Review: Nottingham Acoustic Gathering 2014 – The Maze – 24 August 2014

On Sunday The Maze held its 4^th annual celebration of local singer-songwriters.  Starting at the rather early time of 1pm, as with any event that runs through to the evening it was a slightly slow and empty start, which was slightly concerning to Ben and Steph the organisers.

However it looked amazing, it was beautifully set up, the main room set up with fairy lights and candles, with little stalls selling cupcakes, crafts and popcorn; all contributing to the festival feel.  Wandering through to the smoking area the gentle voice of BEN HAYNES singing Graceland floated down from the Upstairs Room.  With his chilled out sound he definitely deserved a larger audience, with a wide range of eclectic covers from Bob Marley to Radiohead all performed in his delightful unique style.  Haynes is not limited to covers though, his original tracks If it Suits Your Style – an encouraging feel good ditty & Do You Think I’m Able – a very established sound, will form part of his EP which is being launched at the Guitar Bar 12^th September @ 8:15.

SAM WILSON was up next on the main stage, where it was getting busier. Sam was quite a contrast to Ben, a more aggressive and rockier sound; he is currently recording his own EP, which by the originals he performed on Sunday should be one to listen out for.   At this point the Front Bar was being filled with the lovely soft country tones of JAYDE MORRISON, who has a surprisingly powerful voice for such a little lady.

Heading back into the Main Room just in time to catch the end of JOE SLATER’s set was a great move, managed to listen to a couple of his originals and it was entertaining to hear his angry lyrics in contrast to his stage persona and lovely tone. Joe was followed by VANILLA MILKSHAKE aka James Thompson, who was playing his first show in 3½years.   By this point the Main Room was getting full and there was a buzz about it, however as soon as VM started singing, his beautiful voice was so captivating the room went silent.  He was gentle, paced and instantly emotive.  Looking like a cross between PeeWee Herman and Ed Norton he is a fine example of not judging a book by its cover!  His unassuming relaxed style had a comedy element with great little stories to his songs, this lad is a true talent; he utilised his guitar and pedals to give a back beat and vocals.  Unknown to the audience this wasn’t the last we would see of James that day; he kinda got about a bit, which proved to be a right treat!

By mid-afternoon the atmosphere was chilled and relaxed, the audience was growing and it was really lovely to see families in attendance, the young and the old(er) enjoying the music equally.  Then on came LIAM O’KANE confident but loveable, you could hear the smile in his voice when he sang, his ska/reggae style transported you from the dark Main Room to a beach as the sun was setting after a day of great surf.  He made it impossible for the audience not to move, albeit a little chair dancing.  It didn’t matter that the guitar was simple it was all about the range in his voice, then mid-way through his set, after demanding a pint from Sam Wilson, he invited James Thomspon to join him on stage to play bass and provide backing vocals and they ended with a cheeky little kiss! Liam’s album Life on Hold is out now, available on Itunes.

Following Liam and calming the room with her beautiful country voice was Nott’s sweetheart ANWYN WILLIAMS whose voice put a spell on the room; don’t miss her supporting Nothing But Theives at the Rescue Rooms on 18^th September.

 

BLESSING MAGORE was up next and as ever he had a great stage presence and performed in his unique African influenced style. He did a great, unrecognisable, cover of Gimme Shelter – Rolling Stones that had a lovely African twist, that combined with his original songs showed how proud he is of his roots; they were simple lyrics but had a deep resonating sentiment of positivity and love.  Check out his upcoming EP launch at the Playhouse on 31^st October.

A jokingly bitter ASHMORE was up next performing without Motormouf, his beat-boxer.   Smooth as ever he did a cover of Music Man and was then joined on stage by BEN FARNSWORTH, which was a first time collaboration, who provided the beats (on a box not with his mouth), the partnership was amazing considering it was their first time together, watch out Motormouf!  Ashmore performed a variety of covers and originals including My Town which is all about Notts and Misfits about being naughty, all of which got everyone chair dancing.

A quick trip to the front bar and Vanilla Milkshake was up again this time supporting JODY BETTS.  Back in the Main Room it was time for Captain Dangerous frontman ADAM CLARKSON, who just threw himself into the first song with the bravado of playing to a much larger crowd.  He had the best stage presence of the night and even accepted a request from a drunken girl in the audience.

CAREEN was on next with their diverse contemporary folk style which fed nicely into HEARTS a 3 piece female act who had beautiful country pop harmonies. They did come across slightly like they were auditioning for a tv show however the place was full and everyone seemed to be enjoying it.  The good vibes continued with CHLOE CHARLEMAGNE AND BAND, with their funky RnB professional sound and the coolest looking double bass ever.  Chloe looked as stunning as she sounded, it’s just a shame there wasn’t a dance floor as the music undeniably lent itself to one.

To keep the happy dancey mood going on came JIMMY THE SQUIRREL, for those who don’t them they are the awesome alliance of VANILLA MILKSHAKE, LIAM O’KANE and BEN FARNSWORTH.  The crowd got rather rowdy for them and deservedly so, the best band of the night and despite the lack of a dance floor people still got up and danced for them. For one of the tracks Runaway Boy even SAM WILSON got on stage to join in. It’s always great the see the Notts music community supporting and enjoying each other, all the day’s acts that were still there were all loving it. At the end of the set the crowd demanded more and got what they wanted.

The fun continued when FRAZER LOWRIE took to the stage with his distinct upbeat heavy folk style and mesmerising tone to his voice.  Even when there was drama mid set – what great gig doesn’t have its own drunken loudmouth? –  Frazer entertained the crowd with some improvised background music, in spite of having his own little drama in the form of a cut finger.  Frazer played some of his hilarious own songs including Twat with the classic line “no one likes a dickhead and you’re the biggest one I’ve ever met”.  He also got an encore, which apparently and shockingly was his first ever. One to watch for sure, Frazer has a single out now available from his website.

The last three acts of the evening were a true privilege to watch at such an intimate gig, in fact the whole day was a complete success.  This bank holiday weekend with masses of live music events to choose from across Nottingham I am so glad I checked out the Maze; it was so eclectic from Ashmore to Anwyn to Blessing to Jimmy the Squirrel really representing the wealth of varied talent Notts has to offer.

Review and photographs by Josie Opal

Photographs by Becki Davis Fraser