YEAR REVIEW,
2009.

A look at 2009 at Esquires Bedford by Martin Stapleton.

Despite a lack of big name touring bands and missing the presence of 'the next big thing', there was still plenty for the live music loving people of Bedfordshire to enjoy at Esquires during 2009. In fact, the variety of promoters meant that there was an ever changing audience each week. Gigs occurred most Friday and Saturday evenings, plus the regular Sunday Sessions in the bar kept the older blues fans happy. Gigs on Thursdays and other weekdays occasionally took place.

________________________________________ January
was notable for the return of the chaotic Yorkshire ska band Random Hand. This gig was to be the only One For The Underground show of the year. Red Stripe music awards had a heat here and seemed to cause an internet furore.

________________________________________ February
was cold and icy, but even that did not prevent Cardiff's Graveyard Johnnys from getting here. The Foxes left a good impression, while some serene gothic belly dancers graced a No More Heroes evening.

________________________________________ March
saw an irrepressible John Otway show. Living long in the memory, it enthralled me throughout. Also of note are Brighton based Floors And Walls. Described as 'chavcore', they include wide eyed MC-ing singer Alex Adams. The atmosphere is slightly tenser when The Last Resort played.

________________________________________ April
saw the first of our Thursday night Bedford Alternative Music showcase nights (also held in mid-summer). MK's Silver Brazillians sang of "Kate Winslet", while Don Brocco kept the young female fans happy. Upbeat Promotions staged an all-day ska festival headlined by Rebelation.

________________________________________ May
probably best demonstrated the variety of styles this year. Young pop punks Dissolved In are followed the next evening by skinhead gents Argy Bargy plus The Warriors. Tom Allalone And The 78's impressed, as did the youngsters at the SWMTF gig.

________________________________________ Junesaw a show by Exit Avenue prior to their Download appearance. Charlie Harper made his regular level 2 visit, while a most deserving charity evening for The Teenage Cancer Trust was well organised and supported.

________________________________________ JulyA warm Monday evening and a visit from Brooklyn's all female trio Au Revoir Simone. Lovely show, lovely people. Festival time, and a balmy night naturally includes New Groove Formation. The acoustic scene, which is steadily growing, is highlighted by the appropriately named A Midsummer Night Scene.

________________________________________ August
saw a comeback from Milky and The Roar Club. Both London trio Bleech and Baddies from Essex were gaining plenty of NME and media coverage. The Esquires crowd saw just why.

________________________________________ September
included Doll And The Kicks who had gained a support slot on Morrissey's tour. Humanzi rocked a Roar evening.

________________________________________ October
October’s highlight, and a night to remember for an acoustic show, was Tom Hingley. Not in a rush to get home, he spends the entire aftershow in the disco. Fancy dress rules at Halloween, while bubbles were blown on an old skool Cockney Rejects night.

________________________________________ Mid November
featured a classic rock weekend double bill including musicians from Mostly Autumn, which principally starred Bryan Josh. Downstairs in Danny's Bar, Tuesday night usually means the venue's pool team are in action. However, they cancelled on this rare occasion to allow Bedford Live to present Eileen Rose and The Holy Wreck. Boots of the DM variety were the uniform to welcome back Knoxy and The Vibrators.

________________________________________ December
includes a live radio broadcast by BBC Three Counties Radio. Their BBC Introducing Friday night show is brought live from Esquires. Throughout the year, this show has focused on local bands giving them much appreciated airplay. From an earlier generation, blues stalwarts Dr Feelgood appeared for the second year running.

________________________________________ Favourite single: "Fire" – Kasabian.
Favourite album: "It's a Blitz" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Favourite local single: "Snakebite" - Speedshot.
Favourite local album: "Southbound Train" - Cherry Lee Mewis.
Favourite level 2 gig: Au Revoir Simone - 20th July 2009.
Favourite level 1 gig: Eileen Rose & The Holy Wreck - 10th November 2009.
Favourite non-Esquires gig: The regular Bedford Live Presents acoustic nights at Harpers.