Friday 5th June 2009

Iain Archer
Formerly described as Northern Ireland's best kept musical secret, The Irish Times have just seen fit to place Iain Archer among the top 50 best Irish acts. Little wonder! this Ivor Novello award winning songwriter (having co-written Snow Patrol's best selling song 'Run') ... is one of the best singer-songwriters making music today.
The passion & power of Damien Rice, combined with an exceptional gift for words and melody.
A new album 'To The Pine Roots' released in March has already sold out of it's first pressing. Created and recorded in the Black Forest in Germany, imbued with the voices and performances of friends and family, this feels like musical journey to an earlier time, a simpler and more honest place.
"Here are the songs arrived at and visited by, not contrived or conspired but borne of liberated songwriting instinct"
One reviewer called it 'a sweet delight of folky pop tunes'.
I discovered the album one grumpy Monday morning, and by the end of the day it had been one of the best Mondays for ages. I called it inspiring and beautiful... one of those albums that feels so good that you want to buy a big box full and give a copy to everyone you care about.
No pressure Iain, the album's already done it for me, but really looking forward to hearing it live!
www.iainarcher.co.uk

Emily Maguire
A versatile Singer-songwriter of exceptional quality, Emily Maguire has come a long way from the shack in the Australian bush where she recorded her first 2 albums. From playing pubs and folk clubs, she got picked up by Radio 2 and found herself at the Royal Albert Hall opening for Don McLean. Now having toured with Roddy Frame, Eric Bibb and Glenn Tilbrook in the past year, Emily, and her fantastic rhythm secton (Christian Dunham on bass guitar) are looking forward to returning to Acoustica to showcase some of the new songs from her forthcoming third album.
When you hear them play, it's music of such crispness and quality, you will marvel at the sound they make. Two rare and very talented musicians.
www.emilymaguire.com
www.myspace.com/emilymaguire

Acoustsica is an all seated show.
Tickets £10 advance / £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 503050
Or book online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 8th May 2009

Tallulah Rendall
Acoustica is thrilled to present the unique, seductive and beguiling Tallulah Rendall. In 2008 Tallulah wowed audiences at Glastonbury, Latitude and Dame Shirley Bassey’s 70th birthday party (as the only musical performer) and many more across the UK. This June she’ll release her debut album ‘Libellus’, and the music scene is sure to flock around this modern day rock’n’soul troubadour. The album reflects Tallulah’s life and musical experiences, influenced by muses such as Patti Smith and Jeff Buckley and great writers like Pablo Neruda and Rimbaud. A passionate performer, she weaves her enchanting vocals around these new songs with a rock’n’roll elegance not usually associated with today’s female artists. Expect to be spellbound.
www.myspace.com/tallulahrendall




Jamie Woon
A return visit for one of the most charismatic and engaging young artists to take to the Acoustica stage ... back by popular demand.
Jamie Woon is a singer-songwriter from London whose stirring sound is a fresh and atmospheric take on R’n’B with an indefinable yet distinctly British slant.
Possessing a strikingly expressive voice and a unique guitar style, Jamie’s performances are genuine, moving and soulful.
www.myspace.com/jamiewoon









Acoustica is an all seated venue
Tickets £10 advance / £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 50 30 50
Or Book Online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 3rd April

David Ford
David Ford is quite simply one of the Britain’s best singer/songwriters. His debut album is a cult classic, and his follow up ‘Songs For The Road’ took things to another level, being voted ‘Album of the Year 2007’ by both The Sunday Times and Word Magazine and being rewarded with a 5/5 rating by the Guardian. Why is this man not a household name? Perhaps it’s that he chooses to focus his musical career purely on craft and art, uncompromising honesty does not always sit comfortably in the music industry. His performances are passionate, powerful, moving and uplifting, with talent and charisma to spare. No ordinary singer/songwriter, David Ford takes it somewhere else. Come and see; you’ll understand what we mean
www.davidford.mu

The Austin Francis Connection
For one of our Acoustica session at last years Wychwood Festival, we were lucky enough to have our attention drawn to The AFC. So fabulous are they, that we had to bring to Acoustica at the Guildhall. Vocals, beatbox & guitar... a thoroughly unique blend of acoustic hip-hop.
Here’s a bit about the Austin Francis Connection, in their own words:
“We Play Acoustic, Head Nodding, Smile Making, Hiphop for you..... AND your mum! Together since Feb 2005, this 3 piece ensemble simply enjoy making music together and travel around to paying gigs and open mics alike.... Taking the Underground sound of the streets of America, putting it on an exchange holiday to Gloucestershire, then inviting it in for a nice slice of cake and a cup of tea.....possibly with two sugars.”
www.myspace.com/shambolichiphopbehaviour

