Bedford Alternative Music Present: Acoustic Showcase - Durdey Bridge (Laura Durdey & Ryan Bridges), Charles & Tim Mellor, Jimmy McKenna, Roger Fowler, Ragged Tone..

Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Sunday 3rd May 2015.

If all the acts had C.D.’s of their material I think the one I would most like listening to would be DURDEY BRIDGE, made up of a very talented duo of the gorgeous Laura Durdey and handsome Ryan Bridges. Their sheer melodic blend sounds pitch perfect and sounded very melodic while not afraid to inject a bit of fun while performing, smiling and communicating with each other between choruses. Laura knows how to both belt out the vocals in places and harmonise in others while Ryan’s playing is rather impressive, as if about to burst out with some furious Spanish flamenco strums at any given point. Entertaining and nice to listen to.

From Milton Keynes Charles Mellor has entertained a BAM audience both with his much missed band ‘Time Well Spent’ and his acoustic act, this time adding the extra ingredient of a younger brother forming CHARLES AND TIM MELLOR with young Tim on vocals and Charles on guitar and vocals, singing songs that greatly fit the double vocal sound, vocalising different sounds which both harmonise as one and sounding both pleasing to the ear and altogether quite professional, another act I could happily have listened to for longer than the time given, they had obviously practiced and gig ready to put in a solid performance. Tim looked rather straight jacketed with arms held behind him at times while Charles preferred sitting while playing. A pleasant and confident act.

Right in the middle (as requested) of proceedings we have well known local lad with various personas behind him from previous outfits including Doubting Thomas (punk) Gold Skies Ahead (metal). Here tonight JIMMY MCKENNA is here to put all that behind him and demonstrate his well honed acoustic act which is probably the best known in Bedford act of the evening. His Americanised sound and noticeably deep vocals capture his basic tunes and sound well I felt. Also with this special gig we were also treated with an extra surprise with having a song duet addition from former band member and friend Izzy Styles, with I have to say amazingly good vocals carrying off his song with Jimmy rather well, having a more lighter upper range than Jimmy it added a depth of interest to the set. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of Jimmy McKenna Acoustic around the town in time to come.

Totally up for performing and willing to play I would say ROGER FOWLER was the one who most persuaded me to push forward with another acoustic night and with him playing, so this gig tonight you could say – was his.
After a shaky start and some songs not quite starting off and restarting, Roger had some material looking more difficult to play but technically got to grips with his songs to a good crowd reaction with reliance on lyrics on his music stand, his vocals are loud and grungy fitting his style well. I noticed an acoustic version of his full on band Yellowknife Bay having a rendition, lending a folk, blues, grunge, rock mixture to his well played sound when he got going.

From Cambridge and with a classy indi rock acoustic sound RAGGED TONE brought the night to a close. Although some repetitive chords were utilised in some songs, the over all triple guitar sound of two acoustic and an electric went well and another contender for making me think could burst a Spanish style fast guitar sound at any moment to up the tempo. Superb vocals head this band having a kind of indi drawl, adding a relaxed approach to their style. Another professional sound and a well practiced act.

Durdey Bridge Acoustic 1 Vid

Durdey Bridge Acoustic 2 Vid

Charles & Tim Mellor Acoustic Vid

Jimmy McKenna Acoustic 1 Vid

Jimmy McKenna Acoustic 2 Vid

Ragged Tone Acoustic Vid