Gig Review - Jade Helliwell - Sunflower Lounge Birmingham

Jade Helliwell has quite a backstory that seemingly everybody knows, but not everybody knows the backstory before the backstory!  Despite gaining almost instant fame from the 2017 viral video (23 million views and counting) Jade was in fact already recording and releasing music, the video was just a leg up, the additional exposure she needed.  With this in mind, it was great to see that Jade chose to give the same chance to other artists on her Heroes and Heroines headline tour, inviting artists to submit a video of them covering one of Jade’s songs with a chance to open the show at one of the six dates across the UK.

We went to the second night of the tour – which opened in Manchester – at the Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham city centre.  An intimate venue, the performance space is downstairs, evoking old school club vibes, the perfect place to watch upcoming artists, and being able to say “I was there”.  The whole crowd can say “I was there” for Jades (surprisingly) first ever headline show in Birmingham, although she has played the city previously as part of other shows.

 

Opening at both the Birmingham and Manchester shows was Staffordshire  singer/songwriter Emily Lockett, whose video submission had hugely impressed Jade and her team.  If there were any pre-show nerves they didn’t show on stage as Emily played a selection of her own material, sharing some stories behind them, including the song that was apparently inspired by a Tik Tok video about a newspaper crush column – “Don’t judge me” added Emily, which is typical of her disarming charm when addressing the crowd.  Emily filled her 20 minutes with songs and stories, and no doubt winning some new fans along the way.

 

Support for the whole tour comes from Brighton based Gina Larner.  Taking to the stage with just her guitar (and some fabulous boots!) Gina gave a stunning performance, backed – as she put it – by some new toys in the form of backing instrumentals and vocals, so that the lone singer on stage was giving an almost full band performance!  Gina has been working hard this year having had her own headline shows and is now on her second support tour in a matter of months!  Despite this gruelling schedule she was full of energy on stage and is clearly really enjoying herself touring with Jade!

 

Jade came to the stage looking every inch the seasoned performer, in a bright and sparkling outfit – demonstrating her collaboration with official fashion partner The Bluebird Boutique.  The opening song grabbed everyone’s attention – the very fitting, anthemic Woman I Am.  The familiar band line up (Luke Thomas, Phil Donnelly and Luke Barrett) had a surprising addition – Laura Oakes has joined the tour on acoustic guitar and backing vocals.  This welcome addition maybe due to Laura writing one of the songs on the set list, but equally might be due to her recent marriage to drummer Luke!

Not only did Jade treat us to her well-known songs – Drive, Smoke and award-winning Boom Tick, but we also heard some earlier, very country songs!

The band left the stage, with just Laura Oakes remaining to accompany Jade on acoustic guitar for the plaintive Telephone before Jade gave her solo rendition of Numb/How Love Goes.

Reminding us that the tour is about Heroes and Heroines Jade was rejoined by Phil Donnelly taking over the acoustic guitar duties for a heartfelt tribute to two musical heroines – Judy Garland and Eva Cassidy with Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

After a few more songs with the band the show was all too soon at its end.  No fake encores from Jade, and only one choice to close – a stunning rendition of the titular Heroes and Heroines brought down the curtain on a first – but surely not last – Birmingham headline show.  Jade is not only a great songwriter and musician but a polished and seasoned performer, always putting on an entertaining and energetic show.

Over to Jade for her own take on the tour:

The tours going really well, we’re only two nights in and I’m looking forward to the rest of the dates and ending in my home town of Leeds

 

Jade Helliwell is on tour around the UK with tickets still available for some shows – check her website for details. 

 Silverball Country attended Heroes and Heroines at the Sunflower Lounge  as guests of 

Jade Helliwell and ZimagineD Artist Management

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Gig and Album Review - Wanderlust and Breaking Hearts - Emilia Quinn

 

“You’ve made my dream come true”

Emilia Quinn took the stage in the intimate but iconic venue 2 at The Hare and Hounds in Birmingham on Wednesday night as part of her Wanderlust and Breaking Hearts tour – a tour that could have been titled the Dreams Come True Tour.  An opportunity to not only play a headline tour but also release – in fact “celebrate” her debut album was clearly a massive deal for Emilia who has seen her standing in the UK Country scene grow over the past few years, from acoustic solo sets to main stage performances at Buckle and Boots.

 

Accompanied by her loyal and very talented band – John W Doyle on lead guitar, Michael Addy on bass and Steven McMurray on drums – Emilia spent an hour and a half on stage playing not just the new tracks but some old favourites too. The night was certainly a celebration – of the new album, of Emilia’s vocal range and her songwriting ability.

 

With two opening acts, the night was certainly good value, and in a lovely touch, Emilia made a point of coming to the stage to personally introduce each one.

Friend and fellow Yorkshire resident Matt Hodges opened the show with an acoustic set.  Most people will be more used to seeing Matt with a full band – or even an orchestra last summer! – but with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and his deep, gravelly voice he warmed up the crowd for the night to follow.  With catchy sing along songs and a superb set ending rendition of Friends In Low Places it is easy to see why Matt spends most of his year on the road performing – and he has just finished his own UK tour along with Ruthie Collins.

Matt gave way to Midlands band Wood Burnt Red.  Formed in 2020, WBR have exploded onto the UK country scene.  Squeezing five of them on to the stage they brought their style of southern rock which complements Emilia’s own style.  Playing their back catalogue and their latest single – 18 Stone -  you could sense the room warming up ready for our headliner!

 

Emilia Quinn has come a long way, but it her own words she’s not stopping!  Despite the scale of the undertaking – an album and a headline tour all in one week – she remains a calm, professional performer, although she did say to us before the show

I’ll take it in when its finished 

The band support her superbly – even filling in while she changes guitar! – and provide a strong platform for her voice.  Probably her best loved hit, the rocky and feisty Outlaw certainly got the crowd going, and they listened attentively to her sadder songs.  The inclusion of Girltalk called for an additional singer – and if you weren’t at the Birmingham show you missed the sight of Tom Franklin from Wood Burnt Red in a blonde wig filling in for the multiple female vocals on that single!

 

The album itself is a bit of a departure from some of her previous work, with a gospel/blues influence to many of the tracks.  Hearing it live was hugely different to listening to our review copy, especially as Emilia explains the influences behind the songs – her wife Tammy (Magpie) , the loss of her grandfather (Rosary Beads).  We learned that Mountains is just Emilia and piano because the band couldn’t fit in the studio when recording it and decided that they couldn’t add anything to it.

Southern Gospel influenced River rightly opens the album, and opens with just Emilia’s voice before the backing instrumentation comes in softly.  This sets the tone for what is to come and demonstrates a maturing since the earlier work, whilst Magpie shows that Emilia hasn’t lost her rocky edge.  Nothing To Lose blends a soft opening with a uptempo rhythm.  Previous single Mr Shame is a nod to bad relationships and a nod to more rock/pop infused country.  In My Boots is bluesy with a thumping bass track that we all clapped and stamped to at the live show, while Mountains is slow and heartfelt, working perfectly as just keys/vocal.  On The Run is again blues, whilst Daddy’s Girl gives us the album and tour title, opening with the words “Wanderlust and Breaking Rules”.  Rosary Beads is clearly very personal, and was an outpouring after the loss of her Grandfather, a very measured and gentle tribute.  Final track Backroads also closes the live show.  Is a fitting close to both as it has the message of overcoming your struggles and keeping on to your goal.

 

If the album showcases Emilia’s developing songwriting ability, the live show showcases her developing performance.  Entertaining, talented and professional, she’ll “keep travelling down these backroads” and it should be a great journey!

Silverball Country attended Wanderlust and Breaking Rules at the Hare and Hounds  as guests of Emilia Quinn and ZimagineD Artist Management

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Gig Review - Country In The Afternoon Nov 2023 - Half Moon Putney

 

This weekend saw the 9^th Country In The Afternoon at the Half Moon Pub in Putney, South West London, and on each occasion Gavin and Christine Chittick put together a lineup of 4 great acts each day from both the UK and overseas, it’s never the same but generally it sees the atmosphere build - so much so that you forget it is the afternoon and often are reluctant to leave! 

