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