The Magnesia Bank, North Shields on 17/09/2008
Band Bio:
Various Artists
Review:
Acoustic Magic was a concept developed by ‘Derek Allan’, front man of ‘Clear Blue Skies’. The show is a loosely based collective of contemporary singer-song-writers who travel extensively to showcase their unique brand of original compositions and subtle cover versions. Locals and far away artists playing together, and given unknown musicians a chance to play with the seasoned veterans in the North East.
I went down to The Maggie Bank at North Shields to see what all the hype was about as I had missed ‘Clear Blue Skies at ‘Stormin the Castle and was also determined to see former Lindisfarne stalwart ‘Steve Daggat’?
The evening kicked off with ‘Micky Oliver’ whom was not on the original billing. Mickey played a plethora of original material which took me back to my father working down the mines and thoughts about the social economic decline of streets of old. He finished with his sons favourite song ‘Bound for Glory’ and when asked for a comment stated ‘’Music should be Live’’. My sentiments exactly Mickey!
Next on the bill came ‘Hague featuring Vicky Browning’. ‘Hague’ moved to the North east about 20 years ago and his smooth voice and contemporary style were complimented by ‘Vicky’ on the flute. His original material which included songs about his boss flowed well and his performance was effortless. I look forward in the future to seeing ‘Hague’ perform with American guitar legends ‘ Kent Duchane’
‘Simon Todd’ former band member of revered North east Band ‘Morgan Le Fay’; changed the mood of the evening with his Americanised vocals and foot tapping substance and also raised the audience’s awareness that there was something very special happening with the Acoustic Magic concept. I must say for having a sore throat he performed excellently and I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Judgement Day’
‘Steve Daggett’ graced the stage next and performed songs from his current album ‘Songs From a Carrier Bag’, which I have heard several times and play in my car frequently. Thanks ‘Steve’ for the ‘Ballet of Jimmy Forsythe’ as now I have heard this story, I hold this song very dear to my heart. His performance encouraged the hairs on the back of my neck to raise and for most of his performance I really didn’t want to divert my hearing pleasure or concentration by taking his photo...I just wanted to enjoy the main course! I look forward to a new album in the future and am currently searching the archives for any old material ‘Steve’ has done! Words of wisdom from ‘Steve’; And then for somebody who always wanted to do something, but never got around to doing it! Until now that was me!
The penultimate act, ‘Clear Blue Skies’, a duo lead by ‘Derek’, obviously the most charismatic and best looking entertainer on the night took the stage. ‘Derek’ informed me that he had, had a crash musical journey in learning the guitar and his hard playing style co-oberated his alternative unique singing style. Upon speaking to ‘Derek’ it was instantly apparent that he was passionate about ‘Acoustic Magic’ and he stated “Music needs to be heard and as long as people are listening, there will be more”. I requested a copy of ‘Clear Blues Skies’ album ‘Wakeup Dreaming’ which accommodates ‘Steve’s’ album in my car and must say I have never had an orange peel in my pocket but would carry this innovative alternative album there. If you haven’t heard the album, go and buy it!
Lastly Northumbria’s ‘Shagpile’ capped off the evening with true originality in the way he performed a couple of covers and his own material. ‘Shaggy’ was a complete tonic; his fantastic vocals and imaginative playing style made a recipe for a perfect cake. He topped this off with a fantastic cover of ‘Billy Jean’ and showed humour performing Keith Harris’s ‘I wish I could Fly’...great impression of ‘Orville Mate’! I listened to a copy of Shagpiles new solo album ‘....Finding yourself’ which also accommodates the aforementioned artists albums in my car, as it happens my wife enjoys this more and I can’t review any other albums whilst she is in the auto? I look forward to seeing Shagpile perform with his band next month at Trillions with Adam Bomb.
Well There you have it, Acoustic Magic is currently on tour performing all over the North East and UK. I will be uploading all tour dates under my gig listings, so what you waiting for! Go and see it!
If you were at this gig, we might have a candid photo of you in the audience. You can check here to see if you're included in our audience photos from this gig, and if you like any, you can buy a full sized digital copy for only £3
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