MILES HUNT AND ERICA NOCKALLS
with The Ouse Valley Singles Club, Harriet Langley.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Thursday 30th May 2013.

They do say that patience is a virtue and at the lucky third time of asking (this gig was originally scheduled for February and then April), Bedford finally bids a warm welcome back to MILES HUNT AND ERICA NOCKALLS . This Wonder Stuff duo created such a reaction when they first appeared here back in March 2012. The winning formula is very much replicated as Miles does all of the talking and singing (except for one song that Erica wrote), while Ms Nockalls is the violin maestro as her arm movement is fantastically frenetic (ah memories of Nash the Slash from years long ago spring to mind). The couple come onstage to loud cheers with an old song still playing from the PA speakers. Miles is never one to miss a quick quip and spontaneously says "James is playing, shame to interrupt it", before adding "but we've all heard it before!". I will second that!
"Aye aye" is his opening gambit to Esquires. It doesn't take long before Miles is into the first of his many anecdotes. He introduces "Fill Her Up For Dan" in the appropriate manner and heavy accent; "This is a real old drinking song from the hills of Shropshire". It may be an unfamiliar start, but we are soon treated to the stripped down Wonder Stuff classics. Our dapper wordsmith removes his jacket as he and Erica start to satisfy the crowd's wishes, firstly with "Mission Drive" and then swiftly following it with "Circlesquare". With everyone thoroughly warmed up, Miles puts on the handbrake by saying something that no gig goer wants to hear, namely "we're going to play some new stuff"! The pick of this is "Friendly Company". Either side of the song are two delightful and amusing stories. The first of which tells of a video that was shot with comedian Greg Davies. The funnyman is a huge (literally) Wonder Stuff fan and he and Miles were filmed in matching 'superhero' outfits. Smiling, Erica gleefully adds "it was hard to find matching red speedos"! The aforementioned single also draws inspiration from the TV show Come Dine With Me which the couple watched after spending endless hours in various hotels on tour.
Although primarily the violinist in this partnership, for the new album Erica has written and sung on one of the tracks. Indeed, she also takes the backing vocals on "Welcome To The Cheap Seats" (originally sung by the late Kirsty McColl). Mr Hunt also recalls a makeshift 'Stuffy' band being asked to play this song on The David Letterman Show. Miles tells us that he was asked by the show's producer not to look the talk show host directly in the eye. Needless to say, the cheeky Brummie lad most definitely did! Much laughter is raised by the audience at this memory. The dollops of nostalgia continue with "Cartoon Boyfriend". After all this hilarity, the mood now becomes more poignant and reflective. With healthy long floppy hair, Miles Hunt looks in good shape for a 46 year old. With original band members, drummer Martin Gilks and bassist Rob Collins, no longer with us, death is a constant thought for anyone in middle age. Pausing and with evident emotion, he tells the story about George, an eighty two year old gentleman and native of the village that Miles and Erica have a home in. Shropshire born and bred and a respected friend of the younger Miles, when enquiring about the elderly man's health he was given a true rural reply. "Everything all right George?" "Well it will be if I'm still the right side of the turf"! Sadly for the couple, the gentleman passed away last Christmas. In memory and recognition of George, Miles wrote a song for the new Wonder Stuff album entitled "Right Side Of The Turf". With "Golden Green" and "Here Comes Everyone" closing the set, rapturous applause is the duo's reward. Returning for an encore, numerous song titles are shouted out. Miles takes it in his stride, saying "There are some funny f**ks in the audience tonight. Is it always like this in Bedford or do you save it up for me?"! Anyhow, "Piece Of Sky" and "Don't Let Me Down (Gently)" end the night. It may not have been the absolute pinnacle of musical achievement, but it would be hard to have a more laid back and heart warming night out. For a bonus, Miles and Erica spend a long time post-gig chatting and posing for numerous photos for those people who bopped around 25 years ago to "It's Yer Money I'm After Baby". Now they are talking to the man that sang it. Priceless!

THE OUSE VALLEY SINGLES CLUB are a local trio who encapsulate thirties music hall fare, skiffle and rock 'n' roll. Armed with quick witted and risque lyrics, they have also made the washboard and ukelele cool once again. Frontman Tim Barrow, although happy to be here, concedes that Thursday night is "normally movie club"! Where they can enjoy "Jude Law" no doubt. They sing of male bonding in HMP Bedford. Musical 'stylees' veer from the "Bedford Rascal" to their local folk song about "The 10.15 to Luton Airport Parkway". With references to "conkers" and a "wank sock", this is a set that appears to be done in the best possible taste. The drinking lads in attendance laughed and lapped it up.

HARRIET LANGLEY returns to the mainstage after a gap of nearly two years. A confident singer songwriter, I feel that she is not given the due respect she deserves as there are a bunch of chattering males massed around the bar area. Why do they talk when this lady enchants? A shame because "Dance with me" is gorgeous, a beautiful composition. Come back soon Harriet.

Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk