I Am Three are a two piece musical act from Manchester UK. The two members, Hughes (acoustic guitar/vocals) and Irving (double bass/vocals) cut their musical teeth over several years in bands and solo projects, and this year took a set of original songs and began to play them at impromptu sets in cafes, record shops, art galleries and restaurants. Mixing music normally heard in dark, greasy live music venues and a relaxed daylight setting.

The combination of two song writers and their opposing interests create a genre defying mix of identifiable styles such as grunge, alt-folk, blues & hip-hop.

In October 2008 I Am Three are planning a small European tour – which in reality means they are cramming a guitar and a double bass into the back of a family car and driving 3500 miles round the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The dates of this tour are being organized but any invitations or suggestions of suitable venues, support slots, radio spots etc would be greatly appreciated.

June UK shows include:

15/6/08 – WFM Radio session
19/6/08 – Jabez Clegg, Manchester

More dates, music & video of I Am Three can be found at:

I Am Three Myspace

The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Teddy Thompson is currently on an unusual 23-date solo tour.

Playing at venues off the beaten track, he’ll perform songs from his eagerly awaited forthcoming LP produced by Marius De Vries (Rufus Wainwright, David Gray) as well as material from his acclaimed albums ‘Separate Ways’ and ‘Upfront and Down Low’.

Teddy Thompson April/May 2008 UK and Ireland tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Teddy Thompson’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

April 10th: Crane Lane – Cork, Ireland
April 11th: Wilton’s Music Hall – London, UK (MOJO MAGAZINE NIGHT)
April 12th: Spring & Airbrake – Belfast, Ireland
April 14th: Roisin Dubh – Galway, Ireland
April 16th: Fired Arts – Fort William, Scotland
April 17th: Eden Court – Inverness, Scotland
April 18th: Woodlands – Stornaway, Scotland
April 19th: Ceilidh Place – Ullapool, Scotland
April 21st: Theatre – Perth, Scotland
April 22nd: Cabaret Voltaire – Edinburgh, Scotland
April 23rd: Cafe Drummonds – Aberdeen, Scotland
April 24th: Garrison Theatre – Shetland, Scotland
April 26th: The Sage – Gateshead, UK
April 27th: Academy – Liverpool, UK
April 28th: Little Civic – Wolverhampton, UK
April 29th: The Charlotte – Leicester, UK
May 1st: Memorial Hall – Sheffield, UK
Mat 2nd: Arts Centre – Norwich, UK

Teddy Thompson on amazon.co.uk

Teddy Thompson on Myspace
Teddy Thompson

Newton Faulkner is set to release his cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”, off of his debut album, ‘Hand Built By Robots’ on December 10, 2007.

The first time that I heard the name Newton Faulkner, for some reason I pictured an older conservative type with short hair, playing music that wouldn’t excite.

I was way off. Newton Faulkner is a young, twenty-something with dreads, soulful vocals, catchy tunes and is a brilliant guitarist. That’s what I found out when I first watched the video for his single, “UFO”.

Newton Faulkner is indeed making a name for himself, with a steadily growing fan base, a #1 platinum album and sell-out UK tours. It’s interesting that he would choose to go for a cover of someone else’s song, after the success he’s had with his own original releases. Some might say it’s a daring move, and loyal Massive Attack fans may not be as receptive to Newton’s “Teardrop” – at first.

I’ve been listening to Newton’s version for the last few days. He’s done such a good rendition of the song, that I found it difficult remembering the original, and actually think it sounds more like a Crosby, Stills and Nash song with a modern twist, than Massive Attack’s own version from 1998.

Watch Newton Faulkner – “Teardrop” video:

It’s amazing what Newton has done with the song. He’s given it a rustic feel and great harmonies.

If you played his acoustic version from his live shows for someone who wasn’t familiar with it (there are quite a few live “Teardrop” performances on YouTube), I bet they would find it easy to believe that it could be something from the late 60’s, Woodstock era.

Newton Faulkner – Teardrop on amazon.co.uk

Newton’s live shows are highly recommended!

Shows for 2008 are already beginning to sell out, so if you want to go, book early!

