrd, and Blackfoot disbanded for a while.

The original Blackfoot line-up reformed in the Spring of 1973 and moved back to New Jersey. They spent the next 10 years touring the world with top rock acts of the day and recording the albums "No Reservations" (Island 1975); "Flying High" (Epic 1976); "Strikes" (Atco 1979) which produced the Grammy nominated "Train, Train" and rock anthem"Highway Song"; "Tomcattin" (Atco 1980); "Marauder" (Atco 1981) which contained the radio hit "Fly Away"; "Highway Song Live" (Atco 1982); and "Siogo" which spawned the hit "Teenage Idol"which was also used by the NFL (Atco 1983). Keyboardist/vocalist Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep joined in 1982 and performed on the "Siogo" and "Vertical Smiles" (1984) albums. Charlie Hargrett left the band in 1984 during the recording of "Vertical Smiles." Ken Hensley left the band mid-tour and was replaced by old friend, AXE lead guitarist/frontman Bobby Barth. From mid-1984 until December 1985, Barth toured and recorded with Blackfoot, though Walker and Spires had left by the end of the year.

Rickey kept the band going under the moniker "Rickey Medlocke and Blackfoot" with different line-ups until 1996. Medlocke then re-joined Skynryd, replacing guitarist Mike Estes. By mid-2004 there was considerable demand for a Blackfoot reunion. Greg T. called Jakson, Charlie and Bobby, and arrangements were made for Blackfoot's reformation.

Tragically, Jakson Spires passed away on March 16th, 2005. Each member of Blackfoot had previously agreed to continue should one of them become ill or unavailable. They picked Jak's friend Christoph Ullman from Austria to step in for him. This line-up continued for a year until Bobby became ill and was sidelined from the road for a few months to recover. During that time, Jay Johnson, son of famed Muscle Shoals producer Jimmy Johnson, took over for Barth. Jay did a stellar job and remained aboard until Barth recovered. In the Spring of 2010, Barth needed emergency back surgery. (Bobby is progressing well and expected to make a full recovery.)

This time Greg and Charlie called aforementioned former Skynyrd guitarist/vocalist Mike Estes who, along with new drummer Kurt Pietro, was an old friend and had played with them on various all-star gigs all over the USA. This line-up is currently gigging and tearing it up!

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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.

"You guys ARE THE DEFINITIVE Supertrampers. Please play the South of England more often!!"These guys rocked the joint last time...and not a 2 litre bottle of White Lightening in sight!

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When the Faces broke up in 1975, Rod Stewart started his own band. They became very successful, topping charts and selling out concerts all over the world. Many of the songs they recorded were co-written with Rod by Jim Cregan, Robin Le Mesurier and Gary Grainger. 35 years later these old friends re-discover their love for this music and decide to play it live on stage again. This idea became a band and the band is now the 7-piece Apart From Rod.

Below Article Taken with kind permission from Chichester Observer Wednesday 2 November 2011

Rod Stewart's ex-band mates celebrate his music in Southampton

Published on Wednesday 2 November 2011 09:56

The band is still just a few gigs to the good, but even before they've finished their set, the venues are rebooking them.

Hardly surprising when you consider that the band is Apart From Rod, three guitarists from the original Rod Stewart band delivering red-hot versions of all the Rod classics, fronted by vocalist Ben Mills.

Pagham's Gary Grainger is reunited with his old Rod Stewart band mate Jim Cregan; completing the triumvirate is Robin (son of actor John) Le Mesurier - three great names from Rod's rich history.

Jim stresses the band is still very much in its infancy, but the signs are great so far - not least at a recent gig at The Brook in Southampton, to which Gary and the boys are delighted to return on Saturday, November 12 (doors 8pm).

Archive material

Jim's hope is that the band will break into the theatres circuit; the hope is that they will play to a backdrop of archive Rod footage. It's just a question of spreading the word that the band is up and running.

Driving it all is the need to perform; from which point, the band more or less fell into place.

Gary performed with Rod from 1976-81 - years which included the landmark albums Blondes Have More Fun and Footloose And Fancy Free; Robin came in shortly before Gary left, the two coinciding only briefly; Jim, best man at Rod's wedding and still close mates with him, was in Rod's band from 1976-1994.