Saturday was opened by Terri Leavey, whose career seems to have started, or been accelerated by a karaoke night at Dixie fields where people discovered her voice, leading to an appearance on stage at Buckle and Boots.  Since her discovery at Dixie Fields, she has been building her brand and recording her own music. But, undoubtedly she has stage presence and anyone who watches her will not be disappointed but in for a good time - we can forgive the covers. There was nothing but positive reviews from her, and the support that she brought with her helped to form the biggest audience for any opening act at Country In The Afternoon so far

 

When we see Christine and Gavin at festivals, they always have their list of artists to check out, and they are always on the hunt…  At Black Deer festival last year they came across Liam Cromby in a songwriters round.  Black deer was Liam’s introduction to the UK Americana scene, and that’s quite a debut!  Liam told us that his songs can take 20 minutes to write – or seven years!  On a visit to Nashville (courtesy of his uncle’s business!) he had a writing session with Kenny Foster – another Country In The Afternoon favourite.  Accompanied on stage by guitarist Alfie and backing singer Shawn, Liam gave us a preview of his forthcoming album.  Liam has a superb voice which had the very full room listening to every word.

It was Raintown who gave us the fact about this being the 9^th CITA, but Gavin who gave us the fact that it was their first London appearance since before Covid.  Lockdown and “life” (a second child) have had an impact on Raintown’s touring, but the enforced break means that they too have an album coming up, and they used the time to continually polish it! Clair and Paul, with Stevie on guitar and Fiona on violin gave us a few of the new songs plus some absolutely foot stomping songs.  Raintown add a Scottish folk edge to country – and they also added that edge to a quite unusual cover.  As they started singing “One Love” you could see the crowd realise they knew it and they joined in, line by line. Originally a hit for Blue in 2002 it was a great version – and a bit of nostalgia!  With that album due out in March next year, it gives us something to look forward to after Christmas – and pre-save/save up for!

In between acts there is a chance to get a drink from the bar while the next band sets up – but also to meet the artists as they all hang around supporting each other, which is a great chance to grab a selfie, a chat, and catch up on the latest gossip!

Headliner Cody Pennington mixes covers with his original music for his touring show, and he obviously had brought quite a crowd to his only London show of this tour.  Opening with his recent singles Cowboy Sitting At The Bar and How About Kentucky the room weas once again singing along.  Cody’s belief is that you need to give the crowd what they want and good time so that they come back – throw in your own songs and they learn those too – its like a cycle.  He certainly gives a good time – and in return the venue gave him an unexpected extra ten minutes on his set!  Along with stand in Christiano Pochesci on pedal steel and his regular bandmates Niran Mistry on bass and Lee Brooks on drums Cody took the opportunity to drop in a medley of Country favourites including  9 to 5, Ring Of Fire, Folsom and the Gambler before a massive singalong to Country Roads.

What an end to day 1 of the 9^th Country In The Afternoon!  The Sunday promised to be a great day too, featuring The Blue Highways , The Handlers Band , Tim Gerard and Emily Faye 

 

What will the tenth show bring? We know it will be on 18-19 May 2024, and we can’t wait to see the line ups!

Silverball Country attended Country In The Afternoon as guests of Cumbrae Promotions

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Single Review - 18 Stone - Wood Burnt Red

 

When you watch a band perform, up there on stage it is obvious that everything is great for them, that they are smashing it and they have not a care in the world.  Right?  Wrong.

The reality – at least for Wood Burnt Red lead singer Tom Franklin is very different.  Tom tells us that he has endured a lot of negativity in the past:

“Throughout my life growing up, I've had constant comments about my weight, my height (not that that can be helped), the clothes I wear, even my music taste, and it bothered me right up until a few years ago”

Tom, and his fellow band members are using their voice to shout back against this with their new single 18 Stone. 

A song with a social message could be expected to be a heartfelt ballad – but not from Wood Burnt Red.  This song very clearly sticks two fingers up to the haters and detractors and is as much a song of power as of empowerment.

Opening with a crash of guitars and an absolute declaration “Six foot four eighteen stone” it is clear that this song apologises to nobody and for nothing.

It’s a rock song from its instrumentation to its lyrics and in its message.  The repetition of “six foot four eighteen stone” shows that he isn’t bothered – at least not anymore!  “Take me as a I am” is an absolute affirmation for everyone and should be painted on lounge walls instead of the more usual “Live love laugh”.

Having met the band when they headlined the Paddock Stage at Buckle and Boots you can’t help but be struck by their honesty and reality.  This song cements that – it isn’t an attempt to look good or fit into a trend, it’s heartfelt, saying what they want to say whether you want to hear it or not.

“…I wrote this track as a big 'F*** you' to those certain people. This song is about me, so take me as I am... because I'm not changing for anybody!"

The song isn’t one sided, its not just about the storyteller shouting about himself

But right before we do, I want to know a little more about you.

