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OOTB 411 – Tim Holehouse

Posted 13/02/2011 By admin

OOTB Presents…

Hello again everybody. Well, OOTB 410 was excellent, and what’s more there’s a review of it on the Out of the Bedroom website! Hope you enjoy.

Now, on Tuesday (15 Feb) at Out of the Bedroom 411 it’s Tim Holehouse, former Edinburgh resident and regular player at OOTB in the Canon’s Gait days, he now tours full time playing his trademark self penned acoustic music everywhere he goes. Catch him back in Edinburgh at the Montague Bar from 8pm. Open slots as usual of course, so please turn up before 7:30pm if you’d like to perform.

Other stuff i should tell you about… Tonight (13 Feb) at The Listening Room in the Blue Blazer (on Bread Street from 8pm) the featured performer is Susanna Orr-Holland. She’s got a wealth of interesting songs, definitely an original performer.

Also tonight (13 Feb), i just saw this on Nicky Carder‘s FB status: “Tonight in Edinburgh The Deep Red Sky, Squirrel (This Silent Forest), Caro Bridges and the River and Jill Leighton will be at the Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy from 7pm. There is a massive discount to the local regulars so come along if you’re around.”

Tomorrow (14 Feb) you could go to the Inky Fingers anti-Valentine poetry slam, it’s at the City Cafe at 8pm and admission is a suggested £4/3 donation.

Tuesday it’s Out of the Bedroom, of course, featuring Tim Holehouse, free entry, from 8pm, at the Montague Bar, bring everyone you know…

And i just got this from the amazing comedy genius Tommy Mackay, check out his new FB page and treat yourself to some hilarious tunes. And remember to click “Like”.

Next Sunday (20 Feb) you can hear Rossco Galloway and the Chans performing at Joseph Pearce bar on Elm Row (near London Road/Leith Walk) for free from 6:30-9:30pm

A week on Monday (21 Feb), by the way, Lorraine McCauley and the Borderlands are performing in Edinburgh at Fort Community Wing at Fort Primary School on North Fort Street. It’s an evening of stories, songs and poems on the theme of love, and it runs from 6pm to 9pm.

I am certain there are many more cool events going on, just keep your ears and eyes open for them. And if you’ve not heard some of these performers i’ve just mentioned then go and google them. I didn’t put links to all their myspace pages this week, but there’s a lot of good music out there for somebody with an active search engine. Have a good week, see you at the Montague Bar on Tuesday!

Calum Carlyle
Out of the Bedroom

STOP PRESS – Get involved with OOTB

Posted 09/02/2011 By admin

Forgot to mention it on the email this week, but we’re having our first Out of the Bedroom committee meeting in several months tomorrow night (Thursday 10th February) at the Montague Bar at 6:30pm.

It’s open to anyone to attend, and we’d encourage you to come along if you want to get involved with OOTB. We will be discussing all sorts of minutae about the Out of the Bedroom night and how to proceed with running it, and we’ll also be looking for volunteers to do the sound desk and to compere the night. Hope to see you there!

“THE BAND WERE TIGHTER THAN A CHAFFINCH’S CHUFF!”

 A Strategic Review of OUT OF THE BEDROOM #410 (with doodles)

Reviewed by Tom Watton, Steve Tonge, and Garret Morgan.

 Nick Splinter Smith

Fighting on behalf of all 70’s teenagers, the Splinter’s rock/jazz/blues chord fusions a lively kick start to the 410th occurrence of Out of the Bedroom. Nick’s tunes remind the panel of T-Rex – BOLANESQUE !

 Nick is appearing at the Forest on the 20th February at 5pm with the Transcollective.

 Colin Milne

Colin starts the set with his unique and subtle guitar style. Listening to Colin is always a pleasant reminder of homely family gatherings. Colin performs with a refreshingly traditional style, and really takes the audience to paradise and back again. Colin received an impressive applause which crescendoed spectacularly. Colin you left your music stand at the Montague – we shall endeavour to protect it for you !

Toby ShippeyToby Shippey

Toby starts his set with electronica style guitar and a soft semi-spoken singing style reminiscent of Shawn Mullins. Then Toby reveals his secret falsetto range set to an imaginative melody to introduce the chorus.  Great singing – !

Toby’s second number is one which was well received at ‘The Listening Room’ the previous Sunday. Toby was joined at the LR by Gavin Taylor on the Slide Dobro (resonator); (which we were bowled over by). Today however Toby reminded us that he can deliver quality all by himself.

 Tremendous.

Garrett Morgan (reviewed by Steve Tonge, and Tom Watton)

Garrett MorganSlicker than a car salesman at a pomade convention, Garrett’s OOTB inauguration is well received. Over the last few weeks he has made some regular appearances at several Edinburgh based open mic nights. Garrett has often played covers on these occasions, something which he admits he is not comfortable doing. Garrett should stick to performing his own material as it is a more relaxed recital of his melancholic songs.

