PAPA GEORGE BAND — Staines Riverside Show Review

A superior night of musical entertainment was had by all this Thursday at Staines Riverside Club when the PAPA GEORGE BAND came to town to play a magnificent concert to a crowded house.

The award-winning blues-man PAPA GEORGE is one of the leading British live blues artists around and he’s a regular attendee at the Staines club, often appearing in company with MICKY MOODY or friend Alan Glen (the harmonica musician and band leader who was originally with The Yardbirds.) Like Alexis Korner, GEORGE is of Greek Cypriot origin.

Papa George – @neilmach 2020 © “razor-sharp guitar-play that feels kinda swampy ‘n’ moist and often impudent in nature…

His numbers almost always come with razor-sharp guitar-play that feels kinda swampy ‘n’ moist and often impudent in nature.

George introduced the others in his power trio quite early on: Peter J. Stroud (on drums, known for his work with The Foundations) and the amazing Pete Rees (the session bassist who is very famous for his work with Gary Moore.)

Their interpretation of “Red House” (Hendrix) was as authentically raw as the original, with lots of inventive guitar and many incredibly tight rhythms.

Papa George photo credit: @neilmach 2020 © His voice is the texture of worn leather with the bitterness of tobacco smoke…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And there was plenty more waka-waka chung to be enjoyed on the self-penned “Blackjack” — one of the highlights of this top-level show. Of course, as we have said before, George’s voice is a mixture of dark molasses and plum wine, with the texture of worn leather and the bitterness of tobacco smoke. You could drown in his voice of tar and syrup, you really could! But this show was surprising due to the extraordinary electric guitar work that the maestro brought to Staines.

We all knew that George was one of the best blues singers on the circuit, a brilliant composer and a master of the Amistar resonator. What we didn’t know was that, armed with his Fender Strat or Flying Finn, he’d be the Southern Area Champion electric guitarist too! As one keen club-member observed, after a particularly spirited guitar solo: “I guess George is the best guitarist we’ve had in this joint.” I think he could be right!

The evening proceeded with splendid covers of old Elmore James, a Paul Rodgers penned blues paean (Muddy Water Blues ) and an old John Hiatt number (Feels Like Rain — made famous by Buddy Guy.) The concert ended with an ingenious and totally immersive rendition of the funky-soul hit “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder) that had originally been written with Jeff Beck in mind, for his Beck, Bogert & Appice project. At Staines Riverside Club, this song was a hugely enjoyable final piece, full of intelligent rhythms, extraordinary rebound and lots of cheerful energy.

What a show! What a guy!

Words & Pictures: @neilmach 2020 ©

Link: http://www.papageorge.co.uk/papageorge.co.uk

 

5 Things- This Week in Staines

1.

Sing & Dance Along with Abba Gold at Hayes

ABBA GOLD The Beck Theatre, Hayes Friday 6 June 2008 7:30P

CLICK HERE YOUR TICKETS

The fantastic and sensational Abba Gold – Live on stage. A non stop high energy performance from one of the leading Abba tribute bands who have been thrilling audiences since 1992 with hits like Money Money Money, Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper and many more.

Get those feet tapping and vocal chords ready to sing-along to your favourite hits. A spectacular show for Abba fans of all ages – bring the whole family.

JOHN HESSENTHALER PRESENTS
ABBA GOLD
BECK THEATRE
GRANGE ROAD, HAYES
FRIDAY EVENING 19:30
6TH JUNE 2008

2.

Get Folked Up with Eleanor McEvoy

Eleanor McEvoy – June 4 2008 at West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot 8:00P £9

In a world where the word star and the gift of talent are often devalued, Eleanor McEvoy is neither an overnight success nor a four week wonder. A musician and songwriter of note, the real deal, possessing all of the qualities that go to make up the complete artist.

Her career began at the age of four when she took piano lessons, taking up violin at the age of eight. Upon finishing school she attended Trinity College in Dublin where she studied music by day and worked in pit orchestras and music clubs by night.Eleanor graduated from Trinity and was accepted into the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland where she worked four years before finally taking the plunge to concentrate on her passion for songwriting.

After a long hard slog, the girl who spent the year of 1988 busking in Union Square, New York had come a long way, a route that took her through the disciplines of classical music, Irish traditional music and contemporary music to a point where she finally found success in 1992.

It happened when one of her songs “Only a Woman’s Heart” inspired the title for, and appeared on, the “A Woman’s Heart” anthology album. It has since gone on to become the best selling album in Irish history, staying in the Irish Top 10 for over a year.

Since then Eleanor has gone on to become an artist and performer known throughout the world. Her critically acclaimed canon of work spans six albums, several singles and appearances on numerous compilation albums and is today recognised as Ireland’s most successful female singer songwriter having enjoyed personal chart success and numerous cover versions of her songs. (Emmylou Harris, Mary Black, Phil Coulter, amongst others). Her song “All I Have” features in the most recent series of the HBO cult series “Six Feet Under”.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/emcevoymusic

http://www.westendcentre.co.uk/

3.