Like where’d you grow up, what fills your cup, what kind of movies are you into?

Authenticity is at the heart of Wood Burnt Red, and at the heart of this song.  No airs and graces, no big time sense of grandeur, these are a set of blokes from the Malverns who happen to be really good at playing their brand of Southern Rock.

Demonstrating that difficult topics don’t have to mean reflective songs, Wood Burnt Red have taken a message and shouted it out in a true Country Music style.  Strident guitars, thumping bass line, excellent lyrics and a powerful vocal delivery make this song an absolute anthem, an anthem to self-acceptance which will resonate with listeners making you think – as well as sing along!

18 Stone, the new single from Wood Burnt Red is available to downloads and stream from Friday 10 November.

You can find the band on Facebook and Instagram and follow them on Spotify

Wood Burnt Red are represented by Zimagined Artist Management

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Single Review - Walking In Rain - Alan Finlan

 

Alan Finlan loves music.  I mean, he REALLY loves music, especially performing it.  If he’s not playing at a festival, he’ll probably be there anyway, and he’ll probably be playing music -  wherever he can get an audience.  Alan doesn’t need a stage, a chair will do, normally outside The Trading Post.  A stage is of course preferred – and at Buckle and Boots he moved from Paddock stage (where he gave a showstopping performance) to the main stage which he truly deserved.  Although a great performer, Alan never takes his shows for granted and will always be assessing so he can improve and move forward.

 

His next move forward is the release of his new single – Walking In Rain.  It’s a darker track, reminiscent of Jace Everett, with real “Western” vibes, a very measured pace, atmospheric background sounds and demonstrates Alan’s vocal talent.  The gruffness of his voice, the gritty sound, this feels new for Alan and its very very good.  Written by Stephen Manley and Nicky Murphy this does feel like a big leap forward for Alan.  The song also feels personal – echoing Alan’s own journey, as it

tells the story of someone down on their luck

It’s a feeling many people can relate to – but they do say “you make your own luck” – and Alan is definitely working at that.  His work ethic is excellent – travelling the UK to perform at gigs, popping up in Blackpool (Cowboy and Co, Dirty Blondes), Glasgow (supporting Robyn Red) and always by train!  Closer to home there will be a gig in hometown Gosport next year – more evidence of that constant push to build his career.  We are also promised that this collaboration with Stephen Manley is just the first of new music to come.

 

Alan may be Walking In Rain right now, but in the future is sunshine – and Alan, it isn’t far off!

Walking In Rain, the new single from Alan Finlan is available to download and stream from Monday 30 October.

You can find Alan on Facebook and Instagram and follow him on Spotify

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Gig Review - Nashville Sounds In The Round - Birmingham Symphony Hall October 2023

 

If you haven’t yet had the chance to go to a songwriters round, you are really missing out!  With a range of songwriters all sharing one stage and taking it in turns to perform, it is a very different and very special type of show!

 

Gasoline and Matches, with Your Life In A Song and B:Music host a regular songwriters round at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, alternating between evenings, lunchtimes and Saturday mornings to bring a mostly country music based show to a wide range of visitors

 

A show like this isn’t just about hearing the music, because of the format of the show it is an opportunity to hear from the artists and listen as they tell you the story behind the song, the inspiration and the often humorous tales!

The October edition did all this and more.  The evening was very much a celebration of story-telling and creativity – as all of the artists not only told their own stories but joined in with others and picked up on themes, creating some hilarious moments

 

Sally and Steve of Gasoline and Matches were the hosts, with guests Cody Pennington, Em/Elle, Neil from Blue Nation and Essex based singer Megan Rose.  While we were treated to stories covering an unfortunate relationship in America (Sally) house hunting in Kentucky (Cody), a band splitting up over satin shirts (Neil) and falling off a rodeo bull (Megan), the story with the most value of the night was from Em/Elle whose first song (Crash) was written about falling for the trainer in her first restaurant job, and how she forced herself to not like him for fear of not learning how to make desserts!  Not only did Neil follow on from this story as though he had been that trainer, all the others picked up on the thread for the whole first half of the show!

