Gig Review - Nashville Sounds In The Round - Birmingham Symphony Hall May 2024

 

You guys have Ed Sheeran, why would you want to listen to me?

 

Despite flying in from America, playing guitar for Keith Urban, and being booked for a couple of festivals, Maggie Baugh retained that humble feeling that people in the UK wouldn’t know her music, having had a specific request in the interval.  John Wesley Satterfield quickly reminded her that “The internet is everywhere”

This kind of interaction is why we love songwriters rounds, and especially the regular Nashville Sounds InThe Round in Birmingham.  The latest show was a curtain raiser for Buckle and Boots this weekend, as it featured three American artists who will be playing at the Farm, alongside regular hosts Gasoline and Matches.

Joining Maggie on her first visit to the UK were Jeremy McComb, who is becoming a regular face over here, and John Wesley Satterfield, another UK debutante.  Maggie and John had also played Country InThe Afternoon at the weekend, while Jeremy – who will be co hosting the main stage at Buckle and Boots – has been on tour with Cody Pennington, opening with Gary Quinn.

A songwriters round is, by its very nature, an intimate style of show.  The artists tell us stories – about their songwriting inspiration, about their careers and often about their own lives.  As the show progresses the audience get to know the performers better, and as the artists get to know the audience better they start to loosen up more.  As this trio haven’t met each other very much before, you could see them get to know each other, and with Jeremy and John this led to more and more interaction and jokes, with them seeming like long lost twins by the end!  We were treated to more sensitive songs and stories than you might get on a full stage show, and also some hilarious conversations from the American contingent trying to navigate not only our currency “Your coins have an old lady on them” but also what we call our toilets.

All three guests were very entertaining as well as very talented  - and those seeing them again at the weekend are in for a real treat.

 

As for our hosts Sally and Steve, they also shared a very special story with us all.  They’ve got married!

 

Congratulations to Sally and Steve, and to the Americans – see you at Buckle and Boots!

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

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Gig Review - Country In The Afternoon May 2024 - Half Moon Putney

 

The Half Moon pub in Putney, South West London is no stranger to great line ups, over the years it has played host to some of the absolute greats, and twice a year for the past few years has been home to Country In The Afternoon, brought to us by those fine folks at Cumbrae Promotions – Gavin and Christine Chittick.  Even if you haven’t heard of Country In The Afternoon, if you’re a country music lover you may have attended on of their other events - notably Millport Country Festival, or perhaps you’ve caught one of their ad hoc intimate evenings both in London and in Scotland.  If you’re a Buckle and Boots attendee, you’ll have seen Gavin running the Paddock Stage along with Silverball Country and Christine looking after the all-important beer tokens!

You have to wonder if these two ever stop.  We think the answer is no.  There's two more new events in the calendar this year alone, plus the next Country In The Afternoon.  They do take time for holidays – but those are as much for talent spotting as for relaxing!

Country In The Afternoon is two days of music in an iconic venue running from 12:30 until 5 – which gives time for drinks between the 4 acts (as they turnaround the stage) on each day plus a chance for a meal in the pub garden afterwards, especially when the weather is as good as it was this past weekend.

We joined the Chitticks on Sunday, which had an international line up – two American acts, two British acts – and an Austrian!

 

First up, from Nashville was John Wesley Satterfield.  John has a very traditional country sound to his voice, and a traditional style to his songwriting, with songs about his guitar, whiskey – great subjects!  Whilst he would never sell his battered old guitar, he did offer his beagle dog for sale!  Accompanied on stage for a couple of songs by Jon Stone (American Young) the storytelling was as good as the songwriting, with some numbers inappropriately dedicated to Grandma!  John didn’t use a set list preferring to go with the flow – and the same was true for the second act – Georgia born Ian Flanigan. Having appeared on The Voice - USA as part of Blake’s team, Ian is now known simply as “The Voice” and what a voice he has!  Despite being from the US, his stories resonated and were easy to follow.  We were treated to another guest appearance from Jon Stone who has written and produced the new material that Ian treated us to.  Notable was “The song with the longest title” – the very relatable Words I Never Heard An Old Man Say.

