Bedford Alternative Music Present: The Casters, I Speak Sudoku, Ross Conner, David Hick.

Dannys Bar Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Thursday 21st November 2013.

A promoters job is never easy. Planning a gig, booking the bands and then hoping a good sized crowd will assemble to make it a successful and enjoyable evening. For Keith, tonight's Bedford Alternative Music new blood showcase line up was stricken with last minute headaches. BAM always pride themselves on their brilliantly designed posters. Unfortunately tonight's was inaccurate. For a sound and genuine reason, 45 Degrees were sadly unable to play due to surgery and medication requirements by one of their guitarists. A speedy recovery is wished. However, sympathy does not extend to the second band that cancelled late on us. Residing in Luton, Jackson One had no reason, other than lazy apathy, to offer. Their non-appearance is indefensible and a real slap in the face for a promoter willing to give them a gig. I would have thought that the exposure in this packed room full of keen and enthusiastic Bedford music fans would have been just what this band wanted, especially as the last time they were here they played at extremely short notice in front of practically no-one!

Stepping into the show at very short notice is Mr DAVID HICK. It is his first time in Bedford and my, does he impress. He arrives in town on the back of a prestigious support slot with the talented blues artist Marcus Bonfanti, in MK just recently. David is tall and lean with short black hair. His attire is dark except for some eye-poppingly bright red braces. He is very blues orientated, but starts with a rather amusing and poppier offering with a distinctive reggae lilt. He introduces each song with a quietly spoken appraisal, such as "This song's about robbing a bank", before emphasising that it is "principally about the Yorkshire Bank". David switches guitars constantly throughout his Esquires debut. This is shown to it's best with a cracking cover of the classic Elmore James penned song "Dust my broom". This composition was, of course, invigorated by Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and David played it in this vein. A very impressive introduction.

Also from Milton Keynes and returning to Esquires is ROSS CONNER. He is powerfully built with a black bushy beard. An ear stud constantly catches a spotlight and a stylish brown waistcoat is also worthy of note. He is no shrinking violet. Ross is a brutal gruff acoustic artist, thriving with confidence. He comes across in an American manner, a real bar room growler, but oh so polite. "Nobody knows you" is raucously sung with much feeling because yes, apart from a handful here, nobody does! "Wandering blues" demonstrates this punchy and confident air. Ross has a dominant musical demeanour, very much a 'woke up this morning' bluesman. His last song sees David Hick join him for a duet entitled "Running on faith". Ross comments that a YouTube video is available to view for this beautiful song.

Oh dear what a terrible band name I SPEAK SUDOKU is, but that is my only real criticism. This quartet are high on enthusiasm and looking to enjoy themselves making music. They are still developing a style which is, at present, retro blues rock. Initially they seem perturbed about their aural output. "Is it sounding alright?" they enquire. "Gammy shoulder" opens impressively, but it's not until a fantastic "Through the fences" that I get totally plugged into this band completely. That one really won me over.

The revelations of tonight are, without doubt, THE CASTERS. The spirit of this young band is typified by the fact that they play tonight's gig musically castrated by the virtual lack of a vocalist. Morgan is their brand new singer. He is so new that he is only able, at present, to perform what was the band's last song, a cover of "Get lucky". For one gig only The Casters, who also comprise Zak (drums), Antonio (guitar) and Ashley (bass), perform their songs totally instrumentally. This is a confident start. Fresh, they look to have tonnes of attitude. Ashley wears a flower patterned shirt while Antonio dons a beanie with the word 'obey' on it. We do lads. A controlled arrogance emanates through their impressive set. I am informed that these lads are the product of the regular jam nights held throughout our town. As well as a large crowd supporting The Casters tonight, a couple of Wholls members are applauding generously as they look suitably impressed, as were we all. A great show.

Ross Connor Acoustic Vid

Ross Connor & David Hick Acoustic Vid

I Speak Sudoku Vid

The Casters 1 Vid

The Casters 2 Vid