Sally and Steve play a lot of these rounds and have amassed a back catalogue of stories to almost rival their catalogue of songs, but guest Em/Elle, despite being the youngest on the line up by some years also had stories and songs aplenty, having started to write when she was still at school.  Her recent appearance on BBC’s Project Icon has introduced her to more opportunities for songwriting collaborations, including a beautiful new song about the pain of childhood bullying.  Often, the song or story of one artist will lead in to the song and story of the next, as setlists are rare at these events, with each artist picking up the vibe and running with it.

We had the chance to learn a little more about the artists as well as hearing them in a different setting to perhaps their normal – Cody Pennington told us he isn’t used to the intimacy of a songwriters round, but appreciated the chance to “chillout a bit” and really engage with the audience.

If you love music and want to go a bit deeper into the art of songwriting, then a songwriters round is definitely for you!

Your next chance in Birmingham will be on Saturday 16 December with tickets available now - tickets 

Silverball Country attended Nashville Sounds in the Round as guests of Gasoline and Matches and B:Music

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When Silverball Country met...Cody Pennington

 

Ahead of his very special Country Show in Birmingham, we had the chance to sit down with Cody (after he had ordered Papa Johns because it tastes like it does in the US) to find out a little more about the man behind the show.

Cody is originally from Nashville, but now lives in Birmingham – and we were intrigued about his journey from the home of country music to the 02 Institute in Digbeth.

The story starts with Cody playing “a little bit of music” in his hometown, albeit mostly rock and metal, but as he was under 21 he wasn’t allowed in bars so never made it in that scene.

Deciding that he needed to do something with his life (with some hinting from his Dad) Cody joined the US Air Force as a medical technician.  The Air Force took him to San Antonio Texas, then to Turkey and then to Cambridge UK. 

The story doesn’t stop there!  His military allowed him to switch his shifts to allow him to pursue music on the side, and in 2015 Cody made the decision to leave the military and return to Nashville. 

Gigging in Nashville isn’t the dream often portrayed in films – it was a tough time, until a job came up singing on Cruise Ships which led to him meeting not only Canaan Cox but also his future wife while in Australia. 

Dating a girl from Birmingham, plus his previous time in Cambridge resulted in a move back to the UK and ultimately a wedding and a beautiful (now three) daughter. 

The pursuit of a career in law once again had to give way to the music, which is clearly the real first love.  Thus, the Cody Pennington Country Show was born which has grown from a small crowd at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath to a UK tour, growing crowds and a strong following!

Cody cites John Mayer as an influence on his music, loving the idea of singing with an acoustic guitar, but also rock bands encouraged him to pick up a guitar. 

Morgan Wallen and of course (if you attend a show, you guessed it) Luke Combs have recently been a motivation to perform and write original music. 

Having seen the Cody Pennington Show before, and his philosophy to make it interesting the whole time, we knew that once we went out into the venue we were in for a great night. The Birmingham show was a special show for charity.  Cody has supported NHS charities since his time stationed in the UK with the Air Force and wants to give back by playing a charity gig at least once a year.  With his daughter being born in Birmingham’s Women’s Hospital, supporting a local hospital charity was the obvious choice.

Supported by local band Gasoline and Matches who warmed up the crowd with their own brand of Country Rock, Cody took to the stage with his band to play a mix of his own songs, some older favourites and modern country, blending Dolly Parton with Chris Stapleton, a lot of Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Shania Twain, ending with a showstopping Country Roads.

Cody finds it amazing when a crowd sings his songs back to him – at his recent Manchester gig everyone sang along to his song How About Kentucky. We were taken aback too, given that the crowd didn’t know some of the country classics. Its always an upbeat evening, that have you foot tapping if not dancing away.

Cody’s a great guy, willing to help others and his southern hospitality always shines through. Theres real effort that goes into planning his performance, his set list must be the most professional we’ve seen.   He's also a great musician, playing lead guitar throughout his set the crowd were clearly loving every minute of it.

Cody is backed by a great trio of musicians – Niran Mistry on bass, Holly Carter on pedal steel and Lee Brooks on drums, plus some backing tracks to bring the punchy sound.  We reviewed his last Birmingham show here - review

By the end of the night, through ticket sales and donations over £6,000 had been raised for BirminghamChildren’s Hospital Charity.

Cody will be touring the show again next year, with a promise of bigger venues, but in the near future he will be performing at Nashville Sounds In The Round in Birmingham Symphony Hall, this Thursday and at Country In The Afternoon this Thursday and at the Half Moon Pub in Putney, in November. (Tickets)

Silverball Country were pleased to make a donation to charity for this interview  

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