All photos in this blog entry by A Quick Flash
Beth Frisby (link)
Last night was one of the rare occasions that Mandi came with me to a gig as thanks to my introduction (at the 2013 Nottingham Rocks concert) she is a big fan of Georgie Rose. Although Mandi is a music lover she doesn't particularly enjoy crowded music venues, less than dazzlingly clean toilets, or standing for large periods of time after a day at work. Friday nights are very dear to her, as she likes to say farewell to the working week via a bubble bath and the sofa so this is a huge compliment to Georgie's talent. Gary came along too to Bodega where Georgie was headlining her biggest show to date. As it was an early doors affair there was a bit of a rush to get ready after a day in court but we got back into town just in time to find out that the doors opened at seven o'clock rather than half past six as it stated on the Facebook event page. Having said that, it might have put Mandi under some pressure to get ready she was at least ready. Maybe in future I should deduct half an hour from all start times to ensure we get there in time. We were planning on having a drink downstairs first but the first support act was due on at quarter past, presumably they were using the venue for a discotheque straight after. Although I have seen Beth Frisby before I don't think I've previously seen her with a band so this was an unexpected treat for me as she was a last minute replacement for a poorly Molly or Jack so Molly and Jack had to pull out. Given that next on the bill was Ryan Thomas with his band, we might soon not have any solo musicians left.
Ryan Thomas (link)
I have written recently about Ryan's capability as a band leader and last night he didn't make me a liar for what I had written. Georgie was stronger than ever and the practise she told me they had been having a lot of certainly paid off. I am not the only person to give the opinion that she stands a bloody good chance of being the next breakout artist from this city. To do this she needs to see that she is starting to outgrow Nottingham now and get out and about. Although not overly populated by representatives of the Nottingham music scene, this was obviously a high profile enough gig to temp Notts TV's Mark 'literally' Del out of the house to be seen supporting local music. It was a little hurtful that Georgie name-checked Del from the stage, but in fairness she hadn't seen me beforehand and presumably didn't see me. Also it is fair to say that he is a bit more noticeable than I am, not just for his general appearance but for the shock factor of seeing him at a gig. I don't go out of my way to be noticed and just go to enjoy the music, such vulgar displays aren't for me and I am happy for the attention seekers to get what they want, attention.
Georgie Rose (link)
The show was a resounding success and you could see how much it meant to Georgie to be on the stage, and as I have said before the transformation from the shy girl I first saw perform to the rock chick on stage is phenomenal. Next time she headlines her own gig in Nottingham it could realistically be Rock City. I'm sure Mark 'literally' Del will be there for that one.
Interestingly, Gary said something (I think it was Gary who said it) about Jake Bugg last night; there's a name you don't often hear nowadays, which I think speaks volumes as you can only go so far on minimal ability.
Mandi had had enough by the end and took the tram home, (they made her bring it back - thank you very much I'm here all week) after the Bodega was finished. In the mood for more live music (there's no such thing as too much), Gary and I went to Jam Cafe just in time to catch The Damn Heavy play a blinding set that perfectly rounded off a night of bluesy rock (or rocky blues depending on your point of view). It was a great night for Nottingham music, literally.
This week's edition of The Sunday Alternative can be heard here.
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April housekeeping
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