The Listening Room

Sunday 3rd June: Supermarionation (Hosted by Daniel Davis)

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:01:25 +0100

A hard rocking three-piece from Edinburgh who also moonlight as a stripped back acoustic act and have even release an EP of their quieter songs, Amongst the Northern Lochs.

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Sunday 27th May: Roger Emmerson, aka "The Bluesfather" (Hosted by James Whyte)

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:53:00 +0100

Roger “The Bluesfather” Emmerson has been impressing us with his songwriting, guitar and harmonica playing, and singing for many a year. It won’t surprise you to learn his music has a bit of a bluesy feel to it! Join him this Sunday for a long overdue feature set.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:
The Bluesfather takes the blues to a new dimension, beyond the confines of the reliable but possibly over-worked twelve bar. He tells the story of his life, maybe the story of your life, and underscores it with some raw guitar and blues-harp accompaniment. He’s well-known on the tight little gigging circuit of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle (the Forth/Clyde/Tyne delta) with occasional forays further afield. He’s been featured on Sunny Govan Switchback radio and on the Scottish Connection internet TV station where he racked up nearly 20,000 hits. He’s been likened to Neil Young and Ryan Adams, though he doesn’t hear it himself. In recent years he’s opened for Dave Arcari, the Linda Jaxson Blues Project, Stevey Hay and the Ray-vons and the Gregg Wright Band and has guested on blues-harp with Gregg Wright and Linda Jaxson. He’s about to embark on yet another of his periodic tours of the North-east where he’ll be a featured act at the 4th Electric Barn Festival in Gateshead on June 04.

He’s been doing this since he was 15: still crazy after all these years.

FACEBOOK

Roger Emmerson, playing harmonica with a full blues band

Sunday 20th May: John Watton (Hosted by Tom Watton)

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:47:00 +0100

In what is probably a Listening Room first, our feature act this Sunday is the father of the host! We’ve had the pleasure of Scarborough based musician John Watton’s music many times in Edinburgh, and we’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t wimper in slack-jawed disbelief at his incredible guitar skills. A truly gifted songwriter and performer too; make sure you don’t miss him!

IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Guess I’ve been writing songs, playing guitar and singing in and around Scarborough for more years than I should care to remember. Former and current bands:

Sharp Practice: Rock/blues band writing their own stuff

Deja Voodoo: Rock /jazzy blues/band featuring three gorgeous female voices plus my own gravelly grunts and groans

Slinkymalink: electro-folk band (still going strong) playing rocked up versions of Irish and eastern European folk tunes.

At one time I was a regular guest of “Spider” John Hutchinson during Hutch’s numerous appearances at the Jolly Roger in Scarborough (now the Merchant) and the Punch Bowl on Stonegate, York. Hutch decided to give me the dubious nickname “jazz-pistol” based on my guitar style and the similarity of my name to that of Jonny Rotten (work it out for yourself!) I would describe my musical style as bluesy and jazzy with occasional forays into the realms of folk. Last year I encountered the music and lovable personality of Mr Carlos Baez Zerpa and got to play several gigs with him and to quote the man it was “a gift from the universe!” Check him out on Myspace.

In more recent times I’ve had great fun during solo performances at:

The Acoustic Gathering in Peasholm Park last September (Also with Carlos)

Supporting Chris Helme at the Blue Lounge, Scarborough in February

The Stephen Joseph Theatre Music Cafe night in May.

You can regularly find me playing in the Scarborough area at Cellars Bar, the New Tavern and the Tap & Spile.

MYSPACE

Sunday 13th May: The Sensational Alex Salmond Gastric Band (Hosted by James Whyte)

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:02:00 +0100

Tommy Mackay (AKA The Sensational Alex Salmond Gastric Band) used to play in punk bands back in the 70s and 80s, but has now resurrected his career and become a popular entertainer on the Scottish comedy circuit. He has been described as Edinburgh’s very own Half Man Half Biscuit and praised for his pop sensibility and witty lyrics. As editor of the popular online satirical paper, The Daily Reckless, he regularly gives away free CDs. He has appeared in several shows in the Edinburgh Festival and was a regular guest on the Tommy Sheridan show on Talk 107. He has also collaborated with journalist Robert McNeil, whose reviews of Scottish MSPs Tommy shaped into a collection of songs about Scottish political leaders. The resultant EP was featured in The Scotsman and The Sunday Herald.

WEBSITE | MYSPACE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Sunday 6th May: Hannah O'Reilly (Hosted by Scott Renton)

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:57 +0100

You could call it the beautiful meanderings of an impassioned Piscean … or a sneak-peak into the transient headspace of a restless musician… or you could just call it the music of Hannah O’Reilly. All would be somewhat correct.

