Wooden Arms and Heart of a Dog at Norwich Arts Centre

On the evening of Thursday 13th February 2014 I attended the Wooden Arms and Heart of a Dog double headline gig at Norwich Arts Centre with support from Cove Hithe. This was a gig full of local bands at a great venue.

Wooden Arms are a Norwich-based contemporary band featuring Jess Diggins on Violin, Fynn Titford-Mock on Cello, Alex Carson on Piano, Jeff Smith on Guitar and Milly Hirst and Lydia Walker on Vocals. With 6-part vocal harmonies and a distinctive yet delicate blend of classical instrumentation meets modern melody, Wooden Arms have released their debut, self-titled EP with independent record label Bare Feet Records in the summer of 2013. They are currently working on a new single Tide.

Heart of a Dog were born in the West Midlands then exiled to East Anglia. A lapsed duo of Leonard Samuel and Jonathan Allen , now joined by a interchangeable line-up of guest musicians and silent partners. They create an often tangible soundscape, characterised by a potent fusion of percussive, compelling rhythms that nurture tender melodies. Thoughtfully unaffected lyrics and rich harmonies yield a sound that manages to be both soulful and distinctively authentic.

Local band Cove Hithe is a trio of Jason Ducker on guitar/piano, Matilda Pendered on violin and Astrid Calloman on percussions. They gave us a set full of classical and folk which was a great opening before the headline acts took to the stage. Heart of a Dog with their rocky folk and the more classical sounds of Wooden Arms played fantastic sets full of amazing music which made for a great night out at Norwich Arts Centre.

Independent Venue Week at Norwich Arts Centre

On the evening of Tuesday 28th January 2014 I attended a special edition of Spectro at Norwich Arts Centre featuring The Soft, Mammal Hands, Boy with Two Heads and Unix. Bringing together some of the most relevant, important and historic venues around the country, Independent Venue Week supported by PRS for Music was a six day long series of gigs running from 28th January to 2nd February 2014. This Spectro gig was part of Independent Venue Week.

Independent venues sit at the heart of their local community, providing a vital lifeline to upcoming artists early in their careers whilst bringing together those fans who are passionate about live music. With more and more small to medium sized venues continuing to close around the country, Independent Venue Week supports those venues that play such a significant role to musicians and fans alike. There was no better way to mark Independent Venue Week than to combine the history of this beautiful medieval building with the most contemporary and interesting new electronic music from this part of the country.

Along with Venues and artists across the country Norwich Arts Centre marked Independent Venue Week with an explosive line up celebrating the venues autonomous, progressive programme and dedication to talent development with this exciting showcase. This was a fantastic night of Electronica at Norwich Arts Centre with headliners The Soft filling the venue with brilliant electronic music which had us dancing throughout their performance.

Sam Green and the Midnight Heist at Norwich Arts Centre

On the evening of Friday 10th January 2014 I attended the Sam Green and the Midnight Heist gig at Norwich Arts Centre with support from Feral Mouth and Serious Sam Barrett. This sold out gig was a great night for me to make my first visit to Norwich Arts Centre in 2014.

Sam Green and the Midnight Heist hail from the south of Devon. Their sound resonates with the delta blues of the old Mississippi bluesmen and Britain’s folk tradition old and new. The four piece, led by Sam Green, have spent the last six months relentlessly touring the south of England developing their sound and the songs on their new EP Miles Away.

Feral Mouth are an alternate Norfolk country string band. They formed officially in early 2010 following other related projects. The band take a large bit of their influence from old time country and bluegrass music as well as more contemporary styles too.

Serious Sam Barrett is a Country Folk singer from Leeds. He mixes songs about Yorkshire with Southern Folk with great results. His song writing contains echoes of the great blues masters such as Bukka White and Blind Willie McTell but also of American folk and country artists such as the Carter Family.

There was a great atmosphere at Norwich Arts Centre as Sam Green and the Midnight Heist, Feral Mouth and Serious Sam Barrett performed a great gig full of brilliant country sounds. All the artists seemed to be having as much fun as the audience members on a night full of fun for all.