Garrett is one American import that we really don’t want to see sent back across the North Atlantic. Keep ’em coming buddy!

Andy Paul

Andy has been the exciting new addition in the last few weeks of the local open mic scene.

Andy’s complicated flamenco derived full hand brushed crossed- rhythmed guitar riffs (which he makes look easy) provide a wonderful setting for his creative and clever lyrics, which draw inspiration from an urban style.

Andy puts body and soul into his performances, and he makes his out of tune guitar sound purposeful. For a preliminary listen to ‘Andy’s records’, go to soundcloud.com/andy-paul.

Andy’s appearances have guitarists, singers and songwriters nodding along and surrendering the genuine heart felt applause.

Owen

Owen is a very confident performer, and his songs are ‘singalongable’. Owen’s jaunty style belies his deep felt lyrical pain. Owen only had a ‘shorty’ set (remember if you want a full set please come down at 7.30pm).

Nyk Stoddart

Nyk’s natural range has a very haunting and cinematic sound. Nyk is often overlooked and shelved along with the abstract lunatic rambling category; in keeping often with the subject and presentation of many of his songs.

Today though I really believe that Nyk puts his hat in the ring to be considered the best of the open slots at #410. Nyk is clearly more than capable of composing truly moving songs with sophisticated chords and sealed with an inverted cadence.

Johnny Pugh

Johnny will be appearing at OOTB on March 15th with his band Atomic Pigeon.

Johnny’s songwriting style solders together a Jusif Islam (Cat Stephens)/ sound with a Celtic vibe which would not be out of place in a Capercaillie album. Johhny won the new look crazier than crazy  raffle and was duly awarded the vibrant and joyous prize of the recorder! – TOP NOTCH!

 INTERVAL – during which we reviewed the Montague!

 The Montague

The Montague is a relaxing setting for OOTB the white sofas and arm chairs are comfortable, if not a bit over crowded with instruments, musicians and friends of musicians. The bar is clean, but homely, and the bar is bright and spacious, without the empty or soulless feeling which you may get in an urban chain pub.

The Tommy poster and other various film and music memorabilia in the OOTB half may provide inspiration for our performers. While the library around the other side of the bar is stocked with good reads.

We should mention that we are all very grateful for the enthusiasm which JeanYves Van de Kieft has shown us in the first few weeks of the new look OOTB.

End Of Interval!

A Bridge

A Bridge

Caro Bridges and the River

(Featured Set)

with

Caro on Guitar, Songwriting, and Vocals

Matt Norris on Violin, Mandolin, Banjo and backing vocals

Thom MacColl on Double Bass, and Backing Vocals,

Emily Nicholl on Violin, Percussion and Paper

Caro is a well appreciated and established acoustic act on the Edinburgh scene. Whether with her band or not, Caro ‘never ceases to keep us entertained‘. Caro started the featured set with the History of Aviation, a musical narration of the history of man made flight.

The band were thoroughly rehearsed and to coin a phrase were tighter then a chaffinch’s chuff. 

Caro has many creative songs, and its a shame that we only got to hear a few of them. Caro’s style is hard to describe because she is an accomplished guitarist and is therefore not limited to the same four chords that many of us feel bound to. Each song therefore is its own genre, the second of which whisked us away to a Mediterranean/Moroccan space. Accompanied by Emily on the violin, who plays the fiddle with a proficient tone.

Our personal moment of total bliss (demonstrated by an exuberant outburst of “yes”, coinciding with much air-pulling) during the set was caused by Matt’s wonderful banjo augmentation during the jazzy number. Described by Garrett as ‘sick’, and my self as ‘explicit’. It really brought the set into the next tier of quality sounds, usually reserved for the likes of Martha Tilston, and Rosie Doonan. The bass at the same time was sounding both clean and clearly defined, with lovely movements that we have come to expect from Thom MacColl. Tremendous.

In fact, so tremendous was the whole performance I was inspired to draw a demonstration of Air-pulling, [and thus leaving you without a review for some of the performance – which if you were there you know was brilliant, and if you weren’t there – that is your own fault, not mine!] here is said diagram. 

air pulling

Caro Bridges and The River will be supporting Matt Norris and The Moon at Sneaky Pete’s on the 3rd of March – more info coming your way in the next few weeks.

Debbie Kate

Another newbie to OOTB, Debbie has an amazing voice, and truly is a great songwriter. Her song ‘Pennies to the Ocean’ had Garrett sitting himself ‘on a sandy beach being warmed but the sun‘. After some confusion between me (mainly me) and Steve, we agreed that Debbie had an early Cerys Matthews vocal sound (and not a Kerry Katona sound). The self proclaimed ‘Edinburgh Virgin’ was much admired by the then relaxing Caro Bridges, who liked her to an organic Norah Jones/Ellie Golding. A really relaxed and professional appearance, and we look forward to hearing more in the future!

Weather Underground

Deep Man; Deep…

…Very Deep…

…Like, Super-Deep. A Solid showcase.