"I was wanting to start a new band, and it seemed ridiculous, here we were looking for something to do and yet we had this great catalogue of songs to draw on," Jim said.

"I hadn't even considered playing it, and then it was a conversation with Gary. We decided to give it a go. The other guys all came together. We knew within four bars that it was going to work."

For Gary, it meant playing songs he hadn't played for 30 years: "But you never forget. There may be one or two bits, but fundamentally we played together so much and for so long, it was stored at the back of my mind."

Jim sees Gary's guitar work as crucial: "One of Gary's great strengths is the forcefulness and the deliberation with which he plays. There are very few guitar players that can hold the band together in the way that Gary does. Gary approaches rhythm very deliberately. But it is not just that he is steady. He is forceful and strong."

In that sense, he and Jim complement each other, Jim seeing himself as very much the soloist - think those terrific breaks on I Was Only Joking and also, with Cockney Rebel, on Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me).

As Gary says, it was once observed that Jim is the butterfly to Gary's bee.

Wild times

Certainly, between them, they've shared some great and pretty wild times: "I think at a certain point you realised that you just had to slow down," concedes Jim. "Your body can't take the abuse for hugely-extended periods of time. I just stopped."

But it wasn't necessarily a pressurised time. Far from it, as Jim recalls: "It was an endless party. Rod was a really really good guy to work with. I have worked with people who would have a post-mortem after a gig. I have known some band leaders make all the guys in the band listen to a recording of the show right after - and there is nothing more annoying. Every blunder is picked apart, and it becomes destructive."

Not so Rod: "If you made a mistake, he would just laugh. If it was a big enough mistake, you would just roll around on the floor laughing. He was really good fun. He was really easy-going."

From the word go, it was very much as a band that they played and were presented, says Gary who well remembers doing his share of interviews on behalf of the band.

"It was a little company," says Jim, "of which we were all founder members. We wrote the songs and we made the records. That's what a group does."

"It was a fantastic incentive to do well," recalls Gary.

And it was out of this that classics such as I Was Only Joking emerged, a Rod and Gary co-write. Gary well remembers reminiscing about shared experiences with Rod, remembering that last train home. "I was only joking" was a phrase Gary used - and Rod picked it up.

"That's how titles come," says Jim, who added the song's distinctive lead break. "They just come up in conversation."

Make Me Smile had been a year or two before: "It was a bit like let's have another acoustic solo out of Jim!"

Inevitably it's those shared experiences that now give the band an edge. Of course, they are not a tribute band, Jim is quick to stress. They are the real thing - and importantly, they come with Rod's amusement, encouragement and support.

"I would dearly love to be able to play the theatres now. We take the music very seriously, but within that, it's a party. Now we just want to get the word out."

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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.

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Billy Walton Band

In the history of rock n roll there is a long tradition of guitarists trading in their jobs as sidemen to become virtuoso frontmen in their own right. Early on Jimi Hendrix played in Little Richards' band and Eric Clapton worked with numerous groups like John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds, Cream and Derek and the Dominos before starting his legendary career as a solo artist. Even Stevie Ray Vaughn had a stint as a member of David Bowie's touring band before going solo. There seems to be something about apprenticing with another artist that brings out the best in some guitar players. After spending years honing their craft it becomes impossible for their unique style and personality to be held back.

Such is the case with Billy Walton. Since the age of 15 Walton has plied his craft in the Asbury Park/New Jersey shore music scene.  Walton has played countless gigs in both the United States and Europe and sat in with numerous of rock luminaries including Springsteen, Gary US Bonds and Stevie Ray's backing band, Double Trouble.  In November 2009 Billy's efforts culminated with a two week tour as the guitarist for Southsid Johnny.

The 33-year old Walton's talents are no secret among everyone in the Jersey shore music scene and with the founding of the Billy Walton Band there's little doubt his reputation will grow far beyond the Garden State. The Billy Walton Band's sound is a combination of hard blues reminiscent of Hendrix, Clapton and Vaughn mixed with a healthy dose of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. Live, Walton has always been an explosive performer with jaw dropping talent but with the addition of bassist William Paris, drummer John Hummel, the Billy Walton band churns out a singular brand of funky blues that has deep roots in both the jam band musical tradition as well as the Jersey shore Walton has cut his teeth on.   