Newton Faulkner 2008 tour dates:

Dates and information could change! Go to Newton Faulkner’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

7 January 2008 Paradiso – Amsterdam
8 January 2008 Doornroosje – Nijmegen
9 January 2008 Tivoli – Utrecht
14 January 2008 Uptown Bar – Minneapolis
15 January 2008 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto
16 January 2008 Radio Radio – Indianapolis
21 January 2008 Soiled Dove – Denver, Colorado
24 January 2008 Joe’s Pub – New York
29 January 2008 Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, California
21 February 2008 University SOLD OUT Exeter
22 February 2008 Guildhall – Portsmouth
23 February 2008 Corn Exchange SOLD OUT Cambridge
24 February 2008 Academy – Birmingham
26 February 2008 Academy – Newcastle
27 February 2008 Music Hall – Aberdeen
28 February 2008 Barrowlands – Glasgow
29 February 2008 University – Leeds
2 March 2008 Apollo – Manchester
3 March 2008 University – Liverpool
5 March 2008 Roundhouse SOLD OUT London
6 March 2008 Roundhouse – London
7 March 2008 Colston Hall – Bristol
9 March 2008 St Georges Hall – Belfast
10 March 2008 Dublin Olympia – Dublin

Newton Faulkner Official Website
Newton Faulkner on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Big news! The wonderful Duffy is playing a free gig at Rough Trade Shops in Ye Olde London Towne on 17 December, 2007.

This is going to be an acoustic set in the snug area of the shop – so no guest list needed. It would probably be good to get there early!

If you want to go to the gig, here’s the information:

Duffy Rough Trade East In-store
‘Dray Walk’
Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London
E1 6QL
T: 020 7392 7788

Monday 17th December 2007, 2.00pm

Rough Trade Shops – In Store Gigs

Duffy’s latest single “Rockferry” was just released this week:

Duffy – Rockferry [7" VINYL] on amazon.co.uk

Watch “Rockferry” video

Watch video: Duffy and Bernard Butler in studio – “Syrup & Honey”

Rough Trade Shops Official Website

Duffy Official Website

Armed with thriving stateside success, her acoustic guitar and an arsenal of songs, emerging singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile plays her first ever London show, which has now sold out, at the Borderline, November 30th, 2007. Joined by her impressive band, she’ll preview tracks from her forthcoming digital live EP (Released November 26th, 2007) and debut LP ‘The Story’, out in 2008 in the UK.

Having toured America as special guest to Ray Lamontagne, The Fray, Chris Isaak and Tori Amos, Brandi Carlile is a talented artist in her own right. Produced by legendary Grammy Award winner T Bone Burnett (Counting Crows, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss), Brandi’s forthcoming LP ‘The Story’ is already making waves in the US and looks set to be one of the ultimate discoveries of 2008.

Her headline band includes: Philip Hanseroth (Bass/vocals), Timothy Hanseroth (Guitar/vocals), Matt Chamberlain (Drums) and Joshua Neumann (Cello).

Captured mainly on tape, ‘The Story’ smoulders with a stark and soulful authenticity, rarely heard today. This is most notable on the rousing title track, which Brandi herself describes as “A pure moment. Technically wrong, but emotionally right”.

Other highlights include “Turpentine”, “Tragedy”, “What Can I Say?” and “Throw It All Away” – which all featured in the smash-hit US show ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – plus, “Cannonball”, which was recorded in Atlanta with The Indigo Girls.

For more information, go to:

Brandi Carlile Official Website
Brandi Carlile on Myspace

As a fan of multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow, I can tell you that the new ‘Sheryl Crow Hits and Rarities’ double disc set is a welcome addition to my CD collection.

Opening track “All I Wanna Do” is a reminder of Sheryl’s first big hit, from her 1993 debut album ‘Tuesday Night Music Club’. She’s come a long way since then, releasing numerous hits and she continues to be one of the most active and hard working performers in music today.

The first CD is jam packed with 18 tracks that includes some of my Sheryl Crow favorites like “My Favorite Mistake” (The Globe Sessions), “The First Cut Is The Deepest” (The Very Best of Sheryl Crow), “Strong Enough” (Tuesday Night Music Club), “Run Baby Run” (Tuesday Night Music Club), Sheryl’s cover of the Guns N Roses hit “Sweet Child O’Mine” (C’mon C’mon) and the rare addition of her James Bond theme song “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

The bonus CD includes “The Difficult Kind” and “Riverwide” live from Budokan, a great acoustic version of her Aimee Mann-esque “Where Has All The Love Gone” (Wildflower), “Everyday is a Winding Road” acoustic version from AOL Live and “Keep On Growing”.

