Adventures in Birmingham: Live music at Six Eight Kafé

Those of you who know me on Twitter will have noticed I’ve been to every single Live Music Friday evening at Urban Coffee Co but now I’m delighted there’s a second coffee house to embrace one of life’s pleasures.

I’ve loved live music in coffee shops ever since I first saw a man and a guitar at a late night coffee shop in NYC in 2000 and have been trying to recapture the experience ever since. Whilst popular in America, I used to go to listen to music every Sunday in New York, the first I’d seen in the UK (I’m sure there have been others) was at Urban‘s first location. It’s not just about having someone play but the right type of ‘coffee shop’ music.

Country, folk and jazz all lend themselves to the acoustic vibe that works best. Many of us loved the gypsy/jazz band (I don’t know the name, the band didn’t carry any cards!) we saw at Six Eight Kafe on their first birthday so we begged the management to run more candle-lit nights in their gorgeously dark basement.

Last Wednesday was the first of those nights when we were treated to more live music. The first band had an excellent acoustic set up and performed a mix of original material with covers and harmonious vocals. There is something special about going to events in a dimly lit room. Perhaps because it smacks of the illicitism of the prohibition era and so feels like we’ve been invited to an exclusive underground event.

This and the amazing coffee that the Six Eight coffee gods seem to produce every time makes it an essential addition to the Birmingham calendar.

Coffee & music, two of my favourite things; more please.

Adventures in Birmingham – Entertainment Heritage Walk

Entertainment Heritage Walk

I’ve lost count of how many ‘heritage walks’ I’ve now completed with the knowledgeable and witty Mr Ian Braisby but all have been enlightening and entertaining. The latest, on a sunny Sunday afternoon is to learn about Birmingham’s entertainment heritage.

Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Slade seemed to have played everywhere but we discover the old home of Snackerie. This is where bands in the 60s bands consumed  their pre and post gig unhealthy snacks and generally gossiped about evil promoters I suspect. Evidently a good place to pick up extra last minute gig bookings too!

I learn about Edward Fewtrell, ‘Mr Clubland’ from my earliest memories of my first time in Birmingham. I certainly recall a visit or two to Edwards bar around that time and the reputation Mr Fewtrell had. It’s interesting to hear of the story about an early Texas gig when they played at an Edwards club with a backdrop of a water leak! More so, I didn’t realise Edwards venues went back as far as the 1970s and that where Gala bingo behind New Street station is, was an upmarket cabaret style venue that hosted Tom Jones. Apparently it didn’t work in the early 1970s but with Ronnie Scott’s long gone, I’d love something like that in the city now.

On the theatre side Birmingham’s Theatre Royal on New Street (where Boots is now) is long gone but the gorgeous Hippodrome is flourishing and we learn of Laurence Olivier’s earliest performances at the still standing (old) Birmingham Rep.

We all know the history of the scrumptious once again, Electric being the oldest working cinema in the UK but did you know that the Cannon, formerly the Futurist around the corner was the first to have ‘talkies’? And that where Piccadilly Arcade is now was the Picture House and there was also the ABC cinema on New Street?

Crossroads is well known to have been filmed in Birmingham and we learn there was a famous wedding scene filmed at Birmingham cathedral that not only stopped traffic but received 22 million viewers – beat that x-Craptor! Later, TisWas was filmed in Birmingham launching the mainstream careers of Chris Tarrant (but why does he have a Broad Street star?!) and the eternally brilliant Lenny Henry. I learn my favourite building in Birmingham, the Alpha Tower at the edge of Broad Street was built for ATV, before it became Central Television. Nowadays all TV talk is of the Hustle being filmed on my doorstep whilst pretending it’s in London.

Discovering Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show came to New Street is indeed mind blowing but it’s two hours and towards the end of the tour when we get to Duran Duran, the reason for my coming to Brum in the first place. They are mentioned of course when we get to Broad Street, home of the Rum Runner Club where they first rehearsed and were subsequently managed by the owners.

Incidentally, the same place also hosted Dexy’s Midnight Runners and UB40 in the early years.

