music

Gated Estates - The Globe at Hay

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A friend and the band he has put together have been creating some new sounds recently. They describe it as…

“Agitated art rock from the Brecon Beacons. Climatic melodies, staccato guitars, arpeggiated synths, impellent beats.
Like pulling back a metal sheet at the end of a garden and discovering a circuit board, but all the capacitors have been replaced with rolled up string which unravel very satisfyingly.”

I’m always a fan of great melody and when that comes with high level musicianship, skillful songwriting and innovation, I’m in. I’ve been playing Gated Estates on repeat since they released their first 3 singles and I’m looking forward to hearing the full studio album. This gig was the launch of the album and it was a great show in the old chapel that is now The Globe venue in Hay-On-Wye. An intimate space that they filled with energy. Check them out on Bandcamp or on the socials. The full album is out on the 9th June Music | Gated Estates (bandcamp.com)

Slocan Ramblers - Live music returns to St Davids

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I found myself with a smile on myself processing these images. It’s been a while since I shot any live music and it was really nice to get back on it with the fantastic Slocan Ramblers who returned to St Davids for a second time. Anytime I see bluegrass music performed live I’m certain that it’s the best music on the planet. The Slocan Ramblers are ridiculously talented players with great songs to go with the talent so it was lovely to listen and take some shots of them performing at this Boia Gigs event which has been on hiatus due to Covid etc.

Cover art - Mike Howe

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My friend Mike has used one of my images from Iceland as the cover art for his latest single: Returning. It was really nice to be asked and I always think there’s a strong link between music and imagery so was glad that Mike felt this picture fitted the theme of the track. Mike plays beautiful classical guitar; chilled music that is great for finding a bit of time and space in your day. Go check it out on Spotify or wherever you listen to your music.

The Specials at Glastonbury Extravaganza

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A treat to see The Specials at Glastonbury Extravaganza at the weekend. I was just a punter but grabbed a few shots. It was a great show from the legends of British ska who are touring their recent No.1 album, Encore and banging out some old favourites too. A brilliant set and as usual, a top show put on in the grounds of the abbey.

Tenby Blues Festival 2018

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At the weekend I had the pleasure of being the official photographer for the annual Tenby Blues Festival. Over the three days the daily Blues Trail has a timetable of acts playing in local pubs, restaurants and hotels before the main evening events take place in the De Valence Pavilion. The festival has been going for over a decade now but this was my first time sampling it. It’s always great to see high quality acts in Pembrokeshire especially when they have made the effort to come from another continent to get here and this year, Malcolm, Chris and the rest of the team put together a great lineup. Here’s some shots of the weekend… and you know me, I couldn’t resist popping out to get a shot of the sunset on a beautiful Sunday night in Tenby.

Dave Arcari kicked things off single handed on Friday night with a high energy show…

“Dave plays like he got his skin turned inside out and pretty soon my skin was inside out too listening and it was all good. That boy bleeds for you – he a real down deep player and a soul man…”  Seasick Steve

Afterwards The Paul Garner Band from London took to the stage and the night was rounded off with some groovy blues from Lighnin’ Willie and the Poorboys.

Saturday night kicked off with Husky Tones , the duo creating a fantastic sound with guitar, stand up drums and vocals. The British blues legend, Eddie Martin followed with his band before The Reverend Shawn Amos brought the night to a close with a sensational show.

The audience on Sunday night were given a real treat with Jodie Marie and Bella Collins teaming up to produce what was for me, the standout performance of the weekend. A spine tingling set made all the more amazing for the fact that they’d barely played together. That’s chemistry I guess. The result was sublime and had the audience on their feet at the end. They made way for Catfish which was a change of pace before the night and the weekend was brought to a close by the soulful voice of Kyla Brox and her band.

A great weekend of music and a festival that is well worth checking out. A good excuse for a November trip to Tenby.

Look out for tickets for next years event https://www.tenbyblues.co.uk/

The Slocan Ramblers and Christopher Rees

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A rainy November night in St Davids. We had the pleasure of listening to Christopher Rees, from down the road in the Rhondda Valleys and from further afield, The Slocan Ramblers from Newfoundland, Canada. Foot stomping Americana and Bluegrass from some masters of playing and songwriting.