Acoustica is an all seated event.
Tickets £10 advance / £11 on the door
Box office 01452 50 30 50
Or book online: www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 6th March 2009

Chumbawamba

2009 sees the 200th birthday of English naturalist Charles Darwin, ‘Father of Evolution’, and Chumbawamba present their March 2009 tour to illuminate and commemorate Darwin’s ideas. Evolution has long been a watchword for Chumbawamba, who more than most bands realise the need to change. Over the years they’ve gone from punk rock to dance to acapella to chart-pop and to acoustic, always trying to respond to the changing culture around them. This tour sees a five-piece Chumbawamba, acoustic/accordion/trumpet and vocals, veering ever-closer to stand-up as they tackle the issues of the day and steer their set according to the audience. As a response to the X-Factor obsession with slickness, routine and homogenised culture, Chumbawamba’s shows are becoming ever-more chaotic, unpredictable and unexpected – an unedited chat show with a soundtrack of folk, pop and harmonies.
www.chumbas.com

With Special Guests
Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow.
Northern folk, rock, contemporary classical, plus a touch of comedy have all been used to describe the music of Belinda O`Hooley... a virtuosic and charismatic pianist. In reality, her performances contain all this plus much more. Belinda is best known as the songwriter and pianist in Mercury Prize nominated folk band Rachel Unthank & the Winterset.
Now Belinda is back to running the show ... alongside co-songwriter and performer Heidi Tidow. Together, they combine a well-crafted songbook, interweaving sublime harmonies, with a touch of (very funny) northern banter.


Find out more about Acoustica
www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk

An all seated show.
Tickets £12.50 advance/ £14.50 on door

Box office 01452 50 30 50
Or buy online
www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 6th February 2009

Karima Francis
There are debut singers whose tender years and inexperience clearly inform their early recordings – you can almost hear the tentativeness and reserve in their vocal performances. And then there are those who clear this hurdle in one bound, who hurl themselves over the precipice, who go straight for the blood and guts of a song. Nobody who has heard Karima Francis, live or on disc, can be in any doubt as to which category the Blackpool-born, Manchester-based musician belongs to. Listening to the 21-year-old grab a melody and lyric by the throat is to experience the sound of a singer whose pent-up expressiveness was hidden away for too long, and is now exploding into glorious colour.

Two years ago at the Manchester’s In the City music conference, Francis silenced a room full of hardened music-business bigwigs, and all her gigs since then have witnessed a similar reaction. “I still have my insecurities,” admits Francis. “But I must have some confidence to get up on stage and do what I do. When an audience claps at the end of a song, I can’t understand it. I’m just stood there, and there are hundreds of people listening to my words – it’s kind of hard to take in.”

Musically, her songs – deeply personal compositions inspired both by a difficult single-parent upbringing and by moving to Manchester and falling in love – are far removed from the current vogue for folk-tinged whimsy. Comparisons have been made with Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman, but these offer only a superficial sense of how unvarnished and arresting – and unlike that of her contemporaries – Francis’s music is. You may search in vain for traces of her former job as drummer with a Blackpool metal band, but Francis’s melodies are nonetheless forthright and full-on, never fey or hesitant. Her lyrics are uncompromising and heartfelt, too – no English reserve here. And her voice, which will journey to the lower reaches of the register one minute, and soar to the top the next, is a once-heard-never-forgotten instrument. Amazingly, Francis only began singing properly once she’d moved to Manchester. “I just wrote a song and the voice kind of came with the words,” she says, attempting to explain her talent. “I’ve always had this range, which still shocks me.

www.myspace.com/karimafrancis

Phil King
Phil King released his debut album “Leaves” at the end of November 2006 to great public and critical acclaim. Since becoming a sought after performer on the Bristol music scene and receiving the Venue Magazine Roots Artist of the Year award at the end of 2005, he now plays throughout the UK. His music has been played on regional radio stations across the UK, as well as on BBC Radio 2.'

"Supremely talented Bristol-based singer, PHIL KING. He has a voice to die for." – Time Out, London


www.phil-king.net
www.myspace.com/philmking

Acoustica is an all seated event: Tickets £10 adv / £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 50 30 50
Or book online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 5th December 2008

Amy Wadge
Come and join us for a winter’s night of musical excellence!
Our monthly, seated acoustic music club is feeling all Christmassy, and is thrilled to welcome wonder woman Amy Wadge back to show us the true power of the human voice! Amy’s new and fourth album, Bump (so named because she was pregnant while recording), was nailed in just two days, and is her best yet! combining her trademark rich vocals, stirring, thoughtful lyrics and timeless, simple-yet-sophisticated arrangements.

