Creation Sessions - Glasgow - Record Factory - Friday 24 July 2014
With the imminent release of Pete MacLeod’s second as yet untitled album, the baton for Creation Sessions (Glasgow) has been passed to Greenock music lover Barry Mcllvogue. Notably, there was a change of venue having switched from Sleazys to the Record Factory in the West End and with The Haze travelling up from Liverpool to perform the bill was more tasty than a Donner kebab at 3 in the morning. Opening the night, singer/songwriter Toni Etherson entertained the crowd with her blend of acoustic tunes. Having heard Toni live previously and featured her in Gigslutz: Unsigned Glasgow back in 2014, she is an artist I am aware of and her delicate tone is capable of melting an ice-cap in milliseconds. Toni engages her audience with a natural ease and stand-out moments are aplenty with early track ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ highlighting her ability to connect with her audience. ‘Goodnight Msg’ brings the arrival of another of tonight’s artists with Jamie Coleman joining Toni on stage. Her cover of Oasis track ‘Slide Away’ is divine and is followed-up by ‘A Long Way Home’, a song Toni reveals was inspired by watching Ross Kemp’s Extreme World and a particular episode on Mexican gangs (here was me thinking Grant Mitchell was his greatest accomplishment). With that voice, I could listen to Toni all night but unfortunately the set closes with the beautiful ‘Born In The Wrong Generation’ as Toni skips off to catch a plane to Greece to play at a musical festival and bring some much needed love and hope to the youth of a country plagued by the politics of the EU. Next up, Liverpool band The Haze shook the Record Factory with their rockin sound as they showcased a number of tracks from their recent E.P. Opening track ‘Fool For You’ sets the tone with pounding drums and guitar licks laced with vocals that reminded at times of defunct Aussie rockers JET. This was my kind of music and despite not knowing the tracks I was one of many in the crowd digging on the sound. With his Dylan-esq hair and wicked playing, lead guitarist Sean Walsh caught my eye and when ‘She’s My Baby’ followed Sean let rip with some impressive playing. Set closer ‘Am I The Only One’ brought the charged and memorable set to a pulsating finale. Jamie And The Giants followed and despite the line-up of giants appearing somewhat different from the last time I caught them, Jamie was on it and clearly enjoying having his mate Jamie Reilly on stage with him. Opener ‘Calm Yourself Down’ sounded great with Jamie in fine voice. With the accompanying harmonica adding to catchy guitar and lyrics, recent single ‘Day Trippin’ numbed and was perhaps the high-point of the entire evening. The single is currently available as a free download on Pete MacLeod’s Stepping Stone website and if you haven’t already done so I would suggest you get the finger out! The set was packed full of entertaining moments and despite his mum shouting at him from the crowd Jamie was able to laugh it off as Barry Mcllvogue joined the party on stage and shone throughout the occasion. ‘Die My Own Way’ closed out the set as I reflected on the three quality acts that graced the bill. As headliner The Jackals took to the stage I became somewhat distracted with a text I received from my wife intimating our baby that was due in a couple of weeks may just be on the move and despite her reassurance that all was ok, I never really recovered from the shock. That said, I stuck about for The Jackals before making a sharp exit. Clearly The Jackals are a band who have played together for some time and were super-tight throughout with their harmonies having a real Americana sound to it. Tom Petty, The Band, the influences were evident and having recently signed a deal to have their music played in retail outlets and Starbucks throughout the land of stars and stripes this is music that will appeal to wide demographic. All in, a fantastic Creation Sessions at the Record Factory and a night that is quickly becoming a must in my calendar. Creation Sessions operate in both Glasgow (Barry Mcllvogue) and also Edinburgh (Harry Mulligan) and are always looking for new talent. If you want to perform, get in touch with the guys by sending a message via the official Facebook page: Creation Sessions Scotland. Words: Bazza Mills Twitter: @bazzamills P>S The baby has now arrived! |