bermuda square effect october 2009

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE 06

NEWBURY'S PREMIUM MUSIC MAGAZINE

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EDITORIAL - Pg 4GIG LISTINGS -

REVIEWS

ARTIST FEATURE

DEMO REVIEW

EVENT REVIEW

NEWS Pg 14DIRECTORY Pg 26CONTACT DETAILS Pg 3ADVERTISING Pg 3

October 1st - 4th Pg 5October 5th - 11th Pg 7October 12th - 18th Pg 9October 19th - 25th Pg 11October 26th - 31st Pg 17

The Electro's Pg 6Blewbury Brass Band Pg 8Goring and Streatley Concert Band Pg 8Mano + T- Rhythm / DJ Sarah / Talk In Code Pg 10Acoustic Jass Pg 10Relik / Matt Sutton Pg 12

Tess Hood Pg 16

Lance Skybaby Pg 13

*COMING SOON*Newbury Beer and Music Festival Pg 20

© TiWiGi 2009. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrievel system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher. All views expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and do not represent the views of the publisher.

ONLINE @ WWW.TIWIGI.CO.UK/BSE

CONTENTS

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Gig Listings: [email protected] (Listings for November issue to be in by Nov 20th)Advertising: [email protected]: [email protected] Enquiries: [email protected]: 07512 602952WEBZINE: www.tiwigi.co.uk/bse MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/bermudasquareeffect

CONTACT DETAILS

ADVERTISING

Full page: £60Half page: £30Quarter page: £15Eighth page: £7.50

Fee will place your advert in one online edition. No block bookings are required.Discounts available for first time [email protected] for further details.

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I think somewhere along the line the summer slipped by about a month, as we have had some cracking weather over the last few weeks. It's got to be good, especially with the last of the outdoor festivals taking place. Newbury's very own beer festival made use of a bit of outdoor space and some fine weather and we managed to check out a few of the artists who helped the day along.

Hello, by the way! Welcome to the October issue.

This month we also managed to get our hands on a real rock n roll demo cd from Lance Skybaby, so check out our review.

It's the end of the musical season in Victoria Park, in Newbury for now, so you'll have to get your Sunday afternoon musical fix elsewhere. Who knows, maybe there are a couple of sneaky gigs going on to fill your time?The brass band scene is not to everyones taste, but I would like to congratulate the performers from all of the bands for occupying the bandstand and providing some free, and good, music for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Despite the free entrance fee it is great to see many of the bands giving a really professional performance and I emplore any band member to step up their game to deliver a really polished set every time.

Some people say that writing for a magazine means that you are just out to criticise everyone and everything, but I think that if you are peforming then you should be prepared for someone to tell you what they think of your work. Maybe it's a British trait of grumbling to yourself rather than getting your thoughts out into the open. Saying that, I don't believe in kicking artists or bands just for the sake of it. Hopefully

the content of this magazine will be geared towards providing constructive feedback for performers as well as something interesting to read for the music fans. The feedback is for the venues too, since you get the most out of a band if the venue is up to scratch.

Not to dive into stereotyping certain bands, but it's marvellous that there is an opening for performers of any age. Some people reckon that if you haven't made it by your early twenties then there's no hope. Well, if you start thinking there's no chance then there probably won't be one for you. I would advocate that you never give up on trying for what you want. Make sure you are putting your efforts in the right areas though, it's easy to start chasing your tail. Performing music should be enjoyed by those who do it, and those who listen to it, but mainly the former. Enjoy the creativity that music can give you. If you don't want to perform live, then so be it, but I would urge you to try it just once. As we found by speaking to Tess Hood this month, once the music bug gets you it can be a fantastic release that will invigorate your life.

Music is an amazing thing and you should try and get into it as soon as you can.