Go rock with Rosenbridge at West End Centre

Rosenbridge, June 6 8:00P West End Centre, Aldershot

Rosenbridge are a three piece progressive instrumental rock band from Guildford/North Camp.

Band Members Richard Fennings – Guitar
Ben Wainhouse – Bass
Greg Foord – Drums

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/rosenbridgemusic

Also catch Rosenbridge at:

Jun 19 2008 7:15P The Peel, Kingston w/ Agent Elf + Rigid Sky

4.

Great Band – Foulplay – at Ye Old Swan, Burnham

Fouplay- Jun 7 2008 9:00P Ye Old Swan, Burnham , Berks

The time (before last) that we saw Foul Play at the cosy and bijou ‘pubette’ that is the Jolly Farmer, Staines, the band had managed to squeeze their four-piece guitar-based band plus amps & speakers plus some keyboards with female vocalist (plus two backing singers), into a space that was just about big enough to seat a pot-plant.
(They normally keep the pot plant on the corner table by the window.)

On that night, the band kept bringing out more and more songs from their plentiful archives like some kind of deranged ‘rock school’ lecturers.

“Do you remember Little Richard? No, well here’s some. Do you remember Rockabilly? No, well here’s some. Do you remember Surf Music? No, well here’s some”….their repertoire included everything ( as in EVERYTHING) from bygone ages of old-time rock and roll and skiffle, through to classics from the glam-rock seventies, big numbers from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and even into modern indie rock territory. I was astonished when the five piece ( and mainly guitar-based combo, remember) attempted- and pulled off with some aplomb- some 2-Tone British Ska.

That was the time before last.

When we saw the band last summer they had a new lead guitar player in the shape of Pete Downes – and, boy, can he play !!!

The lead singer, Lee Ridley, (who uncannily resembles David Brent) is still the main dynamo for the group and provides some nice chunky chords for Pete Downes to ornament and adorn. But they have now ‘lost’ the keyboards. But they retain Carl Gaywood on drums and Huw Stokes on Bass.

When did you last see a band without keyboards attempt a Pink Floyd number? It is typical of these boys to attempt Pink Floyd now they DON’T have keyboards any longer! Yep! The Foul Play boys even did a track from Dark Side of the Moon… God bless ‘em.

So if you like classic rock, and you like some fancy guitar work, and you like a good old sing-song why not go on a musical journey through the entire seven ages of rock with Foul Play?

You could do lot worse than coming down the Jolly Farmer the next night the boys are playing. It could be an education.

[Below] David Brent … sorry Lee Ridley foreground, with Pete Downes on lead

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/foulplayuk

http://www.petedownes.com

YE OLD SWAN : 34 High Street, Burnham, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 7JP

Also see Fouplay at:

Jun 14 2008 9:00P	The Carpenters’ Arms	Hayes, London and South East
Jun 28 2008 9:00P	The Red Lion	Egham, London and South East
Jul 26 2008 9:00P	Filthy McNasty’s at The Red Lion	Twickenham
Aug 9 2008 9:00P	Ye Olde Swan	Burnham, London and South East
Sep 6 2008 9:00P	The Red Lion	Egham, London and South East
Sep 27 2008 9:00P	The Jolly Farmer	Staines, London and South East
Oct 4 2008 9:00P	Ye Olde Swan	Burnham, London and South East
Dec 13 2008 9:00P	The Red Lion	Egham, London and South East
Dec 19 2008 9:00P	The Jolly Farmer	Staines, London and South East
Dec 20 2008 9:00P	Ye Olde Swan	Burnham, London and South East

5.

Laugh out loud with Andrew Lawrence at Walkabout

Andrew Lawrence -Sat 07 June 2008 20:30 Walkabout, Putney London

with Scott Cappuro, Colin Cole

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Andrew Lawrence’s dark, musical comedy landed him a place in the final of So You Think You’re Funny? in 2003, and won him the BBC New Act of the Year Competition the following year. His debut Edinburgh show in 2006 was nominated for the if.comedy best newcomer title, and his 2007 follow-up nominated for the main award.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/andrewlawrencecomedy

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Get Your Tickets for Beck Theatre, Hayes

The Beck Theatre
Grange Road
Hayes
Middlesex
UB3 2UE

–Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts–

Sleuth – This week at Beck Theatre, Hayes

Sleuth

Sleuth is set in a Wiltshire manor house belonging to Andrew Wyke who is, himself, a successful mystery writer.

The home reflects Wyke’s obsession with the inventions and deceptions of fiction and his fascination with games and game-playing. He lures his wife’s lover, Tindle, into the house and convinces him to stage a robbery of her jewelry, a proposal that sets off a chain of events that leaves the audience trying to decipher where Wyke’s imagination ends and reality begins.

