First things first, I'd never been to the Trans European Cafe in my life. What a nice surprise I got when we wandered in. It bright and airy, with old maps on the walls and old train seats at the tables. Ive traveled a fair bit of Europe, and they've definitely got the look they're going for. There's a decent selection of good beers at not too steep prices, and the staff are lovely. I've been in a couple of times since, I was that impressed. My first visit was to see this gig, one of a very few folk nights that I have been to.
Anyway, first up was Roscoe Vacant. After the first song, I was fairly sure I was going to hate his set. He stood with his keyboard, pounding out a song, half singing, half shouting. But then, I started to really watch him. I'll admit, I'm still not mad keen on his voice, but, gee, the guy can perform. He throws himself about as much as it appears to be humanly possible whilst playing the guitar or the keyboard. His music is loud and, for lack of a better term, jaunty. The couple of quiet songs he played were actually really nice, but they don't suit his voice as much. Its just really good fun to watch him. I've listened to his music on MySpace since and its definitely the kind of thing that grows on you. I think that, in the end, I actually enjoyed his set the most, because he was just so bizarre. Catch him on MySpace
here
Next up was Kenny Leckie. I'm still not very sure what I think of him. In general had the best voice of the four, but his was an odd set. When he was good, he was excellent, but when he was bad, he was just plain mediocre. He did a really good cover of Reuben's 'Good Luck' however, and I really got into some of his songs. One song in particular which really showed off his voice was a lovely surprise, but I can't for the life of me remember the name of it and it doesn't appear to be on his MySpace, which is a real shame. His voice has got a really, really good range and when he gets into his stride he's fantastic. His recorded music that I have since listened to is very good, so I'm not sure whether he just had a bit of an off night for the first part of his set. I'd go see him again though. Definitely. You can hear some of his work
here
Dave Hughes was up next. I've liked Dave's stuff for a while but never had the chance to see him. Again, I wouldn't say Dave has technically the best voice, but its an interesting one and his performance was full of gusto. The room totally warmed to him as he grinned his way through his set, throwing his guitar into some impressively odd angles. Also, he pulled out his harmonica for a couple of songs, which is something I've never actually seen before, and I really enjoyed it. "I'm not too fond of love songs" is something he openly admits. However, his songs have some really impressive lyrics. I particularly like Malaga Airport. Dave had organised the gig himself, and handpicked the artists because he really liked the music they make. His passion for music is evident, and he's again, great fun to watch. Catch him
here
Last up was Robert Blake. An American with a bowler hat and a waistcoat, which he actually managed to pull off. Impressively. Before the start of his set, I had leaned over to tell him we'd be leaving halfway through and not to be offended - we were right next to him so I thought it was polite. He thanked me and asked my name. Anyway, he was pretty different from the rest. Of course, there was the change of accent, but its the way he sings. His voice is very, very deep, and he half sings, half talks. But it works. I've been listening to some more of his music since, and I really like it. It kind of reminds me almost of a cross between E and Johnny Cash. Listen yourself though, and make up your own mind. So, anyway, I really enjoyed the half of his set I caught. He was probably the best guitar player there - some of his music left me open-mouthed. As I started to get up to go, though, he turned to us and said 'Oh, I know whats going on here.' Then proceeded to sing a song about me! I even got a round of applause as I left, to the tune of 'Raaaccchhhaaaaeeelll'. Amazing! You can find his music
here
I'll look out for the next gigs Dave's going to put on, because I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I would urge you to do the same.
I've passed it on to the other guys.
I'm glad you liked my set! I hope you will come to love me and my music, bizarre as it may seem!