Who knew? There is so much more, book in on a tour here

For more information  www.midlandsdiscoverytours.co.uk  or chat on Twitter @ianbraisby or follow @MidsDiscovery

Adventures in Birmingham – Music Mayhem

Supporting live/local music

I didn’t set out to break any records but if I did, it will be to hear as much live music as possible. Starting at my own event, Birmingham Vintage Fair to the end of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival last Sunday, this is the lowdown:

June 25^th        Birmingham Vintage Fair

OK I booked them but I had not seen them live so I’m as impressed as everyone else:

Naked Remedy – does psychedelic blues describe them? Whatever, once I’ve got past how well the lead singer sings, while drumming, whilst keeping hold of the audience I realise this trio can make a lot of noise and all of it good, all of it original.

Dakesis – to bring the other side of the early 1970s in, this 5 piece pull together two electrifying sets incorporating some glam rock covers along with a couple of their own. All bought the house down & I ‘m particularly pleased when I see ‘20^th Century Boy’ on their set list. Ever since I saw other local favourites, The Whiskey Syndicate include it in their amazing set, it’s become a bit of an anthem in planning BVF. I’m looking forward to the fireworks they have in their real set!

June 28^th         The Actress & Bishop

??? who were they??!

Rebecca & The Roses – one to look out for.

Naked Remedy – again, because they were so good I couldn’t resist a little trip to my local venue to see them (just two of them) unveil their acoustic set. Yes they really do live in the 1970s, it wasn’t just for BVF and the acoustic set just as good with a little hint of gospel in the vocals. LOVE.

June 30^th         Hare & Hounds

Pharmatronik –  duo comprising guitarist & bassist/singer with a drum machine(?!), don’t get it but somewhat entertaining

Scholars – pretty darn good although they’re not local!

This Burning Age – LOVE LOVE LOVE – you already know how I feel so there’s nothing to add.

But I will anyway. It was a little special going to the shrine that is Hare & Hounds for the first time so I’m not sure if that bought the extra emotion, or just because I’m still in a post-BVF dream state or just because they’re that good.

Of all the gigs on this list, this is the only one I had to go out of town for. All the others are within walking distance proving there is so much in the city, I never need to leave it. Except for this lot, of course.

July 1^st                        Urban Coffee Co, Live Music Friday

Fingerprint – On the first Friday of each month, there is no need to miss live music at the local coffee house and this month it’s the entertaining duo Fingerprint. Always a pleasure to support ‘Live Music Friday’ but must I explain every month that we’ve come especially to hear the music?? Musicians always assume we are there for coffee/chat and they’re interrupting us. Have faith!

And now it’s on to a highlight of my year, Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival.

July 2^nd           Lord Clifden

Zingaros New Gypsy Tango (Argentina) A good start to ‘Jazz week’

 followed by:   Fredericks

New Orleans Jump Band (Spain) My first time in this relatively new place in my ‘hood. I saw these cats last year at Hotel Du Vin. They went on longer this time (past my midnight curfew) and demanded a bit too much (shouldn’t really require anything from your audience other than maybe, attention) but still extremely entertaining and a good spot for music.

3^rd                    Hotel Du Vin

Teens Jazz Band Velke Losiny (Czech Republic) Hotel Du Vin was last year’s highlight but this year, they’ve changed the rules and there is no table service and no bar food. Plus, unless you get a seat by the stage, you have to look across Sunday lunch diners to see the band. For me, a formal meal and watching a band just do not mix. A good band though.

4^th                    Urban Coffee – JQT

Will Scott (USA) – A first for live music in Urban JQ and it works plus it’s standing room only; pretty good for 4pm on an admittedly steamy Monday afternoon. It has to be an American singer/song writer for Fourth of July and one that sings bluesy country – perfectly.

5^th                          Lord Clifden

Will Scott (USA) – he is so good in fact that we go back to see Mr Scott the next day doing a full gig. This is the highlight of the week; supported ably in the promotion and backing singer stakes by the lovely Jan Bell who somehow manages to spot the country fan in me and gives me her details too, when we line up at the back of the queue to buy CDs.

Three sets, one encore and the crowd still want more of the stories in between each song. Value for money, particularly as it’s free.

6^th                    Lord Clifden

Brooks Williams (USA/UK) – the second of our three nights residency at Lord Clifden and an even bigger crowd for two fantastic bluesy sets from this USA born, UK based guitarist.

