Tag: The Wheatsheaf

Another Super Sunday Hair Of The Dog for the GiddyUp Music entourage at The Wheatsheaf here in Oxford, England and it was good to see them all out in force. We (Purple May) had a great time playing. Jenny and I enjoyed breaking in some new covers such as “That’s Entertainment” and “Because The Night.” As well as digging out a few of our own home-grown tunes too. I think our selection of songs by The Jam, The Who and The Small Faces, definitely brought in some of the local Mod contingent judging on that vehicle in the alleyway!

After we had packed our toys away we cleared a space and I introduced Mark Sollis and Mark Bosely. Mark occasionally sits in on the bass with Mr. Sollis, and after all, when you have a song called “Mark Bosely”, you kind of feel obliged. They got into some toe tapping jamming at one point and had everyone chanting “Mark Bosely!” by the end of their set. We look forward to the next time Marks!

There is a lot of great entertainment here in Oxford and we don’t take it for granted, but one of the finest exponents of fronting a good song is our very own Ady Davey and Shakin’ Lips. The lads have been at it now since I can’t remember. With Ady sporting a fine cowboy hat and shades they took us into to the world of Ady and Shakey, which by the way is a really enjoyable place to be. Always a favourite at The Wheatsheaf. My favourite is their take on “The Midnight Gambler.” I think it is easily one of the best versions in the world, but that’s just me.

Wow, still two more bands to go. You know what? I think we must run the longest session of music in Oxford. 3.30pm till 8.30pm that’s, what? 5 hours more or less? Anyway…so I introduce Jesters a 3-piece folk band – guitar, fiddle and double bass. Their music really suited the day, nice breezy happy go lucky folk to dance to. In fact at one point, we were outside in the alleyway and Christine Ellis the fiddle player came out and played for us, so Ady Davey and I obliged by doing what the Americans call a do-si-do. I really enjoyed their version of “Matty Groves.”

Lastly we welcome to the floor our old friend Scott Gordon and his band and for some reason, more than likely, lots of rehearsals. But I like to think it was because of the magic of the night, he sounded the best that we had heard. Really cracking set Scott. The drummer and the bass player were really on it! With Shakin’ Lips joining in on his harmonica it was a great sound, and at some points even dubbed up a bit.

Thanks again to one and all, and all those musician types who come and make it happen. See you next time for the Henry Cluney (ex Stiff Little Fingers) special on Sunday 19th June 2016!

Dave
GiddyUp Music Oxford
Sunday 22 May 2016