One of my rare outings as a compere took place last night in Leicester, a place I have never visited before and on first impressions I was very impressed. The only things I knew about the city were Walkers crisps, (a company that I hate due to their arrogant disregard for the colour coding system when it comes to identifying flavours), Engelbert Humperdinck, and Adrian Mole. Lisa De Ville, one of my favourite singers and a good friend, picked me up and drove me to the gig that had been organised by Simon Waldram. Simon performed on The Sunday Alternative in January when it was still on the radio and I was keen to see him playing. Also on the bill were Anda Volley, a singer from Boston (the American one, not the shithole in Lincolnshire), and Factory Records alumni Kevin Hewick.

I’ve mentioned Lisa’s live ability on several occasions within this blog so I don’t need to add anything apart from the fact that she was as brilliant as ever. Simon is a very talented singer-songwriter who has a large body of recorded work yet due to his rare stage appearances remains something of a secret and not really a name with the Nottingham music scene, which is a big shame. He now lives in Leicester where he is studying but I hope he tries to edge his way into Nottingham’s live arena in the future. Having said that, the scene is pretty full so it might do him good to not latch on lest he get stuck in the rut (the only advice I give to the really good ones is to get the fuck away from the place and play elsewhere). To give you an idea, have a listen to his session on The Sunday Alternative. The lineup of this gig appeared at the Chameleon on Friday, and I found out tonight that Lisa and Simon had been singing my praises as a music champion to anyone who would listen, which was nice to know. Neither Simon nor Lisa has a lot of time for the other so-called music ‘action’ luminaries who shall, literally, remain nameless.

Having never been to Leicester before (I know, I haven’t lived), I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that the city doesn’t have an active music scene like the one we have so I wasn’t sure what the audience would be like. Maybe it’s because they had to pay to get in that helped to attract a more respectful and appreciative clientele, but the people who turned out on a cold wet Sunday night sat and listened to the music rather than talking among themselves, a crime I have written about quite a lot and would quite happily bring back hanging for. Not only that but they were a friendly bunch who just wanted to be entertained, a wish that was granted.

With Lisa driving (on a school night) I already knew that we wouldn’t be staying for the whole show, but we did stay for Anda’s set and I am glad I did. I can’t describe her sound so I’ll just direct you to her Soundcloud page while I say that she has a captivating stage presence and I’m sorry that she goes home to Boston this week. During our goodbyes we suggested it was her turn to organise the tour next time on her side of the water. I’ll hide in one of the suitcases and apply to some radio stations while I’m there.

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