Mostly Jazz Fest

Michah Blue Smaldone / Cian Nugent

January 5th, 2011  |  Published in Listings

Ears ringing from a once thriving New England punk scene where he was a founding member of the political punk band The Pinkerton Thugs , Micah withdrew and emerged a few years later with solo releases which incorporate a wide variety of influences from country blues  to neo-traditional folk music  With the encouragement of Maine’s super-group Cerberus Shoal, Micah released his first solo recording “Some Sweet Day” in the spring of 2003. In 2005 he released “Hither and Thither”. Bollard Magazine wrote – “If ever a collection of songs captured the palpable sense of unease felt in these days of terror levels and loved ones fighting a needless war, it is Hither and Thither.”, 2008′s “The Red River”, was mostly written upon returning from an 11 week, 50 show Euro tour in the winter of 2007, particularly around heavy experiences in the Balkan and Baltic countries. This album confronts the malevolence we’ve come to accept in our nature perhaps more out of cynicism than of true understanding. It tells hard tales gently, and in the end offers faith in our capacity for goodness  Cian Nugent is a young guitar player and composer from Dublin who combines personal passions, such as pre-war blues, traditional musics, late 1960s & ’70s singer-songwriters, jazz ambitions, modern composition and the Takoma school into a deeply personal style. His music boasts an orchestrated and fully instrumented sound that is playful and eerie at the same time. In the past he has toured with people such as Jack Rose, Glenn Jones, Ben Reynolds, Nalle, The Family Elan, George Stavis, Jozef van Wissem, C Joynes, Peter Delaney, Thinguma*jigSaw and James Blackshaw throughout Europe and the United States. In 2011, Cian will release his first album proper ‘Doubles’, two extended tracks where his compositional and playing skills are demonstrated in full glorious effect – this is a young guitarist who has a depth way beyond his years and this album will, we believe, bring him the widespread recognition that’s waiting for him. The recordings , in their expansive intricacy and ambition, are comparable to the likes of Basho at their very best.

“Spare, simple playing that is rich with emotion and truly beautiful.” – Other Music

Woods / Spectrals / The Doozer

January 5th, 2011  |  Published in Listings

WOODS are primarily the duo of Jeremy Earl (owner of Fuck It Tapes and Woodsist) and Jarvis Taveniere (Meneguar and Wooden Wand), and aided live by friends G. Lucas Crane on tape effects and Kevin Morby.

Jeremy’s Brooklyn based label, Woodsist, has recently released Vivian Girls, Wavves, Kurt Vile, Sic Alps and Crystal Stilts, among many others.

WOODS released their debut UK single on Half Machine Records on Monday 10th August 2009. The lo-fi Flying Nun-esque,‘To Clean’, is backed with the skeletal psych folk of exclusive acoustic version, ‘Rain On’, recorded live on WVKR radio.

Both tracks feature on their recently released fourth album, ‘Songs of Shame’, released through their own Woodsist label and cassette tape label Shrimper.

“Consistently awesome lo-fi pop” – Gorilla vs Bear

“A distinctive blend of spooky campfire folk, lo-fi rock, homemade tape collages, and other noisy interludes, all anchored by deceptively sturdy melodies.” – Pitchfork

www.myspace.com/woodsfamilyband

Spectrals

Spectrals, the brainchild of L; a stand-up guy from a small town near a few bigger ones in the top half of the UK. With a heart firmly wrapped up in doo wop, girl groups and not a little tape hiss fuzz, Spectrals is a one-man teen dream with Rat Pack flair and a punk rock eye. When not getting upset over people talking about his band on the internet, Spectrals has been known to enjoy Red Bird & Cash Money Records, “Slush” based beverages, writing to Phil Spector in prison, and NYHC in the 1980s.
http://www.myspace.com/spectralspectral