 

Both John and Ian were visiting the UK for the first time, whereas the next band to take to the stage were far more familiar having played the event before and also just finished a UK Tour.  Lewis and Izzy (from Austria!) better known as Two Ways Home.  As well as their trademark light teasing of each, other Two Ways Home delivered a loud and rocking set backed by Michael Clancy on guitar and Jake Stanton on drums.  Even Gavin Chittick was moved to declare that it was possibly the best they have ever sounded – and we have to agree!  The band are very hardworking and seem to constantly look at ways of improving their show – this time including some more intimate songs around their bespoke, old style microphone – in fact there are only three of these microphones around, and notably, Bob Harris has one of the only other two!

 

The afternoon was rounded off with a storming set from First Time Flyers, who are making waves across a number of stages and festivals.  First Time Flyers gave us our second full band set of the day, and brought with them an enthusiastic and dedicated following showing that whatever the size of the event, independent gigs can build and hold an audience!

 

Time to rest?  Nope.  Next up from Cumbrae Promotions is the Signature Brew Americana Showcase, London E17 on 22 June and Milltown Music Festival in Paisley nr Glasgow on 31 August

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

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Single Review - Daddy's Girl (Live) - Emilia Quinn

A few short years ago, the Paddock stage at Buckle and Boots played host to a girl and her guitar – she was just about to release an ep, and we even recorded a promo clip with her.  The next time she was at Buckle and Boots she was back on that stage, playing an absolute storming set with her full band.  From there she went to the main stage, and this year she will be headlining the main stage!

We are talking, of course, of Emilia Quinn, whose journey from mid-afternoon slot to headliner we have felt part of, and seeing her on her headline tour was of course very exciting!

Emilia not only understands how to entertain a crowd, she also understands value – that headline tour having now produced a second live single, both recorded at her Birmingham date (we were at that one! Review )

Her new single – Daddy’s Girl – originally appeared on her Wanderlust and Breaking Rules Album and in fact supplies the name in its first words!  Recorded through the sound desk at the venue it is a “clean” recording (no crowd noise etc until the end of the track) but it captures Emilia’s performance vocal and energy that comes from being on stage in front of a live audience.  The song will be familiar to many – opening with a strong guitar line (with a wonderful mix of electric and Emilia’s acoustic) the instrumental has a very “western” feel to it, and the vocal is very much that of a story teller.

Emilia describes it in a way that is almost a description of herself…

A feisty, sassy, and take-no-prisoners kind of song, layered in metaphors which is one of my favourite ways to write. It is a story of standing up to the patriarchy that seems never too far away in life and particularly in the music industry. Read between the lines for a whole new perspective to this song...

These live recordings (along with the previously released Head Rush) are a great way to hear Emilia, although the best way to to see her live!  With a list of festival appearance this summer, you have plenty of opportunity!  Check Emilia’s socials and website for more details of where you can see her play.

Emilia is also on her own "Barefaced" tour again later this year

Emilia has come a long way since that first Buckle and Boots Paddock stage appearance – we can’t wait to see where this feisty, sassy take-no-prisoners artist goes next!

Daddy's Girl (Live) - the new single from Emilia Quinn - is available to download and stream from Friday 3 March

Find Emilia on Facebook, Instagram and her website and follow her on Spotify

 

Emilia Quinn is represented by ZimagineD Artist Management

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Gig Review - Nashville Style Songwriters Round with Gary Quinn and Friends - Actress and Bishop Birmingham

 

Gary Quinn could easily be described as a curator of UK Country Music and of Country Music in the UK.  You want to attend any show Gary is involved in just to see which of his many friends from across the genre he he’s brought along, and see the artists that he draws the best out of, by co-writing with them or featuring them in his shows.

