[display_podcast]

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 152 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. The Lancashire Hotpots – Carry You Home

2. Lowri Evans – You For Christmas (Ti am Nadolig)

3. Alison Benson – Take The Cold

4. Leo Roberts – Santa’s Sack

5. Crazy Quilt Bouquet – Alternativity (Prancer Mix)

6. The L.Y.D. – Christmas Time

7. Clara Barker – Christmas in New York

This song is available as a free download from SoundCloud.

9. 3 Blind Mice – Watchstar

3 Blind Mice are no longer together as a band (as far as I can find out). This song is taken from the album 2 Cents An Acre which is available to buy along with their other albums from CD Baby.

BEDDING MUSIC

Sleigh bells sound effect from Connum on Freesound.org

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The regular theme music is King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water.

>>>

Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight 2016 Christmas Special

The post Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight 2016 Christmas Special appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic.

Liverpool Acoustic welcome contemporary singer-songwriter Phil Cooper to the View Two Gallery this coming Friday 28th October. Earlier this year Phil gave up an executive management job to follow his music career, and if the reviews are anything to go by it was the right decision.

One of the main people behind the popular Village Pump Folk Festival, Cooper has already gained a host of glowing reviews including “Quite possibly the most brilliant singer-songwriter you know know about and shouldn’t miss” (Jamsphere) and “One to see live, definitely” (R2 Magazine). His energetic performances draw comparisons with Neil Finn and Glenn Tilbrook, and include a real interaction with the audience whether that be by handing out egg shakers or passing round his “doodle book” for people to draw in.

Supporting Phil is exciting vocal duo Limerance who played recently at the Flyover Takeover and who’ve been impressing everyone at Liverpool Acoustic’s weekly open mic.

Completing the lineup is “Queen of the Ukulele” (our words!) Alison Benson, who charmed the audience during Folk By The Minute at August’s Folk Festival on the Dock.

[display_podcast]

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 151 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. Phil Cooper – Let It Fall

2. Limerance – Along For The Ride

3. Alison Benson – The Price Of Salt

BONUS TRACK

4. Gary Fulton – Northern Lights

Theme: King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water

PHIL COOPER

Phil is a contemporary singer/songwriter who has earned excellent reviews from the national press, with his thought provoking songwriting and energetic live performances drawing comparisons to Neil Finn, Glenn Tilbrook and Ben Folds.

During his live shows, he makes a real connection with the crowd, whether it’s handing out dozens of egg shakers, or passing around his “doodle book” for the audience to draw in. Every now and then you’ll catch him unplugging his guitar and shunning the stage to stand right in among the captivated audience.

2016 is an exciting prospect that sees Phil turning his back on his life in executive management (he was Technical Director for an internet company) and plunge head first into a fully professional music career with the help of a brand new album, “Things I’ll Never Say”.

Phil is also heavily involved with the Village Pump Folk Festival, having stage managed the Village Pump Stage since 2012.

Press Quotes

“One to see live, Definitely” ­ R 2 Magazine (May 2016)

“Quite possibly the most brilliant singer­songwriter you don’t know about and shouldn’t miss” ­ Jamsphere Blog (March 2016)

“If you’re looking for a new singer/songwriter hero to get behind, we couldn’t think of many better to recommend” ­ Ocelot Magazine (March 2016)

.

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The theme music is King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water.

>>>

Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 28th October 2016

The post Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 28th October 2016 appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic.

Original, Liverpool three-piece rock band Joe Symes & the Loving Kind will be performing a rare, stripped down acoustic set when they headline the next Liverpool Acoustic Live.

Friday 22nd July 2016 sees Joe Symes & the Loving Kind playing in the intimate top-floor performance space at Mathew Street’s independent View Two Gallery. The band recently headlined the O2 Academy 1 for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Official Aftershow Party, and have been featured on BBC6 Music, BBC Introducing, Arts Alive, and LFC TV.

Support on the night is provided by the Susie Jones Band. Preston-based singer-songwriter Susie Jones writes “songs of tender innocence and youthful experience” (Froots Magazine) and recently impressed everyone when she played at the Liverpool Acoustic Open Mic.