The Doozer

“A recent show that blew all attending asses out of the water was a short gig by a Cambridge UK duo known as The Doozer. The Doozer actually seems to be one guy, and his playing partner is called Ben, but never you mind. Anyway, they have a new LP out on Siltbreeze called Great Explorers (the CD is on the UK Pickled Egg label) and it is a gas and a pleasure of great dimensions. The lazy man’s way to review it to call it a bridge between Syd B and Chris Knox, carrying all the weird damage and superb left field pop motion that implies. The earlier single, “Conversations/Stone Houses” (Doozer Industries) carried whiffs that are fully explored hereon. There is also an earlier LP on Pickled Egg, Sheet Music. We can’t lie and claim we’ve heard it, but there’s no way it’s not a stunner as well”. – Byron Coley / Thurston Moore

http://www.myspace.com/thedoozerman

Alasdair Roberts / Cath & Phil Tyler

September 20th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

“You know in Jurassic Park how they make the beasts from the DNA found in the dinosaur blood sucked up by mosquitoes who’d been crystalised in amber for millions of years? Ali Roberts was probably made in a similar way. Except in his case they extracted some ancient Celtic minstrel’s DNA and perfectly recreated him for the heartless consumption of an uncaring 21st-century audience. His boundless talent seems sadly squandered on you all”. – Vice Magazine

Andy White / Barry Hunt / Blain Weller

September 9th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

His new album ‘Songwriter’ could be his best yet and it certainly marks another high in a long and outstanding career. ’This international treasure is a storyteller in the classical mould who weaves his words with gorgeous melodies and wry humour. Blisteringly romantic without being sentimental.’ The Stage

Andreya Triana (Live) & Norman Jay (Good Times Set)

August 5th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

LEFTFOOT PRESENTS…

ANDREYA TRIANA (LIVE)

NORMAN JAY (GOOD TIMES SET)

http://www.myspace.com/andreyatriana

http://www.normanjay.com/

FRIDAY 29TH OCTOBER – £10ADV / MOTD

An experimental and self taught singer and songwriter originally hailing from South East London, Andreya Triana grew up submerged in a multicultural atmosphere. A unique vocalist, Andreya begun singing at the tender age of 7 taking influence from the sights and sounds of inner city London. Her early love and passion for music would see her locked in her bedroom for hours on end writing poetry, making homemade mix tapes and recording tracks – utilising two battered cassette decks to record harmonies.

Her early love of improvisation would warp and change over the years, hugely influencing her ‘Freeflo Sessions’ – a hypnotic one woman show using a sampler to loop vocals, percussive sounds and beats live. To date she has taken her Freeflo Sessions worldwide, dazzling audiences far and wide with her cutting edge and soulful performances.

Multiple collaborations ensued daily, ‘Tea Leaf Dancers’ a collaboration with glitchy hip hop producer Flying Lotus (released on Warp Records) was a product of this and has been her most successful musical venture to date. Hailed as a classic while getting rave reviews from Benji B and Gilles Peterson while getting airplay on Annie Mac’s Radio One show. It was this track that also caught the attention of Ninja Tune stalwart Bonobo.

Norman Jay is an innovative and pioneering British DJ. He first came to prominence playing unlicensed or ‘warehouse’ parties in the early 1980s, such as Shake ‘n’ Fingerpop.

His diverse and deep musical knowledge and his refusal to be restricted to playing from any single genre distinguishes him from his peers. He is commonly attributed to coining the phrase ‘rare groove’.

Jay established himself through the London pirate radio station Kiss FM, which he co-managed alongside Gordon Mac and George Power. He is an established regular at the Big Chill festival where his Sunday afternoon slot on the main stage is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the weekend.

His Good Times Sound System, is a major attraction to many music fans who attend the Notting Hill Carnival . Good Times now attracts an estimated 3,000 revellers a day during the carnival. Good Times has also extended into a series of compilation CDs.

