It’s been a while since we’ve seen the wonderful Eric Bibb live (last time was the Leadbelly Fest at the Albert Hall when he was sharing the stage with many others) and so it was timely that as part of his current UK tour he was appearing at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds, fast becoming one of our favourite small scale venues. Denise was definitely showing signs of withdrawal symptoms.
Music
Mavis!
A rare foray yesterday, especially for Denise, into Ipswich town centre – I think she’s even less inclined to visit every time she goes. On this occasion, it was to the excellent film theatre to see the documentary of the wonderful Mavis Staples. The film itself was a fairly orthodox biopic, but none the worse for that as it allowed the subject to shine without the distraction of unnecessary gimmicks.
Mirth, Mathematics and Music
Have you heard the one about a Sril Lankan British stand-up comedian called Jonathan, an Indian who forever changed the course of mathematics thinking and two guitarists called Martin, all of whom could be found in Bury St. Edmunds on a Friday and Saturday night? No, well read on…..
James Hunter (5th February 2016)
A rare foray (for me) to the Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich last night to see the James Hunter Six. Nearly a year since I was last at the Wolsey and a mere twenty years since we saw James Hunter at the now defunct Lion’s Den shortly after we moved down to Ipswich from the North East. This one was a somewhat less sweaty, more genteel environment but still an excellent gig nonetheless.
Oysters 3 – 2lst January, 2016
The first of quite a few shows we’ve got lined up at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds, Oysters 3 is an offshoot of the Oysterband and consists of John Jones, Ian Telfer and Alan Prosser. All founder members of the group, this was billed as a chance to hear some of the best known material in a stripped back, acoustic environment.
Two Nights in Colchester (28-29 October, 2015)
Two consecutive evenings at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, so we decided to stay over for a couple of nights at a Wivenhoe hotel that we had previously visited for an evening meal with friends. We go to all the exotic places for a break!
Robert Cray, Norwich Theatre Royal: 10th October 2015
Just back from two nights in Norwich, a trip based around the Robert Cray Band gig at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. One of the giants of modern day blues and R&B, we’ve only seen him once before and that was as support to Clapton at the latter’s annual Albert Hall residence.
Paul Carrack – 24th July 2015
A rare Friday night foray out into the metropolis that is Bury St. Edmunds to see Paul Carrack at the Apex. Mucky weather but suitably sustained with pre gig food and drink we settled down for what we hoped would be an excellent evening.
Maverick Festival 2015
Spent yesterday on our annual pilgrimage to the Maverick festival at Easton Farm Park. This is a Friday evening to Sunday mid afternoon celebration of Americana although, as has become the norm, we decided to only go for the full Saturday line-up (after promising yet again we would go for the full three days).
A London Three Nighter
Just back from three nights in London, which culminated in the Leadbelly Fest at the Albert Hall on Monday night. Managed to fit in a couple of other events while we were there, just for good measure.
B.B. King RIP
I rgemember I bought my first B.B. King LP (yes it was vinyl) in around 1974 or so. It was called “Lucille Talks Back” and was probably some kind of hybrid UK release, as I’ve never seen it on any official discography. The LP singlehandedly generated my life long love of the blues.
Otis Grand at the Apex
Caught Otis Grand and band at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds last night. Worried that at 7.25pm he was going to be playing to a largely empty hall, but then within the next five minutes it was virtually full – Apex regulars know how to time their pre-gig drinks!