The evening’s lineup is completed by local favourite Rachael Dunn, returning to the View Two after far too long away. Rachael will be revisiting songs from her previous recordings, including the 2014 EP Placing Stars, as well as debuting new songs.

According to the weather forecast summer is due to arrive this week, so why not celebrate this Friday by getting out of the house and supporting live, acoustic music in the heart of the city?

[display_podcast]

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 150 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. Joe Symes & The Loving Kind – Ready To Ride

2. Susie Jones – Road Grows Dim

3. Rachael Dunn – Falling Fast

BONUS TRACKS

4. Héllena – Now I See (Acoustic)

5. Pedwell – Smoke 1

Theme: King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water

JOE SYMES & THE LOVING KIND

Joe Symes and the Loving Kind are an original three piece band from Liverpool UK.

Since the release of their debut album, the band have embarked on a non-stop journey all over the UK, performing in cities and towns from London to Glasgow. Taking their self-titled debut on an assault around the country has seen them pick up some major support slots including Steve Cradock (Ocean Colour Scene/Paul Weller), The Blockheads, Dodgy, XTC, Bloc Party and Alt-J, headlining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Aftershow Party, as well as hitting the Festival circuit, and coming to the attention of Creation Management’s Alan McGee. The album has been greatly received in America with magazine and airplay all over the world.

With the release of their last double A side single Things Get Better/I’m Gonna Find Out Someday, the band showcase how they have evolved, formed from more increasingly energetic live performances, with a heavier sound, but still keeping their distinctive feel found on the first album. Things Get Better has already attracted attention at home and abroad, BBC Introducing, being played at Anfield (Liverpool Football Club) on match days, and major International airplay.

As of 2016, the band were asked to play Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Aftershow Party once again at the 02 Academy Liverpool, as well as featuring on LFC TV (Liverpool Football Club’s official TV station) Bay TV’s Arts Alive show, and Radio City Talk (105.9 FM). Later in the summer they will be performing at Festivals around the U.K alongside bands such as Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Space, The Icicle Works, and The Christians, and commencing work on their long awaited second album.

Lancashire based singer songwriter Susie Jones releases her second full length album, Shake Away the Devil, on Rubi Records. The album sees a departure from her acoustic folk beginnings and brings forward a heavier, lush and full textured sound which for the first time features all self-penned songs. Recorded over 12 months it is the result of a personal healing process of an artist coming of age.

The new record sees her back working with old faces; engineered by her bassist Dave Parker and Gary Hall (Cathryn Craig, Red Moon Joe) and features Mark Whiteside (Evil Blizzard) on drums. It also welcomes the arrival of new faces including Guitarist Matt Wells (Michael Chapman, Nat Birchall, and Greg Spero) and Andrew Glassford who mixed and mastered the record. The album was produced by long-time collaborator Rob Kentell at Sunnybank Studios and the Voodoo Rooms.

At its heart this album presents a writer at her most exposed and honest and singer whose elegant and distinctive voice touches the soul of the listener.

.

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland and Stuart Todd on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The theme music alternates between King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water, and Solid Ground by Neil Campbell.

>>>

Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 22nd July 2016

The post Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 22nd July 2016 appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic.

Local Singer-songwriter Derek King will be launching his new album ‘Seasons’ at the View Two Gallery this month, with support from Nicola Hardman, and Gary Maginnis & the Like.

The event, on Friday 17th June 2016, sees K’s Choice supremo and Liverpool Acoustic open mic host Derek King joined by a number of musical friends who’ll be accompanying him on songs from the new album alongside some from his popular 2015 album Sometimes.

Advance tickets are £8 which includes a copy of the album, or £5 without. Entry on the door on the night is a very reasonable £6.

Why not join us for some fantastic, original acoustic music at the heart of the historic Cavern Quarter and support your local music scene?

[display_podcast]

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 149 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. Derek King – Summer Breeze

3. Nicola Hardman – Little Fish

4. Gary Maginnis & the Like – The Way I’m Thinkin

BONUS TRACKS

5. Merry Hell – Summer Is A-Comin

6. Gary Maginnis & the Like – Black Jeans & Cigarette Smoke 

From Gary: “I have song called Black Jeans & Cigarette Smoke that I am using to raise money for a charity set up by my aunt and uncle after my cousin passed away at 11 years old. The charity is called Smart (NI) and money is being raised for football pitches in rural parts of Ireland (he was a big gaelic football and football fan), as well as for Cruse Bereavement Care.