7^th                    CBD Food Festival & Lord Clifden

Lewis Floyd Henry (UK) – both times late, both times disappointing and yet still the crowd applaud him. There is none of the chat between tracks we’d gotten used to. They really shouldn’t quote Hendrix in his profile.

8^th                    Waters Edge, BrindlyPlace

Djabe (Hungary)- the first time I make the live music at the bandstand and these guys are perfect for outdoors music.

9^th A night off!

10^th                  Hotel Du Vin

Bourbon Street Stompers (Germany) – we save one of the best to last. A full jazz band from Germany with plenty of action and patter to keep us going– who knew? Another highlight and a fitting end to my week of Jazz & Blues.

For each act I’ve seen, I’ve felt as though I have travelled around the world and through time, from New Orleans and Memphis to the 1920s and 1960s. I feel mightily blessed to have all this right on my door step.

16 artists, 16 days, 13 gigs

Right, what’s the next fest, OxJam?

Music Monday: V is for Luther Vandross

I’ve been through the alphabet twice now, this time ending with the sublime talent that was Luther Vandross. Inspiration to many, loved by all.

So many to choose from:

1. Never Too Much – an all time classic

2. Give Me The Reason 

3. Stop to Love

4. So Amazing

5. Dance with My Father – will always be emotional as it was the last single whilst he was alive

More Luther Vandross here

This Burning Age – A Muzzle for the Masses (CD)

So finally I get hold of this CD……

Having seen the band perform acoustically at Urban Coffee and then live at The Actress & Bishop hearing the CD is the last vital piece.

Just like at the proper live gig I recognised a few tracks from the acoustic set, I recognise a lot of these tracks and in particularly, Stronger, Faster, Fitter and the beautiful album closer, Honey are already lodged in my brain.

The first listen is an absolute treat on an early Sunday afternoon but by the end, I just have to sit down and give listening to this my 100%.

The second listen sees me stop in my tracks; literally, I let the coffee go cold and the phone go unanswered and the little red flashing light is ignored. How can there be this much talent right here on this one debut album?!

Influence wise, I hear Bowie (although that should have been bleeding obvious from the off) which leads me on to Bauhaus which leads me on to Muse. Otherwise, I can’t/won’t define them but if they’re really are only two types of music, file this album in ‘good’, right at the top.

NB If you know me, you know I don’t like to know too much about the band/film before I write about it so have now looked up their influences. Bowie is indeed right at the top (but then he’s influenced EVERYONE) followed by Muse, Gary Numan, Joy Division, New Order, The Cure and rather delightfully The Pet Shop Boys. Who doesn’t love the PSB!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Live Music Friday – This Burning Age

Yes I know, I said I wouldn’t write about local bands on here again.

Last time, despite me saying I’d enjoyed the gig, that I went out of my way to leave my beloved B5 enclosure to get to Moseley upon a recommendation and that my only point was that I wished they’d done some of their own material, I had so much ‘disapproval’ for the post – not from the band – I had to delete it!

I know that won’t happen with This Burning Age as 1. They seem like well bought-up boys and 2. Their parents weren’t at the gig.

So to start with, I don’t necessarily review music in the traditional sense, I just say what I like and try to omit anything negative. After all, I was bought up not to open my mouth – or the laptop – if I haven’t got anything nice to say.

As it turns out, it’s all positive.

Firstly, I’m grateful for Urban Coffee Co for starting Live Music Fridays (yes, I know I begged for live music when they first opened) and will always be there with as many people as I can drag – I mean invite –on the first Friday of every month.

Then I’m grateful my train got me back in time from London, as my meeting changed to Friday (how rude) and I had to spend a fortune on a peak time ticket but its worth it.

I’m pleased that the band were a little late starting as I only dashed in just before 7pm and it was great to catch up with the girls first as I haven’t seen them in a while, what with April being full of the Vancouver Adventure.

Acoustic

This Burning Age are fab. Knowing that they are more ‘lively’ ordinarily, I spend most of the time during their acoustic set trying to imagine how the tracks sound with the proverbial thrashing electric guitars and drums. I’m quite taken with the electronic drum thingamygy; I think it will fit well in my kitchen, just so the room is used for something other than making coffee and storing cake.

