Funkbrother and the Sisters of Soul + James Kirby @ The Fishes, Oxford [Review]

Oxford Music Meet

As if to usher in the start of the summer, the nice people at The Fishes pub in North Hinksey Village had organised, along with Oxford Music Meet, an enjoyable evening of acoustic brilliance and serious funk & soul on Thursday 31 March, 2016.

It all kicked off at 8.00pm with James Kirby, who was introduced as being on a “world tour”, but James denied this explaining that he did play here and there when he can, and as he told me later, is going off to play a few shows in Europe soon. James is a solo musician armed only with an acoustic guitar and voice. It is refreshing to hear such a talented singer/songwriter like James Kirby. There is a very good and positive upbeatness that his music brings. His infectious songs warmed the Fishes crowd into a party mood, and if you haven’t heard his music it is well worth checking out. You can see and hear him by going to Jameskirbymusic.com.

After a wander around the garden at The Fishes it was good to see that they have re-erected their tipi for the summer fun and also added a chrome Airstream bar to their list of attractions!

Back into the bar for the next slice of entertainment. A packed pub welcomed Funkbrother and the Sisters of Soul. I was wondering whether they will one day abbreviate that to “FBATSOS”? but I quickly disregarded that last thought as they got the crowd dancing. I was told that this was their first gig as the above mentioned and you wouldn’t have guessed it! They played a lot of covers all done in their own style. If you want a party band then look no further. Funked up versions of many favourite songs. The guitarist impressed me going from guitar to sax occasionally. As for the chorus of female vocals, reminded me a bit of The B52s. Go check them out when you can!

For future events, music and more, go to:

Oxford Music Meet

The Fishes Oxford

By: Dave

GiddyUp Music @ The Wheatsheaf, Oxford [REVIEW] Richard Brotherton, Superloose, Purple May

Wheatsheaf Oxford GiddyUp MusicWelcome to another GiddyUp funday Sunday here at the home of organic music downstairs at The Wheatsheaf in Oxford.

Jenny and myself warm up the bar with some home grown sing alongs as well as some carefully chosen covers, performing as Purple May. And as we are only armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonica and two vocals it’s usually a gentle ease into the afternoon even though our opening songs are “Jet Boy, Jet Girl” going into “The Banana Splits” then our title track “Giddy Up”. Still not too shabby if I do say so myself (cough).

Song And Supper Rooms are John on the ukulele, Simon on the cajón and Mark Bosely on bass. This, in my opinion is John’s train set in the attic if you will. The sort of music you can play wearing your slippers. I did like their take on “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and also a well and cozy version of “Kooks”, that old David Bowie song from the Hunky Dory album. I do think John and his band take songs to a place you wouldn’t expect to find them, always worth a listen.

Once we’d swept up after Song And Supper Rooms I introduce Jules Penzo who performs his own brand of instrumental Spanishy classical tunes. This man is a bit of a wizard on the guitar and his music has you drifting off and staring at your beer bottle peeling the label and thinking I wished I’d learnt to play the guitar properly!

Just when you thought it was safe to relax and enjoy Sunday evening I introduce Superloose. Superloose are, Song And Supper Rooms again and with Nigel on guitar. Superloose are Abingdon’s finest. They play some of the best sing alongs in the business. “We are the fishermen but we don’t catch no fish no” is one of my favourites. I can safely say that this band is the best you will find hanging around in Abingdon, and we are chuffed because this is their first gig for over six months. A great time, with everyone singing along.

Lastly, everybody had calmed down readjusted their dress and was ready for Richard Brotherton. This is just Richard, his voice and acoustic guitar. What a voice too. This guy can belt it out with a deep bluesy vocal. I love his unique version of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. His guitar style is really percussive and accompanies his vocals perfectly. A great crescendo to what was another really good party downstairs At The Wheatsheaf. A big thanks The Wheatsheaf and staff for allowing us to do this and also to you for coming out on a Sunday afternoon and helping improvise one of the best parties in town. Hope to see you all at the next one. Thanks!

For the latest shows, information and more, please go to:

Facebook: GiddyUp Music Oxford

– Dave

Richard Brotherton + Superloose + Purple May, more @ The Wheatsheaf, Oxford

Wheatsheaf GiddyUp Music Oxford

GiddyUp Music Presents… Richard Brotherton, Superloose, Jules Penzo, Song and Supper Rooms, Purple May at The Wheatsheaf, Oxford on Sunday 20th March 2016. 3:30pm-8:30pm.

Live music in the downstairs bar, this is a free show!!

More information on Facebook: GiddyUp Music

GiddyUp Music presents…live music at The Wheatsheaf, Oxford – 6th March, 2016

Wheatsheaf Oxford GiddyUp Music

GiddyUp Music presents…a special Mothering Sunday live music show in the downstairs bar at The Wheatsheaf, Oxford.

Sunday 6th March 2016, 3:30pm-8:30pm.

This is a free show!

Featuring: Darren & The Tramp, Leigh ver Fuel, Lewis Newcombe-Jones, Freddy Le Cragg and Purple May.

The Wheatsheaf, 129 High Street, Oxford, England, OX1 4DF.

GiddyUp Music Oxford

The Headington Hillbillies, Richard Brotherton, Matt Sewell, Sammy Pope, Purple May

GiddyUp Wheatsheaf Oxford

GiddyUp Music Presents live music, free show!!

Featuring Oxford band The Headington Hillbillies plus Oxford acts Richard Brotherton, Matt Sewell, Sammy Pope & guests and acoustic duo Purple May.

Sunday 27th September 2015 downstairs at The Wheatsheaf, Oxford. 3:30pm-7pm.

The Wheatsheaf address: 129 High Street, Oxford OX1 4DF.

For more information, please go to:

Facebook: GiddyUp Music Oxford

Lee Scratch Perry, Ruff Sqwad, Hodge b2b Tessela plus more added to Simple Things 2015

Legendary reggae innovator Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry will be touching down in Bristol for Simple Things 2015, pairing his inimitable stage presence with a full live band as he delves into his expansive back catalogue of cosmic dub excursions.

Following the massive addition of JME & Skepta a couple of weeks ago we are pleased to announce that one of grime’s most widely revered collectives will be joining the lineup: Ruff Sqwad. The crew will be joined by Lit City Trax founder and Future Brown mainstay J-Cush for a rare performance outside of London.

Further live additions include Newcastle-based Slime, smoked-out psyched pop from Stones Throw signee Mild High Club, cacophonous Bristol outfit Spectres and Giant Swan the menacing noise-punk of Sex Swing.

On the DJ front Hodge and Tessela have just been added for a marathon four hour back-to-back session. Rub-n-Tug co-founder and NY disco extraordinaire Eric Duncan will also be joining proceedings with the Futureboogie cohort, whilst Berlin mainstay Darwin makes her Bristol debut. South-West mainstays The Blast DJs round out the announcement with their trademark mix of grime, jungle and bass.

Simple Things 2015
Various Venues, Bristol
Saturday 24th October

For the latest tickets and information please go to:

Simple Things Festival Official Website