Hannah O’Reilly has been amid the sweat and catharsis that is song-writing for 11 years now. Creating everything from acapella blues to prostitute-killing murder ballads, from love and hate songs to contemptuous ramblings, and everything in between – all with the necessary amount of self-deprecation to pull it off without seeming like a tw*t.

With some of Edinburgh’s most murderously fabulous vocals, Hannah can make even the most treacherous of topics sound as sweet as apple pie. Hannah digs mind games, y’see.

Hannah’s band – Augustalia (pronounced: aw-guhst-ahl-yuh) was born in July 2009 out of rage at the sheer lack of big gigs available to solo performers. Members are: Adrian Michalski (lead guitar), Gary Anderson (bass), and Steve ‘Quincy’ Galbraith (drums). Hannah writes the songs and these blokes give her rhythm… and do her bidding. Grins.

Hannah firmly believes that being aware of the darkness doesn’t mean you have to be a miserable old c*nt all the time. There is room for joy, even amongst the darkest of days. If you disagree with her on this, she welcomes you to come to one of her gigs where she will make you laugh and cry and maybe even snort a little. And if her songs don’t work, five minutes of her inane grin or a cheeky ‘motorboat’ should do the trick.

“I have cigarettes, paper bills, and a desire to feel” – Hannah O’Reilly 2009.

“What a stunning voice… really unique and hits you between the eyes” - Eddie Raynor (Split Enz)

WEBSITE | REVERBNATION | MYSPACE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Sunday 29th April: Julien Pearly (Hosted by Caro Bridges)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:55:50 +0100

Originally from Avignon City in the South of France, Julien Pearly has been playing in Edinburgh music scene for 9 years. After completing an MSc Sound Design in 2005 at the University of Edinburgh where he released his 1st conceptual album “The Changing Man”, he worked freelance creating musical soundtracks and sound design for multimedia video projects. As a collective project Pundigrion (Album 2009) was the starting point for a creative journey exploring genres, live performances and cultures, playing with meanings and poetry in songs. Pundigrion Films followed shortly after to make unique cinematographic experiences around a poetic vision. This year a new collective performs live music in a filmic perspective.

BANDCAMP | VIMEO | TWITTER

&lt;a href=”http://julienpearly.bandcamp.com/album/the-changing-man” data-mce-href=”http://julienpearly.bandcamp.com/album/the-changing-man”&gt;The Changing Man by Julien Pearly&lt;/a&gt;

Sunday 22nd April: Green Man Running (Hosted by Peter Michael Rowan)

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:41:00 +0100

Sadly we’ve had a last minute cancellation from our advertised feature act tonight, Aaron Wright. In his place however we’re pleased to announce an excellent last minute stand-in.

In their own words:

Green Man Running are the new musical outfit in town. Starting out as one guy [Craig Forrest] producing modest demos from his home studio, it has now grown into the the new buzz around Edinburgh.

Together with the rest of the guys [Aidan, Keirvin and Graham] they have just started playing in and out of town, and creating a buzz everywhere they play.

Blending many different styles from rock ‘n’ roll, dance and blues to soul, The GMR as they are becoming more known are still finding their sound and enjoying the process, no matter where they land in terms of genre.

The gigs are where the vibe is at, like most bands. Myspace is only a snip of any band’s capabilities, so get along to see them and hear what they are all about.

Green Man Running have played alongside top bands like The Goods, The Valkarys, and The Steals.

Oh and there debut E.P will be available soon…..Boom Boom

“The best thing about GMR is, you dont know what they are going to do next, and that’s a good thing”

WEBSITE | MYSPACE

Sunday 15th April: Rossco Galloway (Hosted by Nyk Stoddart)

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:03:26 +0100

Rossco Galloway is a Scottish folk Singer/Songwriter and guitarist. Originally from Gullane, he is now living in Edinburgh city. He is a prolific songwriter and has written many self released albums which he makes available to download, mostly free of charge, to his many fans. He also is prominent on the Edinburgh bar scene as well as having a few regular residencies in local clubs. Not only does he perform solo but he is also involved with other musicians and plays and performs live with them as a band called The Chans. The band’s debut album was recorded last year and the launch took place recently at The Jazz Bar.

REVERBNATION | MYSPACE | FACEBOOK | LAST.FM

Sunday 8th April: Sam Barber & the Outcasts (Hosted by Norman Lamont)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:21:20 +0100

In 2009 Edinburgh singer-songwriter Sam Barber assembled the finest crew in the quadrant to perform his epic astronomy pop concept album ‘Valley of Silence’, to be released in at least three parts.

