OXJAM- MY FIRST TIME.
13/6/2015
The Night I lost My Virginity *
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| Big Noise Street Band |
OXJAM has been going
since 2006 and has raised £2 million for OXFAM so it was about time
I went to one , not only to raise money but also to listen to some
good local music. I joked with one of the organizers when I paid for
my ticket the previous day that I was an OXJAM virgin. The CICCIC
venue in Taunton is a nice space with acoustic clouds hanging from
the ceiling and an eclectic seating arrangement. I got settled in my
red throne and awaited the first of the 5 acts to play.
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| Stevie Brown |
From the moment Stevie
Brown opened her mouth I knew I would have a good night. My ears
where caressed by her sweet angelic voice. Most of her set she was
singing solo to a instrumental backing track of her own making but
this didn't detract from her performance. Lioness and Handful
of Tears made an impressive
mark. The audience had shown their appreciation and everyone enjoyed
her set.
 |
| Darren Hodge |
When Darren Hodge
stepped onto the stage with his shoulders slumped I was somewhat
concerned. I needn't of worried as his fast fingering was
extraordinary , this young man's talent on the guitar is nothing
short of astounding. His version's of Julian Lennon's Saltwater
and implausibly Chaka Kahn's Ain't Nobody had
me smiling and shaking my head in disbelief. A
standing ovation and Mr Hodge left the stage standing tall.
 |
| Mitchell and Vincent |
Mitchell &
Vincent's traditional folk tickled my inner folkie and got my toes
tapping involuntarily. The Long Set and
the melancholic High Germany are
just two of my favourites from their set. This two piece with fiddle
and guitar told such evocative stories as all good folk should , I
was transported to another time with loved ones long gone. Vigorous
applause rounded off Mitchell & Vincents time.
 |
The Incas
Emily Joliff (vocals), Aninka Rosa (violin),
Ed Shakspeare (bass), Violette Pepper (accordion)
out of shot Immy Done (percussion) |
The five piece
band The Incas kicked off with one of the most unique versions of The
White Stripes Seven Nation Army I
have ever had the pleasure to hear. It could well be the lack of a
lead guitar that make this quintet so different to my ears. The
rich and soulful lead vocals , the colourful tones of the violin and the enchanting sounds of the accordion have more room to breathe. The
rhythm section is solid , a laid back bassist and an intense drummer
with some of the most expressive drumming faces I have ever seen!
It's not a proper gig unless the drummer plays so hard they lose a
stick and indeed during the fourth song the excellent original
Platform 1, a stick
went flying off.
 |
| The Incas Drummer Immy Done |
I loved the way
the songs where built up of component parts, first the accordion then
violin etc, it's clever stuff with a kind of improvised Jazz feel.
Everything came together really well , very different from most
Folk-Rock I have heard. Another unique cover version , this time
Feelin' Good
made famous by
Nina Simone got the full Incas
treatment . Aside from the awesome covers I also enjoyed the
original material like Swansea FC
and the final song they played, Mr Shakspeare a
song written about the lone male in the group and my heart bleeds for
the guy , it must be so tough!
I was very impressed
with The Incas , every member gave it there all and the audience
appreciated that and gave them lots of applause. Even more incredible
is not one of the band is over 18.
The next band to play
was The Big Noise Street Band and I must confess I didn't hear them
as I slunk off into the night. I had been caressed by Stevie,
fingered by Darren, tickled by Mitchell & Vincent and well and
truly Folk Rocked by The Incas, I didn't fancy taking it up the
Brass. I am sure the New Orleans Jazz from The Big Noise Street Band
would have been excellent but it was time for me to go, 'never out
stay your welcome' is a motto I live by.
I want to thank the
venue who put the gig on without charging and all the acts who played
for free, so you know all of your £10 is going to OXFAM. All in all
it was a very enjoyable evening, I should have lost my *OXJAM
virginity earlier!
Stevie Brown
Darren Hodge
Mitchell & Vincent
The Incas
The Big Noise Street Band
CIC
OXJAM
