Four superb artist on the same bill, Headling Fox North Coalition free entrance from 7pm -till late
Fox North Coalition - Scapegoat Kelly - Cold Flame - 4 Grain of SandS
Fox North Coalition
A world weary minstrel bemoans the state of the world and that no-man's land in which he finds himself. A plaintive, echoing harmonica answers his laments as tumbleweed blows across the dustbowl of his psyche and snags in the windmills of his mind. Welcome to 'Pleading For Sympathy', the opening salvo from the strangely-titled, 'A Block For The Wigs', debut platter from York-based Fox North Coalition.
The aural equivalent of The Grapes Of Wrath, this is sepia-tinged and redolent of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and the Great Depression. We're a little surprised, actually, that it doesn't come with a free collectors' pack of food stamps...
With a touch of the late, truly great, Hank Williams and even the shade of the arguably greater John Lee Hooker, invoked in the shuffled, back-beat arrangements favoured by our trio, this is music drenched with pathos, poignancy and a wistfulness that no men under the age of forty have any business feeling.
Stand-out track, as far as we at Soundsphere Towers are concerned, is track two, 'The Heist', lifted to impressive, maybe even great, heights, by a superb female guest vocalist (Carissa Broadwater). But let's consider the chaps, for a moment; vocals are the responsibility of Tim Fox, who also doubles as a mean exponent of country-blues harmonica. Steve Earl (cool) and hints of David Gray (sorry, Tim) emerge as his concise and off-beat lyrical tales unfold. The North segment of the Coalition is taken care of by Vin North whose stomping, yet restrained, occasionally barre-chord, strums are the element probably most responsible for the earlier John Lee Hooker comparisons. The final 33.3 per cent of the triumvirate, and we use the word deliberately, given that the Fox North Coalition was also the name of the UK administration that governed in 1783, is filled by drummer, Steve Bradley. The song's sparse instrumentation add considerably to the Depression-era atmosphere of slim pickings. 'The Heist' is no flash in the pan, either; 'Vampire', while allegorical, will still have you clearing those pesky blood-sucking critters from the hay barn, quick sharp, while instrumental, 'Desert Blues', is the perfect soundtrack to some serious Sunday-afternoon-rocking-chair-on-the-porch action.
Fox North Coalition on the Jb's stage Limetree arts and Music festival August 2011
Less, for once, really is more. And while the tracks' similarity to each other is apparent, this continuity actually works in the album's favour; there is a pervasive and strangely alluring atmosphere of melancholy, and a bleak satisfaction is definitely to be had listening to the album in one sitting. Chuck in two, well-chosen covers, Steve Earl's 'CCKMP' and Jim White's 'A Perfect Day To Chase Tornadoes' and you'll get the message. Mood music, then, most certainly and very well done at that.
Here's a winner, from a trio with great potential and If you've ever pictured yourself in denim dungarees, a straw hat on the bonce, desultorily trundling along on a donkey and cart, with a ragamuffin band of malnourished and pasty-faced waifs in tow, then this is the album for you. For the rest of us, well, pass the moonshine, Grandpaw, and let's go round again. It's sure worth the trip.
You know, and I guess this shouldn’t be the case since British people popularized Blues-Rock, but I really didn’t expect to come across a Blues-Folk album from some dudes in York, UK. But, I did.
Fox North Coalition’s A Block For The Wigs is exactly that, but it’s more. It’s incredibly haunting and tortured music. It’s passionate and feels like the burn of whiskey. It’s fucking brilliant, is what it is! It’s like Ryan Adams x Dallas Green x Dustin Kensrue with a little Bob Dylan for garnish.
The heart and soul of this music is big and sincere, respectively, right down to the core of its jingle-jangle grooviness.
All of the songs are wonderful, but it’s “A Perfect Day To Chase Tornados” that takes the cake. With all of the tornadic activity in the United States recently, and all of the major damage as a result of it, this song hits home in my heart both metaphorically and quite literally.