The one song missing that I would have liked included would have been “Home” from the ‘Sheryl Crow’ album, but it’s just a matter of reaching for my CD case for that one.

The bonus disc also features live tracks from the Japanese venue Budokan, non-album tracks, radio sessions including Sheryl performing an acoustic version of “Steve McQueen” on live radio Portugal and an excellent live performance of “Run Baby Run” with Eric Clapton & Orchestra.

Two thumbs up!

Sheryl Crow Hits and Rarities album on Play.com

Sheryl Crow Official Website

Related: Sheryl Crow Shine Over Babylon review + watch video clip

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

London promoters Funkstain promotions always brings you the best in acoustic madness to brighten up our Sunday evenings.

Headlining is Douglas James Hall: who has been making waves on the London circuit playing a blend of raw, alternative & aggressive acoustic based blues & pop.

Co – headlining is the fantastic indie pop princes Rosie Oddie who is taking a break from her odd squad to play us a rare magical acoustic set – expect the unexpected.

Support comes from the fantastic Matt Hayes who ripped it up last week and is back for some more, the wonderful Iman, and all the way from Birmingham MR James Rae!

Cost : Free / 18+ Only

Open Mic: Open mic will be first come first served between 5pm – 6.30pm

Venue: Upstairs at The Paradise Pub (By Way Of Kensal Green), 19 Kilburn Lane, London, W10 4AE

Douglas James Hall
Rosie Oddie
Matty Haines
Iman
James Rea

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment.

First to address the new Carling Academy Oxford. This was the first time that I had been back to the venue since the renovations that took place over the summer were completed.

Some people that I’ve spoken to about the new ownership of the club still refuse to call it anything other than The Zodiac. I can understand that, since it had been “The Zodiac” and locally owned for a few years.

It always takes time to adjust to change – especially when a large establishment “takes over” a venue and local bands might be affected by the change. Hopefully there will be plenty of nights that will cater to local bands there, as well as opportunities for them to have support slots for bigger acts that come through.

The show was held upstairs with half the room closed off, which made for an intimate evening of music and entertainment. I’m not sure if it’s always closed off up there now, but either way, there was enough room to move for a Monday night out in Oxford.

Cornish based singer/songwriter Ruarri Joseph opened the night with an acoustic set which included singles, “Patience” and “Blankets” off of his latest album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ out on Atlantic Records.

Ruarri has a very soulful voice and his stage persona is charming. I enjoyed his banter in between songs and there were a few times when he was singing that I thought of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). The crowd was receptive – and seemed to enjoy his music, as did I.

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

King Creosote from Fife, Scotland closed out the night beginning the set with an acoustic number and then the band came on – guitar, drums and bass.

(Read the King Creosote interview!)

I was quite excited to see King Creosote, or Kenny Anderson as he’s known. Maybe the fact that his brother Gordon, who was a founding member of The Beta Band, and is currently in one of my favorite bands The Aliens, had something to do with it. I love musical connections and this is a pretty cool one.

The songs varied from slow ballads to rocking out as a four piece band. The musicians were good – the banter was funny. You could tell they were having a good time. Anderson mentioned he had a late night out on the lash in Oxford the night before and ended up in some hotel room – which would have been an interesting night, I’m sure. The audience laughed quite a bit at his humor and honesty when he mentioned low record sales. He’s certainly not shy and it’s easy to warm to him immediately.

There were times when the music was tinged with an American folk feel – and when Kenny put down his guitar to play the accordion, it added a nice layer to the set.

The closer of the night was – go figure – a cover of The Aliens’ high energy single, “The Happy Song”. I loved it.

King Creosote will be playing a few more gigs in the UK on this tour. Go see them if you can!

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Stephen Fretwell is the real deal. With his latest release, ‘Man On The Roof’, out on Fiction Records, he brings to the table a classic sound, sometimes reminiscent of early Dylan and even Joe Strummer – but he’s his own man and is certainly not a carbon copy of anyone. I’m digging his voice – so refreshing, and whether acoustic or with a full band, the music and the songwriting accompanying it is superb.