Birds of Hell at Clutter City

On Saturday 14th December 2013 I saw Birds of Hell perform at Norwich Arts Centre for the Clutter City Yuletide Weekend. Birds Of Hell is the solo project of Pete Murdoch from Sargasso Trio.

Clutter City Market is a DIY Handmade Fair for creative independent crafters, artists and collectives to sell their work. The focus is on original and unique items including clothes, illustrations, jewellery, badges, sewn items, paper goods, prints, zines and more.

Inspired by the DIY handmade culture, Clutter City aims to bring the best of local talent to your doorstep. The Craft Fair is full of stalls, workshops, live music, DJs and take-out food and drink.

The highlight of the Birds of Hell set was the cover of In The Bleak Midwinter which was warmly received by the Clutter City audience. Norwich Arts Centre is lots of fun for Clutter City and is always well worth a visit.

Quasi at Norwich Arts Centre

On Thursday 12th December 2013 I attended the Quasi gig at Norwich Arts Centre with support from Girl in a Thunderbolt. This was the last Twee Off night after four years of amazing gigs and nearly one hundred different acts.

Girl in a Thunderbolt is Norwich singer Maria Uzor who gave us an amazing set of songs to warm us up for the main act. Tracks like War Cry, Dopamine and Runaway were very well received at the St. Benedict's Street venue.

Quasi are Ex-husband and wife Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss who were touring their latest album Mole City. They have an amazing history of being in acts as legendary as Sleater-Kinney, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Elliot Smith, John Doe, Pink Mountains, Wild Flag and Built To Spill. In addition they have played as Quasi for twenty years and released eight albums.

Quasi were brilliant and gave us a night of Visceral Trash Music. See You On Mars, Our Happiness Is Guaranteed and I Never Want to See You Again are all fantastic tracks. Quasi finished the gig with an encore of War Pigs and Let's Get It On covers. This was night when Norwich Arts Centre belonged to Portland, Oregon.

Yuck bring Glow and Behold to Norwich Arts Centre

The Yuck Glow and Behold Tour arrived at Norwich Arts Centre on Wednesday 20th November 2013 with support from Polterghost and Mega Emotion. I made my way to the St. Benedict's Street venue eagerly looking forward to this Twee Off gig headlined by the London based five piece.

Yuck are an indie rock band that originated in London, England. The band features Max Bloom, who formerly played in the band Cajun Dance Party along with former 'Yuck' member Daniel Blumberg. The band's self-titled debut album was released through Fat Possum in February 2011. Critics have likened the band to bands such as Dinosaur Jr, Pavement, My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. Their new album Glow and Behold was released in September 2013.

Yuck made this a night to remember at Norwich Arts Centre along with support from London's Polterghost and Norwich band Mega Emotion with their hit song Brains. The sounds of Alternative Rock filled the venue as Yuck brought us tracks from both their albums including Get Away and Rebirth from their new album Glow and Behold.

Ghostpoet at Norwich Arts Centre

On the evening of Thursday 10th October 2013 I attended the Ghostpoet gig at Norwich Arts Centre with support from No Ceremony and Sullivan and Gold. This gig was part of Norwich Sound and Vision Festival. I love both of Ghostpoet's albums, Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam and Some Say I So I Say Light and was greatly looking forward to seeing him live.

Sullivan and Gold is the pen name of Adam Montgomery and Ben Robinson who both hail from Co. Derry, Northern Ireland. Their sound is an evocative mix of Laurel Canyon soul and British alt-indie. Bold, atmospheric and emotive songs. Sullivan and Gold release their new album on Smalltown America, For Foes in the UK and Ireland on 4th November 2013.

No Ceremony are an Electronic three piece from Manchester. The band announced their arrival onto the musical landscape, with their track Hurt Love. 2012 saw the release of further songs which were all included on their summer 2013 debut album No Ceremony.

Ghostpoet is a singer and producer from Coventry. In June 2010, Ghostpoet released his first EP The Sound Of Strangers on Brownswood Recordings. He released his debut album Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam in February 2011. Ghostpoet's second album Some Say I So I Say Light was released in May 2013. Ghostpoet reminds me of Tricky with his mixture of Hip Hop and Electronica.