Currently touring the UK with his Nashville style songwriters round, we saw Gary and friends at Birmingham’s Actress and Bishop on Friday night.  Opening for this leg of the tour was local performer Mikki Evans.  Dressed to impress, she seemed to enjoy being on stage trying to engage with the audience and encourage them to sing a long with a mix of covers and her own original music – co-written for the most part with Host Gary. Mikki was certainly making the most of this opportunity to perhaps win some new fans!

The songwriters round was made up of Gary, Dan Smalley and Jeremy McComb.  Jeremy is becoming a familiar face whilst Dan is new to the UK.

Growing up mostly in Louisiana “catching alligators” but having lived all over the US, Dan Smalley has a voice you simply get lost in.  It doesn’t matter what the words are, you are just engrossed, captured – and you are not prepared to stop listening at the end of each song!  His guitar skills are also superb, as was his foot stomping and little (and some big) kicks!

Sat beside him, Jeremy McComb is a singer, songwriter and comedian.  An absolute natural to the stage Jeremy has no filter, and his stories are absolutely wonderful – you’ll laugh until you cry.  All his songs seem to come from real life, and what a life it has been.  He’s unashamedly redneck and obviously has a huge fondness for where he grew up in Idaho.  Although he’s never been asked to write a song about his hometown, he probably wouldn’t get a job with the tourism board either!

Our host Gary Quinn is your man if you want heart felt storytelling to draw you in – and if the soft Irish brogue is your thing!  Gary is well practised at leading songwriters rounds and despite his own success and awards he always makes sure his guests are very much supported and centre stage.

Despite the intimacy of the venue these three characters with their powerful voices and great stories gave it a much bigger feel, and easily outdid the venue’s issues.  Its not a PG show, but it’s very entertaining!

You can catch Gary, Dan and Jeremy in Oswestry tonight and Manchester on Sunday for a St Patrick’s Day celebration, and you can catch all four artists at Buckle and Boots this year.

 

Tickets for this weekend can be found at garyjpquinn.co.uk

Silverball Country attended this show as guests of Gary Quinn

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Gig Review - Girls Night In The Round - Birmingham Symphony Hall

I’m not sure that I’ve ever been to a show that opens with all four performers strutting/dancing on to the stage to the sound of Shania Twain singing “Lets Go Girls”, opening and pouring  the wine and then taking their seats – but then again, I’ve never been to Girls Night In…The Round before!

If you are yet to see this show, let me set the scene a little.  Its four of the very best female singers from the UK Country Music scene in a songwriters round…but fuelled by Jamshed wine (legitimately - they are sponsors!).  Once in their seats the four introduce the show by singing their own theme song, taking a line each and ending with a beautiful harmony.

The four are (in the order they were sitting) Kezia Gill, Jess Thristan, Demi Marriner and Jade Helliwell who are all friends away from the stage – in fact the tour was apparently conceived in a hot tub session.

As is fitting for such a night, there was a lot of sparkles on stage, with a special mention made for Jess Thristan’s jacket, although the comments were also slightly envious from the others!

 

In many ways, this show is not about music.  Well, it is, but it’s not just about the music!  The interactions, the jokes, the stories (a fight at the Glasgow date last tour) and the very obvious closenesss of the friendship all make this quite a unique tour.  It also adds to the flow of the performances – when Jess started a song and was advised politely, and then lovingly but less politely, by the others that she need to tune her guitar, there was no awkward silence as often happens.

The rounds are grouped by themes/titles (which is a great idea!) – including introductions, co-writes (Jade has co-written with all three!), Cry in your Wine and notably the Unreleased Round where each artist sings a song that is so far unheard, and these songs will change from venue to venue – accompanied by a plea to not put any videos on social media, making it an intimate treat for each audience.

In all there were 6 rounds with a short interval with the first half rounded off by an absolute showstopper How Long Have You Known and the recent single Jolene which we reviewed here.

It would be almost impossible to properly describe all the humour, situational jokes (Jade and her eyelashes), music choices and stories – and I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun if you are seeing the tour this week.

Suffice to say the show gives an insight into what it might be like to be on a night out – or a night in – with Kezia, Jess, Demi and Jade, and you can make your own mind up about who might be the ringleader of any shenanigans.  It also showcases the writing and performance skills of all four.