She’s won the Best Female Solo Artist gong twice at the Welsh Music Awards (seeing off stiff competition from both Cerys Matthews and Charlotte Church on each occasion), performed twice at the Royal Albert Hall and been invited to support the likes of Van Morrison, Damien Rice and Jeff Beck. Quite simply one of Wales’ finest modern singer/songwriters, Amy is stunning live and one of our favourites – simply not to be missed

'Pint sized poetess with valley quaking voice’ (Q Magazine)
www.amywadge.com
www.myspace.com/amywadge

Vince Freeman
Sharing the bill tonight is the irrepressible Vince Freeman, whose philosophy on music is simple….play live and play lots.
The shoeless troubadour’s blend of foot stomping soul and heart felt ballads have earned a reputation for being one of the best live performers in the UK.
Over the past two years Vince has shared stages with Jocelyn Brown, James Morrison, Paolo Nutini, Beth Rowley and has embarked on two UK tours taking in venues such as the Cavern Club, Jazz Café and Bush Hall.

In 2008 was a year of huge acclaim and recognition, when at the UK Indy Awards, from a field of approximately 120,000 acts and a panel of industry experts … Vince scooped the Best Male Solo and Peoples Choice Award.

‘His one-man-and-an acoustic is the kind of camp fire rock & roll that helped propel Jack Johnson and Newton Faulkner…’
(Manchester City Music)
www.myspace.com/vincefreeman

ACOUSTICA is an all seated venue.
Find out more www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk

Tickets £10 advance / £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 50 30 50
Or book online: www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 7th November 2008

BIG BLUE SUN
The latest creation of past visitors to Acoustica 'Ghosting'. With the new name comes a collection of outstanding songs and a shockingly good new album 'Nocturnal City Journal'.
Their live performances are rare and legendary and definitely not to be missed! Expect acoustic guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion, brass, loop pedals and some very special musical guests
Big Blue Sun (based right here in Acoustica's hometown of Gloucester UK) produce a big yet subtle sound, powerful, musical, original and thought-provoking ... totally memorable and engaging. It's music that moves you, songs that include you, killer hook lines with melodies and words that will stay with you ... all delivered with a rustic crackle of storytelling charm.
www.myspace.com/nocturnalcityjournal


THOMAS TRUAX
Opening tonights show is the incomparable Thomas Truax.
New Yorker, Thomas is a 'once seen never forgotten' performer.
Described as a genius who straddles the line between unique and insane ... with his head held high!
With the look of a wide eyed Victorian inventor and more than a dash of the Gothic he turns stage his very own musical laboratory, what he creates are a bunch of songs, unusual certainly ... but surprising in their charm and elegance.
Possibly the original 'Steampunk' Thomas may have inadvertently inspired a new musical genre.
With a collection of homemade instruments, like creations from the set of a Tim Burton movie, combined with loop pedals, guitars and his very special imagination, Truax takes us on a strange journey to a strangely beautiful world.
photo by Chris Saunders
www.thomastruax.com


Find out more about Acoustica on www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk

Acoustica is an all seated event
Tickets £10 advance / £11 door
Box office 01452 50 30 50
Or book online: www.gloucester.gov/guildhall

Friday 10th October

Nula and the Alchemy Quartet
Nula and the Alchemy Quartet are putting the sass in folk. With their debut album ‘Lost In Cabaret’, recorded by Portishead’s Jim Barr and released earlier this summer, and a prestigious slot on the Glastonbury Avalon Stage, this young ensemble boast a poptastic style founded on roots music, drawing on a range of genres from folk to funk, incorporating jazz and blues grooves
“This is just one of the finest bands anywhere” (Priddy Folk Festival)
Alchemy Quartet feature the one of the tightest, percussive rhythm sections of any funky folk band and a soaring fiddle that complement unmistakable vocals of the enigmatic Nula Honan.
“A voice that would smack you round the ear when you least expect it… Part KT Tunstall, part Sandy Denny and a little bit of early Alanis Morrisette thrown in”
(fROOTS Magazine)
This is a band who are going places! Be sure to catch them at Acoustica 10th Oct.
www.nulaandthealchemyquartet.com

Stanton Delaplane
The wonderfully hirsute Stanton Delaplane is a genuinely singular eccentric. His vaguely ecclesiastical and often hypnotic live vocal loops are decorated with music boxes and euphonium. These accompany finger picked acoustic guitar and often morbid narratives to create a truly compelling and mesmerising live performance.
‘He resembles a strolling madrigal singer yanked out of time from two centuries earlier. He deserves to be immortalised in stained glass’.
(Venue magazine)
www.myspace.com/stantondelaplane






Bethany Porter
Bethany Porter is well known on the Bristol and Bath music scene for playing cello with Jane Taylor, Babel, The Cedar, Rob Sharples and Inu to name a few. On a wider circuit she has also played with Bellowhead and Eliza Carthy. Today, however, she steps out of her support role and sings her own songs with a mixture of styles, switching between cello, ukulele and nose flute! (Don't be late!)
www.myspace.com/bethuleleporticello