Ghostpoet was brilliant on the night but due to the late running of the show he had to cut his set short at Midnight. He told us he wanted to come back to the Norwich Arts Centre next year. No Ceremony and Sullivan and Gold were great as support on a night when Ghostpoet gave us a night to remember with his fantastic music.

Bare Feet Records Summer Showcase at Norwich Arts Centre

On the evening of Saturday 1st June 2013 I attended the Bare Feet Records Summer Showcase at Norwich Arts Centre which featured Port Isla, Heart of a Dog, Wooden Arms and Milly Hirst. This was a great opportunity for the label to present some of the finest artists they have been working with this year.

Bare Feet Records is an independent record label based in Norwich. They serve as an antidote to struggling independent artists and bands attempting to release their music to a wider market. Port Isla are a four piece Folk-Rock band from Norwich while Heart of a Dog also from the Fine City are an alternative – lo-fi – folk collective.

Wooden Arms are a Norwich based modern quartet while Milly Hirst who is originally from Cambridge, is now a prominent figure in the thriving Norwich folk scene. This was a wonderful mixture of musical styles to make this an interesting and enjoyable gig at Norwich Arts Centre.

During the evening there was the label's tradition of one of the members of the other acts making a guest appearance during each set with one of the best collaborations being Milly Hirst joining Wooden Arms on stage to perform Separate the Verb. Rose was the highlight of Milly Hirst's performance, a truly wonderful song. Wooden Arms gave us a taste of classical mixed with modern, which made for a unique sound.

Both Port Isla and Heart of a Dog gave us a more noisy sound in the second half of the gig which made for a fun time and dancing in the audience. The gig finished with all the acts on stage together greatly enjoying themselves. This was a fantastic night at Norwich Arts Centre showcasing the musical talent at Bare Feet Records.

Kidsuke at Norwich Arts Centre

Kidsuke brought us a night of electro treats along with Jealousguy, Maersk and The Boy With Two Heads on Saturday 17th November 2012 at Norwich Arts Centre. This was another Spectro event to get us moving on the dance floor.

Kidsuke is a collaborative project between the UK’s Kidkanevil and Japan’s Daisuke Tanabe. DJ/Producer Kidkanevil first came to prominence with the release of his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Problems and Solutions’ back in 2007, and has since gone from strength to strength.

Described by Bonobo as “like the best moments of RJD2 and Timbaland combined…incredible!” and “a sonic visionary” by iDJ, the kid has earned the praise and respect of numerous peers and journalists, counting the likes of DJ Shadow and Wire Magazine amongst his fans, and progressives Tokimonsta, Blue Daisy and Illum Sphere amongst his contemporaries.

Now three albums deep his latest offering ‘Basho Basho’ “deserves to put Kidkanevil right up there with Flying Lotus” (Knowledge Magazine) and sees him riding into town like a hi-tec hunter-gatherer, spearing, chopping and mixing beats in his own unique style.

This was a fun night at Norwich Arts Centre with Kidsuke bringing us DJ Shadow influenced beats. There was a brilliant atmosphere created at the venue as Kidsuke took us on an amazing electronica journey. This was progressive music at it's best. Well done Spectro on another successful event.

Seckou Keita at Norwich Arts Centre

Seckou Keita is a kora player and drummer from Senegal. He is a charismatic live performer and one of the few champions of the less-known and rhythmically rocking kora repertoire from Casamance in southern Senegal. On Saturday 3rd November 2012 I attended his concert at Norwich Arts Centre which was the finale of Norfolk Black History Month.

His new album Miro has just been released and this was the perfect night for Seckou Keita to showcase his music which is influenced by his West African roots and travels around the world. His music put smiles on everyone's faces and got lots of the crowd dancing on a night of positive vibes at Norwich Arts Centre.

Dub Me Tender!

On Wednesday 3rd October 2012 I attended the Dub Colossus Dub Band gig at Norwich Arts Centre. This was an exciting night to be at the St. Benedict's Street venue as the Dub Colossus Dub Band who are an fusion band with an inventive blend of Ethiopian jazz and traditional styles, dub reggae and atmospheric instrumentals put on a show to get us all dancing.

