A Midsummer's Night Scene III.

Lev 1. Esquires Bedford. 31st July 2010.

There has been a quiet revolution occurring in Bedford these past couple of years. It's happened in the world of acoustic music. Tonight, for the third year running, Esquires throws open the doors on level 2 to this intimacy as the musicians play up their lyrical strengths and lay them bare.

Opening are Dunstable duo Sarah Doe and Jonny Fever. They alternate between performing together and showcasing their solo work. Jonny is immediately struck by the strange surroundings he surveys from the stage. With genuine feeling, he states "I have never been to Esquires and seen everyone sitting down"! Tables and chairs certainly rule this evening. They create a tasteful and comfortable ambience. Of his material, "Telescopes" is roundly applauded, while Sarah's strength lies with "Clockwatching". A combined cover of "Starryeyed" is this delightful couple's parting shot.

Standing next to a local character, his initial comment on seeing young Luke Jackson is priceless but inaccurate; "He's the only emo in the village"! The hairstyle is deceiving as Luke's unusual delivery is akin to an angelic choirboy singing Jamie T songs! This precocious Kentish youngster certainly has a way with his songwriting, describing each in detail. "Boy in the Rain" tells of "what goes around comes around". "Waiting for the Tide" is a moving composition about cult American musician Ted Hawkins. A real life experience inspires the wonderful "Dancing Gerard", perhaps his high spot.

Familiar face Fran Bove is joined by a percussionist mate Boggy. With the lights dimmed dramatically, Fran explains that impending laser eye treatment could spell the end of his trademark black rimmed glasses. "Break it Off" tells of the split of his former band, while "Getting me Down" is a tribute to it.

Sadly it was not the easiest night for Katie Malco to make her Esquires debut. Firstly, she explains that she has cut her index finger "while slicing a pepper". Secondly, this demure young lady is using someone elses guitar. "Florence Nightingale's House" is the stand out from an uninspiring and bland set. Showing little enthusiasm, perhaps events had caught up with Katie on this occasion.

Whether he is sitting at The Whybirds drumkit, or strumming acoustically with his previous psuedonym The Venkman Project, Luke Tuchscherer is a musician to admire and respect. Bearded and shabbily dressed, he would never win any prizes in the fashion stakes! His ability lies both with his songwriting and playing skills. A rich mixture of covers (including "Heart of Gold") and Whybirds standards ("Morning Light") make this an extremely entertaining thirty minutes.

From the good to the bad, at least for this reviewer, as Tom Copson appears. He starts by playing a cover of "Word Up". Sorry young man, but that was awful! Bizarrely, Tom plays barefoot. In fact, the only bright spot I glean from it all is a song dedicated to the homeless, "Rainbow".

Danni Nichols finishes the evening, complete with double bass player Nicholas Falcon. They play with passion, fun and a total 'joie de vivre'. Powerful, vital and exuberant rhythms characterize their set. The peak is "Searching High and Low". It comes early in the set, but is joyously performed. The night is roundly completed by Luke Tuchscherer joining the duo for a mutual respect to the late Johnny Cash. A word of thanks must go to Jez Brown for his organisation of the musical fare on offer tonight.