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Mid Wales Music Scene - GIG5: Newspaper Article
Last Friday’s (June 15th) torrential rain was a pain, but it certainly didn’t damped the spirits of music fans who had assembled at the inaugural Mid Wales Music Scene Acoustic Night which took place at the Montpellier Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. With some of the most talented acoustic musicians Mid Wales has to offer on show, the evening promised a great deal, and it certainly delivered on that promise. Early in proceedings Owain Jones of Llandrindod Wells showcased his vocal prowess. Performing covers of hits by the likes of Dashboard Confessional and Jimmy Eat World, Owain once again proved to be one of the flag bearers who constantly highlight the array of local talent we are fortunate to have right on our own doorstep.
Tom Hopkins, also of Llandrindod, was next to perform and his 30minute set could not have been more diverse. Looking at home before a crowd, Tom never lacks confidence. Punchy vocals and cleverly conceived lyrics were the order of the day, but it was his self-assured poise, and comical edge, that really gave his performance that extra element of diversity. It was also a nice foil for the following performer, Tom Jones, who hails from Rhayader. Mr Jones makes up one third of renowned Rhayader Indie trio The Hostages, but with drummer Simon currently off gallivanting around the word, Tom is intent on making a name for himself as an acoustic artist. Having been on MWMS line-ups before many knew what they were in store for, and those who were witnessing for the first time now know what all the fuss is about. Tom’s guitar playing can justifiably be categorised under the “fantastic” column.
Up next was female artist Jess Childs. Jess is known around the Brecon area but it was her first gig in Llandrindod and the crowd warmed to her instantly. Her distinctive voice is vaguely reminiscent of Joss Stone in so much as it’s powerful and multi-layered. Jess radiated an aura from behind the microphone, voice complimenting her astute guitar playing and together the two merging to captivate the audience. Vern’s Song was arguably one of the songs of the night and the overall reaction to Jess’s set is enough to suggest her name will be on the lips of local music fans, and her voice stuck in their minds, for some weeks to come. Jess’s ovation proved that Llandrindod is home to music loving and music-appreciating people. She is one of the newest artists to sample the unique atmosphere that can be created during a MWMS gig so it’s apt we then go to the other end of the spectrum, performing directly after Jess was the talented and renowned Builth Wells musician Harry Harris.
Harry is already a veteran of the local music scene and his name is synonymous with quality live acoustic. He is about to release his second album but before that he has the honour of supporting Newton Faulkner at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on July 20th. (check www.myspace.com/harryharris for further details/booking info) All this and Harry is still just 17 – he is a star in the making!
His Headline set on Friday was what you would have come to expect, he flirted with covers that kept the audience engrossed and then went through a quality repertoire of his own tracks, barely touching the surface of what he truly has to offer Harry displayed the ability and maturity that has seen his reputation rocket in recent months. It will not be long before one of Mid Wales’ most promising talents spreads his wings and captivates audiences around the nation, and possibly world.
And alas it was left to James “Alaktrokash” Kemp to round the evening off and he did so in usual James Kemp fashion. He upped the tempo and got the audience to their feet, once engrossed James produced arguably one of the best sets he’s performed at a MWMS gig. He was joined for some of his performance by the vocally talented Claire Annette of Rhayader and together they formed a poignant duo. James is now starting to gain a local following of fans and it was probably this edge that led to the sing-along and dancing that accompanied his set! He reeled off classic tracks such as Lady Godiva but it was his jaw dropping rendition of Goody Goody Gumdrops that stole the show and just about nabbed the Song of the Night award from Harry Harris’ exquisite Jack’s Mannequin cover and Jess Childs Vern’s Song.
Mid Wales Music Scene would like to thank James Kemp for use of the PA, Graham Middleton for use of the Montpellier Hotel and all who attended the evening. MWMS has more Acoustic Nights planned and if anybody wishes to perform, host an evening or help in any way towards the general running of events please visit www.myspace.com/midwalesmusicscene or ring Kevin
Copyright of Kevin Martin 2007
Published in the Mid Wales Journal 22nd June 2007
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Jun/17/2007, 12:10 pm
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