Fox North Coalition have left behind the legacy of Hijak Oscar and moved on to develop their own style of harmonica driven blues that sounds unlike anything else of its genre out on the scene today. Tim Fox’s lyrics have taken on a darker and more dangerous edge that are complemented by Vin North’s distorted acoustic riffery. The trio is completed by Steve Bradley on drums and percussion, making a return to recording and performing after a long hiatus.
Like an unwilling phoenix from the ashes, Fox North Coalition have left behind the legacy of Hijak Oscar and moved on to develop their own style of harmonica driven blues that sounds unlike anything else of its genre out on the scene today. Tim Fox’s lyrics have taken on a darker and more dangerous edge that are complemented by Vin North’s distorted acoustic riffery. The trio is completed by Steve Bradley on drums and percussion, making a return to recording and performing after a long hiatus. FNC will be playing at The Waggon and Horses, Lawrence Street, York on Saturday 9th October.
The band are currently recording their self-produced debut album “A Block for the Wigs”, which boasts a number of new compositions, including the foot stomping blues-rockers ’Pleading For Sympathy’, ‘Melancholy Tree’ and ‘The Heist’ alongside darker and bleaker acoustic cuts like ‘An Eye for an Eye’. Some choice cover versions are thrown in for good measure. Steve Earle’s ‘CCKMP’ is given the full FNC treatment while Jim White’s beautiful song ‘A Perfect Day to Chase Tornadoes’ could have been written by the band themselves.
The band are currently recording their self-produced debut album “A Block for the Wigs”, which boasts a number of new compositions, including the foot stomping blues-rockers ’Pleading For Sympathy’, ‘Melancholy Tree’ and ‘The Heist’ alongside darker and bleaker acoustic cuts like ‘An Eye for an Eye’. Some choice cover versions are thrown in for good measure. Steve Earle’s ‘CCKMP’ is given the full FNC treatment while Jim White’s beautiful song ‘A Perfect Day to Chase Tornadoes’ could have been written by the band themselves.
Cold Flame
Bio:
Welcome to the acoustic world of Cold Flame. A heady and irresistable mix of string instruments led by violins and guitars blending together with percussion and vocal harmonies to create an exciting cocktail of quality acoustic, blues and celtic folk rock music.Well crafted original tunes mixed with traditional jigs/reels and covers from the band's key influences display the superb musicianship of the five piece acoustic version of Cold Flame. The acoustic line up has vast experience in headlining or guesting at real ale and folk music festivals as well as corporate indoor and outdoor events all across the country.In turn this has led to several trips to mainland Europe playing festivals in Austria and Italy. The band have extensive experience of headlining and/or supporting big name touring bands in a variety of music settings mainly in England and occasionally in Europe. They have played many music festivals in the UK but are equally at home in the more intimate atmosphere of the folk clubs and smaller venues still promoting live music in the north west of England.The Acoustic line up also specialise in performing at weddings , corporate events and other private occasions. To book Cold Flame for an acoustic performance - public or private - please email info@cold-flame.co.uk or message this myspace website and your booking request will be dealt with promptly. The band are very approachable thanks to excellent upbringings, good manners, healthy appetites and an abundant sense of theatre and humour and will consider enquiries for live work from anyone interested either in the UK, Europe or the USA. ..
Cold Flame Acoustic which features a five piece line up with two violinists both of whom are superb.Jo our latest recruit has just come from touring European stadiums in Jeff Wayne's War of of the Worlds. Anyway if you want to check out its all at www.myspace.com/cfauk
'Cold Flame are one of the more exciting, energetic, dedicated and original English rocking blues bands performing live music today.' High Peak Radio, Derbyshire.