Acoustica is an all seated event.
Tickets available from Guildhall box office 01452 50-30-50
Or buy online: www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall
£10 advance/ £11 on the door
find out more about Acoustica and leave us a message on www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk

Friday 12th September 2008

Jane Taylor
When a song called Fall on Me, was played on Johnnie Walkers Drive Time show on BBC Radio 2, he was inundated with e-mails … ‘Who is this new singer songwriter?’ ‘Where can we find out about her?’ ‘Please play more!!’
A live Radio 2 session, and a distribution deal with Pinnacle swiftly followed, then, a national release of the album ‘Montpellier’
Support slots with Jools Holland, Seth Lakeman and Paolo Nutini … and an exciting musical journey had begun...
Jane Taylor brings her band (guitars, keyboards, cello, double bass, and violin) back to Acoustica … along with her exquisite voice and a hatful of new songs. Be among the first to hear material from the new album, a recording that’s destined to promote Jane Taylor into the superleague of acoustic singer songwriters.
Catch her while you can!

‘... I defy anyone not to want to come back for more’
Venue Magazine (Bristol)

'There's just something very honest about Jane's songs and I think that people will always connect with that. It's a beautiful album '
Johnnie Walker, (BBC Radio 2)
www.myspace.com/janetaylormusic

The Austin Francis Connection
For one of our Acoustica session at this years Wychwood Festival, we were lucky enough to have our attention drawn to The AFC. So fabulous are they, that we had to bring to Acoustica at the Guildhall. Vocals, beatbox & guitar... a thoroughly unique blend of acoustic hip-hop.
Here’s a bit about the Austin Francis Connection, in their own words:
“We Play Acoustic, Head Nodding, Smile Making, Hiphop for you..... AND your mum! Together since Feb 2005, this 3 piece ensemble simply enjoy making music together and travel around to paying gigs and open mics alike.... Taking the Underground sound of the streets of America, putting it on an exchange holiday to Gloucestershire, then inviting it in for a nice slice of cake and a cup of tea.....possibly with two sugars.”
www.myspace.com/shambolichiphopbehaviour

Furlined
This Westcountry based quartet produce a lush sound of warm rich vocals with swooning cello, guitars, bass backing vocals. Their songs elevate the ridiculousness of the everyday, sometimes stark, yet always appealing,
Mini epic at times, memorable and immensely melodic constructions full of observation and a hint of the sardonic
Furlined manage to create a nostalgia with their music, and remain 100% relevant. A real 80’s/modern day hybrid.

‘Morrissey meets Americana... stunning songs with an irresistible English wit.'
(Total Guitar Magazine)
www.myspace.com/furlined

Acoustica Summer (indoor) Festival

FRIDAY 6th JUNE 2008

Babel/ The Cedar/
Way Out West/ Dennis


ACOUSTICA
The best acoustic & semi-acoustic artists,
possibly the best, intimate venue in the UK


ACOUSTICA presents: A celebration of summer … our very own (indoor) Summer Festival.
The usual great music, relaxed and intimate atmosphere … but Two stages! Four fabulous acts! a later licence!
Food & snacks available on the night, plus, festival fun & frolics.
All in good taste, of course, as is the Acoustica way!

It would be fantastic if you could come along & support this special evening, our end of season party ... Our first Acoustica Festival!
Please, come & celebrate with us, and maybe bring some friends?
It will be great to see you there!
All the best, & happy summertime!
Al
Al Biernacki
(Acoustica HQ)

Special musical guests at our party include:
Gloucester born, Forest of Dean based
Dennis - ‘Ambient alternative acoustic’ a stunning vocal style and fine songs! Imagine Thom Yorke solo, all late night and moody.
www.myspace.com/alrightdennis
Way Out West - Three fine multi-instumentalists and vocal harmonisers, songs you know, but wouldn’t expect… in a way you’ve never heard before.
Too many influences, too easily led, dazzled by the cheap allure of rock & pop.
“Imagine ‘I Predict A Riot’ on two accordions and a ukulele, or a medieval style ‘Tainted Love’” Entertaining and impressive.
www.wayoutwest.me.uk
The CeDaR - These four hugely talented musicians played for us once before, if you saw them then, you’ll be back for more.
“Utilising an assortment of instruments from ukuleles to clarinets and glockenspiels, a quaint, intelligible group with a beautiful ear for melody” (Scott Johnson – The Thekla)
Charm by the bucketful, extremely entertaining and thoroughly thought provoking – The Cedar are just outstanding!
www.myspace.com/thecedar
Babel - Born in Bristol. Started out all kind of small, folky and a bit shy but then they fell in love with pounding tambourines and turned up the volume… Soaring strings, roaring percussion, acoustic guitars, bass and a vocalist who sings it like he means it! A great big, energetic sound full of life and love. And a rousing impromptu busking style with a rebel enthusiasm.’
“Babel are a very splendid thing, like a cross between Led Zep III, Rufus Wainwright and Midlake” (Sunday Telegraph Nov 07)
They remind me of Arcade Fire; but Babel is what Babel does … they reach out to the audience with a sound that is passionate and 100% for real!
“Both timeless and modern.. watch this space” (The Sun Sept 07)
www.myspace.com/babelbristol