Gabriel

Gabriel has a very spacious sound. An in answer to his song – we believe it too!

In the words of Garrett “So nice, so so nice”.

Julien

Accompanied by Matt Norris on Mandolin

Next week’s OOTB will be the day after St. Valentine’s Day, and Julien’s music is suitably Romantic, eat your hearts out girls!

Even though Julien is singing alone, it is easy  to imagine the sound of a hoard of choristers maximising the potential of these great songs.

To summarise… Romance is alive and Waltzing is the new black!

Gavin Taylor

Gavin, mentioned earlier for his Listening room duet, treated us once more to the resonated sounds of his Dobro. Gavin’s performance is calm cool can collected and the  sound of the slide is reminiscent of early adventurous Richard Thompson. Gavin’s natural guitar sound transports you to an ‘O’ Brother Where Art Thou?’ American depression. Impressive.

Steve Tonge

Reviewed by Garret & Tom

In Honour of all those left handed guitarists who go to open mic nights, this is left aligned*.

Despite some technical issues Steve managed to pull together a quality performance. Steve’s acoustic performances are great, although like an episode of The Thunderbirds, we know that the spectacular explosions we are witnessing should be taking place in a larger context.

The larger context that Steve’s songs sit in is with his band ‘Supermarionation’, whose album ‘On the Fly’ is out now. Supermarionation are playing at Cabaret Voltaire on the 26th February.

Sir Tom Watton (renamed Sir Pedro Whatton by the reviewers!) (Reviewed by Garret and Steve [with some supplementary after thoughts supplied in square brackets from me!] )

“Metal-core-post-ska-dub-folk” with a hint of Spanish guitar. The messiah to small town country kids, breathing life into their chilly winter nights with excellent reviews and Spanish riffs.

Shameless self promotion of upcoming gigs.

[Feeling like Steve and Garrett were maybe in a different pub when I was on. Here’s me spending ages reviewing and this is all I get! – Nothing about finishing the night with a song about going home, nothing about his new song which he part improvised I mean come on – this was meant to be team work guys. Well thats it!, Now look what you made me type! lol]

To round off the evenings review…

             …a great time was had by all, everyone who played was appreciated, and next week will undoubtedly  be brilliant, so don’t miss it! 

Reviewed by Tom Watton, Steve Tonge & Garrett Morgan. Edited and arranged by Tom Watton.

 Sound: Malcolm Mclean

Compere: Nyk Stoddart

* – actually the rest of the review is left aligned, this is the only bit that is right aligned – (pedantic Calum)

OOTB 410 – Caro Bridges and the River

Posted 07/02/2011 By admin

Hi everybody,

First of all, it gives me great pleasure to announce the return of the Out of the Bedroom featured act slot, and it gives me even greater pleasure to announce that the first featured act slot (this week on Tuesday 8 Feb) is the incomparable Caro Bridges and the River. Great songs, great performers. That’s it, don’t miss it!

There will, of course, be the usual open mic slots, so do come along (by 7:30pm if you’d like to perform) for that as well. And bring your mates! We’re by no means a performers only club, and the standard of performance has been very high at OOTB, and can only improve with the reinisitalisation of the featured act slots. It’d make a great (free) pub night out for anyone who likes music. So tell all (and also sundry) about it, they don’t know what they’re missing.

On the subject of featured act slots, remember you can check out who we’ve got coming up at any time on www.outofthebedroom.co.uk as well as on the OOTB myspace.

Then on Wednesday 9 Feb, it’s the second episode of Edinburgh Unplugged, this month featuring OOTB favourites Sir Tom Watton, Dave (heroininanutshell) Robertson, as well as recent Listening Room headliners Underclass and Metaltech (playing their first ever “acoustech” set! A once in a lifetime opportunity to hear this!)

Friday, you know about the McEwan’s Ale House open mic on Clerk Street at 9pm for 9:30pm, lovely bar, lovely open mic night.

Sunday, there’s quite a few things on, there’s the Listening Room, open mic at 8pm, featured act at 9pm, and it’s in the Blue Blazer on Bread Street every Sunday.

Also every Sunday, Red Dog Music in the Grassmarket run a 3pm afternoon instore gig, called Hair Of The Dog Sundays, the next one (on 13 Feb) is Underclass, though i don’t know if they’re playing acoustic or electric, why not go along and find out? Also, check out the list of upcoming bands performing at Hair of the Dog, it looks great.

And if you’re in Leith on Sunday, there’s an open mic night there too, here’s what they say about it: “Open Mic Night, every Thursday night in The Parlour Bar, Duke Street, Leith. Music kicks off at 8pm and it runs to 11.30pm. All musicians are welcome and we love to hear original material as well as covers, and we also like to encourage musicians who maybe feel their style of music might not always fit in with the more traditional acoustic open mics. Every performer gets a home-made cake (made by host, Packets O'Shea) and a free drink.” and here’s their FB page for more info.