Jay describes himself as a primarily house music DJ, but the Good Times sound includes classic 70s and 80s funk, soul and jazz-funk.

http://www.myspace.com/andreyatriana

http://www.normanjay.com/

http://hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/

https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/venues/?id=685

Buy Tickets for ANDREYA TRIANA & NORMAN JAY from TheTicketSellers.co.uk

Girlyman

June 24th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

Girlyman is an American folk-rock band formerly based in Brooklyn, New York but now mostly living in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Heartbreakingly beautiful. Theirs is a sound you could happily drown in” Maverick Magazine 2010 “Just when you really get into the groove of the best new folk-rock band to appear on the scene since Ani DiFranco reinvented the “one girl, one guitar” routine, Little Star is over. At the end of “This Is Me,” you’re abandoned, left howling for more; naked, crazy, and prepared to hunt down Ty, Nate, and Doris so you can make them sing to you all day long. Then the repeat function on your stereo kicks in, and your inner beast is calmed for another 46.4 minutes.” Boston Edge

The Music Room with Ramblin’ Pony, Strumpit, Bernadette O’Grady

June 8th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

“With pounding drums, emotive vocals and weaving raw guitars, Ramblin’ Pony redefine the raw power of the blues for the next generation. The roots of blues are explored and the boundaries tore down to create a sound both familiar and cutting edge. Welcome to the new blues generation with Ramblin’ Pony!”“With pounding drums, emotive vocals and weaving raw guitars, Ramblin’ Pony redefine the raw power of the blues for the next generation. The roots of blues are explored and the boundaries tore down to create a sound both familiar and cutting edge. Welcome to the new blues generation with Ramblin’ Ponyy!”

Strumpit are:Andy Bucknall – Guitar/Vocals, Madi Stimpson – Guitar/Vocal, Michael Lacoult – Double Bass They were formed in 2008 and have spent the last two years honing their ‘Manouche’ style of Swing Jazz on stage and in the street. Andy and Madi are both accomplished guitarists and it is the interplay between them that has become their unique selling point.

Bernadette O’Grady is an acoustic singer-songwriter from North Ireland, who now lives in West Wales. She began writing and performing songs, whilst living in New York, influenced at the time by both Irish and American artists. Her material ranges from contemporary storytelling to more reflective and soulful songs performed with honest emotion. Bernadette has gained an excellent reputation on the UK acoustic scene for her exceptionally fine songwriting, intricate guitar-playing, and distinctively beautiful vocals. One of her songs was featured in the independent Irish film ‘Just Another Miracle’ and broadcast as part of UTV’s 50th Anniversary Short Film Festival. “She’s Fantastic”, Ulster Television / “Top-drawer singer-songwriter”, Kontra Roots / “Beautiful and intimate music”, Soundbites

The Music Room with De’Borah, Boat To Row, Tom Peel

June 8th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

Growing up in a musical family naturally evoked the discovery of the enchanting voice and inspired creativity heard within the songs of De’Borah. With influences from Alicia Keys and Eva Cassidy, De’Borah started singing and writing at age 11. As she hit her teens the sound of Keane’s ‘Bedshaped’ on the radio, (literally) spun her around to a world of indie and later rock music. A wide range of artists have since inspired her songs and musical style-such as Joni Mitchell, The Police and John Mayer. De’Borah’s songs are filled with sincerity, warmth and a vulnerability that allows her to remarkably inspire and engage with an audience. As a recent graduate of the BRIT School for Performing Arts, which produced acts like Katie Melua, Amy Winehouse and Adele, she continues to grow and take her music to higher levels. In 2009, De’Borah released her 5-Track EP ‘Seasons’. ‘De’Borah…delivers beautifully written songs with a gorgeous clear voice in a completely unaffected way.’ The Event Umbbrella

Boat To Row formed in May 09′ from Nuneaton and play folk music that encourages you to tap your toe in time. Chief songwriter Michael King began writing after his grandmothers record collection was passed down to him. After digesting the likes of Donovan, Joan Baez, Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan as well as current artist Fionn Regan, he began to craft his own songs with a longing to write songs that “Are just nice to listen to” writing about what any 21 year old would: love; loss; friendships and life. The current E.P ‘Crossroads’ will be released on the 17th of May on a limited Tape Run courtesy of label Danger! Lazer! Phaser! Razor! with more released planned throughout the year.

Perhaps the most entertaining musician in the world! Tom Peel writes abstact folk music that takes in everything from Americana through to Warp Records-esqe experimentation.

This Week @ Hare & Hounds!

