News 2004

Toucan Club - Open Mic #Thursday 16th September

Last night I was joined by Caesar to play a brief set at the Toucan Open Mic night. We had to borrow a couple of guitars from the kindly organisers and luckily I had Jo's harmonica handy. We didn't waste any time and after a brief moment of guitar tuning I leapt head first into a song. Caesar soon followed.

We started to develop a feel for each other's styles and after a song or two we were sparring like the greatest of banjos. I blasted away on the harmonica while Caesar provided some complementary guitar melodies, adding a special flavour to songs he had never performed or even heard before. We managed about six in total and vowed to return, only next time we would bring a rehearsal or two of experience. DG

Mancurian Adventures #August bank holiday weekend

On Friday night Dan from Diego Garcia joined Damien from the Castlereagh Line to play an unannounced show at the Horse & Jockey in Chorlton. The brief set performed in the beer garden included songs by both bands, some old classics by the notorious Bubble-Bobble duo and a selection of covers by favourites such as the Lucksmiths and the Shins. Afterward the duo were invited to play an intimate show at an unknown location with a wonderful bunch of multicultural friends founded that very night.

Sunday was full of exciting surprises at the Fab Cafe on Portland Street. Although, unfortunately, Vinnie Peculiar's promised free CD never materialised. Eugene Kelly of the Vasolines was more then helpful in explaining where to buy nice leather satchels in Glasgow and what sort of harmonicas and odd-bits fit comfortably inside.

Alfie featured prominently on the evening as Dan and Damien were graced with the presence of the bassist and cellist riding into town on bus 86 before the show started. Afterwards at the Fab Cafe Lee Gorton was more then willing to divulge his bands new rehearsal regime, his views on potential Australian tours and releases, his feeling on Twisted Nerve and also some cigarettes. However, the most note worthy moment of the evening is awarded to Hazel "Hi I'm Hazel, Andy Rouke's girlfriend. You know, the Smiths?" and let's not forget a stunning atmosphere provided by the musicians of which Malcolm Middleton's set (omitting the 'Ryan Air song') and Eugene's rendition of 'jesus don't want me for a sunbeam' were highlights. DG

Floyds Cafe - Supernauts Support #Thursday 5 August

It was too hot to breathe on Thursday night but I somehow managed to sweat my way through a short set throwing in a couple of favourite covers, 'Black Umbrella' by Even and 'Cucurucucu Paloma' based on Caetano Veloso's brilliant version. The crowd was vaguely responsive and managed a clap or two in between songs. I vow to adventure more into the world of harmonica after successfully navigating my way through an upbeat country version of 'dirty money' also new song 'strawberry tunes' received a warm response.

The Supernauts are an interesting outfit. A cover of a song by the A.M was one of the highlights.

Alud is an unlikely but entertaining front man and Danny fills out the sound nicely with his keys. James Alexander better know as Jim was there for some record company clowns to evaluate. He bashed his way through a set on Jo's guitar and also yelled a bit. DG

Floyds Cafe - Glinka Support #Thursday July 2004

Chris is Glinka and he is also a genius. The sun does make everybodys hair amazing. Other favourites of the night included 'baby you're the one for me', 'tetrahederal eyes' and numerous other gems who's names escape me. As for my set, well who can say, I played mostly new material and some covers including 'pin stripe' by Prix Divers, 'J.C' by Powderfinger and 'marmalade' by the Grapes. Much thanks to Helen Wong for taking photos, some of which can be seen on the pictures page. This was also the first night I met Dylan, the king of the open mic night, after he swaggered in off the street to play an impromptu set. DG

Floyds Cafe - Kevin Dyer Support# Thursday June 2004

I opened up the night for Kevin Dyers single launch 'you've come to play'. The bar was packed and I drank too much wine. Kevin played with the support of Adam Gold, used his harmonica and sounded nice. DG