That’s it, see you on Tuesday, and hopefully round the place as well. Keep your eyes open, because i get invites, on FB and such, through the week, to tons of good stuff that i’ve not mentioned here, and i’m sure you do as well. Example, i didn’t know this time last week about Saturday’s Battle of the Bands at Maggie’s Chambers, which Augustalia won (congratulations to them!), but also Miasma were playing there as well as many other great bands, shame i missed it actually. So yeah, keep your eyes open, there’s a lot of good entertainment in Edinburgh at the moment, more than there’s ever been, regardless of what anybody might say. You notice the people who claim Edinburgh doesn’t have a good music scene are the same people who never go out to anything?

Anyway, see you all on Tuesday,

Calum Carlyle
Out of the Bedroom

Out of the Bedroom 409

Posted 30/01/2011 By admin

OOTB Presents…

Hi everybody and welcome to this week.

Out of the Bedroom 409

It’s Out of the Bedroom 409 this week! This was going to be the week when we reinstated the fabled “featured act” at Out of the Bedroom, however Cameron Phair has injured himself (needing six stitches!) so… He can’t play the featured act slot this week, sadly. Get well soon Cameron! This does mean however that there will be slightly more space for open slots this week. There have been such a lot of performers coming to OOTB in fact that we might have to go to two songs each to fit everyone in, we’ll see on Tuesday. While i remember, here are the photos of OOTB 408 on facebook, by Malcolm Mclean.

And that reminds me, there have been a lot of new faces at OOTB, and we’ve been out of circulation for a while, so i’m just going to take a quick opportunity to outline what you can expect to find if you come along to Out of the Bedroom. First of all, it’s on every Tuesday night at the Montague Bar on St Leonards Street, it’s one block south of the police station on the other side of the road. If you want to play, best get there before 7:30pm to sign up on the list, and the music starts at 8pm if you want to listen.

If you’re a performer, be assured that we have two guitars which you are free to use (though they may have rather elderly strings on them). We’ve got a PA and three microphones with stands, we also have a music stand, and there should be a couple of capos as well. We also have an electronic keyboard, but please let us know at the start of the night if you need to use it. You are also able to bring along laptops and other sonic devices and plug them into the PA if you like, but again make us aware at the start of the night.

Performers are allowed three songs or fifteen minutes, whichever comes first, unless the host says otherwise, as i mentioned before, if there are a lot of performers, we might cut it down to two songs each. The other thing we do is “squashees” which are one song slots for people who arrived too late to get a full size slot. Also, another thing we sometimes do is the people who performed last week might only get to do one song, in order to give people who weren’t there the previous week a chance to do three songs.

February Album Writing Month

FAWM.org - 14 songs in 28 days

FAWM.org - 14 songs in 28 days

Calling all songwriters, i’ve mentioned this before, but now’s the moment, if you’ve not signed up at www.fawm.org yet then get in gear, because FAWM starts on Tuesday 1 February! If you’re not aware, FAWM’s a challenge to songwriters to write 14 new songs during the month of February. In reality, it’s a hub of collaboration and creativity, with hundreds of songwriters communicating online for the whole month and beyond. Join in, it’s great, and the worst that could happen is you’ll end up with some new songs. Here’s where you can sign up, here’s more information about the event, and if you’re still in any doubt, check out how wacky and fun these songwriters are on the web forum!

This Week In Music

Well, there are a ton of things happening as usual, and so far this year everything i’ve been at has been really busy, so it’s looking positive for 2011 in my view. Let’s see, well tonight it’s The Listening Room, though i’m not sure who the featured act is, the open mic section starts at 8pm anyway.

Tomorrow, the Captain’s Bar have their usual Monday night singer-songwriter session.

On Tuesday (in addition to being the first day of FAWM!) it’s Out of the Bedroom 409. 8pm at the Montague Bar. Open slots all night, before we start the featured act slots again next week.

It’s Acoustic Edinburgh on Tuesday as well, starring Augustalia, which is in Medina at 8pm i think. It’s unfortunate we’re on the same night as them, but that’s the way it goes, too many gigs, not enough evenings…

On Wednesday 2 February it’s Secret CDs. Here’s what to expect this month: Fitzroy Soul, Lorraine McCauley and the Borderlands, Calum Carlyle and the Mixed Reactions, and Man Gone Missing. it’s only £2 (£2 if you buy a CD), and it’s in the Voodoo Rooms on West Register Street at 8pm (7:30pm doors) on Wednesday.

Thursday, have an early night so you can be fresh and chipper for the McEwans Ale House open mic on Friday night, starting at 9pm in the McEwans Ale House across the road from the old Odeon. It’s always a right rollicking bundle of jocularity, and no mistake.

And by the weekend of course, those of you who signed up to FAWM will already be busy writing songs. I’ll post some links next week, if any Edinburgh songwriters get any new songs uploaded by then…

See you at OOTB!