Join Sam and the Outcasts as they explore the wonders of the universe through the universal medium that is the three-minute pop song. Their catchy brand of piano and guitar based space-pop has been compared to the likes of Bowie, The Who, Brian Eno and The Divine Comedy. The band have a reputation as an excellent live act and release their long awaited new EP ‘The Age of Starlight’ in April 2012.This is the highly anticipated conclusion to the Valley of Silence trilogy, and it will be released this month.

It is currently being mixed and produced by the Captain and will be available on 5-track CD with deluxe booklet as well as in digital form on iTunes, Amazon, and the other top online music stores. The first 25 preorders will receive a special limited edition Valley of Silence box set comprising the new album and the Valley of Silence I and II plus extensive production notes and video diaries, as well as key live performances of the ‘Age of Starlight’ songs.

The album will retail at around £7.

The acclaimed ‘Valley of Silence I: Travellers In Space and Time’ was released on a 5-track limited edition CD in December 2009. It is now available for free as a single download from Newtown Products record label through the Valley of Silence website.

The immensely popular ‘Valley of Silence II: The Pillars of Creation’ was released on a 6-track CD on January 2011. It is available online through the Valley of Silence website as well as at Elvis Shakespeare and at gigs.

REVERBNATION | BANDCAMP | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

** You can download their latest single for free here! **

Sunday 1st April: Mutant Lodge (Hosted by Fiona Thom)

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:58:00 +0100

We’re delighted to announce that this Sunday the featured act will be Grammy Award winner and indie wet dream, Justin Vernon & band (AKA Bon Iver)!

This may be true. Alternatively it might be our very own April (and indeed May-though-March) fool, Nyk Stoddart & band (AKA Mutant Lodge).

With the greatest of respect to the man himself, it’s hard to imagine anyone else from the local music scene playing a feature set on this day; Nyk could be described as many things, but nothing if not a joker. He’s a bit of a local hero, not just because as a performer he’s the epitome of the expression “weird and wonderful” but because he’s someone who tirelessly and passionately supports the local acoustic music scene.

Don’t be fooled by the wackiness though. There’s a vulnerable and serious side to his music that’s so sensitive a lorryload of pronamel toothpaste couldn’t salve it. It’ll strike when you least expect it and it might just change the way you look at a sundae.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

They found him on a road somewhere. He was then taken to the nearest house and shown how to play the guitar - by a madman. He is like a cross between Syd Barrett and John Lydon (on a bad hair day). He has been a regular performer at Out Of The Bedroom, The Listening Room and The Ale House open mics, as well as playing such places as the Wee Red Bar, The Jazz Bar and The Third Door (Medina). He is best known for his “comedy” songs such as Mutant Zombies, Green Monkeys and Scarecrow Man, but will also play songs from his new musical projects. They are all good. Honest :)

Rave Reviews:
“Sounds like raindrops and gravel on a windy day” (SONGWRITER and TUBE WELDERS monthly)

“Nyk’s music is like a black hole, but without any semblence of light” (MUSICAL SCIENTIST MONTHLY)

“Medication!” (a heckler at Whistle Binkies, c2008)

“That was er…interesting…” (a random punter - people who come up to talk to me)

“I’m not a number i’m a free man!” (Number 6 - Tally Ho!)

WEBSITE | REVERBNATION | FACEBOOK

Sunday 25th March: The Invisible Helpers (Hosted by Lindsay Sugden)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Five strangers found themselves in a dank basement. No windows, no doors, only a closed metal filing cabinet and an antique sink. Avoiding eye contact they looked round, tried to find a way out or any form of communication, but in vain. The tap on the sink suddenly coughed into life. One of the group, Norman Lamont, cupped his hands and caught some of the water that it spat out. It was sentient water and as soon as he had drunk it, it spoke through him.

‘You will not leave here, so forget about that. But you can be of service. Open the cupboard. The key is in your pocket.’

And it was. The cupboard was larger than it looked, and contained microphones, amplifiers, some old guitars, a bass, a violin, a dusty piano and a collection of drums. ‘Nothing else for it, I guess’ said Lamont, and they sat down on the floor to learn to play.

That was many years ago in what they used to call Edinburgh, but only seconds in our time. The music they made in that drab corner of the afterlife comes into our world as a healing balm in time of trouble, rock anthems, sweeping and strange, from the Invisible Helpers.

WEBSITE | SOUNDCLOUD | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Sunday 18th March: NickSplinterSmith (Hosted by Nyk Stoddart)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:55:00 +0000

Since my early teens I’ve wanted to write, invent songs and play well enough to satisfy myself and entertain an audience (it’s a Leo thing) well enough that one day i might sell a ticket or three to unsuspecting punters, who will listen, enjoy, then go away happy and thoughtful at the same time.

