A view from the corner is an independent blog by Zorg, a local resident and Jamcafe regular. The thoughts, opinions and observations expressed in this blog are Zorg’s and do not represent the views of the owners. Zorg is neither related to, nor employed by owners or management of the Jamcafe.
Hello once again Dear Reader, hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather, just dropped by to fill you in on a rather splendid new band who made their debut at the Cafe on Friday night. If you like your Jazz, cool and laid back these are guys that you need to look out for. On friday evening it was cool jazz on a warm night and this little corner of the lace Market had more than a hint of Bourbon St about it as the sweet sounds of Red Sea filled the evening air.
The set of original songs, penned by vocalist James Tolhurst and inspired by time spent in the Sinai Desert (…thus the band name), was perfectly pitched for the occasion. Throughout the first set the guys played to a mixed crowd of diners and music lovers; some there to listen, others to chat , and managed the difficult balance of being loud enough to be heard without overwhelming the sociability of the evening. As the night went on, the crowd changed and Red Sea were very much the focus of attention throughout their second set. Such was the quality of the musicianship, it was difficult to credit the fact that Red Sea were playing their first gig, indeed they gave an air of a band that had the confidence of many years together. All in all an excellent night, if you want to listen to what you missed google Red Sea jazz Soundcloud….or just take my word for it, dear reader, and keep an eye out for their next gig.
Toodle Pip
Just a quick word to the wise Dear Reader, concerning a little event taking place on Saturday 2nd April down at the Cafe.
For the last year, on the first saturday of each month, Heathcote Street has resounded to the beats and cool grooves of DJ Leygo’s “Shake’n'Bake”. During that time our celebrity DJ has featured at major music festivals like Glastonbury and the Big Chill…not bad for a guy whose dress sense has occasionally drawn comparisons with Paddington Bear on Acid!!!
Now I will be honest with you as ever Dear Reader, as a devotee of the Live form of musical entertainment, I had my doubts about this venture, but a year on I am a true convert. Leygo’s selection of soul, funk and rare grooves guarantees a great night is had by all, and saturday promises to be better than ever as Shake’n'Bake celebrates its first birthday. I am reliably informed that the fun goes on ’til 2, so make your way down there and have a great time.
As someone once said; “Be there, or…” Actually…just Be There!!!
Dear, dear reader, I fear I must apologise with all the profundity that my heart will allow. Although you may not know it, this entry is long overdue and so you do indeed have my deepest and most sincere apologies.
So where to start? Well as this is my personal take on events at the dear old JamCafe, I guess the best place would be with my two personal highlights of the last few weeks; two events that saw the place at its best, packed with punters enjoying great nights of live music. First came Rue Royale with the launch of their excellent new album “Guide to an Escape”. Now dear reader if the name Rue Royale is new to you, I shall forgive you for navigating away from my blog to follow this link: http://www.myspace.com/rueroyale, indeed I insist upon it. A well travelled Indie duo, Rue Royale are based in the East Mids but roam Europe on a never ending cycle of gigs…they ARE wonderful, and I’m not the only one who thinks so, a table at the Cafe is now named in thier honour. Welcome to the Hall of Fame guys 
. I will say no more, great music is to be discovered, not described so make sure you look them up.
Speaking of which brings me to another highlight, just a week after the Rues entertained us so Royaley (see what I did there?) came another evening to delight the senses, this time in the company of Gallery 47, previewing the new album due for release on May 2nd; “Fate is the Law”, now PLEASE dear reader, tell me that you know of whom I speak, I beg you. For if not then I am afraid you have more searching to do! http://www.myspace.com/gallery47. If you love the sound of a genuine singer/songwriter singing and playing from the heart accompanied by nought but an acoustic guitar then here is your man, though frankly he is barely more than a lad (don’t you hate it when they have youth AND talent?). The evening was a delight, a packed but hushed audience hanging on every chord, and what an album it promises to be. All comparisons are invidious, my heroes include Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and the rest and I promise you dear reader I would as soon spend an hour in Jack’s company as any of them. Apart from anything else, he’s local AND he can sing!!! (Thinks of Bob and sighs)
Enough for now, dear reader, but be assured I shall return very soon to regale you with tales of other magical nights in my fave venue, as well as keeping you up to date with recent goings on at the weekly wednesday night Open Mic sessions.
Until then…Toodle Pip