Calum Carlyle
Out of the Bedroom

OOTB 408 – Robert Burns Night

Posted 23/01/2011 By admin

Hi everybody, well, we’re properly back now, Out of the Bedroom 407 was great, and lots of people turned up, including a slew of new performers. Thanks to everybody who did come along, hope you had a great time, for those of you who couldn’t come alng, we’re rerunning the fun every Tuesday night so come along some other week… like this week for example! 🙂 This Tuesday is Burns Night, so we’re having a Robert Burns themed evening, so if you have any Robert Burns poetry or song that you want to share, come along on Tuesday 25 January. You can still do your own songs as well by the way…

Speaking of our relaunch though, lo and behold, there’s a review, so whether you were there or not, you can relive the highs and commiserate over the lows all over again. Relive the experience in full colour by clicking here.

FAWM - What are you waiting for? Inspiration?

FAWM – What are you waiting for? Inspiration?

By the way it’s only a week and a bit till February, so if you’re a songwriter, you’ve not got long to get geared up for FAWM (February Album Writing Month), why not join in with this community of songwriters as they frantically write songs through the month of February, collaborating with each other and commenting just as furiously on each other’s work… Anyway, I found FAWM a lot of fun, and quite productive, so i’m doing it again this year. Get involved and sign up at www.fawm.org.

Okay, onto this week’s events. I’m too late to tell you that tonight (Sun 23 Jan) it was Al Shields as featured act at The Listening Room, but then you’ve all got your finger on the pulse, so I know some of you would have toddled along to the Blue Blazer for 8pm tonight anyway. The Listening Room’s every week at 8pm, and the other open mic night that’s on on a Sunday happens at Espionage beginning at 10pm.

Monday nights, I believe the Captain’s Bar is still running open sessions from 8pm, and on Tuesday it’s Burns night with OOTB at The Montague Bar, on the corner of Montague and St Leonards Streets, at 8pm (or 7:30pm if you want to perform).

And the other big deal event of the week is the final ever Lot Acoustic Showcase on Friday 28 January. The acts are: Neoviolet, Jump Press A, Caroline Gilmour, Aaron Shanley and Amy Duncan, which is phenomenal value for a fiver, by anybody’s standards, and since it’s the last time you’ll get to see a gig in the Lot (at the corner of Kings Stables Road and the Grassmarket), I think it’s not to be missed.

Finally, the Live And Unsigned competition asked me to mention the following to you, so if this is your sort of thing, here are the details:

Live and Unsigned is the largest national music competition for original artists; bands, vocal groups and solo artists, and auditions are coming to Edinburgh Corn Exchange 29th January 2011 Over 10, 000 acts from across the country enter every year... Are you good enough to enter? The competition gives you plenty of opportunities and provides the chance to perform live in front of some of the country's top producers, Label execs, promoters and DJs. If you make it through the auditions you will compete at the Live Showcase finals with a chance of making it to the National Grand Final and the Live and Unsigned Festival. YOU COULD BE PLAYING THE LIVE AND UNSIGNED FESTIVAL! Over £100,000 in prizes are up for grabs along the way with the winner offered a comprehensive winners package which includes; festival slots (Including representing the UK at the biggest festival in Asia I rock), UK tour exposing their music to over 40,000 people and a recording contract with Future Music, with up to £50,000 investment! To enter now and read some more on the competition go to www.liveandunsigned.uk.com

That’s it, see you all at OOTB and beyond!

Calum Carlyle

Out of the Bedroom

Upcoming OOTB Featured Acts

Posted 18/01/2011 By admin

Hi everybody, just thought i’d tell you about the featured acts we’ve got lined up for the next few weeks, click their myspace links for a preview of what to expect. I hope you’ll agree this is a tempting pot pourri of performers, so we hope to see you at OOTB enjoying these free performances, as well as soaking in the OOTB atmosphere.

18 January – OOTB 407 – The Triumphal Return

25 January – OOTB 408 – Robert Burns Night

1 February – OOTB 409 – Cameron Phair and HP

8 February – OOTB 410 – Caro Bridges and the River

15 February – OOTB 411 – Tim Holehouse

22 February – OOTB 412 – Paper Truth

1 March – OOTB 413 – James Whyte

8 March – OOTB 414 – James Igoe

15 March – OOTB 415 – Atomic Pigeon

22 March – OOTB 416 – Colin Milne

OOTB 407 – 18th Jan 2011

Posted 18/01/2011 By admin

One of the things we used to do at OOTB was to provide a review of every performance. This was done on a voluntary basis, and a year or two a go, the volunteers dried up, so we haven’t had reviews for some time. To celebrate the return of OOTB, however, i got out my pen and wrote reviews of each of the twenty two performers who got up to play at OOTB 407 on Tuesday night. Also included here are some nice photos by Malcolm Mclean and a couple of not quite so great ones by me. Click on the images to see full size versions and click the performer’s names for more info.