Tickets £10 adv / £11 on the door Doors 8pm - music till midnight
Box office 01452 50 30 50
Or book online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 9th May 2008

Rory McLeod
Special guest Joe Allen
Here at Acoustica HQ we’ve known about Rory McLeod for a long time. We’ve seen him quite a few times and have become huge admirers, so to be able to welcome him to one of our shows is a real thrill. However, when it comes to describing Rory McLeod to those who don’t know him… I, for one, was just lost for words. So, I looked at what other people said.
Inspirational. Energetic and generous. Uncompromisingly earthy and edgy. Like a human organ grinder.
Vital and intensely listenable. A non-stop aural caressment.
I’ve got to say, all of that is true, the man is these things and more...
Rory Mcleod - ex-circus clown and fire eater. A one man soulband, poet and storyteller, singing his own unique upbeat dance stories. A modern travelling troubadour using tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and various percussion instruments!
“An awe inspiring live performer … writer of brilliant songs”
Come and meet Rory McLeod, he tells stories and performs in a way that helps make sense of things.
www.rorymcleod.com
Acoustica is an all seated event
Find out more about Acoustica on www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk
Tickets £10 adv / £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 503050
Book Online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 11th April 2008

Ian McNabb + Special Guests
Ian McNabb is officially, according to the Liverpool Echo: “One of the people who make Merseyside great”
In good company, as ever… and as usual, Ian wears his star status with understated ease.
McNabb rose to prominence in the mid 80’s fronting the hugely successful ‘Icicle Works’. After two major hit singles and four top 40 albums on both sides of the Atlantic, the band split. His first solo release ‘This Way Up’ (1993) was rapturously received, and voted by Q readers as one of the best albums released during the magazines lifetime!

For his next album ‘Head Like A Rock, ‘ Ian famously teamed up with Neil Young’s backing band Crazy Horse to produce another top 40 hit and a nomination for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.
In the 90’s, Ian toured with The Waterboys, and worked with the likes of Mike Scott, Anthony Thistleswaite (The Waterboys) and Danny Thompson (Pentangle). He released three more albums, including a solo acoustic offering ‘Live at Life’ (1999) and a eponymously titled collection of‘no-holds-barred’ rocking numbers.
Five more releases since 2000 has seen the McNabb army of dedicated fans increase continually, demonstrating the man’s uncanny ability to craft winning songs, a knack for melody, and a pop sensibility that always shines through. The last album ‘Before All Of This’ was previewed by a top 40 single and a new release ’How We Live’ was recorded live in 2007 over two sold out nights at the Philharmonic Hall (Liverpool)
2008 began at a pace with a performance at the biggest charity event of the year ‘The Number One Project’ celebrating the 56 number one hits by Liverpool artists. Ian also appears on the album with a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Woman’. There is a new album in the making, and an autobiography! Which promises to be a ‘warts-and-all expose of his 30 years (and counting) passage aboard ‘The Good Ship Rock n’ Roll.’
We have it on good authority that ‘the innocent will be treated fairly and the guilty will be charged!’ ….. Fear not the innocent.
Ian McNabb has to be seen to be believed. He is an original and one of the very best.
“The sweetest guy in rock n’ roll. A legend as far as I am concerned”
Alan McGee
www.ianmcnabb.com www.myspace.com/ianmcnabbtheicicleworks

Quality music & performance in one of the best, most intimate venues in the UK

Acoustica is an all seated venue www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk
Tickets £10 advance/ £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 503050
Book online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Friday 7th March 2008

The Family Machine
Back by popular demand. Yes, I know, we always say that … but they are the kind of band you fall for & just can’t get enough of.
A four-piece from Oxford who play an infectious blend of tongue-in-cheek country and Indie styles. Their sound is: Acoustic guitars, bass, drums, multi-part harmonies, a sampler stuffed with goodies and liberal amounts of hand claps and whistling sprinkled into the mix.
They’re one of those bands that make the whole thing look ridiculously easy and (if that weren't enough) that they're having a laugh as well. All in all it’s just first class, original entertainment, so much so ... 'The Family Machine' have appeared in myspace top 20 UK indie/acoustic acts for 12 of the last 18 months.
With an EP just out (Got It Made, Dec ‘07) and debut album (“You Are The Family Machine”, Feb 08) The band are out and about doing live shows and making new friends