Formed in November 1984 and based in Derbyshire, England, Cold Flame have established themselves as one of the most hardworking and innovative acts on the circuit playing across the country as well as in Europe whilst releasing a number of acclaimed original studio and live albums all of which remain available worldwide direct from the band. Cold Flame.s original blend of classic rock blues, celtic and acoustic music continues attracting local and international radio airplay both in the UK, Europe, Australia and South America. The band often combine this material with showcase gigs incorporating classic rock covers performed with the same enthusiasm and dedication that goes into their original music. The band's covers repertoire is immense covering the likes of Hendrix, Free, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Gary Moore, Fleetwood Mac through to folk rock acts like Fairport Convention and John Martyn. Since 1999, Cold Flame have successfully performed their renowned Jethro Tull tribute shows and the band are now acknowledged as the premier Jethro Tull tribute act in the Midlands and North of England.
Augmenting the band line up for over a decade has been Peter Cheetham on flute, vocals, guitar, alto sax who has primarily fronted the band's Tull tribute shows. Peter is currently taking a break from Cold Flame to pursue other musical avenues which has given guest flautist Mark Parkinson the opportunity to do some Tull tunes on selected gigs. Founder member David Conner - lead and bass guitars remains within the band family continuing to guest on both acoustic and electric shows whilst also playing occasionally with a couple of bands in the Midlands. Recently wanting to highlight the band's experience in headlining private and corporate functions, the Acoustic Cold Flame expanded to a five piece with the inclusion of professional classical violinist Jo Atherton ex member of the Halle Orchestra and leader of the Halle Youth Orchestra and percussionist Vince Walton who rejoined the band after a fifteen year break.
Members of Cold Flame have both individually and collectively featured and been responsible for major private functions throughout the Midlands and the North of England working alongside some of the top music promoters in the U.K. in both indoor and outdoor settings including major hotel chains, stately homes and music festivals. Clients are numerous and have included:
High Peak, Derbyshire, Manchester, Oldham and Tameside Councils
Barnardos
Christie's, Tameside and Stepping Hill Hospitals
The Alzheimer.s Society
ICI Zeneca
Children in Need
Manchester Airport
The Army and Territorial Army
Derbyshire, Greater Manchester Police Services
Derbyshire and Cheshire Fire Service
Derbyshire/Staffs Air Ambulance Service
Derbyshire Education Authority
The University of Derby
Keele University
N.A.B.D.
Leicester City F.C
Salford Rugby League Club
Marie Curie Cancer Research
These bookings have given the band the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences as well as actively support both regional and national fund raising campaigns. Cold Flame are very proud of their ongoing support in this area which has realized thousands of pounds for many in need. Cold Flame have been featured on Sky and terrestrial T.V. music specials, gigged with members of the River Dance troupe and played with ex-10cc and Tull drummer Paul Burgess. There has been a strong link with Jethro Tull members over the years with the band performing alongside Clive Bunker, Mick Abrahams and most recently Tull guest musician - violinist Anna Phoebe. Apart from headlining indoor and outdoor venues across the country and in Europe, Cold Flame have over the last few years supported many of the top rock and blues acts in the country including Wild Turkey, Blodwyn Pig, Uriah Heep, Osibisa, Solstice, Mostly Autumn, Steve Gibbons Band and Hawkwind.
Cold Flame have been featured in both local and regional magazines, T.V. gig guides as well as occasional mentions in the national music press and radio shows. They are a band who have also had some experience of television and continue to be involved in radio concert and interview broadcasts. For press archives click here
Patrick Rowbottom - vocals, electric and acoustic bass guitars, recorder. Rob Barnes - vocals, lead and acoustic guitars. Phil Marke - drums & percussion. Keith Bonthrone - vocals, drums & percussion.Tim Mottershead - piano & organ. Paul Newland - acoustic & electric violins, mandolin, vocals.
Scapegoat Kelly
A review by Nick Ellam 15.11.07
Contrary to popular belief, the Blues Bar does not just book blues bands and Scapegoat Kelly are far from it. This seven piece jazz/funk/reggae/rap outfit have been gigging for over three years and have a strong following. Having established themselves with one of the prestigious Thursday night residencies they attract a good crowd.