Nick Splinter Smith

Nick Splinter Smith

OOTB’s first performer of 2011, Nick swaggers up to the stage and confidently starts his first number “Easy To Please”, a sparkling tune with a catchy beat. “See what difference an inch makes” he quips as he adjusts his guitar strap. His second, “High Definition Man”, is another psychedelic folk classic, remeniscent of a more modern, musical Bob Dylan. Nick’s been doing a lot of playing, writing and recording recently and it shows through in his performance.


Jackie

Jackie

Jackie has a lovely clear and strong singing voice and she can certainly reach the high notes! She plays quite a simple accompaniment on the guitar, but the quality of the song shines through. I’d love to hear this material performed by a duo, with a few twiddly bits and some harmonies. Her second, “It’s A Hard Road”, has a different sort of rhythm but still shows off her voice to great effect. One to watch.


Dan Gillan

Dan Gillan

Another powerful voice steps up. Dan’s songs are quite rich. I find they get into your brain with repeated hearings. His first, “Impatient Soul”, is powerful and catchy. I want to say he sounds like David Gray, but somehow that wouldn’t be fair. He finishes with “What Have You Done”, one of his more memorable songs. A spirited performance with some lovely guitar work and soaring vocals. Nice work. Cameron says Dan’s like “good Dave Matthews” which is probably closer than what i said!


“Someone should be taking
a photo of that Colin Milne,
don’t you think?”

Colin Milne

His instrument plugs in! That’s new! Colin makes his own instruments and tonight he’s brought a nylon stringed beauty (possibly his trademark “glute”). A unique performer and songwriter, he begins with a lovely folk song, though i think our amplification puts him off a bit, and he summarily unplugs in protest halfway through his first number (causing instant technical consternation!), and still holds the audience’s attention. Malcolm almost convinces him to plug in again for song two but i think i agree that Colin simply comes across better unplugged, and i haven’t even touched on his clever, and daring, songwriting. Anyway, Colin’s our featured act at OOTB 416 on 22nd of March so come along and hear him for yourself. Also, my apologies to Colin, he’s the only performer we didn’t get a photo of.


Ben

Ben

He’s an OOTB debutante with some good self penned folk songs. He’s a little nervous i think, but once he gets up to the high notes his voice has definitely got what it takes. His second, “Cruel World”, takes on a slightly jazzier tone, the sort of song that’s catchy enough that you think it’s a cover even though you can hear it’s not. I like the way he pauses for effect before each chorus on this song.


Tina

Tina

“I hear she’s fantastic” Cameron says by way of introduction. I think Tina’s another OOTB debutante. Her first song, “All The Ghosts”, is an interesting song, and she plays a nice haunting guitar accompaniment. But i thought this song would suit a quieter environment, Tina seems a little like she’s fighting to be heard, though this didn’t stop me enjoying her songs. “Travel Writing” is a bit more upbeat and captivating, though still with a slightly “fighting against the background noise” feel.


Nicky Carder

Nicky Carder

Introduced as “the wonderful Nicky”, Nicky Carder does one of her newest songs, as yet untitled, powerful as always, she does a great solo performance, though she’s obviously not too happy herself as she apologises mid song. Excellent song, i thought, can’t wait till it finds its way into Neoviolet’s live repertoire.


Julien Pearly

Julien Pearly

Julien takes a quick break from filming the entire evening to do one song, “A Man And A Dove”. “It’s in French”, he tells us. A very unusual accompaniment for sure. Instantly interesting. His voice, guitar and songwriting are all quite unusual and attention grabbing. He finally switches from English to French in the second verse.


Atomic Pigeon

Atomic Pigeon

Cameron Robinson’s new band debuted last week at Edinburgh Unplugged as a four piece band, today they appear as a trio. They’ve got some cracking songs and they’ve really worked them out well for the band, and i’m a sucker for anything with a ‘cello in it. Having said that they’ve got really good songs and i hope we hear more of them very soon. Speaking of which, Atomic Pigeon are our featured act at OOTB 415 on 15th March so don’t miss that.


Sir Tom Watton

Sir Tom Watton

Tom starts off with some casual syncopated drop D harmonicky fingerpicking and gives us a lovely sparkly song that i don’t think i’d heard before. Tom’s become such a friendly and familiar face at the Listening Room and McEwans Ale House open mics that it’s hard to remember that he’s another OOTB debutante. Tom sort of bends the no covers rule for his second song and does the traditional folk song “Matty Groves” (you can hear a version of this song by Tom and Broken Tooth on youtube, from a recent Listening Room performance). He certainly makes the song his own, anyway, it goes from subtle pleasure all the way to screaming pain. Although tonight’s is a more subdued version than usual, i think i prefer the song this way.


Sarah and Sarah

Sarah and Sarah

More OOTB debutantes! They’re a keyboard and violin duo, who are two members of a band called Luz Da Lua. I didn’t catch the name when they said it onstage, i’d say it’s definitely important to say your band name clearly on stage. Really interesting songs though, Sarah has a great voice, and Sarah starts off by playing low accompanying notes on the violin and then stands up to join Sarah on the keyboard for the rest of the song! Definitely original. Their second, “Stormy Weather”, has a very pensive feel, very rich. Nicely different from their first song, and it’s lovely to hear the violin and keyboard together, creating a lovely layered effect. Ones to watch for sure.