We all, as “artists” have a certain responsiblity to reflect our lives and times in our work. and not just be “rhymers” or musical hacks, or pedantic old ratbags like myself. (Nothing like some good old-fashioned self-deprecatory bullshit to flog my ass with!)

I was part of an outfit called “Transcollective”, and may be a footnote to musical history in the category of “great bands that never bit the bullet and realised their potential”. Solo … we shall wait and see what the year brings!

REVERBNATION | MYSPACE

Sunday 11th March: Christopher Willatt (Hosted by Tom Watton)

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:43:00 +0000

It’s hard to describe Christopher Willatt’s music, the general response is usually along the lines of - “Oh I don’t know; bluesy, folky, reggae-y, funky, gypsy, maybe a bit of pop too?” One thing’s for sure and that’s that he hits his guitar hard, writes lyrics worth listening to, and will probably leave you with a new favourite song.

Sunday 4th March: Tau Boo (Hosted by Dave Keir)

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:00:06 +0000

Tau Boo has been playing open slots at The Listening Room and elsewhere for a few years now, and we’re delighted that he’s accepted a featured set with us. Let yourself become submerged in his vast, sweeping musical soundscapes and try to remind yourself that it’s all coming from one guitar and one distinctive, powerful voice.

IN HIS OWN WORDS
Over the last 2 to 3 years I have been rediscovering my direction as a musician/songwriter after a rather long departure from doing anything worthwhile or at all concerning music. With a refreshed insight into song-crafting and performing, I feel I am writing the best and most natural songs that I have produced so far.

A lot of my lyrics tend to go between the blurry lines of human behaviour, emotion and what’s out there beyond our tiny planet to delve deeper into the mysterious space-time deliverance of the soul.

I will be releasing recordings throughout this year with an album in mind as well. My guitar style involves a rich kaleidoscopic assortment of deep delays and reverbs to produce an ambient orchestral sound-scape to my music.

“His deep velvet diaphonous delivery of intensely personal songs washes over and through you. If there’s an album of this material it may well replace your current 3am album of choice. Lose yourself in the timewarping beauty of ‘Reverie’.”
(Daniel Davis, Out of the Bedroom)

FACEBOOK | MYSPACE | YOUTUBE

Sunday 19th February: Stu Goodall (Hosted by Daniel Davis)

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:05 +0000

“Given that by next year they may well be playing sell-out gigs and on the way to stadium excesses, now might be a good time to get in on the act.”
(The Metro)

“Their last song, the appropriately named ‘Leaving Song’ showcased how the band work so well as a unit, with the energy focused on Goodall for the timings. The song encourages the crowd to “Stay for a while” and I’m sure we all left with the line “And I won’t let you down” ringing in our ears”
(Adam J Bell, Visual Opinions)

“Mr. Goodall and his august colleagues can be relied upon to provide superb musicianship, unconventional yet heart-warming songsmithery, and – if the between-song banter is anything to go by - a great sense of humour. But don’t take my word for it. Have a listen to some tracks, and go to see them live. Something classier has appeared in Edinburgh– why not treat yourself?”
(Stoo Ritchie- Whale Music)

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | MYSPACE | SOUNDCLOUD

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PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO LISTENING ROOM NEXT SUNDAY (26TH FEB), AS THE BAR WILL BE FULL OF SHOUTY RUGBY FANS!
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Sunday 12th February: 10th Anniversary Mega-No-Mike! (Hosted by Peter Michael Rowan)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

As we hit the 10th anniversary of The Listening Room, the most intimate of gigs, we will be having a MEGA-NO-MIKE! A Megamike is an open mike with loads of performers getting one song each. But of course the Listening Room doesn’t have any mikes…

This will be a 2-3 hour extravaganza of Edinburgh past and present acoustic talent, with special guests, both in the flesh and in the ether. And fittingly, the night will be hosted by the man who founded The Listening Room a whole decade ago, the lovely Peter Michael Rowan.

Sunday 5th February: Lake Montgomery (Hosted by James Whyte)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0000

A real gem of a feature act this Sunday, we’re excited! Lake is an outstanding singer/songwriter and performer about whom we could easily wax lyrical, but we’d much rather let her tell you about herself. Seriously though, this is one you really don’t want miss.

IN HER OWN WORDS:
My name is Lake. I sing, play guitar, and write songs. I was born and raised in Paris Texas. But I managed to escape, and take up temporary residence in various towns across the states. Most people cringe at the thought of growing up in a small Texas town. I used to avoid this reaction by claiming whichever place I had just left—San Francisco, St. Louis, Tucson, New Orleans, etc.

