Fortnightly Music Reviews from the streets of Teesside and beyond
We Shall Overcome: George Boomsma, Old Muggins
Toft House, Middlesbrough 28 December 2024
This was a very timely fundraiser for Middlesbrough Foodbank. A tremendously talented bill came together to entertain a crowd bang in the middle of the festive partying and to raise money at a time of real need for those struggling to make ends meet.
I hold my hand up and make an admission that I missed all but the final two acts as I was otherwise detained a family gathering. Not my family of course.. sorry couldn't resist the joke. Apologies to Cheryl Baines, Alistair James, Beth Burrows, John Drakes, Roddy Gordon band and Val Hart. Did you win a raffle prize Cheryl?
The venue was packed when I grabbed a seat in the wings as Bob Fischer left to put on his glad rags. It is just habit he has. More of that later. George Boomsma was already in full flow. The singer/songwriter from Northallerton has actually relocated to the West Midlands these days, so it was a longer trip for him to deepest Linthorpe. Yet, I am sure he appreciated an audience absolutely rapt by his performance. George has a wonderful songbird voice giving expression to his songs that are vehicles of experience and emotion. Indeed several songs were drawn from his latest long player, The Promise of Spring, an album that reflects on grief. His finishing number Ready To Go was co-written with Katherine Priddy. I saw the duo playing together at Deer Shed last summer and they have
toured extensively together. It was a beautiful set from George.
And now in the contrast, Old Muggins. Bob Fischer in monks cowl and brandishing a large tree branch, trudged to the stage. We had to wait for the punch line until after the opener about his spirit guide, Brown Eyes but then he can't get the staff these days. His workmen cohorts are Garry on lead guitar and various amazing instruments from the analogue age. Music's Miniature G on percussion, lead recorder, sweet, sweet vocals and as puppeteer to Old Bill. Oh yes Old Bill, a ventriloquist dummy with alarming eyebrows. When Miniature G takes him on tour around the venue, the audience don't know whether to laugh or... scream.
There were philosophical or not, discussions on Heavy Petting in Thornaby Baths, Tyne Tees presenters, Y.O.P schemes and the 3 S's that are sacred rituals before Look North. Talking of rituals an open invitation to snowball the band was not passed up by anyone. Always an experience. Old Muggins was a brilliant way to round off a special day/night event in a venue that always offers such a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Afterwards it was announced that a really amazing total of £1000 was raised for Middlesbrough Foodbank. What fantastic effort from everyone concerned, audience, acts and promoters Leigh Sayers and the Toft House team.
Words: Robert Nichols
Pictures: Tracy Hyman
good place to be on a cold night.
talent. Quite a feat, and so it was on a cold November night I ventured up to Hartlepool for one of the events touted as Birthday Celebrations.
I hadn’t been to The Studio for a good few years and Beans On Toast was the perfect reason to revisit. As soon as I went in the warmth enveloped me, fluorescent wall art adorning the venue. Yes, it was a
I only caught the end of local Drew Flanagan’s set, Beans watching from the side lines. He introduced his band (which in this case was just himself, on guitar and vocals) and his tuneful folk songs set the mood for the night, including Common Denominator about drowning your sorrows down the pub.
Dillon Warnek has come all the way from Nashville, Tennessee to tour with Beans. From the laid back blues of As Soon As They Let Me Out of Jail to the domestic abuse themed Speeding Bullet Out Of Georgia, each song is a perfect narration of the trials and tribulations of the everyday. All backed by exquisite musicianship.
The main act Beans On Toast is joined on stage by term musical collaborator and piano virtuoso King Killership. The joining of forces between the pair bring the musical troubadour’s songs to life. From t Lose Faith In The Moon and songs about chicken farming and the war on drugs, the songs are as relevant and witty as ever. As is the banter and storytelling between songs.
As Beans ventures into the crowd for the last time, the audience gathers around the venue’s piano to listen to a stripped back version of his latest single ‘Variety’. A special end to a special night.
Words: Tracy Hyman
Pictures: Tracy Hyman
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Listings subject to change, please check with the venue’s website for full information before booking. This is Middlesbrough