Theme: King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water

With songs about the ups and downs of life and love, and the odd bit of topical content thrown in, Derek is very much a songwriter for today.

Having been a musical performer for most of his adult life, Derek’s musical journey began at the tender age of 16 when he played bass guitar in a post punk “new-wave” band.  The band went on (without him!) to become the “the Vapors” and enjoyed a respectable amount of success and a couple of top ten hits.  Having the wrong hair-style for the Vapors meant that Derek went in his own musical direction and became a gigging solo artist around the Guildford area for a while.

Later on he moved to Liverpool, where he has lived for the past 20+ years, and he has played in various bands before more recently finding his niche as a solo singer-songwriter.  His song “Perfect Days” was awarded a “Commended Entry” certificate in the 2012 UK Songwriting Contest and in 2013 and 2014 his entries “Beautiful in Blue” and “To Be a Boy” were both finalists in the prestigious Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge.

A regular performer around Liverpool’s acoustic music scene, Derek is also an enthusiastic promoter of local music and co-hosts regular events with Liverpool Acoustic.

Nicola Hardman is a Liverpool based wandering minstrel of sorts, best known for her theatrical songwriting performed with voice and piano. “Little Fish” a composition of Hardman’s being very popular amongst her listeners. Described by Liverpool Sound and Vision: “The key to the song resides in her ability to place an almost perfect, certainly enticing key that plays, wriggles, on the hook and dances with a solitary, tempting thought”

After spending several months performing her songs in and around the UK, she collaborated with producer and guitarist Dan Barker to create her debut album “Full Beans” a 10 track piece described in the Buz Magazine as “No average run of the mill record.” Together with a live band; bassist Shawn Charvette, drummer Phil Mann and guitarist Dan Barker the 4 of them launched the album at Liverpool’s art and performance space 24 Kitchen Street in December 2015 and went on to play the album on tour.

Hardman continues to perform as a solo act around the UK and is working on new material for her next project. “There is something about Nic that draws you in, captivating you, leaving you wanting to hear more” Buz Magazine Mar 2016, Full Beans Review.

Born and raised in the Irish countryside, and now living in an English city, Gary Maginnis combines these backgrounds with his experiences and observations to craft songs and stories that are both emotive and personable. As well as these experiences Gary draws from a wide range of influences across a number of genres such as blues, folk, country and Irish traditional music to create a unique blend.

The Like are a 3 piece acoustic band featuring Shane Sweeney on acoustic Guitar, Declan Sands on Bass and Claire Smith on vocals. The band bring their own songs as well making sure that Gary Maginnis & The Like have a lot of material to draw from no matter the setting.

“This is reality, the partaking of accounts that happen to be part of a person’s many chapters of existence, no recrimination, just pleasing music filled with the air of humanity.” – Liverpool Sound & Vision

“This is a fascinating EP. it’s songs that matter. And the songwriting is first-class”- Fatea Magazine

.

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland and Stuart Todd on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The theme music alternates between King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water, and Solid Ground by Neil Campbell.

>>>

Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 17th June 2016

The post Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 17th June 2016 appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic.

The Liverpool Acoustic Live monthly showcase returns to Mathew Street this coming Friday 27th May 2016 for a fantastic evening of top-class acoustic music in the intimate setting of the View Two Gallery‘s top floor performance space.

Headlining the show are Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Croth, better known as The Squirrel Hillbillies. This Pennsylvania duo delight audiences across their home state and around the world performing their eclectic mix of folk, country and blues in a style they describe as ‘rabidly social and clawingly curious’! You’d be nuts to miss them!

As an added bonus, The Squirrel Hillbillies will be appearing on Billy Butler’s BBC Radio Merseyside show on Friday 27th May from 2.00pm, so why not tune in and listen?

Special guest on the night is popular Protest-Pagan singer-songwriter James J Turner whose cracking new album Spirit, Soul and a Handful of Mud is a fine follow-up to 2012’s How Could We Be Wrong.

