Kev2012
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Mid Wales Music Scene - GIG1: Newspaper Article
The Montpellier Hotel in Llandrindod Wells was the location for the inaugural Mid Wales Music Scene gig. The sole aim of this recently created organisation is to promote a wide range of musicians from throughout Mid Wales. By hosting shows it is hoped that the bands will have somewhere to perform on a regular basis, and the fans will thus have live entertainment right on their doorstep, in a nutshell it is to bring fans and bands together.
Friday’s venue, which is affectionately referred to as The Monty Basement, was packed out with music fans young and old, all of whom were universally thrilled by the nights live entertainment. First to take the mic was young solo musician Owain Jones. Owain was a last minute savour, stepping into the line-up on the eve of the show. This was most likely the reason for Owain’s somewhat sluggish start to his set, but brushing off his slip-ups he was soon in full flow and, composure regained, it didn’t take long for him to show the musical talent everybody knew he had. His set was entirely made-up with covers, from Green Day to Staind, wonderful guitar playing and vocals.
Owain hails from Llandrindod Wells, and keeping the interest local Harry Harris, a resident of Builth Wells, who was next on stage. Harry’s reputation around these parts is already big, not only is he a consummate guitar player, but vocally you will not hear many like him. Gold Digger, a Kanye West hit, has never been performed quite like this of that I can be certain. His vocal talent really came to the fore during this performance, even if my personal favourite from Harry’s set was a sentimental Something Corporate cover.
James “Alaktrokash” Kemp, also from Llandrindod Wells, was the third and final acoustic act. His repute is growing almost as quickly as his fan base; in fact, as the hardcore contingent began to assemble James swiftly highlighted what all the fuss is about. Call It A Way is his signature track, universally loved, but it was the Crowd/Alaktrokash duet of I Wanna Be Somebody which epitomised his set. A diverse and skilled musician that you will be hearing more from.
And finally, the headline act, from Rhayader, The Hostages. Growing notoriety, an expanding repertoire of tracks, and three genuinely nice guys, this band’s story is only on chapter 1. From the classic and humble vibes of Rhayader Boys to the Four Kicks cover that is legendary in these parts, something about this band just screams energy. An indie band in a similar mould to the Artic Monkeys, The Hostages are going from strength to strength. They sounded better than ever during this performance, a combination of a growing confidence, increase in skills, buzzing live audience and a top PA set-up and run by Matt of the Mid Wales Music Centre. Fernley Evison, Simon Boss-Johnson and lead singer Tom Jones are the band, but they also featured guest drummers James Cox and Matt Baynham for this particular gig.
It was a fantastic turnout; all who attended were well behaved and gave great support to the performers throughout the night. I would like to thank Graham Middleton of the Montpellier Hotel for hosting the event. Matthew of Mid Wales Music Centre for his PA and technical support. Jason Coles, Beth Coles and Matthew Tanner for working the doors. Rosie Knight for distributing flyers. Owain Jones, James Kemp, Harry Harris, Fearley Evison, Simon Boss-Johnson and Tom Jones for performing and putting on such a wonderful show. And James Kemp again for his help, support and advice in getting everything ready in time.
Check www.myspace.com/midwalesmusiccentre for information on future shows, you will also find all the details regarding the bands who performed, as well as contact information on a wide range of bands from right across Wales.
Copyright of Kevin Martin 2006
Published in the Mid Wales Journal 17th November 2006
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Nov/16/2006, 3:24 pm
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