When I explain my music, however, I must honestly reveal my roots. I am a child of Paris Texas. So is my mother. So is my grandmother and hers. And so on to the slave times. My music and I grew up in old shanty negro church-house gospel; my mother’s folk/soul collection, my grandmother’s work songs, and the desolation of a hopeless town.

When I came to Amsterdam, I was quickly invited and accepted into this singersongwriter scene, playing cafes all over Holland, playing the Noorderslag and other festivals and appearing on radio shows as that girl from New Orleans. After 7 years in the place, I’ll say that New Orleans does flavor my songwriting style. So do all of my travels. But in the end, I’m a child of Paris Texas. Simply put.

WEBSITE | REVERBNATION | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Sunday 29th January: Jo Wilson (Hosted by Scott Renton)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Jo Wilson has trouble knowing how to describe his music. He writes about things that he cares about, things that puzzle him, and things which annoy him. He loves beautiful harmonies and interesting chord sequences, and delights in odd rhythms and time signatures. He finds writing about himself in the 3rd person mildly amusing.

Jo is currently getting himself back into the Edinburgh music scene after a year working in Pakistan, which provided plenty of new ammunition for those scribbled notes which may one day make it to fully-fledged song status.

“Jo Wilson hushes the room with a minute or so of delicious loops that abruptly end whilst his songs of faith sweep through the room. Icarus doesn’t overtly retell the tragedy of Daedalus’ son, but hopes (over a breezy island strum pattern and cool chord progressions) that “maybe to Heaven I can break through.” Lazarus then asks us to step into the surprised man’s sandals and try to imagine the electricity of a human resurrection. Solid, beefy guitar set and enlightening lyrics, although the quick death of the brilliant loops and layers is a hard truth.”
Darren Thornberry, Out of the Bedroom

“There is an intelligence about the way the songs are put together that is very refreshing, and the lyrics take this beyond throw away pop into something altogether deeper and more challenging. Buy [Puzzle]… catch them live. This is fantastic.”
Chris Graeme

“Both artists bring with them a mastery of their instruments that makes this a fantastic listen - keyboards are used to great effect, Jo’s guitar work is deft and Tim’s saxophone gives a refreshingly jazzy feel to some of the songs. A fresh breath of life to the indie music scene.”
Peter Frizelle, Cross Rhythms

WEBSITE
BANDCAMP
FACEBOOK

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://music.dldown.co.uk/album/puzzle” _mce_href=”http://music.dldown.co.uk/album/puzzle”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Puzzle by DLDown&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sunday 22nd January: Darren Hendrie (Hosted by Caro Bridges)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:02:00 +0000

Darren Hendrie has been playing all kinds of music on various instruments from an early age, and has come a very long way since his dad taught him the chords to Peggy Sue on the guitar when he was 14. He’s played in several bands over the years but has only been playing his own stuff publicly since August of last year, getting himself involved in music nights such as Out of the Bedroom and The Listening Room.

The first song he ever wrote however, at the tender age of 17, was named “Calling Out” and was only ever heard by his ex-girlfriend. She apparently described it as a cross between the Foo Fighters and The Goo Goo Dolls, so it can’t have been all that bad. Perhaps one day we’ll get to hear it?

Nowadays Darren writes songs he’s happy playing to anyone and everyone, and rightly so because they’re damn good. With influences ranging from Nirvana to Abba, via The Stone Roses and The Chilies he’s not against trying different sounds, moods and techniques.

His songs are, in his own words, “about love, loss, hope and human connection”; and listening to them you can’t fail to spot a talented young man who is passionate about his music and who deserves to go far. Come along this Sunday and you’ll forever earn the right to tell your grandkids “I saw Darren Hendrie way back when he was playing small acoustic pub gigs in Edinburgh. Funny to think that nowadays.”

SOUNDCLOUD

If Tomorrow Felt Like Today by Darren Hendrie

Sunday 15th January: Henry Bird (Hosted by Norman Lamont)

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:03:08 +0000

Henry Bird is a little country boy with a big voice come to the big city for the first time, guitar and knapsack in hand and walking shoes on his feet. Playing songs flecked with soul, folk and jazz he has been making his way round the scene supporting such people as John Smith, the Groanbox Boys and the Geordie Tentree’s Band as well as playing at the Sedbergh Folk Festival and Rowchester.

Whether you like the rolling fields and the reams of the fiddle or smoky jazz joints with them honky tonks, you’ll find something that speaks to you in the music.

MYSPACE