Pass on the passion

The Juke

EDITORIAL

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GIG LISTINGS

1st October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Black & White presents:The Perils + Gareth Icke + Off The Radar + 2Manyskinhead djs @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20.00 3rd Storey Chemist/Jagged Lexicon/Tommy Galati @ The Victoria, Swindon

2nd October GIG LISTINGS19:30 Soweto Gospel Choir@ The Hexagon, Reading 20:00 Push it @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 Secret Fridge Party @ The Bricklayers, Newbury20:00 Big Boss man Album Launch @ Arlington Arts Centre Newbury20:00 Johnny Arrow And The Cheap Day Returns @ Red Lion, Reading20:30 Fry/ Fablusis @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 Riff Raff @ The Green Dragon, MarlboroughX:xx Roadhouse / Logoff @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

3rd October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Dan Le Sac (DJ), New Islands, My Toys Like Me, Ibetya (DJ) Mr Blind Pig (DJ) @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 Slow Club @ South Street Arts Centre, Reading20:00 The Top Topham & John Iden Band,@ Basingstoke Blues Club, Moose Centre, Basingstoke21:00 Stepping Out @ The Monument, Newbury21:00 Night Jar @ The Old London Apprentice, Newbury21:00 Logoff @ The Snooty Fox, NewburyXx:xx Humdinger @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

4th October GIG LISTINGS20:30 John Allen/ Matt Kilford @The Victoria, Swindon20:35 Danny Bash/ Eternal Sunshines@ The George & Pelican, Newbury20:00 Open Mic @ The Canal Bar, Newbury

xx:xx time unknown please contact venue.Listings correct at time of going to print.Send us your listings at:[email protected]

OCT 2009 Thurs-Sun ( 1st - 4th )

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REVIEWS

The Electro's @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury

The atmosphere is quite relaxed for a gig night, but the band tonight are providing enough energy to add a bit more kick to the evening. We arrive as the performers are just at the start of ‘Dancing in the street’, a dubious start with a little too much repetition in the track and an occasional mismatch in harmonies. However, the following songs are a marked improvement on the first track we hear. The highlight of the evening is a medley of ‘Sex On Fire’ and ‘Hero’ from the Spiderman film. Sex On Fire is a very popular cover song with big names and up and coming bands alike, but this is probably the most personal interpretation yet. The pace of the track was slowed right down, turning the well known rock tracks into a very powerful and emotional ballad. A real delight. Bringing the tempo back up with ‘Honky Tonk Women’ works well. I should say at this point that The Electro’s use three people at most. One male guitarist, one dedicated female vocalist and one male keyboard player. The keyboard is used to add both piano melodies and bass lines, while drum-backing is provided by the ever-reliable electronic drum machine. The pairing of male vocals works to good effect, but the integration of the female voice needs a little development. It was good to see that the singers were actually listening to each other, as they would alter their volume or tone to bring harmonies closer together. For a very simple line-up the band generally produces a really pleasant sound. The use of the instruments is quite restrained which means that it is easy to identify the parts that each musician is contributing. A really decent evening of tracks from a band that has a lot to offer.

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GIG LISTINGS

5th October GIG LISTINGS20:15 Innovations Jazz Orchestra @ AWE Rec Soc, Aldermaston21:00 Open Mic Night @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury

6th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Open Mic @ The Oakford Social Club, Reading

7th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 BBC Introducing Live Presents: Screaming Light + Hold Fast + support @ Oakford Social Club, Reading

8th October GIG LISTINGS19:00 This Is Hell / Gravemaker / + Support (£8.50) @ The Face Bar, Reading20:00 Casio Kids + DJ Pete Wheeler @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:30 Ox/ Matt Kilford/ Zoe Mead @ The Victoria, Swindon

9th October GIG LISTINGS19.00 Uh-Ohs + Bear Driver + Bright Spark Destroyer + DjJMark is egg + Plundercats Djs @Oakford Social Club19.45 Black and White Music presents - Underground Heroes + Support @ Plug n’ Play, Reading20:00 King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys (£12) @ Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury20.30 1000 Planets/ Kinn @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 Straw Dogs @ The Monument, Newbury21.00 Kamikaze Test Pilots@ The Global Cafe, Reading

10th October GIG LISTINGS14:00 The Jammin’ Dodgers @ Thatcham Festival of Arts and Leisure, Newbury19.00 Cross Town Traffic @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20.00 King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys,@ Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury20.30 Clive Brown’s “Fluke” @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 Scubaroots @ Lock Stock and Barrel, Newbury 21:00 The Elecrto’s @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury21:00 Boogie Night @ The Old London Apprentice21:00 Hacksaw @ The MonumentXx:xx JAM night @ Moose centre, BasingstokeXx:xx No Way Out @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