Dub Me Tender is the name of their latest album which they brought  to life on the Norwich Arts Centre stage. A full live dub band, this time based around the UK musicians involved in the project, has been put together. This latest version of the Dub Colossus live experience is designed to move the dancefloor in an uncompromising fashion, though still keeping that unmistakeable Ethiopian flavour. This event was part of Norfolk Black History Month 2012.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors

On Wednesday 30th November 2011 I made my way to Norwich Arts Centre for the showing of Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors with A Hawk And A Hacksaw playing a rescore of the soundtrack. This was a special show only being played at this beautiful Norwich venue along with The Barbican and All Tomorrow's Parties Festival.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is the first major work by the legendary Russian filmmaker Sergei Parajadnov. Hailed as a genius by the likes of Fellini, Antonioni and Tarkovsky, his films are as allegorical and mysterious as Byzantine frescos, each a beautiful riot of small movements within his almost always static frames.

For us lucky enough to be at Norwich Arts Centre it was a night to be taken to another world. The film is the story of a young Ukrainian peasant who marries the daughter of his father’s killer, loses her, falls into a long spiral of sadness and then remarries again, with tragic results. Paradjanov enriches the tale with occult imagery, swooping camerawork and a wide tableaux of breathtaking landscapes.

A Hawk And A Hacksaw the folk duo from New Mexico were brilliant on the night with their wonderful music making the perfect complement for this epic story. This was a unique evening that will be long remembered by the audience who showed their appreciation at the end with warm and loud applause.

Atongo Zimba bringing the Afrobeat!

On Thursday 6th October 2011 I made my way to Norwich Arts Centre for the Atongo Zimba gig. The World Music star from Ghana complete with his band brought us an evening of Afrobeat which had everyone at the St. Benedict's Street venue dancing and smiling throughout the night.

Atongo Zimba was taught to play the koliko or molo a two stringed calabash lute by his Grandfather at an early age in the savannahs of Northern Ghana. His family are cowherders and he would compose his own songs while minding the family's herd.

A wonderful night was had by all as Atongo Zimba made it his mission for the evening to make us all happy. His latest album is Sankuune the name of a dance which has him returning to his acoustic roots.

An Autumnal Affair!

On Saturday 3rd September 2011 it was An Autumnal Affair at Norwich Arts Centre with Clutter City complete with DIY craft fair with stalls, workshops, live music and food.

I had a delicious veggie burger for lunch before enjoying the music of the Tiger MC's and Chad Mason. This beautiful Norwich venue is always full of life on Clutter City Saturdays complete with fun and laughter.

Chad Mason wanted us to all stand up when we are happy and to sit down when we are sad. He may have been a long way from home but he always knows that he will be welcome at the Norwich Arts Centre Cafe Bar.

The Tiger MC's put us all in a happy clappy mood with their folk pop that had us floating on air across the Cafe Bar. A brilliant afternoon was had by all at Norwich's number one DIY Craft Fair.

The Hot Seats having fun!

On Monday night I attended The Hot Seats gig at Norwich Arts Centre. The band from Richmond, Virginia are a mixture of Bluegrass, Old-Time, Skiffle and Jug Band. Country Music with a smile and lots of fun!

With fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, double bass, drums and washboard we were all entertained with old fashioned sounds with songs like River Stay Away From My Door and Sam Stone. It was great to witness a washboard being played on stage.

A night for beards and checked shirts at Norwich Arts Centre when we all celebrated a Bluegrass Party and nobody cared if there were rats in the kitchen!

The Handsome Family turning on the dark!

Handsome Family making it a dark Americana Friday
the 13th at Norwich Arts Centre

Friday the 13th at Norwich Arts Centre was celebrated in dark Americana style by the Handsome Family and Daniel Knox. This is the third time I've seen Brett and Rennie Sparks at the St. Benedict's Street venue. They are always good value for money.

Daniel Knox was claiming that it was everyman for himself as he scared everyone in the audience with his dark lyrics. This definitely put us in the mood for the headliners the Handsome Family.

Brett and Rennie with their married couple banter between songs put smiles on our faces. It seems that they had good value at their hotel with the all you can eat menu. Brett's cover was blown by his hat as one of his fellow guests commented that he was not a local boy. Let's hope that the hotel was still standing after Rennie showed concern that it was a mistake for Brett to leave his shirt on a radiator.

