Tom Hingley, Bowfinger, Ben Swidenbank, This Empire.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 3rd October 2009.

REVIEW ONE BY Karen Jones.

As Meat Loaf sang all those years ago, "Two out of three ain't bad". This sprang to mind after a couple of outstanding performances by both Luna Vegas and Graveyard Johnnys, the gig rather turned sour for me by the appearance of headliners Devilish Presley.

It's hard to believe it, but it's been nearly 20 years since Inspiral Carpets' debut album "Life" hit the streets. Part of the infamous 'baggy' scene in Manchester, they always seemed slightly overshadowed by The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. However, they possessed something that neither of those bands did, namely a singer who could actually sing! The man himself, TOM HINGLEY, is making a return visit to Esquires tonight. He is promoting new solo album "Thames Valley Delta Blues" which is released on 12th October. It's been a while, but well worth the wait.

Tom comes on to the stage and announces his first song. He encourages us to move a little closer, even "those kids from Haynes sitting in the corner". He claims that he does smell, but only of Ambrosia rice! "Saturn 5 " is the first song. People quieten down and the hairs on the back of my neck start to stand up. Tom claims the next song might not be very good, "but at least it's not Michael Jackson"! "Dragging me Down" and "Joe" follow. Although lacking the trademark organ, these songs still have everyone transfixed. I cannot imagine an acoustic set of some of todays music going down particularly well in 20 years time. There is a pause after this as Tom tells us that he has a piece of tape stuck to his shoe and has to remove it. Another 'oldie' "Directing Traffic" is next and Tom thanks the "pop children".

Now we take a turn down a bluesier road as we hear a version of "Back Door Man", probably more familiar by The Doors. There is banjo aplenty as we go into the next few songs including "Dog Suit"and "Lake of Fire". At this point we do start to wander slightly into Deliverance territory and some members of the audience start shuffling round a bit wondering where the pop hits went. Lucky for them that the next song is "This is how it Feels". This gets faster and faster towards the end. Obviously a bit of a breather is required after all that excitement, so Tom gets everyone to clap along to his version of "Mercedes Benz". It could be worse though, we are threatened with Craig David! Now we are having some mandolin solos. Don't say you don't get something different at Esquires! I'm unfamiliar with the next couple of songs and Tom doesn't do set lists, so they will have to remain a mystery, but they were good - honest! At this point we are told "I feel like Roy Castle without the talent!". It is also an opportunity to plug the CD, sort of, as Tom tells us that he "has some CD's for sale including some Shakin' Stevens". He tells us that the next song, "Don't Want to be a Fighter any More" is about his dad. This is also on the forthcoming album. My only disappointment was that there weren't any songs from "Keep Britain Untidy". I'll have to listen to that in the car.

Afterwards the CD's came out and Tom was more than happy to chat and sign stuff. I particularly enjoyed the tale about being beaten up by the Axl Rose of a G'n'R tribute band! A highly entertaining night and a top bloke. Buy the album!

REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton.

Tonight, Esquires bids a welcome to TOM HINGLEY, one of the pioneers of the unforgettable Madchester scene from the late eighties and early nineties. Although The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays may garner a bigger media spotlight (even now, twenty years later), for me, Inspiral Carpets were true equals. The signature organ skills of Clint Boon are renowned. But what of the vocalist whose delivery made them such a seminal band? Since they all went their separate ways, Tom has been busily carving out an acoustic career. His last Esquires visit in November 2000 coincided with the release of "Keep Britain Untidy". This time around it sees Tom discussing the world in 2009 through the album "Thames Valley Delta Blues". Although the official release date is not until 12th October, Tom has copies to sell at the end of the evening.

Tom Hingley walks on stage to be greeted by a good sized crowd. The evening has, once again, run slightly late, so travelling arrangements have to be taken into consideration. In fact Tom does not leave the stage until exactly midnight. His first few songs are the ones we grew up with. "Saturn 5" is followed by "Dragging Me Down". The latter is, for one night only, totally localised! Tom grins as he sings "Want you to take me to Bedford"! To loud cheers, Tom milks his plaudits and smiles. He takes a breather to tell us that he is feeling slightly tender tonight. Apparently our esteemed visitor had been celebrating the night before for the 40th birthday of fellow Lancastrian Damon Gough aka Badly Drawn Boy. Tom feels a touch hungover, but he freely admits that, although partying hard it's "not bad for a 44 year old!". To him, we are his "pop children" as he brings us more memories with "Joe" and "Directing Traffic".

A change of gear occurs as Tom utilises his banjo. He is beginning to bring us up to date with his present direction. "This is how it feels to be lonely" is the dying embers from Tom's past. As I watch him close up, I wonder what it is about the 'Madchester water' as he also possesses that trademark wide eyed stare which seem to be common to musicians from that area! Taking time out, he dedicates "Don't want to be a fighter anymore" to his father, who at the present is not well. It's the pick from the new album. It's good to report that he sold a good number at the end of the evening. As I bought a copy, shook his hand and thanked him for an enjoyable set, I was struck by how he conducted himself tonight. A true professional and someone who has left his mark on popular music. Thank you and long may you flourish Tom Hingley.

Support opens with THIS EMPIRE, a quartet whose indie-rock set is unfortunately punctuated by a series of technical problems. Disregarding these setbacks, the quartet retain their composure to produce a set highlighted by "30 seconds too late". It's their catchiest song by far. Their stage presence could have been a little better, but it was their debut here. A little low on charisma, but high on proficiency.

BEN SWIDENBANK is, it seems, the local fans favourite. Whoops of delight circulate around his acoustic set. On first viewing, it's not the greatest voice, but he is very confident. Covers dominate. His version of "Enter sandman" via "Teen spirit" before exploding into "Whole lotta Rosie" is interestingly conceived.

BOWFINGER arrive with a few words to say. This could be their last gig in their present guise. They might very soon be heading in a different direction. Not happy at the moment with their current lot, they are thinking of moving into a more covers oriented band. It's too try and raise their profile. Good luck to them in that pursuit, but I want to remember Bowfinger as a lively upbeat band who brought us catchy singalong songs such as "All systems go", "Action girl" and especially "Everything is easy". If this is the end of a chapter, may I say thanks to Ed, Iain, Dave and Barry for constantly brightening up my Esquires evenings.