11th October GIG LISTINGS15:00 Mike Miller jazz trio @ Lock Stock and Barrel, Newbury20.00 Little Comets, The Good Natured, Vital Signs + Special guests w/ West Reading Galaxy DJs, Joey Remote & special guest LiamOB @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 Open Mic @ The Canal Bar, Newbury


OCT 2009 Mon-Sun ( 5th - 11th )

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REVIEWS

Blewbury Brass Band @ Victoria Park, Newbury

The dry afternoon is inviting for the casual listener on this Sunday afternoon. The sun is cheekily peeking through the clouds while Blewbury Brass Band are holding the bandstand in Newbury’s Victoria Park. Toddlers, teens, mid-lifers and oldies are here and the brass is going down a treat. The tempo is often lively, the melodies are varied and the music is a nice addition to the park. The members of the band look well-matched in their blue polo shirts embroidered with their band logo. It’s fantastic to have live music in the park and today’s band are doing well. The tunes are generally well played, and with a little more cohesion and confidence the sound would be very tight. A highlight in the set was a tight medley of tracks by The Beatles, wonderfully transferred to the brass band stage. The last outing for this band in the park, but we look forward to their sets next year.

Goring and Streatley Concert Band @ Victoria Park Bandstand, Newbury

It’s the last band of the season and although we expected the cold autumn weather to have kicked in by now the sky was the bluest it had been all summer. The warm weather was welcoming and the audience in Victoria park was sizeable.The bandstand was crammed full with musicians so it was worth hanging around to see how they would disembark from their seats. The tunes were bright, varied and on the whole lovely to hear. An easel equipped with their setlist gave onlookers an overview of what to expect. A few off-key notes were scattered throughout the set, but with such wonderful surroundings all is forgiven! The repertoire was accessible for all ages with traditional numbers supplemented with a few modern tracks, including an enjoyable Abba medley. The sound is very full and the range of instruments work well together. Full marks for presentation too, with shirt and tie order with Goring and Streatley emblazoned on their music stands. A fine conclusion to this years brass in the park, here’s to a fantastic 2010!

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GIG LISTINGS

12th October GIG LISTINGS19.00 Trinity Rocks!@ Trinity School, Newbury21:00 Open Mic Night @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury


14th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 BBC Introducing Live presents: KillaFlaw, Midi Midis,@ Oakford Social Club, Reading

15th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Mandolinquents with Rafael and Lola @ New Greenham Arts Centre, Newbury20:00 Johnny Arrow and The Cheap Day Returns @ Cotton Club, Reading

16th October GIG LISTINGS13.00 Cafe Concert: Ensemble 2Twenty @ Corn Exchange Bar 1861, Newbury20.00 Lets Get Analogue @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20.30 Ulysses / Support @ The Victoria Swindon21:00 Bare Wires @ The Monument, NewburyXx:xx Stripped @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

17th October GIG LISTINGS20.00 Black & White presents: ONLOOKERS + THE PERILS + 2Manyskinhead djs @ Oakford Social Club20.00 Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds@ Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury21.00 The Raydiators @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 The Electro’s @ The Old London Apprentice, Newbury21:00 Sam Butler @ The Monument, Newbury21:00 Blumen Bullets @ The Snooty Fox, NewburyXx:xx Fubar@ Railway tavern, Hungerford

18th October GIG LISTINGS19:00 Newbury Electric Proms (£) @ The Corn Exchange, Newbury20:00 Truck Festival presents: Tubelord+ This Town Needs Guns @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 Open Mic @ The Canal Bar, Newbury



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REVIEWS

Mano + T- Rhythm / DJ Sarah / Talk In Code @ The Pig and Paper, Newbury

Representing Talk In Code we have Chris on guitar and Damien on keys. The energy and vitality produced by just two musicians is phenomenal and the rich harmnies that stylise the TIC sound are blatently displayed. The passion thrown into the instruments is transformed into a range of tempo’s, melodies and wholesome goodness to create a set of vibrant, original and easy-on-the-ear tracks.An interlude in the musical evening is provided by DJ Sarah who spins a few acid jazz style vinyls to keep the crowd on the boil. The mild crackle of shellac is well in keeping with the downright bassy tunes.The final live group on this evening in the mix of a few old musical hands. Bring together drums, bass and keyboard, blend in a whole heap of funky soul and you get an acid jazz that is to be reckoned with. The music ranges from laid back to frantic and is so flawlessly played that the change in tempo is both smart and creative. A real treat for friends and fans of the style along with listeners new to the genre.