Since 2007 the band has played over 500 shows.  Some of the highlights are shows supporting Robin Trower, Johnny Winter, and Southside Johnny.  Touring has brought the band to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.  There have been tours to the UK in Sept 07, Feb 08, Nov 08,  Feb 09, Oct 09, and Feb 10.

Walton's connection to his heroes is not just through his record collection. Over the years he has developed a close friendship with Roger Mayer, the well-known British guitar effects guru whose devices have played such a pivotal part in rock n roll for nearly every major player since Hendrix.

But regardless of his influences or where he's from, the Billy Walton Band's ultimate appeal lies in the unique musical gifts of its founder, Walton himself, who, like his forebears is poised to join the long and storied list of sidemen whose time has come to step out front.

Billy Walton has for the past couple of years been a part of Southside Johnny's band as well as keeping the flame of his solo career alive.

In November the band will be touring the UK to help promote their forthcoming, as yet untitled Cd – don't miss out on this opportunity to see and hear this great talent from New Jersey.

Virgil & The Accelerators

VIRGIL MCMAHON is without doubt the finest young player to emerge in the UK for a good many years. Emulating his father when just 5 years of age, he picked up a mandolin and began to strum chords. From that day forward a guitar has never left his side and he would often be seen on balmy Friday nights running around helping his Father set up his stage gear at The Radium Beer Hall, South Africa, where he would play his blues to an appreciative audience.

By age 9 Virgil was absorbing his influences with frightening ease; Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top amongst others were soon emanating from his guitar. At 12 years of age he was invited to jam with the great bluesman Otis Grand, an evening that earned himhis first standing ovation.

The following few years saw Virgil playing at local gigs and festivals in and around his new home in Wales. It was widely agreed that something very special was being witnessed. Virgil decided to form a young and vibrant band thus avoiding the mistake a lot of young players make, that of surrounding themselves with a group of more seasoned professionals.Younger brother GABRIEL (at the time an unbeaten amateur boxer) was recruited to playdrums along with a local bass player. VIRGIL & THE ACCELERATORS were unveiled atthe prestigious West Midlands venue, the Robin 2 in Wolverhampton where they immediately established a rapport with the knowledgeable Robin 2 crowd.

In 2009 came a big break when playing at The Anchor in London, one of many venues promoted by club guru Pete Feenstra. This connection led to the band being taken on by The Rhino Agency and subsequently joining Joanne Shaw Taylor and Oli Brown on the sell out"New Generation Blues Tour" and enjoying main stage performances at major festivals around the UK.

At just 18yrs old, lead guitarist of Virgil and the Accelerators, Virgil McMahon, became the youngest person shortlisted in the 2010 British Blues Awards.
 During the past year Virgil and his 17yr old brother Gabriel on drums have toured extensively in the UK and Northern Europe, ending the year playing in front of a combinedaudience of over 5,000 fans enjoying two fantastic performances with Joanne Shaw Taylor in support of Black Country Communion at London Shepherds Bush Empire and Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Virgil & The Accelerators now feature the talents of 21yr old Bassist Jack Timmis the final cog that completes a unit so full of energy and power that audiences are left simply breathless. Virgil has astonishing Fretboard skills, a Vibrato that is a National treasure, and is a true feel player delivering jaw dropping solos. Together with Gabriel's powerhouse drumming and Jack's solid bass lines, the result is a band which has been likened to a new "Cream". Virgil and his exciting band have a clear understanding of dynamics and the rare ability to get inside a song, turn it inside out and then back again – a talent that brings astanding ovation at every show.

In 2010 Virgil & The Accelerators signed to Mystic Records, recording their all-original debut album entitled "THE RADIUM" which is to be released 26th September and backed up with a full UK tour.

As an independent artist she is already blazing a unique trail, fearlessly eschewing the habits of her peers and releasing her new material in compact selections every few months. Her first release The Phoenix Suite sold out in just 9 minutes.

