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!
Music
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!
Tyne & Wear Sojourn
Just spent four days in the North East. Managed to fit in a couple of nights with family, a lovely meal out at a local Italian, a nostalgic trip to the Metro Centre (not as impressive as we remembered after 20 odd years away) and an unexpected victory for the oldies at Trivia Pursuit.
Georgie Fame at the Apex (17/09/2014)
One off the bucket list last night as we caught Georgie Fame at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds last night. We’ve seen him a couple of times in other settings (with Van Morrison and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings) but this was the first time with the man himself as the star of the show.
Maverick Festival 2014
Yesterday at Maverick (our fourth visit I think). Another excellent festival, but a little less sun than we’re used to. Even had the temerity to shower on two or three occasions. As usual, we parked ourselves at the outside stage all afternoon. A fine selection of all things Americana, particular highlights included Flats and Sharp, Massy Ferguson, Rainbow Girls, Wynntown Marshalls, Dreaming Spires and Ward …
Muscle Shoals – The Film
A film about the creation and development of Alabama’s “Muscle Shoals sound”, this is an affectionate and informative documentary about the origins of the “Muscle Shoals Sound” (the “river which sings” holds the key, according to many of the local contributors) and the legacy of its success.
Gwyneth Herbert’s Sea Cabinet
Back to the Snape proms for the final time this year, this time to see and hear a performance of Herbert’s Sea Cabinet, based on the sights and sounds of the Aldeburgh coastline. Having said that, we didn’t get to see or hear Gwyneth for most of the first half of the concert, which was a tad surprising.