Acoustic Jass @ Lock, Stock and Barrel, Newbury

It’s an average Sunday afternoon. The sun is wrestling to get past the clouds but brightening the mood are the bright tunes of an acoustic jazz group, eminating from the Lock, Stock and Barrel, set back from the high street in Newbury.Strolling in, we find four gents making the most of the indoor crowd and producing a very fine sound indeed. The plodding rhythm of the sousaphone is furnished with energetic melodies from the trumpet, supplemented wonderfully with banjo and clarinet. The musical style is lively, fresh, uplifting and well-played. Customers to the LSB range in age, but one thing that they shared in the delighted smile on their faces when they heard and saw the band. The sound reminds the listener of the 1920’s vibe and enthusiastic delivery makes the appeal very wide.It’s a fine way to while away your Sunday afternoon. I dare anyone to have a listen without tapping your feet. If you don’t have music in your soul, you’ll certainly have it in your sole.

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GIG LISTINGS

19th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Mr Love & Justice/ Tim Sawyer @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 Open Mic Night @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury


21st October GIG LISTINGS20:00 BBC Introducing Live presents: Blackbox Revelations, Wild Palms @ Oakford Social Club, Reading

22nd October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Mr Blind pig presents: Jeremy Warmsley, Von Haze (US), Ben Marwood, Mr Blind Pig dj @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 Little Toby Walker @Arlington Arts, Newbury

23rd October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Phantom Theory / The Half Rabbits @ The Jericho Tavern, Oxford20.30 Talk in Code/ The Blowbacks/ Soulsmith @ The Victoria, Swindon21:15 Riff Raff @ Bell Hotel, Swindonxx:xx Out of Control @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

24th October GIG LISTINGS20.00 Dimbleby & Capper live O Children live Tiffany Page live @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20.00 Blue Hours with Gill Manly and Simon Wallace @ New Greenham Arts Centre, Newbury20.30 Stone Sole River/ support @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 From Dusk Till Dawn @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury21:00 Stepping Out @ Old London Apprentice, Newburyxx:xx Nettlemouth @ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

25th October GIG LISTINGS19:00 Chris Holland: The Voice of Dirty Dancing (£) @ The Corn Exchange, Newbury20:00 Open Mic @ The Canal Bar, Newbury20:00 Open Mic Night @ The Victoria, Swindon



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REVIEWS

Relik / Matt Sutton @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury

Donned in a leather jacket and kitted out with an electro-acoustic guitar Matt Sutton rolls through a well-performed string of popular covers. Hits from Oasis, U2 and Snow Patrol go down well, along with tracks from a number of other popular artists.Although the singing is in tune, the strings are played well and the appearance is good, it seemed a little like the soul was missing form the set. However, plenty of the crowd were singing along and the reception was positive.

From one man to four and a full band setup, Relik take to the floor for their slot at the Snooty Fox.

A short warm-up instrumental leads the guys into ‘Route 666’ a frequent opener and a powerful driving tune to open the set with.The sound of the band is very good, with plenty of definition between the instruments (compliments to the sound tech!).The sound setup gives an opportunity to appreciate the intricacies of each track, from the understated solos to the varied bass lines. The band are on form and the busy pub show their appreciation frequently. The sound is very developed and the stage presence is good. The only thing that perhaps needs work is the appearance of the group. Visually it seems like a collection of individuals rather than a band, but this is about the music it’s not a beauty contest! I’m not into judging fashion faux pas’ when the tunes sound like this!

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DEMO REVIEW

Lance Skybaby & Fiends - Kick In The Teeth - 16 minutes

This month we have a CD protected with a simple plastic wallet, containing a tatoo-styled paper sleeve with artwork courtesy of SikBoy (fans of Junction 13 should recognise the name). The sleeve details the 'fiends' involved with the music along with the track listing. The CD itself has a simple, printed label with the title and contact details. All songs have been written by Lance Skybaby so let's see how it sounds.

