in and around Hindley last night
Now, I've long been curious about women singing 'men's' songs. I mean, Stevie Nicks singing Stevie Nick's songs and Pat Benatar sining Pat Benatar songs is one thing, but Stevie Nicks singing Guns 'n' Roses? Pat Benatar singing AC/DC?
So me n R kid n John (from Phoenix) met up at The Hindley Arms at anout 8.15 last night as 5th Element were setting up. I (finally) got to meet Ann and the boys (well, I'd met Richard 'Innuendo' already), but then we hooked up with Dee and Dave and moved on to The Black Diamond in Ince - about 2 miles away.
Now I have to say, I hadn't heard of The Black Diamond, or seen them advertise themselves or any live music before I saw them on Gypsy's gig list. It's a decent sized pub at a major road junction, but once we stepped inside, it all got a bit weird!
Straight away, Dave, John and myself (with no discussion!) got into 'American Werewolf in London':
You made me miss
There's nothing for you here
Stay off the moors
Don't touch the prettys (oh, sorry, wrong program - but you get the gist...)
The band gear was all set up on a reasonably sized stage area at the bottom of an 'L' shaped lounge, but where were the band? Obviously in hiding 'cos we couldn't see them anywhere!
Sara the singer suddenly appeared and said hello, then went straight on stage with a misteriously appearing band!
After a hesitant start, Gypsy got into gear and played a well mixed set of what I would deem 'middle of the road' rock: Wishing Well, Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Little Wing...
The sound was a little muddy, but that may have been partly due to theshape of the room and the lack of people; it was sometimes a bit hard to distinguish Sara's vocals, but overall not bad.
Stand out tracks for me were 'Black Velvet' by Alannah Miles and 'Bitch' by Meredith Brookes - they both suited Sara's voice perfectly and she was very confident singing them. 'Sympathy for the Devil' was made unforgettable for me because Dave kept trying to shoot the owl! (think about it).
Apparently their drummer was depping for them, well apart from a couple of dodgy endings, you wouldn't have known and all I can say is well done!!
Overall? Well, I'm not sure, but I would hazard a guess that they are still a relatively 'young' band - they all play really well, but are a little hesitant as a unit.The guitar could do with a 'boost' when soloing. They need some dynamics in the songs. Sara is a superb singer and really gets into the songs, but lacks a little confidence inbetween songs when interacting with the audience. Maybe it was just having the 'esteemed' (not my words!) Alyerpal watching.....!
I think I speak for all of us when I say we really enjoyed what we saw and I did feel more than a bit guilty sloping off after the first set (and we WERE the audience :-( ), but the Prospect beer wasn't as good as The Hindley Arm's had to offer and we had promised 5th Element....
So, back to THA and it was rammed!!
Caught the last 2 mins of 5th Elements last song, got a beer (Lightfoot, mmmmmmm) and had a quick chat with Marc (Vankwish) and his lovely lady Tracey and their lighting dude (forgotten his name AGAIN!!), then it was full on rock.
Now, do you remember me wondering about Pat Benatar singing AC/DC? How about 'Thunderstruck'?
Well Ann certainly can! With Neil, Dave, Richard and Neil pumping out the tunes, she took a very appreciative Hindley Arms audience on a journey that stopped off at pure rock, a litle bit of blues and all the way to the indie of 'All the Small Things'.
This is a band more than comfortable with each other and the instruments they play. I don't think I can pick anything here - well, okay, the sound was maybe a little bit ''flat' at times, but then. we were at the back of the pub and I was a little bit 'pissed'!
Over an hours worth of pure entertainment, and an end that I won't spoil for you if you haven't seen this band yet.......
I have been trying to see 5th Element for over a year now, and I wasn't disappointed - well worth the wait!
Had a good chat with the band over chicken and chips after the show and they are just such nice guys (and a gal!)
The Hindley Arms? I think you all know how I feel about this venue and the two people I am more than fortunate to call friends.
Another top evening in Hindley and here's to many more (and the next curry night on the 26th....)
And I get to play there on the 23rd!!
Love to all - especially Gypsy and 5th Element
Alyerpal
ps How lucky are we?