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For 13 years Heather Findlay fronted Mostly Autumn, taking them from fledgling local hopefuls to international Classic Rock giants. During this time she cemented a reputation as a celebrated songwriter, mesmerising performer and awesome vocalist, possessed of a keen ability to communicate heart, power and emotion in her singing.

As an independent artist she is already blazing a unique trail, fearlessly eschewing the habits of her peers and releasing her new material in compact selections every few months. Her first release The Phoenix Suite sold out in just 9 minutes.

For her new solo work she has assembled an elite band from the upper echelon of the rock world; Dave Kilminster (Roger Waters, Keith Emerson, John Wetton), Chris Johnson (Fish, Mostly Autumn, Halo Blind), Steve Vantsis (Fish, KT Tunstall, Horse), and Alex Cromarty (Steely Dan, Groove Armada, Dodgy).

Their sound is stripped down and direct. It is edgy, it is dark it is beautiful and it is powerful. Above all, the songs are unmistakably Findlay. Bleeding each and every word from her heart as she sings, Findlay will be performing her new material alongside revamped versions from her extensive back catalogue.

This is one of only a handful of shows in select venues this year. Do not miss it!

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Martyn is joined on-stage by Andrew Coughlan and drummer Mason Neely (both stalwarts of the Cerys Matthews Band). 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. Brilliant Performer ~ Lauded by everyone from Mojo to Bob Harris to Tom Robinson…and let's face it, these guys know a thing or two about music

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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

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The Strawbs have had a rich history since they were formed around forty years ago. Originally named The Strawberry Hill Boys, they started out as a duo comprising Dave Cousins and Tony Hooper playing bluegrass music. Bass player Ron Chesterman then joined them and they recorded an album with Sandy Denny which was released several years later.

Sandy then joined Fairport Convention and keyboard player Rick Wakeman, bassist John Ford and drummer Richard Hudson joined The Strawbs in 1970. This line-up lasted for two albums until Wakeman left in 1971 to be replaced by Blue Weaver, formerly of Amen Corner. The album "Grave New World" followed in 1972, after which Tony Hooper departed and Dave Lambert joined. The next album contained two hit singles, "Lay Down" and "Part of the Union" which was written by Hudson and Ford. Hudson and Ford left the band and formed a moderately successful duo as Hudson Ford producing a handful of hit singles. Blue Weaver also left to join the Bee Gees, so three new members were drafted in; Chas Cronk on Bass, Rod Coombes on Drums and John Hawken on keyboards. Two albums, "Hero and Heroine" and "Ghosts" were recorded with this line-up before Hawken left the band. The quartet of Cousins, Lambert, Cronk and Coombes produced a further three albums, "Nomadness," " Deep Cuts" and "Burning For You" followed by "Deadlines" on which Tony Fernandez replaced Coombes on drums.

Dave Cousins then accepted a job as programme controller at Radio Tees, effectively spelling the end of the band, despite the addition of Brian Willoughby on guitar. Occasional line-ups performed during the '80s and '90s i"ncluding the Dave Cousins and Brian Willoughby duo which released two albums, Old School Songs and "The Bridge."

The 30th anniversary concert at Chiswick in 1998 brought together nearly all the past members of the band for a musical feast and since then The Strawbs have been touring, either as a six-piece electric or a three-piece acoustic band. 2001 saw them release a new acoustic album, "Baroque and Roll."

We welcome Dave and company to The Brook with their full electric set for this gig.

Preview by Peter Ashton

Striding into the spotlight with cult movie Breaking Glass, award-winning singer-songwriter, Hazel O'Connor immediately became an iconic figure . Here live and onstage, her unforgettable songs from the film including Eighth Day, Will You,, Big Brother, and If Only seem even more relevant in our present times.

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Hazel O'Connor + Bluja

"They were absolutely fantastic, bringing the entire audience roaring to its feet."Daily Telegraph.

Expect a sumptuous evening of some of the greatest songs from the 20th century delivered with passion and fire - a soulful introspective dip into Hazel stunning portfolio – the old, the new and everything in between.