Track 1 - Party's Over 2:16Any track, let alone a CD, that opens with the sound of a beer can being opened must be something different. It's either going to be a flat, tasteless affair, or something that blows your socks clean off. With a driving drum / guitar intro Lance and his Fiends waste no time getting into the rock n' roll vibe. The sound is a mix of heavy punk and rock and the lyrics are relatively simple, but work really well with the style.

Track 2 - Rock N' Roll Angel 3:16A rockier effort with this one. Again a driving rhythm with effective and punchy instrumental variations. You can't go wrong writing a rock tune about the girl that you shouldn't have become involved with. The guitar riffs are tight, matched by the bass and drums, with some cracking wandering guitar licks in the background.

Track 3 - Never Win 2:54The first track featuring a nifty bit of harmonica. The musical style blends punk and country, a curious mix I know, but it works really well. And then, just as you get into it a middle eight brings some funky reggae sounds, very cool.

Track 4 - Last Train Outta Town 3:57A slower pace for this track, but it still manages to pack a punch. The style this time is a little more mild rock, and the musical variety is a wonder to listen to.

Track 5 - Kick In The Teeth 3:40The last track brings the tempo back up, with another driving guitar riff. More of a punk rock style to begin with, but again a style change as the group go to a heavy rock middle. Simple lyrics maintain the catchiness that runs through every track on this album.

It's clear that Lance doesn't like to do the same thing for too long as each song twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The songs are, on the face of it, quite simple but a second, third, or fourth listen makes you appreciate the depth of sound generated by Lance and his Fiends. The music is so well-played, and the quality of recording is so good, that when you get the disc in your player you could be fooled into thinking you just picked it up from the local music shop.There is so much variety packed into such a short cd that you will be forced to play it again and again. Imagine finding a fiver in the street, then realising there's a tenner folded up and taped to the back of it. That's how pleased you'll be when you get this disc. Get your ears on it!Check out www. myspace.com/lanceskybaby for more information.

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We bid farewell to all those at The Pig and Paper in Newbury this month. Who would have thought that the venue would close? However, with the closing of Bar Cuba not so long ago, maybe Newbury should prepare for an awesome music venue. Let's hope the team behind the P+P bring something great to Newbury's music scene.

The UK talent did alright at the MOBO awards in Glasgow with JLS and N-Dubz picking up two awards each.JLS (runners up in the X Factor show) grabbed the awards for Best Newcomer and Best Song while N-Dubz took the Best UK Act and Best Album awards.Unsurprisingly the evening was dedicated to Michael Jackson and had a musical tribute by Britain’s Got Talent runner-up, Shaheen Jafargholi.The night was hosted by Radio 1’s Reggie Yates and US songstress Keri Hilson.Beyonce Knowles won the Best International and Best Video award but the crowd booed during her video message since she failed to attend the ceremony.

A full list of the winners.

Best UK Act– N-DubzBest Newcomer: JLS Best Song– 'Beat Again', JLSBest R&B: Keri HilsonBest Album: 'Uncle B', N-Dubz Best International: BeyonceBest Video: 'Singles Ladies', BeyonceBest Hip Hop: Chipmunk Best DJ: Trevor NelsonBest Reggae: Sean PaulBest Jazz: Yolanda BrownBest Gospel: VictizzleBest African Act: Nneka

It seems school children in Wales are trialling a new method of revising using music. Pupils in 36 schools across Wales are taking part in a music scheme to help with GCSE revision.Classic literature texts are being transformed into musical tunes to help year 10 and 11 pupils with GCSE revision.Teachers and pupils who have used the scheme have praised the idea.The scheme, LearnThruMusic, sees literary texts changed into rock and pop songs and will be available for download on social networking sites.

In a recent survey commissioned by CompareDownload of 3,000 people it has been found that around 75% believe that music is too expensive. Apparently in the same survey Welsh people are top of the illegal download list, but who knows, they may be downloading revision notes! (see above article if you are confused!)

According to the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, 'it's easy to push up the sound levels on MP3 players to damagingly loud levels'. There are no current laws on volume control levels, although in French law all personal music players msut have a llimit of 100 decibels. The Apple iPod was withdrawn from sale in 2002 until a software update was carried out to impose such a limit. The European Commission's new proposal suggests a default limit of 80 decibels for all players, including mobile phones that play music.