May 24th, 2010  |  Published in News

We’ve consulted the weather man he’s assured us there will be more sun for this week including bank holiday weekend… So come and take advantage of the beautiful sunshine and unmissable music we have for you this week.

Also we have Soul Food Project Launching THIS Friday!! They have promised to ‘inject some fun into the Birmingham food scene’ so expect some flavoursome delights, to see what tasty treats the guys have lined up, visit their group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111806592193957&v=info

Read on for more details of this week’s events, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list on the website and twitter feed!

Monday
CANCELLED – SPC Live presents: Baby Monster / Isolated Atoms / This/Broadcast / Anarchist Cookbook
Tonight’s gig has been cancelled due to a power cut on York Road. Apologies to anyone coming to this event, refunds will be available at point of purchase.

~ Back Bar quiz – don’t be a loser…be a winner!!

Tuesday
~ World Unlimited presents: Nell Bryden & support
Sings from the heart and shoots from the hip. The blonde bombshell from Brooklyn has the urban lifestyle in her blood, the country/folk spirit of Americana in her soul, and the great American songbook in her head. Love and loss are the fuel that lights her songwriting fire…

~ Stitches and Ho’s!
Another edition of our monthly knitting hootenanny!! sounds to stitch to provided by Clare and Dave, wool and needles provided, all are welcome – you don’t even have to be good

Wednesday
~ Birmingham Promoters presents: Jim Bob (Carter USM) / Burnside
In Carter USM Jim Bob had 14 top 40 singles, one number 1 album and played over 800 gigs all over the world. Since Carter USM, Jim Bob has released two albums and three singles with his disco-pop-punk group Jim’s Super Stereoworld, three solo albums as Jim Bob and played various live shows both with his band and solo!! For lovers of Indie / acoustic / alternative music, message back for limited cheap list x

~ Capsule presents: Acid Mothers Temple / Gum Takes Tooth
Japanese psychedelic band founded by members of the Acid Mothers Temple soul-collective. They have a reputation for phenomenal live shows and releasing frequent albums on a number of international record labels. Led by guitarist Kawabata Makoto, early in their career featured many musicians but by 2004 the line-up had coalesced with 4 core members and frequent vocal guests.

~ Back Bar quiz – come win some prizes at our midweek quiz!!

Thursday
~ This is Tomorrow & Speech Fewepy presents: Casio Kids / Tantrums / Greg Bird
Fresh from touring up and down the country with Hot Chip will be bringing their unique blend of trashy analogue dance music to Kings Heath. Those of you who have caught them live before will know that they are one of the best live bands around at the moment…

~ Miss Perry & Birmingham Promoters presents: Dan Sartain / The Rivers Presley Set
American rock and roll musician from Birmingham, Alabama. His music encompasses a variety of genres including rockabilly and blues. NME – “Sartain is a genius. His songs fly me to the moon.”
Dont miss out on this very special night with Support from AMAZING band The Rivers Presley set as well as Kerrang! DJs to get the crowd rollin’, Message back for limited cheap list x

Friday
~ MC Guru (Gangstarr/Jazzmatazz) Tribute – Fund Raiser for Cancer Charities
“Instead of preaching death in my songs I breathe life.” The legendary hip hop MC, Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) died last month aged 43, following a battle with cancer. His work with Gangstarr, Jazzmatazz and later as a solo artist was revered around the world by fans and musicians from all backgrounds. Musicians and Dj’s will be grouping together to pay respects to MC Guru with all proceeds of this event going cancer charities.

~ Leftfoot & Mostly Jazz Festival presents: Bonobo & Lizzy Parks
This event is Sold Out now but to see what other 10th Anniversary treats Leftfoot have to bring you make sure you visit our website AND join our mailing list in order to win tickets for upcoming gigs.
More Leftfoot events tickets are available through https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/venues/?id=685

Saturday
~ FaceBoot presents: The 80’s Clothing Sale
Get your crimpers out and flash your cash at the retro 80s clothing sale – no bad copies or jumble here, just pure 80’s trash and glitz. Nu wave, electro, goth, hip hop – it’s all here at bargain prices!