The music, which (and this is why I dislike like writing about music despite it being my greatest love – the inevitable comparisons) has  the angst of Nirvana, the theatrics of Muse mixed with good humour in between. What impresses me is the ‘customer service’. It takes something to relate to a small audience who are new to the band and in an unusual venue. I love live music anywhere but in a coffee shop, the gig needs to be a little more chilled out and This Burning Age got this down perfectly; except for not having any CDs to sell us!

We all loved the gig and a couple of us went home and looked up more of the band’s actual music.

I’m looking forward to 4^th June at my local Actress & Bishop, where I hope the band remembers copies of their CDs(!) With any luck, I’ll convince a few people to come out all the way to B14 no less, for the gig at the Hare & Hounds on the 30^th. I’ve been in Birmingham two years and have still to visit this renowned venue; shame on me.

End Game – Acoustic Gig – Urban Coffee Co. – 06-05-11 from This Burning Age on Vimeo.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 28 – A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty

No question, this one is Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

It always reminds me of breaking up with my ex-husband.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 27 – A Song That You Wish You Could Play

Can I have all ove them? Every song that’s ever been heard?

Ok, today’s choice is Bruce Springsteen’s Hungry Heart.

I can imagine a good sing-along around the piano to that one

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 26 – A Song That You Can Play on an Instrument

Silent Night

This one is pushing it, I learnt to play it when very young on the piano. I can probably play it now with one finger

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 25 – A Song That Makes You Laugh

The Osmonds – Crazy Horses

Only because it reminds me of a company do with a 1970s theme, which I obviously organised.

I have a clear vision of me and others – much older than myself- head banging to it. Yes we thought we were hilarious.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 24 – A Song That You Want Played at Your Funeral

I want lots of happy songs at my funeral. I want it to be a celebration of my lovely life and for people to remember the fun times. I’ve had a great life (so far!) and I celebrate that fact every day, I’d love the funeral to represent that.

So obvioulsy there’ll be Abba’s Dancing Queen as that’s the one every one will remember me by. That should be played as they are heading off down to the pub.
But before that, I want them to hear this: (tissues at the ready)

I always meant to find the country original, as per most of Mr Keating’s tunes

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 23 – A Song That You Want Played at Your Wedding (Or Had Played At Your Wedding)

Day 23 and we reach my all time favourite artist. Like Madonna, I could have put a Bryan Adams track on here almost every day.
I had all sorts of random tracks sneakily added to my wedding, which I themed Goodfellars so technically it would have been sixties music, not my favourite era. I booked the band, my ex-husband’s best mate’s based on the promised they would play Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’.
And then there was this
Bryan Adams – There Will Never Be Another Tonight

30 Songs in 30 Days:Day 22 – A Song That You Listen to When You’re Sad

It takes 22 days to reach Lady Madonna?

Just like when I’m angry, the first thing I think of is not to put on any particular track, but this will sure help me get back on track.

Book – Just Kids, Patti Smith

More often than not, I make brief notes when I’m reading a book making the review a little easier. I didn’t in this case.

I’m besotted from the minute I start reading it and just didn’t want to stop mid-sentence to write any words.

It tells the story of Ms Smith’s growing up, or rather growing of age in New York and as the wonderful cover depicts, with soul mate Robert Mapplethorpe. There is a little on both their backgrounds which wonderfully sets the scene of all their escapades from the late 1960s until the time of Robert’s death in 1989.

Their first break was being accepted into New York’s Chelsea Hotel where all of the artists of the day lived, even if they could afford their own place. Testimony to this is that the couple, as they sometimes were and other times just inseparable best friends, that when they could afford it, they took on two rooms opposite the hotel in which to work and sleep but still kept their room at the Chelsea, to use the bathroom if nothing else.

What their work was going to be was unknown up until they moved into the Chelsea, where the manager accepted residents who where penniless in exchange for art or other work. Robert always seemed destined to be an artist of some kind whereas Patti started with poetry, dabbled in art and acting before finally putting her words together with music.

There is a tinge of sadness throughout; poverty, heartbreak and deaths, most notably of Joni Mitchell, Jimmi Hendrix and Andy Warhol litter their lives when they finally join the much coveted membership to New York’s bohemian artsy scene they so craved. Patti surprisingly, especially in those times, stayed away from drugs and drinking and came out of this destructive yet hugely creative period of the 1970s relatively unscathed. She even went on to have two children with her late husband, Fred Sonic Smith whilst maintaining her beautiful friendship with Robert. They were true soul mates.

