Boris & Growing at The Ruby Lounge, Manchester 21st April 2008

Growing are a band I had previously heard just a few tracks by and they had really passed me by. But even though I only caught the last ten minutes or so of their Monday night set I was immediately caught up in their psychedelic pulsing throb.


Growing's sound is expansive and filmic, at once chaotic and disciplined and a very satisfying live experience.


Here's a taster of their work: Growing - Green Pastures from the Color Wheel album on Troubleman

Find out more @ http://www.growingsound.com/


From the very first chord of Boris's set you knew this was going to be a memorable night. Playing a heavier set than when I saw them in June '07 this was a near perfect display of their controlled aggression that produces some of the most joyous noise currently out there. And it was loud! I've long put off getting earplugs but 30 years of gigging is bound to take it's toll. Obviously I wasn't the only one who thought so. The next day Piccadilly Records had sold out.


No live recording this time I'm afraid. It was just too loud for my kit to cope but here's a song that they did play on the night: Boris - You Put Up Your Umbrella
and as they are named after a Melvins song here's a Melvins song: Melvins - Civilized Worm

JAMES BLACKSHAW LIVE AT SACRED TRINITY CHURCH SALFORD, 6TH MARCH 2008 with JOE VOLK and TABLE

Three acts ideally suited to the reverential atmosphere so often generated in this beautiful 18th Century church. First up, Table, about whom I know just about nothing except they are a four piece of Dave O'Dowda on vocals and electric piano/keyboards, Gemma on cello, Kieran on guitar and Rob on percussion, keys and accordion who delivered a set of well crafted songs with a real subdued passion performed with obvious joy.
Judge for yourself here with a download of a song called (I think) Daddy:
DOWNLOAD - Table - Daddy live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008


Joe Volk is from Bristol and as a solo artist is signed to Invada Records on which label he has released a debut album; 'Derwent Waters Saint' (produced by Adrian Utley of Portishead). He also takes on vocal duties for stoner band Gonga and post-rock supergroup Crippled Black Phoenix. The set drew obvious comparions to Nick Drake but for me lacked a little depth to truly draw the audience in. Listen here to a live song (don't know the name of it unfortunately):

DOWNLOAD - Joe Volk - unknown song live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008

And so to James Blackshaw. I sat transfixed throughout James set as I wondered at how one man and one 12-string guitar could, at times, manage to sound like a small orchestra of players. Already comparisons have been made to the playing of Sandy Bull and John Fahey and James is certainly carrying the torch for that tradition of fine, experimental guitar playing. There is simply never a dull moment such is the complexity and intricacy of the layers of sound employed. Without lyrics these tunes still have a vivid tale to tell. To have witnessed James Blackshaw playing in such a special, intimate venue was a real privilege.
Enjoy the live tracks downloadable here and take the next opportunity to see this man live. Check for dates here : www.myspace.com/jamesblackshaw

DOWNLOAD - James Blackshaw (1) live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008

DOWNLOAD - James Blackshaw (2) live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008

DOWNLOAD - James Blackshaw (3) live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008

DOWNLOAD - James Blackshaw (4) live at Sacred Trinity Church, Salford 6th March 2008