January 2011
6 posts
London Grammar :: One to watch
A duet coming from good London roots, Hannah Reid and Dan Rothman form the up and coming London Grammar. It seems they met at University in Nottingham and slowly started to gather a schedule of gigs. Beginning with a few covers such as You’ve Got the Love (Florence & the machine) amongst others which can be found on their myspace page.
[http://www.myspace.com/londongrammar]
[http://soundcloud.com/daniel_hjr/sets/london-grammar-the-live-ep/]
At a glance, you may think “oh just another female singer and a guy with a guitar” but in fact they both have imprinted their personality and individuality into London Grammar. Since I first heard the music on their myspace there has been more of their own material added, and the play count just keeps on going up and up. Hannah’s voice is has something extremely unique about it, almost so that you can’t quite find the words to describe it. Favourite songs (for me) include Otherside of the Sun and Empty. Although clearly about loss the emotion in the songs is perfectly communicated by Hannah and the simple (not in a bad way) guitar feeds the song but does not detract from the voice.
“For real man, you have got something real special” - Seasick Steve
Recent gigs include: The Troubadour, The Wallace Collection London & the Regal Rooms.
Future gigs: The Bedford in Balham, The Elgin London and Carnivale London… -http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148080448581164
London Grammar are on the way up…. one to watch in 2011!
Lissie @ Shepherd's Bush... bit of a late write up
Date- 14/12/10
Venue- Shepherd’s Bush o2 Empire
Being such a massive Ellie Goulding fan, and seeing the two of them play at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton last year I just HAD to see Lissie live. Another last minute decision for me, but Christmas came early. A truly wonderful and energetic set (with the odd shot of tequilla!) she even managed a cover of Christmas-y The Pretenders:: 2000 Miles which you can catch again here::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHsZdFbfOLg
I wasn’t feeling my best after a dreadful cold and after a brief tantrum about not being able to see, I moved further back and enjoyed Lissie’s set from a distance but it was definitely worth it. I even got the boy involved (didn’t think it was his thing) turns out I was wrong and he enjoyed it just as much as I did!
x
Jessie J BBC Sound of 2011
Date- 14th Jan 2011
Venue- Coalition, Brighton
So, a last minute addition to my growing gig schedule of twenty-eleven was Jessie J playing at the Brighton Coalition. Previously scheduled during December…. All I can say is thank god for the snow as I had come to a quick conclusion that I disliked her, however upon reflection it turns out she’s a grower! The number of cameras and phones flashing as soon as she came on stage is a good indicator of this! A brilliant performer and very at ease with the crowd interacting at every moment, including some borrowing of clothes during Price Tag! Fresh, very amusing and very inspirational. Just what we needed!
For £7 and an hour of my time I am now a massive fan of the new BBC Sound of 2011.
It’s just a little unfortunate that her album is not out until at least July 2011, we will just have to make do with her incredible voice on youtube videos filmed in her room a year ago!