Stephen Harrison

Stephen Harrison

What a lovely sparkly sound he makes! His first song, “Nobody There”, reminded me of “I Know My Babe” by John Renbourn from his second album. A bit like Ralph McTell doing a Richard Thomson song, or maybe the other way round. His second song was equally lovely and emotive. Stephen’s a very good fingerstyle guitarost and he knows how to use what he’s got.


Northern Poetry

Northern Poetry

She’s another OOTB debutante, i think, with a nylon string guitar and a couple of very catchy and listenable songs. Her first song sounded a bit low for her voice actually, a capo could be the extra 10% the song needs, possibly. Her second was an incredible acoustic rap number. Must be heard to be believed. Try and hear her performing live soon if you can.


Flick

Flick

This is maybe the second time i’ve heard Flick performing solo (the first being at OOTB 400 i think, though my memory is often wildly inaccurate). She’s got some great songs and a lovely voice, though it’s not a voice that cuts through the hubbub too well. Nevertheless she does a great job tonight and i really enjoyed both her songs. I’m not sure if Flick’s got any gigs coming up or anything, but if she does, they’ll be worth going to, especially if they are of the the sit-down-and-listen variety.


The Weather Underground

The Weather Underground

2011 is the year of artistic endeavour and the Sun, so i’m told. Something of this rejuvenated energy finds its way into The Weather Underground’s set tonight, and his social commentary songs seem somehow more optimistic than usual. Anyway he’s full of beans tonight and it shows.


Hannah Werdmuller

Hannah Werdmuller

It’s great to hear her being this spiky (for her first song anyway), she’s got a stunning voice and a charismatic stature, she starts with her ear catching murder ballad “Canny Man”, rapidly becoming my favourite murder ballad! Her second is a lot more introspective, totally different but still very skilful. For an acoustic performer, she’s electric! I got a copy of Hannah Werdmuller’s new CD album “Pre-Apocalyptic Love Song” last week at Edinburgh Unplugged and i’ve spun it two or three times since and thoroughly enjoyed it. Go and get yourself a copy, before they sell out.


Andy

Andy

He’s got a strong voice, a relaxed guitar style and bouncy songs. Maybe this is sacreligious but his voice reminds me of Leo Sayer (but in a good way!). He’s really interesting both to watch and to listen to as well. He retunes for his second number and treats us to some bluesy John-Renbournesque guitar. I don’t think Andy’s been to OOTB before but i certainly hope he comes along again.


Owen

Owen

Smooth voice, smooth guitar style, a little jazzy, more like intelligent acoustic pop actually. It’d be really nice if more performers gave their full name. Now i know that i like Owen’s music, there’s no chance i’ll be able to find more of it by googling his name. Both his songs are really interesting and i hope he comes back. Daniel commented to me “he should have been on earlier when all the student girls were here”


Calum Carlyle

Calum Carlyle

(reviewed by Steve Osborne, because i could hardly justify writing a review of myself!)

‘Octopus Man’, because Nyk said so, and ‘He Turned Up’ because Dave said so. A vigorous presentation of his perennial favourite “Glad Rags” and very impressive at that. Even the ‘mistakes’ sounded good. Could knock the spots off an elephant. A killer rendition (with a fancy ending). “Something Worthwhile” followed, and it certainly was, Calum makes playing something so complex sound easy to do. One of the best renditions i’ve heard him play.


Nyk Stoddart

Nyk Stoddart

Nyk treats us to a melange of unusual notes and chords, it’s like moving up and down the dial of a comedy acoustic radio. Finally the dial settles on “Bad Blues”, a Nyk Stoddart classic and a very good rendition it was tonight too. It seems the new year/new venue has kickstarted quite a few of tonight’s performers and Nyk’s no exception.


Jamie

Jamie

He does one song, “Strategic Lady”, almost an acoustic rock number. Interesting timing, and quite inyaface lyrics. I quite liked the chorus, but i wonder if the song might really be looking for a band to do it justice.


Caro Bridges
and the River

Caro Bridges and the River

Very interesting to hear them all plugged in and with Tom playing an electric bass guitar rather than a double bass. Very captivating. Caroline’s voice was a tiny bit lost in the mix but her band are really good, so it didn’t matter too much, and incidentally they’ve got enough hair between them for almost another band which is always a good sign i think. These guys are playing an acoustic gig on Saturday which i’m really looking forward to (but by the time the OOTB email comes out it’ll be past, so tough luck. Or not, if you were there!) Usual set finisher “Cardboard Boxes” is tight and impressive as usual. It’s well worth hearing this band when you get the chance. Caro Bridges does have a CD as well, which i do suggest you get a copy of, but i hope there’s a full band CD coming from these guys sometime in the near future too.

