Tinker Jack, Valentone, Cherry Lee Mewis And Band, Piztons, Michael Green Band, The Nimblewits.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1 and 2.

Saturday 2nd May 2009.

REVIEW ONE BY Keith.

Last Saturday the 11th Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund gig was held on level one and two of Esquires Saturday 2nd May featuring The NIMBLEWITS made up of some of Bedfords finest musicians, here producing an amazing overall sound that came together really well, making me feel that I would like to catch these again at some point.

THE MICHAEL GREEN BAND had a singer who powerfully and passionately sung with great verve and talent to a backing band featuring some young stars from other local bands including Amy And The Integerals, Valentone and The Escape.

THE PIZTONS were a lively party band I was looking forward to hearing and was not disappointed I loved their choice of covers especially She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult. They were a very up tempo band who went down well with the audience, myself included.

Some serious crooning was given to us from the gorgous Cherry in CHERRY LEE MEWIS AND BAND with some well sung melodic numbers reminding me of the music you hear in Chicago private eye films set in the 30s or 50s.

The most liveliest band of the night was VALENTONE who at one point really rocked out and stepped out from their area and thrashed to their fast heavy chords including a Metallica cover making them definite headliners on the night on Lev one with their enthused energy.

Walking in to Lev two to TINKER JACK after the explosive sounds of downstairs was like walking in on an old gramophone record winding down. I would so much like to say I enjoyed them but Im afraid they just didnt do anything for me. Perhaps not the best headliners as their well played ambient sounds although most professional sounding would probably have best been at home on Lev 1 or after appearing after a mild acoustic set in which to give the appearance of a proper gig climax. Im not sure if their drummer lost all his coins from his pocket when sitting down to drum but he seemed to be looking down behind him through most of the songs. Theres no doubt how well the band can play I would just prefer something a bit more lively and vibrant to go out on.
And a special mention to Garrys disco keeping us entertained throughout.

Big Well Done to all the bands who played and evryone that came and gave suport.

REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton.

As is customary in May, the commitee of the Sid Worth Memorial Trust Fund (SWMTF) stage the first of their two annual gigs held in memory of the late musician. As stated before, these evenings, by way of admittance, collections and donations, raise money to help any aspiring local musician or band.

Tonight Esquires is split into two with three bands for me to review on level two and three more downstairs in the bar. They were VALENTONE, THE NIMBLEWITS and PISTONZ.

An interesting choice opens the proceedings. MICHAEL GREEN is his name and it is a level 2 debut. He is joined by a backing band of young local musicians. Michael has a very relaxed fluid style. Mixed and varied, he seems to combine influences ranging from funk, jazz and soul allied to his pop songs. There is, I would say, even a hint of gospel in his repertoire. This combines well with his stage presence. His lithe and fragile frame moves and grooves throughout. Although his band is conventional, ie guitar and drums, his music could loosely be described as dance-oriented. Confidently he begins with "Tonight", while the Latino strains of "Senorita" sees Michael dreamily singing "I'd love to meet you". "Part Time Lover" is not a Stevie cover, but "Tell Me" turns out to be my favourite. It has a slightly hypnotic feel to it. "Angel, Angel" slows everything down on this soulful rendition. The newly penned "I can be your goodnight lover" is a firm statement of intent. The laid back grooves come to a close on "Taste Like Sugar". It has been a sweet thirty minutes in the company of The Michael Green Band.

For those people in Bedfordshire not aware of the awesome CHERRY LEE MEWIS, I have a simple question. Where have you been hiding for the past eighteen months? Beloved by so many of the musos in town, she collaborated on The Quireboys last album and has recruited many seasoned pros. Due respect this evening to her 'blues powerhouse band' including Max Milligan, Nick Slater, Tony Morton, and featuring Robbie from the Rockin Blues Pimps. There are, I can tell you, quite a few more on the subs bench for other gigs. With this pedigree, the jazzy blues vixen is a must see. Welsh born Cherry has big sad eyes and such an innocent smile. Her throaty vocals belie her tender years. It's sophisticated and perhaps needs a dark smoky venue to do it full justice. She's certainly no shrinking violet, ultra-sassy in everything she does. "Midnight in Bedford" is a bluesy journey down Mill Street! A big stage such as this should be converted into a Parisian cafe just to give a bit more authenticity to Cherry's bohemian ambience. However, "Let's go Back in Time" as she vents her displeasure with an ex-boyfriend. Maybe it's time to sip a "Little Cherry Wine". She sings passionately "You are going to have to choose between me and your cherry wine". Oh it really is a "Shame, Shame, Shame", but with everybody in the crowd enjoying their Mercedes Benz moment, the band leave us to "Take Another Piece of my Heart Now".

Thanks to the generosity of the SWMTF, headliners TINKER JACK were able to record their debut EP which they launched here late last year. Although they played here recently, I'm sure they had to return the favour. Tinker Jack were once again a credit to themselves and SWMTF. They come off the back of a successful gig at The Stables, MK and it appears they are still on a high. "25" is beautifully reproduced. With vocal dexterity adding so much to their country-folk tinged beauty, it makes for quite a set. This is a band who make fragile a muscular strength. Displaying atmospheric splendour, perhaps the house lights at Esquires should be replaced by candlelight effect when the Tinkers are in town! Their melodies cut deep and when called upon, the mighty "Arkansas" has the extreme power to tamper with this reviewers already flighty heartbeat.

- Keith. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk Martin Stapleton www.bedfordesquires.co.uk