“My new favourite band” Tim Bearder. BBC Radio Oxford, The Download.
“Pro-community, post-hedonist, warped genius” Channel4.com.
“Talent? Overflowing with the stuff” oxfordbands.com.
www.myspace.com/thefamilymachine


Sweet Laredo
Sarah Scott and Dan Coggins form the nucleus of Sweet Laredo. Having met in London and discovered a shared love of Jazz, Blues and Hip-Hop, they began to collaborate on creating some fine 'smoked-out, beats-driven tunes'. Their sound was later stripped back to be played only on a battered old Spanish guitar ... giving full reign to Sarah's incredible voice. A voice that veers wildly between the gutsy Blues moan of Etta James and the smoked-out rasps of Eryka Badu.
They played for us once before at Acoustica and I was completely gob-smacked at the sound that two people and an old Spanish guitar could create ... sheer quality!
For their triumphant return visit, we're extremely lucky to be able to experience Sweet Laredo as a four-piece band! Sarah and Dan are joined by a double-bass and percussionist...

It's a 'Jazzy, Souly, Bluesy' kind of thing, like Nina Simone meets BB King, with a bit of Stevie Wonder and Ella for good measure.
Come along, experience for yourself ... and be thoroughly blown away.

"Sarah Scott has a voice, strong enough to knock a hurricane off course yet full of controlled, understated emotion… This was a performance of sass, wit and verve" Venue Mag (Bristol)
www.myspace.com/sweetlaredo

Find out more about Acoustica www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk

Acoustica is an all seated event.
Doors 8pm Tickets £10 advance/ £11 on the door
Box Office 01452 503050
Book Online www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

Acoustica
Friday 8th - February 2008
KIT HOLMES
With Ruth Wilde on double bass
Kit Holmes has already established herself as one of the rising acoustic stars on the UK music scene following the release of her debut album 'Seeing You' which features the legendary double bass player Danny Thompson. She has recently performed at the International Guitar Festival, Purcell Room, London and the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, on the Wirral, as well as touring extensively with the UK's virtuoso jazz/blues guitarists, John Etheridge.

The Observer likened her music to Nick Drake and Macy Gray, and both Bob Harris and Andy Kershaw have featured Kit on their BBC shows. She was asked to give a master-class at Paul McCartney's LIPA and to play for the Honorary Doctoral Ceremony for Andy Kershaw and Bill Bryson at the University of Leeds.

Kit's sultry vocals and extraordinary guitar playing have established her as a unique performer. Her second album, Catch The Echo, has just been released and received a 5 star review from the UK roots magazine Maverick.

The Observer - 'full of warmth…an absolute delight'
Irish Evening Herald - 'a magnificent guitarist…beautiful instrumental tracks'

www.kitholmes.co.uk


VIJAY KISHORE
Over the past eighteen months singer songwriter Vijay Kishore has quietly been causing a stir amongst both his peers and the wider music industry alike. Since those early fledgling but still breathtaking shows (including a couple of previous ‘opening’ slots at Acoustica), Vijay has gone on to support the likes of Ray Davies, Jamie T, Scott Matthews and Newton Faulkner, winning over new fans wherever he goes.

Born and raised in Birmingham of Indian parentage, Vijay’s music is an ambiguous fusion of his Anglo Asian heritage, creating comparisons to everything from the Sufi infused tones of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Thom Yorke, Jeff Buckley, Paul Simon and even Nina Simone.

His debut album (due out around the same time as this show) is sure to be electrifying, and is set to feature a bonus live track recorded at our very own Acoustica!

‘Brilliant, brilliant songs. Like a Brummie Jeff Buckley singing the words of Nina Simone…luscious acoustic folk…divine.’ NME

www.myspace.com/vijaykishore

Acoustica is an all seated event Doors open 8pm
Tickets £10 adv / £11 on door
Box Office 50-30-50 Or Book Online at www.gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

David Ford, Friday 7th December 2007 at Gloucester Guildhall

Acoustica with David Ford
Special guest Ruth Royall

Quality songs and performance in a relaxed and intimate, seated ‘music club’ environment.

We’ve been eagerly pursuing David Ford for more than a year - once seen never forgotten. Enigmatic, intensely soulful & thought provoking - to describe him as one of the most unforgettable performers, we think would be an understatement.

Any attempts at modern comparisons don't quite get to the heart of David Ford. To find his actual peers you have to go back to some of the great curveball mavericks of melody, romance and inventiveness. Artists such as Tom Waits, Neil Young and Todd Rungren, whose haunting, harmonious melodies are frequently offset by barbed, poignant lyrics.

David Ford's new album Songs For The Road was described by Word magazine as embodying ‘the eternal thrill of a young man going way too far and pulling it off’. The Sunday Times made it their album of the week and Clash magazine called it ‘quite simply a classic’.

Ford’s debut I Sincerely Apologise For All The Trouble I’ve Caused was an album of words and melodies that whisper and shout defiantly at the constant disappointments that litter our lives. Following critical acclaim in the UK, Ford travelled to America where his album was met with an equally warm reception. Stunning reviews ran in the New York Times, Rolling Stone ('a work of genuine depth by an artist of striking authority’) and Variety and Ford found himself championed by NBC's Carson Daly on whose show he appeared three times. Support slots with Richard Ashcroft, Ray Lamontagne and Aimee Mann followed, with Ford now counting Neil Young and Springsteen amongst his fans.

A natural in front of an audience, his powerful and physical live performances have won him great acclaim, both in the UK and the USA where he toured throughout 2006 alongside Ray Lamontagne, Aimee Mann, KT Tunstall and Elvis Costello. Decimate, the first single from the Songs For The Road album, was playlisted at both BBC Radio 2 and XFM ahead of his October 07 tour that culminated in his sold out show at Shepherd¹s Bush Empire in London.

Support is from Ruth Royall, who plays acoustic blues with guitar and piano. Formerly with award winning band Sub-Justice, she is originally from Stroud but now Bristol based.

www.davidford.mu/
www.myspace.com/davidford
www.myspace.com/ruthroyall
www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk/

Friday 7th November 2007
Tickets £10 advance, £11 on the door. Doors 8pm.
Box Office 01452 503050
Email: guildhall.artscentre@gloucester.gov.uk
Click here to book online

Innes Sibun, 9th November 2007 at Gloucester Guildhall

Acoustica with Innes Sibun
and John Crampton
Quality songs and performance in a relaxed and intimate, seated ‘music club’ environment

When we first thought about bringing the blues to Acoustica, we decided to aim high and go for the UK's finest. So you can imagine our delight when guitar virtuoso and all round bluesman Innes Sibun said yes! Playing live is where it's at for an artist like Innes and tonight, just for Acoustica, Innes has put together a special line-up of acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, percussion and fretless bass - we surely are in for a treat!


‘The most moving blues you'll hear’ Total Guitar

High energy blues played with passion! Innes Sibun made his first album with legendary producer Mike Vernon who produced the John Mayall and Eric Clapton Beano album as well as all the Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac albums. In 1997 Innes met his hero when he opened up for Peter Green at a show in New York, he also played on "Rattlesnake guitar" a tribute cd dedicated to Peter Green which also featured Rory Gallagher, Ian Anderson, Harvey Mandell, Billy Sheehan & Snowy White. He played guitar for Robert Plant on his "Fate of nations" tour throughout America, Europe & South America & can be heard on Robert's "Sixty six to Timbuktu" album as well as on a track on his box set "Nine lives". He has made 5 albums with various independent blues labels such as Viceroy, Provogue and Ulftone.

John Crampton is self taught on the guitar and harmonica. He has played in many bands including Woody and the Splinters and Daddy Yum Yum which played a mixture of skiffle, gospel and blues and frequently supported Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Wilco Johnson and the Solid Senders. Next came Big Bamboo playing a combination of jazz and blues. Since then John has been playing solo creating a big and powerful sound of hard hitting and very danceable uptempo blues. John plays slide or bottleneck style on a 1930s National steel guitar with harmonica and thumping his foot on foot box to provide a driving rhythm.

‘... stunning blues voice ... he blew me away!’ Blues in Britain
‘one of the Uk's top accoustic slide and steel guitarists ... ‘ Hookers Blues Club


http://www.innessibun.com/

http://www.johncrampton.co.uk/
http://www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk/


Friday 9th November 2007
Tickets £10 advance, £11 on the door. Doors 8pm.
Box Office 01452 503050
Email: guildhall.artscentre@gloucester.gov.uk
Click here to book online

Nizlopi & Jimmy Davis at ACOUSTICA, Friday 12th October 2007

A bit of a buzz around this show as it sold out well in advance. I knew Nizlopi had a loyal & enthusiastic bunch of fans so that wasn't a surprise. We decided to work from the main stage which is unusual for Acoustica (but we needed the bass capabilities of the big speakers) I was concerned that the intimacy would suffer, as that is one of the main priorities of our Acoustica nights. I needn't have worried though - we were treated to a fabulous introduction from George Hardwick, an extremely powerful rap-like poem that set the scene & opened my eyes & ears. Jimmy Davis (abley assited by Henry) proceeded to tell it like it is. His full-on rap delivery freaked me out a bit during soundcheck I must say - but it was such a relevant, heartfelt & thought provoking performance, I had to conceed that it was a perfect opener for the night.