Opening the show is The Grateful Fred Ukulele Trio fronted by Grateful Fred Roots and Acoustic Night head honcho Colin Maddocks, along with Pete McPartland (The Big I Am) and Vince Gillespie. Trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed!

At the end of the working week, there’s nothing quite like a good night out listening to fantastic, original music in a warm and inviting venue. Come on down and experience it for yourself, and help support live music in one of the greatest music cities in the world.

[display_podcast]

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 148 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. The Squirrel Hillbillies – Insane When We’re Apart

2. James J Turner  – Spirit, Soul and a Handful of Mud

3. The Grateful Fred Ukulele Trio – What I Didn’t Learn At School

BONUS TRACKS

4. Four Alarm Fire – I’ll Take It All

5. Caroline England – Crashing Down

Theme: King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water

From deep within the urban forest of Pittsburgh’s East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies often emerge to share their eclectic mix of folk, country and blues. Rabidly social and clawingly curious, they relish opportunities to interact with diverse audiences. They have performed more than 200 shows, including appearances at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh and the Leigh Folk Festival in England.

Through a collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories, and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible. Their CDs have gained radio play on stations across the US and around the world.

JAMES J TURNER

James J Turner’s much anticipated new album Spirit, Soul and a Handful of Mud is out now via Townsend Music. This is James’s third solo studio album, and was recorded in the same Liverpool studio as his critically acclaimed second solo album “How Could We Be Wrong” which was called the “best folk-rock album of 2012” earning him over 20,000 fans plus lots of UK and European radio play (including mainstream and regional BBC stations), live radio sessions and key live gigs including Witchfest – the biggest Pagan Festival in the world – in London in November 2015.

James has a unique solo style and is one of the most potent artists to emerge from the Acoustic-Pagan music scene in recent years. A huge voice and dextrous guitar playing provide the backbone to his passionate, carefully crafted songs. In recent years James has deliberated to consciously follow a Druidic – Bardic path; he is a member of OBOD, who are the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. The music on James’s new album is therefore imbued with his empathy for the human struggle, complex spiritual landscapes, plus a deep concern for the environment. Also on the new album are powerful and passionate vocal performances; characteristic James J Turner songs with strident lyrics, catchy melodies, anthemic choruses and strong hooks; plus first class musicianship from James (vocals / acoustic guitar / whistles / mandolin / shruti box), Vicky Mutch (cello), Amy Chalmers (fiddle /backing vocals), Etienne Girard (bass guitar), Jay Hughes (drums / cajon) and Henry Priestman (accordion).

.

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland and Stuart Todd on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The theme music alternates between King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water, and Solid Ground by Neil Campbell.

>>>

Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 27th May 2016

The post Preview: Liverpool Acoustic Live – Friday 27th May 2016 appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic.

To play click the player above or right click Spotlight 147 to download for free.

If you’re an acoustic musician from the Greater Merseyside area, or from further afield but play on the Liverpool scene, then feel free to send us your music for future shows. We can’t promise we’ll be able to play everything that’s sent to us, but we will listen to every track. Find out all about the show, how to submit your music, and the Terms of Use, at liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/spotlight/about

1. Only Child – Buildings

2. Roxanne De Bastion – Wasteland

3. Nick Ellis – The Grand Illusion

4. Vanessa Murray – Thanks To You

5. Dominic Dunn – Bury Your Head

6. John Jenkins – Her Solider Boy

Theme: Neil Campbell – Solid Ground

Hosted by: Stuart Todd (Three Minute Hero)

.

If you get the chance, please support your local artists by joining their mailing lists, liking their facebook pages, following them on twitter, leaving them comments, going to their gigs, and buying their music direct from them where possible. The Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight is produced and presented by Graham Holland and Stuart Todd on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic website, and is a proud member of the Association of Music Podcasting. The theme music alternates between King of the Faeries by Andrew Ellis from his CD Midnight On The Water, and Solid Ground by Neil Campbell.

>>>

Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight 147

The post Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight 147 appeared first on Liverpool Acoustic Spotlight.