- Got an interesting lead on a story? Got something you think is newsworthy?Drop us a [email protected]

NEWS

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GIG LISTINGS

26th October GIG LISTINGS21:00 Open Mic Night @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury

27th October GIG LISTINGS20:00 Something Happened Open Mic Night @ Oakford Social Club, Reading 28th October GIG LISTINGS19:00 Confide / Bury Tomorrow / Dividing The Line / + Support (£8.50) @ The Face Bar, Reading20:00 BBC Introducing Brighton Take Over feat: Jumping Ship, more TBA @ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 The Wookies @ The Wheatsheaf, Oxford

29th October GIG LISTINGS19:45 Peatbog Faeries (£) @ The Corn Exchange, Newbury20:30 Old School Tie / Special Guets @ The Victoria, Swindon

30th October GIG LISTINGS19:30 Everything Everything @ Plug n’ Play, Reading20:00 Cross Town Traffic@ Oakford Social Club, Reading20:00 The Wookies @ Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading20:00 Zoidberg/ Kickaberry/ The Black Hats @ The Victoria, Swindon21:00 Riff Raff @ The Monument, Newburyxx:xx Locators@ Railway Tavern, Hungerford

31st October GIG LISTINGS21.00 The Screenbeats@ The Avenue, Newbury21:00 Roadhouse , also fancy dress @ The Snooty Fox, Newbury21:00 Night Jar @ The Monument, Newbury21:00 Street Corner Talking @ The Old London ApprenticeXx:xx Acoustic Open Mic @ The Green Dragon, Marlborough


OCT 2009 Mon-Sat ( 26th - 31st )

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ARTIST FEATURE

After listening to her debut full length album ‘From Broken to Bethany’ in last month's issue we just had to catch up with Newbury-based artist Tess Hood to delve into some of the story surrounding her musical journey.

How long have you been into music and what got you into performing?Well I was sixteen when someone approached me and said I know you’ve done some amateur dramatics, do you fancy trying singing in a band. So I said ‘Yep’ and I went along to Wokingham and there was the setup already had a lead vocalist, a typical rock and blues type covers band, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, that type of thing, and it was just to do backing vocals but as it was I ended up doing two lead vocals, Stairway to Heaven, can you believe, and Birthday by The Beatles, imprinted in my mind! So that was my first experience of singing and being on stage doing a bit of percussion and I got the bug.

Has your musical journey always been fun?I remember being stuck in this flat on the Oxford Road on my own in Reading. Bedsit land, quite a lonely place to be, but I was writing and I used to go across the road to a school where they had a piano which they used to let me use. Tonight Goodnight, which is on the album, I wrote that there. I also wrote the song My Jealousy, which was a B-side for it. I had no funding or anything, or many musicians who I could get to help apart from one apart from the lead guitarist of the first band I was in when I was sixteen.

What were the main inspirations for the album?The album is based on my childhood and my discovery of why I had behaved the way that I had behaved in my life, the stupid mistakes I have made, the choices I have made, but deep down controlling things that I had in me from my childhood, just sort of pain and stuff and also the walk of being pregnant and going through marriage break up, it’s all there, all this tapestry is on this album. Has the album changed since you started?I understand it's been in the making for a good few years.I started off, I think I played a friend of mine, Max, five songs and some of those we didn’t even do, he said right we will start working on these, and as it started to come together, I thought this is becoming really biographicalIt has just moulded

TESS HOOD

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over the years, I remember 'you and you and you', for my kids that was a song that was just one of those personal things that started off as quite sad, I do a kind of prelude anyway and you can get the feel of that, and I thought no, I want this to be more upbeat so in the end it was a bit of a mixture of the both in there.Safe if I hide, which is what the album was going to be called, that probably is the song that made me cry the most when I wrote it, I think my dad had just died and it was one of those things where I think a lot of writers can write from the subconscious, you block things out and then, whether you be an author of a book or of songs, stuff comes out and it could almost be stuff that you blocked the memory of and I can remember writing that song, and it was almost as if I couldn’t express that until after he had gone. It’s a painful difficult subject but I feel more people need to be able to express themselves, with things like that its always hidden away, and its a difficult one.

