Amy and the Integrals, Chris Thatcher, Samantha Hughes, Fran Bove.

Lev 1. Esquires Bedford. 16th July 2010.

Every two years, the town of Bedford congregates to celebrate the popular River Festival. With this in mind, Esquires held a special warm up gig in Danny's Bar for two of the acts performing this weekend, namely Amy And The Integrals and Samantha Hughes. A couple of well known guests also lent their support.

FRAN BOVE is always a most popular visitor. Funky could almost be his middle name as the bulk of his material is of that ilk, most notably "Fiction and Fire" and "The Sign". In fact, the latter sees Fran bringing his "funky pedal" to this musical party, partly because he has no 'collective' to fall back on tonight. Although now totally detached from his past glories, he does hark back to "the olden days" as he loudly sings "You can't get high with your feet on the ground". Fran might be on his own, but what a fantastic talent he continues to be.

Supported by Amy on guitar, SAMANTHA HUGHES is a demure young lady who is obviously a retro fan as her covers set takes in "Stupid Cupid", "Bobby's Girl" and "Lipstick on your Collar". A big fan of the female vocalists of the late fifties and early sixties era, her fashion choice is also from that time. It has to be noted though, it was a pity that Samantha decided not to play any of her own material.

CHRIS THATCHER is in the building and describing himself as "the token hippie". This southpaw strummer has such a fluid and relaxed playing style. Normally a 'sticksman', Chris nonchalantly tells us that he has not practised for a while and that he is sloppy and out of sync! Oh yeah? Who are you kidding? "Kings Ditch" is about Bedford, while "Me and Old Moon" is enhanced by his wacky face on the moon T-shirt. It's a story about a person who, in the early hours of the morning, is turning into a sambucca fuelled werewolf. "Happily drunk at a quarter to one" - does ring some bells, doesn't it!! With an Elvis and a beloved Sulfur song to finish, Chris has again been enormous fun to listen to.

AMY LEEDER has an EP to promote. From it, she performs "Apprehensive" as a solo opener. The Integrals, her 'boys' Edwin and Frankie, quickly appear to join her for "Maybe Tonight". Amy's limited edition disc is called "Solitary Girl" but, with the full band line up, she can fully rock out to a good sized Friday turn out. Amy runs through her ever increasing catalogue of material effortlessly. "Smile Now", "Good with Words" and "Rainclouds" are all performed. "Chavs of 2022" is especially an oldie, but a total goodie! A catchy "Irresistibly You" earns loud and rapturous applause. "The Truth" is an Integrals favourite and a chance for Edwin to take centre stage. A rare treat is for the band to play "Rough Around the Edges". It's a song that, collectively, they have never played live before. Appropriately, "Solitary Girl" (that's where we came in), is the final song of the evening.