~ House of God presents: House of God Residents Special.
In room 1, the mighty Surgeon, Sir Real and Paul Damage have been with the club since day 1 and were joined a few years later by Harvey Lane and Nicky B who have all delivered their trademark take on techno and house to audiences across the world but always return to their beloved Birmingham when the HoG calls…

In room 2, drum + bass veteran DJ-X has provided the darkness to HoG`s 2nd room for 15 years now and is joined for this Bank Holiday by old skool hero and HoG regular, Gershwin (The Source, Pandemonium) alongside breaks and electro-meisters – Deadbeat and Sean Tighe.
All this for a fiver…. on a Bank Holiday Saturday? What more could you want…..

Sunday
~ Freestyle presents: DJ Cash Money (Philadelphia, USA) with Sam Redmore (Leftfoot) & Funkbox Allstars – Inducted into the DMC hall of fame as “The World’s Greatest DJ”, without doubt one of the most influential and gifted DJs of all time. DMC World Champion back in 1988, Cash Money was banned from re-entering the competition in order to give the rest of the field a chance. One of the most entertaining live DJs on the planet, Cash Money’s sets incorporate hip hop, funk, breaks, disco, reggae, electro and more, all stitched together with mind-blowing technical finesse. A true legend of the turntable – an event not to be missed!

~ Chicks Dig Jerks VS ColdRice
The one everyone has been waiting for, the biggest showdown since: Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader, George Foreman vs Muhammad Ali, Godzilla vs Mothra, Freddy vs Jason, Alien vs Predator, Mods vs Rockers, Rocky IV vs Drago and now…. CHICKS DIG JERKS vs COLDRICE. Also performing live at this prestigious event…Black Mekon/Youves/Vinny & The Curse/Barge Pole (ex Bee Stung Lips)…

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR 2010:
Acid Mothers Temple / H.O.G / DJ Cash Money / Dead Meadow / Habit / Phosphorescent / Bunka&Cog / Jazzie B (Soul II Soul ) / Breakestra & Chali 2NA (J5) / Bentley Rythm Ace / Gilles Peterson & Earl Zinger / Headzfest / Jim Bob (Carter (USM) / Dan Sartain / The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster / John Fairhurst / Jonah Matranga / Jeff Klien / Finley Quaye / The Features

To get cheaper tickets in advance buy online:
http://www.seetickets.com/?p=6807
https://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy_tickets/venues/?id=685

Come say Hi!

xH&Hx

The Music Room – Pi , Mac (Kings Of Spain) & Mike Bethel

April 19th, 2010  |  Published in Listings

We’re very sorry but due to a family tragedy the UK tour by emil Friis & One eyed Mule is now cancelled, sorry for any inconvenience we only found out on Wednesday, very luckily we’ve managed to get two top relacements in the shape of Mac and Mike Bethel

Pi’s previous albums have been heard in the films The Princess of Nebraska, The Appointment, Fixing Rhonda, and over 40 national US TV shows. Pi’s latest offering, Fire Horse Girl, sees her teaming up with veteran producer/engineer Randy Wine (U2, Aretha Franklin, ++). While Fire Horse Girl evokes the whispers of great 70’s singer songwriters, its approach and lyrics are completely fresh. Pi’s smoky alto soars over this warm bed: sultry, but playful, walking the invisible line between musicality and indulgence with tightrope perfection. Fire Horse Girl has already been licensed to Road Rules, The Real World, and The Kardashians (MTV),

Mac (Kings Of Spain)

: “…their soulfulness and passionate delivery make each tune a little gem.” (Dirty Linen). TKOS have released 3 acclaimed albums; ‘Trafalgar Road’, ‘Sweet Cheap Luxury’, ‘Fluid not Rigid’. TKOS have their home in Birmingham, but band members also reside as far away as Berlin and Koblenz in Germany. Driving percussion and lithe rhythms carry the poetic lyrics from the soulful and melodic voice of John McElwee (Mac)

Mike Bethel – Legendary Birmingham-born guitarist and singer-songwriter MB performs a selection of beautifully crafted and emotionally engaging songs which will take your breath away! Unmissable! www.mikebethel.com.

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