 

Girls Night In The Round is on tour all this week until Saturday 17 February taking in Liverpool, Glasgow, Gateshead and Leeds.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or direct from the venues

 

Although it was a girls night, we can’t forget to mention the input from Lloyd and Luke, husband and husband to be respectively of Kezia and Jade.

 

Silverball Country attended Girls Night In The Round in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall as guests of Zimagined Artist Management and UK Country Live

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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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Single Review - Mr Shame - Emilia Quinn

It has been an absolute joy watching Emilia Quinn growing over the past few years.  We have the privilege of working closer with many acts when we manage stages at Independent Festivals, and whilst we are always sorry to see acts move on from our stage, it is with absolute pride that we see them take their place on a main stage.  We’ve had exactly that with Emilia, from performing solo with an early slot on the Paddock Stage at Buckle and Boots to an evening slot full band where she absolutely blew the roof off – and the following year smashing it on the main stage!

The next step in that growth is her headline tour in November this year, taking in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow before ending in her adopted hometown of Leeds.

Emilia’s new single, Mr Shame, is also about growth, in the form of growing your confidence and growing your self love.  In Emilia’s own words

The inspiration for Mr. Shame came from a situation where an ex was making me doubt myself and my confidence. It's about choosing yourself over others' thoughts and opinions and choosing to be confident despite criticisms. 

 

A heavy guitar opening gives way to Emilia’s vocal, absolutely setting the tone for the song.  Hard rocking with a story is the style we’re accustomed to from the performer often described as “a firecracker”.  The pace, the bass line, all contribute to the sense of taking control and rejecting whatever is holding you back.  The backing vocals drop in perfectly in a style we don’t hear enough off, as do the pauses and the slowing down of the instrumentation. Throughout the song, you get a sense of power from Emilia, power coming directly from her.  As a whole, it is reminiscent of the female rockers in music, and we can start to number Emilia in that group.  The final guitar solo absolutely cements this track as being on the rock side of country, and very much an Emilia Quinn badass song.

 

Mr Shame, the new single from Emilia Quinn is available to download and stream from Friday 13 October.

Emilia's  Wanderlust and Breaking Rules Tour kicks off in November with tickets available via her social media 

You can find Emilia on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her on Spotify

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Emilia is represented by Zimagined artist management and is signed to 

W21 Records

Single Review - Heroes and Heroines - Jade Helliwell

 

Jade Helliwell caught the attention of the public when a video of her singing with a busker went viral on YouTube and got 23 million views across social media platforms.  Whilst that video put her firmly in the limelight, and boosted figures for her previously released ep, it is not down to a single video that keeps Jade at the top of the UK country scene, performing on festival stages all over the country – that is down to her songwriting skills and excellent performances.

 

Ahead of her second UK headline tour, which kicks off in November, Jade is releasing her new single Heroes and Heroines (which is also the title of the tour).  Fittingly for a song about acknowledging the people in your life who are everyday heroes the track was co written with JessThristan and produced by Alyssa Bonagura – two people that Jade has worked with and admires.

 

Jade has carved her own pop country niche in the UK country genre, combining meaningful lyrics with catchy, up-tempo instrumentation.  Backed by some great guitar sounds (unsurprisingly given that she is engaged to a very talented lead guitarist in Luke Thomas!) the song is very much driven by Jade’s vocals, with the production and mixing keeping her very much to the forefront, although with well-timed instrumental breaks and inserts.

Here’s to the hold it togethers

Here’s to the no regreters

Here’s the see it throughers

Here’s to the hallelujahs

An anthem to the ordinary heroes, people doing what they can, day after day – this one will sound great on stage whether at a festival or that forthcoming tour.  Overall, it’s a great sound, and we can’t wait to hear it live!

 

Heroes and Heroines – the new single from Jade Helliwell – is available to download and stream from Friday 6 October.

Tickets for the Heroes and Heroines tour are available from here: tickets

You can find Jade on Facebook and Instagram and follow her on Spotify

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