keith.dalton@espmag.co.uk
Keith Dalton has the ESP guide to the best news and views from the local live music scene…
Get Ready for some Motown and Rock ‘N’ Roll...
Samm’s adds to Live Scene In the last 12 months we have seen a growing number of venues that take the brave step of including live music. Just before Christmas I went to the new city centre venue, SAMM’S, opened in Bridge Street by Puzzles owner Matt Murphy. Matt wanted a bigger venue following the success of Puzzles, so took over the former Costa Coffee (Bistro/Wayward Frog back in the day!) premises with a decent floor area both at street level and in the basement where there is regular music at weekends. I went on a Friday evening with work colleagues and saw a great performance from Bon and Justin. Two great guitars combining, to produce a really solid sound behind the voice of Bon Rogers. Songs ranged from rock classics to Pokerface. SAMM’S had a relaxed atmosphere and as they’re open until late, it’s a good place to end up at after a meal out in the city centre.
Two shows of real nostalgia visit the Cresset in Bretton in February. They both centre on the deep strands of American influence on pop culture in the Sixties, but come from very different genres of music. Firstly there’s Get Ready, featuring 40 No1’s from the Motown era on Thursday February 7. The show takes a trip back to 1960’s Detroit with the brand-new, celebrated stage show featuring the music of The Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Velvet vocals from a stellar cast of critically-acclaimed performers combine with a live band of musicians to authentically recreate the sound and the performance and astounding dance moves that was all part of the Motown scene. Then on Thursday February 21, the West End smash hit, Be Bop A Lula, comes to the Cresset starring the music of five giants of rock ’n’ roll – Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury, Buddy Holly and Roy
Orbison…Yes I know Billy is British not American but in 1960 he joined American rockers Eddie and Gene who flew in from the States for the UK’s very first multi-artist rock ’n’ roll tour. It was revolutionary at the time and reviewers were appalled by the on-stage antics. So of course audiences screamed their approval. British youth culture was born. You get a chance to relive these seminal concerts in the company of incredible singers and a band that’s allegedly tighter than a pair of your tightest drainpipe trousers. From Cochran’s legendary guitar riffs, Vincent’s menacingly moody stage presence, Fury’s smouldering looks and the soaring vocals of Orbison’s perfect, lilting tones together with Holly’s goodtime rock ’n’ roll anthems, Be Bop A Lula is a real trip down Memory Lane. Tickets for both shows are available from the box office at the Cresset on 01733 265705.
Tributes to Dire Straits x2
Back to the 70s with The Zoots The Zoots are a band that just love performing and receive audience acclaim wherever they go including their previous visit to Stamford Corn Exchange. Now, the 5 piece band are bringing their Sounds of the Seventies show to Stamford, with a live stage show that captures the music and appearance of the classic 70’s culture. This amazing Seventies tribute has it all! Glam Rock, Reggae, Prog Rock, Punk, Funk, Motown and Disco! You can join The Zoots as they explore the monster sounds of T.Rex, Queen, Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin and other amazing Seventies bands! The Zoots tour extensively and it’s great to see that local music fans have a chance to enjoy the atmosphere on Friday February 22 at Stamford Corn Exchange. The box office is 01780 766455. 48 www.espmag.co.uk
Only a few guitarists have a totally unique sound. Mark Knopfler is a perfect example of that and so I’m intrigued to discover how close to his style of playing we will see at two tribute gigs in the area this month. In what you can only describe as a booking nightmare there are TWO shows appearing on the same weekend, both offering to recreate the distinct Dire Straits sounds. Money for Nothing is at the Cresset on Friday February 8 and The Straits UK with the Lartey Sisters are at the Key Theatre on Saturday February 9. Both shows promise to faithfully recreate the distinctive Dire Straits sound. It must be difficult for the venues to check each other’s schedules before booking events but the result will inevitably be that both will suffer ticket sale losses. If you’re a massive Dire Straits fan who’s been waiting for a tour featuring your idols’ music to arrive in Peterborough – fill your boots! Like waiting for a bus… Nothing and then two arrive at the same time!