I think he would be a brilliant act to see play live, and luckily for his fans and people new to his music, Stephen Fretwell is set to tour the UK, with dates scheduled for this month starting October 9th, 2007 in Cardiff.

Here’s just a handful of what people are saying about Stephen Fretwell:

“One of Britain’s finest new singer-songwriters” – **** Q magazine

“Man on the Roof…teams with wit, originality, sharpness and pathos, with stand-out tracks including Darlin’ Don’t, Funny Hat, She and San Francisco Blues. Wonderful” – **** Sunday Times Culture

“reaffirm(s) his disarming ability to squeeze beauty out of fuzzy headed regret” – **** Mojo

“A superb storyteller” – **** The Times

“a gifted musician from the same school of delicate strumming that gave us Ryan Adams and Harry Nilsson.” – **** London Lite

“(the songs are) delivered with such soft passion that you believe them, because you believe him” – **** The Fly

Stephen Fretwell UK tour dates for October 2007:
With support from Simone White and Lazybones

Dates could change! Go to Stephen Fretwell’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

9th October, Cardiff, Point 02920 230130
10th October, Birmingham, Barfly 0870 907 0999
11th October, Brighton, Digital 01273 606312
13th October, Oxford, Zodiac 0870 771 2000
14th October, Bristol, Thekla 08713 100 000
15th October, London, Cadogan Hall 020 7403 3331
16th October, Nottingham, Rescue Rooms 08713 100 000
18th October, Liverpool, Barfly Theatre 0870 907 0999
19th October, Sheffield, Leadmill 0870 010 4555
20th October, Manchester, Academy 2 0161 832 1111
22nd October, Glasgow, Classic Grand 0870 1690 100
23rd October, Newcastle, Northumbria Uni Stage 2 0191 227 4757
24th October, Leeds, Irish Centre 0113 2444 600
24hr cc hotline 0871 2200 260 or buy online at www.gigsandtours.com
26th October, Belfast, Limelight £12 0818 719300 or www.ticketmaster.ie
27th October, Derry, Nerve Centre £12 Box office as above
28th October, Dublin, Sugar Club €15.50 Box office as above

For more information go to:

Stephen Fretwell Official Website
Stephen Fretwell on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Why stay in and watch the repeat of Xfactor on ITV2 when you can go and see the best in the west at London’s hottest live music venue?

First an open mic set between 7.30 – 9.00 (with artists playing 2 or 3 songs, good covers welcome), followed by the Acoustic Night with several featured artist’s slots from the best in the UK.

Headlining on Sunday 7th October, 2007 is Douglas James Hall who has been making waves on the London circuit. Support comes from Jessica Grace, who has just completed a European tour, Oliva Flenly, Owen Nicholas and Paul Martin, all very gifted acoustic performers, bring a different slant to the alternative acoustic scene.

More information about the artists:

Douglas James Hall
Owen Nicholas
Paul Martin
Jessica Grace
Olivia Flenley

Cost: Free

Venue: The Paradise, 19 Kilburn Lane, London, W10 4AE

Scottish born, Cornish based songsmith Ruarri Joseph completes his debut solo mini-tour of the UK tonight. He’ll be playing at London’s Spitz Club, having already played Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Brighton and Southampton earlier this month.

Ruarri Joseph recently released his debut album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ on Atlantic Records. The album features the title track (BBC Cornwall’s record of the week), as well as previous iTunes single of the week – “More Rock ‘n’ Roll” and Music Week’s playlist choice and Q’s track of the day – “Patience”.

Listen: “Patience” – MP3 Download

This version of “Patience” was recorded at south London venue The Bedford earlier this year and it’s the opening track from ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’.

Ruarri’s latest single, “Blankets”, was released this week in the UK.

Watch Ruarri Joseph – “Blankets” video:

‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ Tracklisting:

Patience
Won’t Work
Blankets
Early Morning Remedy
Baby Finn
Cuddles Are The Best Thing
Tales Of Grime And Grit
Infant Eyes
Faces, Movements and Cheats
Relying On Lying
More Rock ‘n’ Roll
Summercourt Fair 1995

“Blankets” YouTube video link

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

Douglas James Hall is a new up and coming artist currently breaking on the London acoustic scene.