Compere: Cameron Robinson, Sound: Malcolm Mclean, Review: Calum Carlyle


That’s it! A fully successful OOTB relaunch. I’m not going to be writing a review every week, by any stretch of the imagination, but i may do one every now and again. However, if you the people would like to see more reviews, there’s nothing to stop you reviewing a night yourself. You can see roughly what’s involved from my review above. Basically, make sure every performer gets a few sentences said about them, you don’t have to review every single song, and one very important point, send the review to: reviews@outofthebedroom.co.uk by the Saturday following the night you have reviewed. If you send it in late, you’ve simply wasted your own time, because it’ll be too late to put in the Out of the Bedroom weekly email. Because we’re not doing reviews on a rota basis it might also make sense to try and make sure there’s not someone else reviewing on the same night as you too (or split the review between you if there is). Anyway, till next time…..

Burnsong Competition for Under 25s

Posted 18/01/2011 By admin

I’ve just been forwarded this opportunity for Scottish songwriters who are 25 years old or younger. Here’s the press release, take this opportunity while you can…

Burnsong, in partnership with Mattie Foulds’ Mobile With A Home (producer/drummer for the acclaimed collective, The Burns Unit) today offers a brand new opportunity for young up and coming Scottish songwriters to record their first demo, working with industry professionals in this fantastic new recording studio. 

The Burns Unit’s debut album, Side Show, garnered glowing reviews upon its release in August 2010, with live performances taking Cambridge Folk Festival by storm, and has subsequently been nominated as one of  the albums of 2010 by a number of sources including Ian Rankin, Vic Galloway and Spiral Earth.

Produced by Mattie Foulds, the album grew out of a songwriting retreat devised by Burnsong, an organisation whose aim is to  nurture and promote songwriting in Scotland. On the first date of The Burns Unit’s 2011 tour, Sunday 16th January, at their Celtic Connections gig in the Old Fruitmarket, Mattie will announce the opening of this great opportunity to follow in the band’s footsteps.  

“I’m delighted to be supporting three young Scottish songwriters in taking their first steps into the music industry by recording a high quality demo in my new recording studio, Mobile With  A Home”.

The anonymous competition entries will be judged by fellow Burns Unit members, Karine Polwart, Emma Pollock (Delgados), Michael Johnston and Kim Edgar, and a panel of music industry experts including Scottish songwriter and lecturer David Scott (Pearlfishers, BMX Bandits) and music industry consultant Ronnie Gurr. With funding support from Creative Scotland, the winning songwriters will then work in collaboration with Mattie Foulds to plan, record, mix and master their  first professional recordings, which will help them to progress in their music careers.  

To enter the competition, which opens on Burns Night, 25th January 2011, young people aged 25 and below should go to www.burnsong.org where they can follow instructions to upload up to three entry songs, of any genre, for consideration by the panel of judges. 

The competition will close on 28th February 2011 and winners will be announced via the Burnsong website in March. 

For more information, or to set up an interview, please contact Mattie Foulds onmattiefoulds@mac.com , or  visit: www.burnsong.org  www.theburnsunitband.com

OOTB is Back!

Posted 17/01/2011 By admin

Okay, good afternoon and welcome to this week’s OOTB email, this week it’s a big week for us, because tomorrow (Tuesday 18 Jan) is the long awaited Out of the Bedroom number 407! We’ve been off the radar for several months but now we’re back, at the Montague Bar on the corner of St Leonards and Montague Street, from 8pm every Tuesday night (or 7:30pm if you want to perform).

FAWM 2011

FAWM 2011!

This week we’ve opted to have no featured act, so we can fit in as many performers as possible, so come along, and bring all your friends, it’ll be a party atmosphere, hosted by the charismatic Cameron Robinson, what more could you want?

Speaking of featured acts though, we’ve got a ton of them lined up over the next couple of months, check out our website for the full list, and get them stuck in your diary. Remember the website also has a guide to some upcoming gigs you might be interested in on our Events Calendar.

Speaking of upcoming gigs there are a couple of others happening next week that i was going to mention, both of them on Saturday 22nd January. They’re nice and conveniently timed so that they don’t overlap at all. First of all it’s the first ever Café DIablo Acoustic Schowcase, featuring no other than Caro Bridges and the River, Hannah Werdmuller and Sophie Cooke. This is actually free, and it’s happening at Café Diablo at 12 West Preston Street at 6pm on Saturday.

Then at 9pm the same night, at Nobles bar in Leith, there’s a free Bainbridge Presents gig, starring Hokum Jam and Emelle, two excellent Edinburgh blues/folk/indie bands.Click the links to find out what all these bands sound like if you’ve not yet heard them.

One other thing, thanks to everyone who came to the first Edinburgh Unplugged on Wednesday, it was great to see the Royal Oak so full, hope to see you all back there next month.

That’s it for this week, see you all on Tuesday night!

Calum Carlyle
Out of the Bedroom

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