The way the album is put together you can tell it’s very personal and you’ve been able to package your feelings in a way that is accessible to anybody. That’s good. The thing is I’ve always loved the percussion side of it, I’ve always loved dancing and so I’ve always done a bit of tambourine, maracas and stuff, and I love rhythm and I love beat, so actually producing it with Max was great because I could just say stop, start, I want to put this in there. I loved all that side of it, it was brilliant, absolutely fantastic, because you can hear what you want and get it done. It’s all been quite a journey really, I am not finished, I hope it’s just the beginning of it really after all the work and frustration and the tears and thinking I am never going to get it, but its done now.

It’s good when you can finally find your outlet and embrace it.Yeah and, when I am going along in the car I am one of these horrible loud music radio people, I am singing, bopping along, driving along and given half the chance when the children aren’t around I dance the living room really going for it, because that’s what keeps me going, its my buzz.

So what kind of things do you listen to in the car?Oh I don’t know, Dire Straits, The Police, I think you’re so young, it’s before your time.

(Laughs). I know Dire Straits and The Police!(Laughs) I’m a big Tamla mowtown fan. Which is like the jubilee records thing. I found out some interesting history because you know I set up my record label for this [album]? Well because I’d done the CD I thought I want to make this commercial because there’s so many stories on here, that I want people to hear, and I still feel the same way, I thought I am not going to get signed at my age, no way! I haven’t got time to be going round record companies which I had done years ago. So I thought the only way I am going to be able to do this is if i set up my own label, and do it all by myself, so that’s what I’ve done.But even if it is not financially rewarding for me it’s been rewarding, I know its touched people already, in their lives so it has already done a good job. But, yeah, the jubilee thing. Jubilee in the bible is like cutting off and breaking generational stuff that’s past down and you suddenly become free. As a slave it’s your freedom, it’s called the Year of Jubilee. I wanted to call it that. I looked it up on the internet when I heard there used to be one, and this is fantastic, years ago in America, I think it was 1946, there was a Jubilee Records and it was set up, and it was the first record label, that got a black singing act out in the public eye, how amazing is that?! They broke that thing that only white people can do that kind of thing. They eventually got taken over by another record company, so then jubilee

TESS HOOD

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ARTIST FEATURE

didn't exactly exist anymore, but Elvis came as part of that whole thing, and there would be no Tamla Mowtown or Diana Ross, or anyone, if it hadn’t been for this original Jubilee Records. So that’s a bit of an amazing story! And now we’re back!

So how do your children feel about your music then, do they listen to it?I think they were so excited when I was on itunes, it was like “ you’re on itunes mum!” they couldn’t believe it my daughter downloaded one of the songs. They love it really. They know it’s my thing and they’ve got songs dedicated to them on the album. When I was on the radio, they were all on the computer and dancing round the living room, going ‘come on mum!’.

How would you describe your album?It’s not gospel music, it’s not worship music, it’s truth music, that there could be people in their congregation who know someone down their road who might actually be touched by something on this album, and that is my thing really. If you can afford to buy it, buy it for that person. There is no way I would be sitting here, and this is my personal thing, if it wasn’t for God. I would be having a nervous breakdown somewhere.

Is Christianity a large feature in your life? I remember this one particular day, I remember being sat in my car that was about to be repossessed, and I had nowhere to live really and I just kind of gave my life to God that day and I just said I cant do this anymore, I said you take over, and I became a Christian that day, and I am not going to say everything became perfect after that, but things did change. I suddenly got offered this lovely flat, which was right next to a church which was a stones throw away.

It’s good that you found the support there, to help you carry on and channel your emotions through your music.Yes, this particular church that I am in, although we are a very teeny tiny church and we are a home church, we don’t meet in a building or such, we meet in each others homes, and support one another, again without them, there wouldn’t be an album, definitely not.

Do you sing much around the home?Yeah, I don’t stop singing really, when i am at home. My son’s the same actually, the others say shut up to him, and I tell them not to tell him to shut up! I’ve got other songs that I am dying to get on with, but there hasn’t been the time really, because of setting up the label. But now I can feel stuff bubbling up and I have got to get back to writing some stuff because it’s all there, brewing to come out. Ive still got some in my portfolio to develop, but its one thing at a time. This is now, and this is getting From Broken To Bethany out.