If the world comes to an end it will be the Handsome Family who will soundtrack it. If it's the loneliness of magnets that you are at or an apartment in Chicago their country tingled songs will put you in a reflective mood as you try to work out the meaning of life. Another wonderful performance from the married duo in the Fine City.

Gig for Japan

On Wednesday night I was at Norwich Arts Centre for the Gig for Japan. The line-up for the evening was Smoke Fairies, Pixel H8 and James Broad. The gig was to raise funds for the Pray for Japan appeal.

James Broad let the Silver Sun in with his acoustic set which set us up to experience chip artist Pixel H8 who makes music from old vintage computers. He did his Knightrider drinking chocolate milk. He is The Master!

Headliners on the night were Smoke Fairies who were making their second appearance of the year at Norwich Arts Centre. This time they made it to Top Hat before the gig to purchase beards for the Royal Wedding. They want to be Kings! It was another brilliant set of Folk and Americana that had the audience asking for more.

A brilliant night of music that raised loads of money for the Pray for Japan appeal. Very much a night to remember at Norwich Arts Centre.

The Unthanks giving us North East delights!

The Unthanks keeping it folk at Norwich
Arts Centre

On Monday night The Unthanks headlined at Norwich Arts Centre with support from The Trembling Bells who took us on a Big Star journey with their experimental folk.

Rachel and Becky Unthank took to the stage and transported us to their Northumberland home singing happy and sad songs, well mostly sad songs to move us all. The Unthanks showcased their new recently released album Last.

They gave beautiful performances of Gan to the Kye, The Gallowgate Lad, Queen of Hearts and Close to the Coalhouse Door among others. We might have an Unthank Road in Norwich but that doesn't mean we can understand them.

On a number of occasions Rachel and Becky had to explain Geordie pronunciation to the audience including the line when I was young I lived in a hole but now I'm married and I've no home at all. This made a lot more sense when we were told that hole was hall.

Rachel was heavily pregnant so it was left to Becky to entertain us with her clog dancing. This was a delightful night of folk music at Norwich Arts Centre which I'm sure everyone in the sold out audience enjoyed very much.

Wu Lyf proving the hype!

Wu Lyf bringing their hits
to Norwich Arts Centre!

On Tuesday I was Norwich Arts Centre for the Wu Lyf gig with support from S Maharba who provided us with some psych-soul to warm us up for the main event.

Wu Lyf have kept an air of mystery around themselves and came to Norwich with lots of hype and expectations. Ellery Roberts introduced their set as their Disney hits. Heavy Pop indeed from these Mancunians.

They gave us a performance to make us think and maybe one day we will say we were at Norwich Arts Centre when Wu Lyf played. Spitting It Concreate Like The Golden Sun God got us all coming over dark like a rainy day in Manchester.

At the end of their set Ellery Roberts said that's all folks. This is not the last time we will hear from Wu Lyf who have that certain something about them to make them a special band.

Scottish Musical Treats!

KT Tunstall rocking Norwich UEA

It was a case of Oh Flower of Scotland this week in Norwich with KT Tunstall headlining Norwich UEA on Monday night with support from Pictish Trail. While on Tuesday night it was the turn of The Phantom Band to headline at Norwich Arts Centre with support from Found.

The UEA LCR was packed on Monday night for the visit of songstress KT Tunstall. In fact Pictish Trail was so keen to be there that he walked from the bus station! With a combination of acoustic guitars and electronic wizardry he suitably entertained us as we waited for the star of the night.

KT Tunstall played a great selection from her new album Tiger Suit released last year, as well as some songs from her previous two studio albums. She's got such great enthusiasm on stage that lifted the whole venue. Other Side of the World was performed with such brilliance proving her star quality. She told us that she loved Norwich and we all loved her back.

It was more experimental on Tuesday night at Norwich Arts Centre. Edinburgh band Found opened the night and were very well received by everyone in the auditorium. Headliners The Phantom Band from Glasgow brought us mix of The Beta Band and Bonnie Prince Billy taking us to a dark cold place. Those who were brave enough to accept their invitation were well rewarded with many sonic delights. Tonight Edinburgh and Glasgow were united as we all celebrated Scottish Indie Music.