Originally from the West Country and Brighton, Douglas has been making waves on the London open mic circuit playing various gigs across London – headlining at both the Viva Viva acoustic night and Priory Park Festival.

Playing a blend of acoustic based raw & aggressive pop, soul and blues, his songs are funky and fresh, often with a humorous or darker undertone.

With building media and label interest Douglas James Hall is definitely one to watch!

Listen to Waste Of Time – MP3

For more free downloads go to Doug Hall’s Myspace page.

“Retro yet fresh oozing with soul, funk and passion. Doug’s talents extend far beyond the recording studio. Got to be heard live! … Never have my ears bled so much…” – Rik Dobson, Sony BMG

“A perfect compliment for the fast approaching summer! On second listen…it’s very Bradley Nowell…and ain’t no bad thing” – Chuck Clark, Sony BMG

Douglas James Hall’s Upcoming Gigs:

15 August 2007, 21:00 – LEONARDS BAR Northampton Rd EC1
Cost: 5 pound with flyer
Description: Excellent venue and cheap as chips!!!

16th September 2007 Goodship, Kilburn

Douglas James Hall on Myspace

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Mon. August 13, 2007, 10pm @ Temple Bar, Santa Monica, CA

Wed. Sept. 19, 2007, 9:30pm @ the Cat Club, West Hollywood, CA

Ken Hyland would probably be considered a “singer-songwriter” if he was left with only a guitar or a piano to write with. But since his days as a hip hop obsessed dj in the burroughs of South Jersey, Hyland has picked up not only a turntable or two, but has become his own self taught full band. Not that that was by choice, but by chance, as his first few demos evolved from singing over hip hop beats and samples, to replacing samples with his own instrumentals.

At the time, Hyland didn’t know he was carrying on a family tradition of self taught musicians. Having ancestors that formed their own folk quintets and jug bands before the turn of the century, and being a cousin of famed Country-Pop star Eddie Rabbitt, wasn’t a topic at family gatherings.

Now residing in LA, Hyland has brought his own brand of songwriting to tinsel town, and is back to original form as a solo artist. Drawing on an eclectic style of influences from the found sound of turntablism to classic and modern rock, his days of DJing and do-it-yourselfer heritage will still echo through his now self proclaimed hip-rock-folk-pop.

Come on over to the site: Ken Hyland Official Website and/or Ken Hyland on Myspace to get a piece of the latest tunes.

Karlex will open the Westbourne Studios’ International Night (242 Acklam Road, London W10) on Wednesday June 27 at 8:20 PM as well as Neighbourhood (12 Acklam Road) on Thursday June 28th at 8:20 PM. Both shows are free to conference delegates.

IDTGV, a part of the SNCF which runs France’s high-speed TGV trains, had recently invited the Haitian American performer to perform it’s first musical tour. The seven day tour brought Karlex on the Paris-Perpignan TGV train line, where he performed tracks from his new album ‘Ghetto Fabulous’ at the respective stations as well as at the “Bar iDZinc” in the lounge car during the voyage.

Karlex soulfully fuses the vibes of his native island with funky guitar sounds and heavy bass, in a unique blend called Afro Groove. ‘Ghetto Fabulous’ has been making waves in France since its release in September 2006. The album was selected by Arte TV as an October Event and by Radio Africa No 1 as Album Of The Week leading up to the release. Karlex was invited to perform his song “I’ve Got News For You…” on France 2’s Live Acoustic, while also being chosen by Acoustic Fuel as a ‘Daily ReFill – In Celebration of Black History Month.’

Karlex Official Website

Now, with the release of ‘Cassadaga’, his sixth album, Oberst has taken his experiences of travelling across America and recorded an album of incredible proficiency and fragility with contributions from the key troubadours of the American indie-scene including Ben Kweller, M.Ward, John McEntire and Gillian Welsh. With sing-along single, “Four Winds” and the rousing “Soul Singer in a Session Band”, Bright Eyes are set to open the doors to a while new audience around the globe – catch them now while you can!

Bright Eyes are coming to the UK to play a few live dates around their festival appearances and we’ve got 20 tickets to give away for their dates at Carling Academy Birmingham (July 6th 2007) and Shepherds Bush Empire (July 4th 2007) – all tickets come with a few free pints of ice cold Carling for you and your mate so check out the Carling music competition site for your chance to win.

Bright Eyes Official Website