Leigh Mary Stokes, Amy and the Integrals, Bowfinger, The Jacobines.

Lev 1. Esquires Bedford. 24th September 2010.

THE JACOBINES are not, as I initially thought, a Jewish Libertines covers band! Instead, they breathe the air of the mid noughties 'Arctics phase', plus some unusual gypsy ska. Opening with "Chained to the wall", the fizzling dual guitars and affected vocals vie with some spiky rhyming couplets that straddle the line between street suss and indie posturing. "Left Behind" gains from the varied use of melodica. London based, The Jacobines are James Burke (vocals, guitar and known locally from 91 Pieces, of course), Dan Nicholls (guitar, vocals), James Lebryuc (bass) and Alex Todd (drums). Although some technical problems surface, the band must tidy up some of the between song sloppiness and, at times, long pauses. On the positive side, "Friend of Mine" sees the dancefloor come alive. The weaker "She Don't Like It" rather stutters as it develops and seems almost like a jam session. Being rather partial to a nice slice of cheese, even Black Bomber mature cheddar cannot outrank The Jacobines performing a cover of The Human League's "Don't You Want Me". Very cheesy, but even this old cynic had to raise a chuckle and applaud. Snotty fun with The Jacobines, not arf!

For BOWFINGER it's very much a departure from the norm, an acoustic slant with Mick recruited on drums. This band are something of an institution 'round these parts' and they are in good spirits. Ed explains that their recent appearance at Rhythm Festival at Twinwoods has revitalised them. Frontman Ed (as usual aided by cheeky chappy Iain) still sells the vocals with the gusto of a Saturday morning market trader, especially with his familiar peaked cap, he looks like one as well. Oh yes, I can almost hear Ed now "Everything is Easy" luv? To you sir, "38" or "Action girl"? Luvvly jubbly.

AMY LEEDER (with her Integrals Edwin and Frankie, who drape their musical texture over the eight songs) proves that you don't need anything other than self belief to make music that truly shines. It's a well known fact that women are not afraid to show their emotions and not just hide behind cleverly constructed lyrics like their male counterparts. This is certainly evident on "Rough round the Wdges". Acerbic observations abound on the gleefully chirpy "Jessica". It's been quite a momentous year for young Amy, who celebrated her 18th birthday and performed a home town set at Kempston's Chill In The Park in the last couple of weeks.

With a squeaky opening greeting of "Hello", we are in the presence of LEIGH MARY STOKES, of whom I know nothing. First impressions are all I can go on. In tow are three backing musicians to accompany her. She speaks well of Bedford and tells of her pre-gig Indian meal. Ms Stokes look cute in a sort of 'ersatz-burlesque' kind of way, but I'm afraid that thirty minutes in her presence is way too long for me. She does not grab any part of my musical anatomy. Some unfettered spirit is sorely required. Musically, she comes across as a 'female Jack Penate', with some modern day 'mockerny - cockerny' turns of phrase. Leigh's song "Tom Vek" fills her with disappointment as he is gay and she unfortunately cannot have his babies. Will Leigh Mary Stokes progress further? I feel not, but then I had similar thoughts last year when Eliza Doolittle played here and look where she is now!