Nizlopi made their way to the middle of the audience & started their set. Acousticaly, the silence was amazing. John & Luke have a real warmth & charisma which makes you listen intently to what they have to say ... either when they're playing unplugged in the middle of the crowd, or when they take to the stage & let rip. Musically they are outstanding, original & challenging - real alternatives because they take chances, yet at the same time, seem to know exactly what they're doing. John's pumping double-basslines & unstoppable beatbox alongside Luke's funky acoustic guitar rythmns & soaring vocals ... the boys moved effortlessly between singalong dance-like-craziness to the most intimate subtlety; Nizlopi had the audience right there with them. It felt to me like a very special evening of inspirational energy, on the edge chaotic at times ... but all the more thrilling for it. A night that was over too soon. Hopefully they will come & play for us again.

Nizlopi, Friday 12th October 2007 at Gloucester Guildhall

Armed with wickedly original tracks from their upcoming album (Make It Happen, released spring 2008) Nizlopi are bursting out of the studio and taking to the road to get people up on their feet.

Nizlopi are a revelation set to the soaring melodies of Luke Concannon’s powerful vocals (Tracy Chapman meets Damien Rice meets The Streets) and the dirty beats of John James Parker’s jazzed up double-bass and human beat box. Signed to their own label their personal-political groove-driven songs are a mix of soul, folk, jazz, hip hop and everything in between. Young, vibrant, cutting edge and challenging, their ability to transcend musical genres goes unrivalled by many of their contemporaries and, as a result, Nizlopi have established an unquestionable live reputation.

After six months spent writing and recording, Nizlopi are playing a series of their famously energetic, electrifying and empowering gigs this October. The up rise tour is a call to feet, inspired by their new song “England up rise”. Luke Concannon: “This came to me on a drive down to Cornwall. The land was so beautiful but like a sleeping giant. The song is inspired by our passion to reclaim “England” (and the world) from fascists and war-mongers, and to celebrate the people-power, music, creativity, activism and human spirit that is here. The spirit that embraces multiculturalism and protests war, the spirit that will tackle climate change, the spirit that gets up and dances, and the spirit that inspires us to rise up from our slumber and start building the world we want to see.’

Nizlopi have just received the Impala platinum award for outstanding album sales by an independent artist. Their hit single 'JCB Song' topped the charts at the end of 2005, turning them into houselhold names, thanks to a quirky emotive song that dealt with issues of isolation and bullying. They will be supported in October by the dangerously brilliant Birmingham rapper Jimmy Davis.

‘Monstrously melodic….absolutely mesmerizing.’ Musicweek
‘Intense, angular and beautiful.’ Colin Murray, BBC Radio One 2007

‘Nizlopi are the real thing.’ the Guardian

“Live they are reputed to kick up a storm.” Maverick

www.nizlopi.com/

www.acoustica-guildhall.co.uk/

Friday 12th October 2007. Tickets £10 advance, £11 on the door. Doors 8pm.

Box Office 01452 503050

Email: guildhall.artscentre@gloucester.gov.uk

Click here to book online

Friday 14 September 2007, Gloucester Guildhall
8pm doors
featuring......

Polly Paulusma/ Jamie Woon/ Emily Maguire

Polly was creating a buzz on the London acoustic music scene, & working on her own album, when she was signed up by renowned indie label 'One Little Indian'. A debut album ' Scissors In My Pocket' was widely acclaimed.

This summer, the eagerly awaited second album was let loose - Polly embarks on a full UK band tour, as well as some special, intimate acoustic sets at selected venues.

'Fingers And Thumbs' the new album 'bruised, raw, honest ... and speckled with a shimmering brightness'
www.pollypaulusma.com www.myspace.com/pollypaulusma




Jamie Woon is an original, soulful and inspiring performer. His voice skips and glides over octaves with precision, fluency and an absent-minded ease. Sometimes with guitar, sometimes just microphone - Jamie performs alone constructing vocal and instrumental layers over which he builds progressive and compelling soundcapes.



Compared to both Stevie Wonder and Thom Yorke in the same breath ... Jamie has a healthy and exciting disregard for the impossible.

www.jamiewoon.com www.myspace.com/jamiewoon


Emily Maguire swapped a small dreary London flat for a hut in the Australian bush. Now she spends time dodging snakes & spiders - and thankfully ... still writing songs! Her music is passionate, poigniant and soulful ... a thoroughly class act who makes a welcome return to the UK, and to Acoustica with bassist and producer Christian Duham to play music from the new album 'Keep Walking'. One listen will not be enough!.

"If there's any justice, it's a name you'll be hearing a lot more" Rick Alan (The Cavern, Liverpool)

www.emilymaguire.com

Tickets £10 advance / £11 door
Box Office
Tel: 01452 503050
email: Guildhall.ArtsCentre@gloucester.gov.uk
Click here to book online