Written by Tony-award winning British playwrite Anthony Shaffer in 1970 and later transferred into a successful film directed by Kenneth Branagh (starring Michael Caine) in 2007, this new production stars Simon MacCorkindale, best known for his role as Consultant Harry Harper in Casualty. Joining him on stage is film and television star Michael Praed, who is well remembered as the original Robin of Sherwood, and whose roles on American television include Dynasty and The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne.

Alive with nail biting anticipation this psychological thriller promises to baffle even the most proficient sleuth!

‘Surely the most fiendishly clever thriller ever written for the stage’ – The Times

BECK THEATRE, HAYES : CLICK HERE for tickets 11 Feb 2008 to 16 Feb 2008

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING:

Mon 3 Mar: 8:00pm
Tue 4 Mar: 8:00pm
Wed 5 Mar: 2:30pm, 8:00pm
Thu 6 Mar: 8:00pm
Fri 7 Mar: 8:00pm
Sat 8 Mar: 2:30pm, 8:00pm

5 Things- This Week in Staines

—————————————————————————————– 1. See From the Ashes at ‘Rising Sun’ Slough From The Ashes at Rising Sun, Slough, Saturday Feb 9th 2008 9:30PM Pop/rock Andy Bradley (lead guitar) has put this band together after the demise of his previous band, Waxy’s Little Sister. He has recruited Ian Husbands on vocals and Paul Holland on rhythm guitar from originals band fREAK-1-C, and borrowed the Replicant “engine room” of Rob Utley on drums and “Dangerous” Dave Evans on Bass. The set is designed to have broad appeal while retaining a rock feel. The result is a band that play many old favourites and a few new ones, all with a hard edge – guaranteed to go down well at any venue. From the Ashes is: Andy T Bradley – Lead Guitar & Vocals, Ian Husbands – Lead Vocals, Paul Holland – Rhythm Guitar and Vocals, Dave Evans – Bass, Rob Utley – Drums http://www.myspace.com/fromtheasheslondon The Rising Sun public house 18-20 Windsor Road, Slough, Berks SL1 2EJ 2. Go to see Jon Gaunt Live and Undaunted Jon Gaunt at The Beck Theatre, Hayes Thu 7th Feb at 7.30PM Jon Gaunt is an experienced morning show presenter who has dealt with controversy during his career; He has faced the UK Broadcasting Standards Commission five times; three of the complaints made against him were upheld. To see why his tongue and wits are so dangerous see him live at Hayes… AN AUDIENCE WITH JON GAUNT LIVE & UNDAUNTED BECK THEATRE HAYES THURSDAY EVENING 19:30 7TH FEBRUARY 2008 For £15 tickets for Beck Theatre Hayes click here >>> http://www.gaunty.com/ 3. Go see Cloverfield at Vue Cinema Staines Cloverfield at Vue Staines Release date 01/02/2008 Cert 15 Some Thing Has Found Us This Sci Fi / Monster flick revolves around a monster attack in New York as told from the point of view of a small group of young twenty-something characters who were attending a birthday party before the calamity. Stars Lizzy Caplan (The character ‘debbie’ in American Dad) and is produced by award-winning ‘Lost’ co-creator J. J. Abrams and written by ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ genius script-writer Drew Goddard, this movie should be a sleek and refined as it is nail-biting and frightening. Running time: 84 minutes Director(s): Matt Reeves Vue Cinema, Two Rivers, Staines 4. Go see a ‘big band’ at Beck Theatre, Hayes Romance and Swing- The Beck Theatre Hayes, Sun 10th Feb 7.30PM Freddy Staff, whose biography reads like a comprehensive history of the best in musical performance, returns to The Beck for his 30th consecutive year. During his 58 years in the profession, Freddy has graced the ranks of most British big bands and orchestras, including sixteen years as lead trumpeter and soloist with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Eventually he was in demand in that elite sphere of performance – The Session World, working with the biggest names in showbusiness including Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Louis Armstrong. Freddy’s vast musical experience leads him to be recognised as a leading authority of Big Band Swing. To celebrate this occasion he presents his arrangements of great swing hits together with romantic ballads by star vocalist Lee Gibson. Truly a Manhattan sound to make the venue swing! CLICK HERE for tickets The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2UE 5. Go to the ‘Peoples Proms’ in Staines The Peoples Proms Friday Feb 8th 2008 St Peters Church, Staines £8 This is the 10th annual Proms Concert, similar to the last Night of the Proms. Conducted by Joanne Gardner and including a choir of 70 singers and Spelthorne Young Voices. This is a concert of popular classics and end with the traditional flag waving. When 19:30 – 22:00 One day only Where St Peters Church, Laleham Road Staines TW18 2DX Event contact details Telephone: 01784 455542 Email: sue.hobart@btinternet.com Price £8 on the door, inc a glass of wine (Bring a flag to wave!) Links:Spelthorne Young Voices : http://www.sopranos-syv.com/ —————————————————–     Check AdPontes Regularly for Articles, reviews, gig-guide and News   __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ———————————————————————————————–