The band, made up of: Rich Anson (vocals), Dan Webster (trumpet/percussion), Robin Harvey (saxophone), Alex Methven (ke ys), Dave Gracy (drums), Pete Oliver (bass) and Nathan Tooke (guitar) Alex Keys
Nathan is the newest member and I think has made a valuable contribution even after only two gigs. They started off the evening with a version of ‘Cantaloupe island’ adapted with original lyrics and backed by a very strong horn section.‘Lovesick’ uses GURU’s lyrics and that KFC tune (?) with Nathan improvising a good guitar break.
Alex Keys
As you can tell, it’s difficult to work out the providence of the tracks as the band seem to put their own mark on any cover they do! Every time I’ve seen Scapegoat Kelly play, they have never failed to get people dancing and this gig was no exception, in fact it’s difficult to keep still!
I particularly like the adaptation of ‘Got the right key’, the whole band working well together - especially Pete and Dave holding up the backline and Alex’s keyboards coming through nicely - it was good to see him play with both hands now there’s a smoking ban!!
Other tracks to keep the audience on their feet included 'Sistas' and ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ which is slower than the original but with a reggae beat. A cracking version of Liquidator/Guns of Naverone rhythmes for ‘Other Man’s Girlfriend’ with Rich’s own contraversial lyrics and vocals powering throughout made for another brilliant gig.
There are no other bands in the area like Scapegoat Kelly and the only thing they could improve upon is to have more material - but that’s me being selfish! Look out for this impressive 7-piece band playing in the Blues bar every third Thursday each month.
4 Grains of SandS
Founded on their traditional rock music roots and presenting individual musical talent married with superbly written songs, prepare yourselves for the Melodic Rock sounds of the band ‘SandS’. The five piece line up are very experienced musicians from the North Manchester area and perform a fantastic set of quality music, including original material from their debut album “Believe It”, with brilliant new material from their forthcoming second album
Please vist the site over the next few days for updates on the December 3rd gig
In 2011 JB's World Music will showcase some rather good artist in conjuction
The Limetree Festival is how festivals used to be ..... amongst the beautiful surroundings of Limetree Farm nature reserve atoldenseed are proud to be one of the official sponsors of this superb event ne
We have created a new annual event that focuses on returning to how festivals used to be before they became these big corporate enterprises that they are today.
With so few festivals in the north and those that there are, tend to be highly commercial
and expensive. We want to offer people something different.
Last year's event was a great success and earned a nomination for best new festival at the UK Festival Awards 2008.
The next event will be held on 26th 28th August 2011
Just arrive, relax and enjoy a festival how it should be.
TheEntertainment
3 stages featuring a top class lineup of bands and artists renowned for their live performances plus comedy, cabaret, street theatre, late night cinema, art, poetry, politics, literature & more.
The Facilities
There will be beer tents, quality local food as well as weird and wonderful stalls for you to potter round and a healing area for you to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
With free camping, onsite showers, onsite parking, no nightclub style prices, no economy burgers, no nasty toilets, no prima donnas and no need to take time off work.
The Setting
The site is a blend of rolling hills, ancient woods and wildflower meadows. It also features a stone circle and an iron-age round house all of which gives the the site its own spirit & energy. (see Limetree Farm website for more about the site)
The Limetree Experience
This combination of stunning setting, unique atmosphere and the quality of acts and attractions on offer, make this the perfect place for like minded souls to get together & enjoy a weekend not to be missed.
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Fox North Coalition have left behind the legacy of Hijak Oscar and moved on to develop their own style of harmonica driven blues that sounds unlike anything else of its genre out on the scene today. Tim Fox’s lyrics have taken on a darker and more dangerous edge that are complemented by Vin North’s distorted acoustic riffery. The trio is completed by Steve Bradley on drums and percussion, making a return to recording and performing after a long hiatus. FNC will be playing at The Waggon and Horses, Lawrence Street, York on Saturday 9th October.
