Cannonlive Weblog

Our sessions at the Cannon (Wednesdays) and 1st Monday at the magic Wok are still running - see web-page home.

Quicksilver (Hilary Spencer and Grant Baynham) performed a great gig at the Cannonlive on 30 March. Hilary Spencer (That Voice in acapella meistersingers Artisan) and Grant Baynham (ex-’That’s Life!’ and comic songsmith to the stars) have been working together since 2002. Both Hilary’s singing and Grant’s guitar playing mightily impressed the audience. Their material could be described as folk music, but not quite as we know it, more like folk music that has been disassembled, given a thorough overhaul and polish up, and reassembled shinier and funnier than before.
The songs were great, including La Vie en Rose from Edith Piaf (sung by Hilary in French), the lively “Middleton Hiring Fair” and several songs by the late Jake Thackray, their favourite songwriter, including “Widow of Bridlington”.
Once again, attendance could have been better, but those who did turn up enjoyed an evening of excellent music.

Support for Quicksilver was provided by Brian and Alan, performing without Kirsten this time (except for their closing song). Their set of country/rock material was well received.

A return visit from Sara and Kieron was much appreciated by those who turned up. Their act explored the British and American folk traditions. Kieron played guitar while Sara sang and played banjo. Sara plays a traditional style of frailed banjo and in several tunings.

Pleasant surprise of the night was the support spot by Jo Horne, from Northampton. She is one of the better acoustic guitar pickers from this region, has a great bluesy voice, and sings many of her own interesting songs, as well as some covers. Your website maintainer listened with a dawning sense of discovering someone special. In the interval, there was a small rush to buy copies of Jo’s CD and DVD.
Jo runs an Open Mic. club in the Northampton area, and, while currently residing in the Northampton area, has worked and performed in Germany.
Jo can be contacted on 07828903184, or Johorne5506@hotmail.co.uk

Those who attended the Dave & Boo gig enjoyed a fine night, as the duo were on form. Dave had a collection of guitars and other instruments with him, and at the end of the evening brought out his Fender electric guitar, which he used to play in his rock’n roll days.

The evening was opened by local singer Linda Watkins, with Godfrey on bass guitar.

LPSO were supported on the 26 Jan by Kirsten Hintner’s band, consisting of Kirsten, Brian and bass player. Kirsten, who has sung at previous Cannonlive shows, did a set of country songs, which was well received.

Two ladies from the audience are encouraged to play maracas at the beginning of the second set. (Jan 26th)

If you didn’t come to this gig on 26 Jan, you missed a great night. The LPSO are fine musicians, who can busk a variety of styles, from classical, through East European gypsy, folk, Irish, to skiffle. They are also a good laugh and like to dress up. Dick, the bass player, is the straight man, the two Martins are funny, while percussionist Captain Cabbage has licence to be a complete nutter.

Pat Mason writes “I have booked for the 31st August ‘The Growling old Men’ supported by Hootenanny 3. I am waiting for more info from Leon Hunt. October I thought we would do another Open Mic Night. “