Why did you choose your album title?I managed to get a guy called Chris Vosey to do the current album cover. So I sent him all the lyrics, but not the music and he’s a really gifted man this graphic artist, he’s got his own business. He looked at it all, he’s not a Christian but he said ‘I’ve been reading your lyrics over the weekend, and I think you have got the title wrong. I think it should have something to do with Bethany, and of course I was thinking about Bethany, the baby that I lost, and he

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said ‘no, the place Bethany’. It’s where Jesus used to hang out with his disciples, his place of peace and restoration, he went on to say, where Mary Magdalene came from, which is so significant because she was the one that was the prostitute, that Jesus said don’t throw stones at her, don’t judge her. She loved Jesus, I love Jesus. Also I can identify with Mary Magdalene so much with my life, of the mess that she made, with the mess I made and yet she was restored by Christ’s love. I called it From Broken to Bethany, because it’s the brokenness of life from wherever it was or wherever you are to being able to get to this place of being accepted. So that was it. It’s an amazing story as well.

How can people get hold of your album?If people want to buy the album they can get it off i-tunes or they can email me, if the website is up when this goes out it will be: www.Theresehood.org my email address is [email protected]. If people e-mail me I can arrange to get a hard copy sent out.

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EVENT REVIEW

Newbury Beer and Music Festival

This years Newbury Beer and Music Fest was a day to be reckoned with. Our full review will be uploaded in the next few days, and since we're all about the music, please enjoy a few choice photo's from the event.

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DIRECTORY

Arlington Arts Centre, Mary Hare, Newbury, RG14 3BQ 01635 244246

BBC Berkshire Introducing email: [email protected]

Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD 01635 582666

Dave King Acoustics, Knowl Hill Farm, Kingsclere, Newbury, RG20 4NY 01635 299137

The Dolphin, 113, Bartholomew St, Newbury, RG14 5DT 01635 551177

Dysongs, 8, Druce Way, Thatcham, RG19 3PF 01635 868728

Hogan Music, 14, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, RG14 5LL, 01635 37868

Fox and Hounds Inn, Oxford Rd, Donnington, Newbury, RG14 3AP 01635 40540

Hickies, 153, Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE, 0118 957 5771

The Indie Guitar Co. Unit 4, Old Station Business Park, Compton, RG20 6NE 01635 579300

Lock, Stock And Barrel, 104 Northbrook StNewbury, RG14 1AA 01635 580550

The Monument, 57, Northbrook Street, Newbury , RG14 1AN, 01635 41964

The Moorside Community Centre, Urquhart Rd., Thatcham, RG19 4RE 01635 871558

New Greenham Arts, 113 Lindenmuth Way, New Greenham Park, Newbury, RG19 6HN 01635 817480

Nu Urban Music, Unit 9, Rivermead, Pipers Way, Thatcham ,RG19 4EP 01635 587900

O2 Academy Oxford, 190 Cowley Rd., Oxford, OX4 1UE 01865 813 500

Old London Apprentice, 2, Hambridge Road, Newbury, RG14 5SS 01635 41483

The Pelican Inn, Bath Road, Froxfield, Marlborough, SN8 3JY 01488 682479

Philip Brown Violins, 85A, Northbrook Street Newbury, RG14 1AE, 01635 35465

Railway Tavern, Station Rd, Hungerford, RG17 0DY, 01488 683100

Snooty Fox, 148, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, RG14 5HB 01635 529527

Southern Sinfonia, Nalder Hill House, Stockcross, RG20 6AT 01635 580035

Sticks and Strings, Broadway Court, Thatcham, RG19 3HQ 01635 861516

Studio 91, 91, New Greenham Park, Newbury, RG19 6HN, 01635 580091

TiWiGi Visual Creations, Your Personal Photographer 01635 868081 www.tiwigi.co.uk

Uprising Studios 34, Boundary Rd, Newbury, RG14 5RR, 07590 665643

Vinyl Revival, Kendrick House, Wharf St., Newbury, RG14 5AP, 01635 30426

PLEASE MENTION BERMUDA SQUARE EFFECT WHEN CONTACTING THESE GUYS

DIRECTORY

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photos will be available from WWW.TIWIGI.CO.UK/SHOP 23

bermuda square effect october 2009

Documents

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electros pg

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music festival pg

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contact details pg

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