I just adore every moment of this beautiful book that is essentially about friendship.

8½/10

Smile factor 9/10

 

From the jacket:

Just Kids starts as a love story and ends as a elegy. It serves as a salute to New York City during the late sixties and seventies, and to it’s rich and poor, its hustlers and hellions. A true fable, it is a portrait of two young artists ascent, a prelude to fame.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 21 – A Song That You Listen To When You’re Happy

Its day 21, about time for my favourite track, from my favourite band, from my favourite album. If I had to choose just one.

In reality, almost all songs make me happy, that’s why I listen to music all day long but I have chosen this as its sad, so I enjoy it more when I’m especially pleased with life. Hence it has barely left the deck in the last couple of weeks.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 20 – A Song That You Listen to When You’re Angry

I don’t get angry now but in my teenage years, I remember having this loud really helped. Anyway, it’s a way of getting one of my all time top10 fave tracks into this:

Billy Idol – Rebell Yell

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 19 – A Song From Your Favourite Album

This is not one of my favourite artists but one of my favourite albums and the only way a Spicegirl will get mentioned here! I think the album is loaded with a variety of tunes and as with many first albums, it’s a real mix.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 18 – A Song That You Wish You Heard on the Radio

I haven’t managed to get Duran Duran in yet and we’re on Day 18!
Still love this track from their first album and although they have been surprising us by popping in old album tracks recently, haven’t heard this one live yet.

Album version

Night version

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 17 – A Song That You Hear Often on The Radio

This one is easy, any thing by Adele.
Every hour, every day, every week for ever and ever. Except Kerrang, thank goodness for Kerrang Radio.

30 Songs in 30 Days: Day 16 – A Song That You Used to Love but Now Hate

Hate is a strong word. When I start disliking songs it’s usually quite quickly after I hear them and most often because they are played far too much on the radio. I know this because I listen to the radio all day long.

New Years Day – U2

It’s more that I loved U2 for the first few albums – they were even one of my ‘top 5 artists’ for a time. I loved New Years Day when it came out but soon after that I went right off the band. I can tolerate them far more than Coldplay though.

30 Songs in 30 Days:Day 15 – A Song That Describes You

This is the favourite of all my ‘theme’ songs.

Adventures in Birmingham: OxJam Oct 16th 10

OxJam: Takeover

Today I finally participate in an OxJam event; the OxJam Takeover

“40 bands, 6 venues, 1 great cause”

Still relatively new to Birmingham and not knowing many fellow musos, the £4 advanced ticket enables me to sell the idea to some of my new friends. Surprised but delighted that all 5 of my spare tickets are snapped up we meet at the Yardbird to collect our ’bracelets’ and listen to the first band whilst standing in gorgeous October sunshine.

I was keen to visit the Flapper as I’d heard it was a great little live venue. Apart from my request to see Tom Peel at the Victoria later, we all agree to go with the flow and haven’t bothered to read up on any of the bands beforehand.

We are told on entering the Flapper the first band is ‘quite rocky’ and as they set up on stage, I feel they have the look. Had we done our homework, one of our group wouldn’t have had a near heart attack as they launch loudly into their set. Scouting for Girls are ‘quite rocky’ Soni-quella are some kind of metal. I’m happy with most types of metal but not the kind where vocals are barked and not sung but that’s just me. The music is good and they seem like a nice bunch of young boys.

We then have a little folksy reprieve across the road at The Prince of Wales with Mike Smith although I don’t think they really know OxJam is going on before we head across town to some poetry (Jodi Ann Bickley) at Cafe Blend. Neil Ward, the soloist that follows is great and I melt comfortably into my chair give his tunes due attention. It is a shame only a few can actually see the stage but it is good place to hear some soft tunes and you know I’m a big fan of live music in coffee shops.

Of course all day I’m looking forward to seeing my first live music at the Victoria and more particularly Tom Peel. I’m pleased to catch the last couple of tracks from Savant beforehand but Mr Peel did live up to the hype and creates the highlight of the day. A few of us have been out since 24 Carrots Farmers market at JQT this morning so we don’t make it to Island Bar but I’ve been there before anyway. Today is about giving us a taste of a few more of Brum’s little live venues.

More OxJam takeovers please, next time they’ll be 12 of us. At least.