Award winning singer-songwriter HAZEL O'CONNOR , with a much anticipated and already acclaimed new album "Bluja" out now, teams up here with virtuoso saxophonist CLARE HIRST (Bellestars, Communards,David Bowie ) and SARAH FISHER (Eurythmics) on keyboards and vocals. This dynamic new collaboration debuted to sell-out houses earlier this year, melding Hazel's superb vocals with stunning sax, driving keyboards and a powerful blend of voices and musicianship that bring a sweet touch of class and energy to their vibrant performance. From iconic figure and BAFTA nominated actress in 1980 cult movie Breaking Glass, to consistently writing, recording and performing, Hazel's sultry vocals continues to woo and delight audiences worldwide. Book early it's gonna be busy! "The expressive power of her singing, songwriting craft and warm strong personality" The Times"

"The year was 1980. The UK slid into recession and inflation stood at 18 per cent. Amid the doom and gloom - a film that captured the era precisely and made an unknown singer-songwriter from Coventry into a star. Breaking Glass launched the career of Hazel O'Connor." Andy Bevan (ITV)

with support from Tensheds - PRS Unsigned Award Winner.

With just an acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica and voice Tensheds produces his stylish and authentic music that dons its cap top Bob Dylan, David Gray, Leonard Cohen and Woody Guthrie! He has performed all over the UK and Europe from Cannes Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, to The Vladimir Palace in St.Petersburg.

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Following the release of "Don't Explain", her collaboration album with blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, one of the most powerful female voices of her generation, Beth Hart, returns to the UK in November 2011 and February 2012. After completely selling out the London Dingwalls and Derby Flowerpot concerts in November, and due to overwhelming public demand, Beth has just confirmed her biggest UK solo concert to date, at the London Shepherds Bush Empire on Saturday February 25th. Remaining concerts in November include the Leamington Spa Assembly on Thursday November 24th and The Brook, Southampton on Friday November 25th.

Charting at #22 on the official UK album charts, "Don't Explain" has been met with both critical and commercial acclaim. The debut single "I'll Take Care Of You" was featured as Record of the Week on BBC Radio 2, with Jo Whiley proclaiming during a live session that Beth expels "the most powerful voice we have ever had in the studio." Classic Rock Magazine says of the album - "Hart's gritty contralto both crackles and soars...", with Mojo Magazine adding - "Bonamassa's interaction with Hart's declamatory vocals – think Janis Joplin meets Etta James – results in a potent musical chemistry."

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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.

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THE SAS BAND - Experience The Ultimate Rock Party

Legendary recording artists, singing their greatest hits and session musicians from the Who's Who of Rock and Pop, join Queen's musical director and keyboard player Spike Edney for a night of fun and explosive music.

In addition to being Queen's Musical Director and keyboard player since 1984, SAS bandleader, Spike Edney has toured and recorded with the living and late legends of our time and has played with some of the world's finest musicians.  It is through this extensive network of close musicians friends, that Spike founded The SAS Band. 

Since The SAS Band's debut, Spike and his band have made television appearances and performed at select private, public and major corporate events around the world. The SAS Band's previous corporate appearances include performances for companies such as Mercedes, Microsoft, Harley Davidson and the Super Yacht Cup, to name a few and as Rod Steward, Paul McCartney, Brian May, Phil Collins and the Stones choose this band to play at their private parties, you can be sure you won't be disappointed!

The artists that have graced the stage with The SAS Band to date are part of an ever-growing collection of some of the world's greatest Rock and Pop performers and have included the likes of Roger Taylor of Queen, Roger Daltrey of The Who, The Sugababes, Roy Wood, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban, Beyonce´, Tony Hadley, Gary Brooker, Paul Rodgers, Madeline Bell (Blue Mink), Graham Gouldman (10cc), Brian May, Leo Sayer, Kiki Dee, Paul Young, Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), Fish (Marilllion), Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and more recently Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Gaynor, Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis, when as Nelson Mandela's 46664's Musical Director, Spike was asked to bring The SAS House Band to back an array of stars for Mandela's 90th and 91st Birthday Concerts in Hyde Park, London and Radio City Music Hall NY.

The musicians Spike uses to back this all-star guests are some of the UK's and USA's most renowned session musicians, who between them have played with a veritable "who's who" of rock & pop performers, from the Stones to Tina Turner, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bowie, George Michael, Radiohead and Robbie Williams, to name a few.