I was particularly pleased to receive this report - much of my mis-spent youth was in Manchester and Salford, where I studied until I was 27... keeping out of the Army in those days of Conscription. And those were the days! "Band On The Wall" is the name of a pub that fascinated me and where I drank a few pints - it was so named because high up on a wall in a corner was a balcony (without access) on which was a dummy four-piece band, silently entertaining the crowd who took no notice... Ed.

By Stargazer
Photos courtesy/copyright Bill Hyde Read Bill's life story

Oh! What an illustrious venue, and has been for many years (Yer Editor himself used to frequent this place as a student here at Uni.). Manchester's premier live music haunt has been host to some of the finest musicians from around this globe. This evening's entertainment was no exception, and they were all British acousticians!!

Picture a stage, wide enough for seven musicians (and more), a fully professional sound system, top stage/atmospheric lighting, and a long downstairs seating area/bar with monotone (tasteful - not drab) décor. Mirrored and wood panelled everywhere you look reflecting the ubiquitous smoke. Let's say, cool aesthetics and logos not to mention vibrant acoustics.

Photo right: Dave Pope & Bonz

Let's give due praise to Ian Reynolds for the brilliant organisation. Ian looked like he'd put in the hours before the gig, seemingly worried as the doors opened, and was somewhat shell-shocked as the final bash got underway, but still was delighted at the 'post mortem' even though (as usual) the gig lost money.

The fully appreciative crowd were more than adequate, if not huge, and were very enthusiastic especially the gallery who jammed during set-ups - (Chris, JK, Bill Hyde, Lorraine Baker, Ian and Pete Chafer).

The Concert kicked off around nine. Dave Pope and Bonz opened up, they were excellent and really settled the audience with fine chit-chat and a well balanced mix of material. How can half a band be so good?

Photo left: Chris Moreton Chris' webpage

Bakers Fabulous Boys really were ... fabulous. For what it's worth, JK was very impressed. Musically inventive, original. Not only that, they moved about on stage and had loads of fun!!

Chris Moreton next. What can I say? This guy really works at his craft and always has a little something extra to offer every time you see him. As always, Chris's guitar picking just leaves you gasping, but his falsetto singing on this occasion really shone through (definitely a non-smoker). God! Limerock was out of this world.

Those not already
introduced are BFB

Ian invited the whole gang on stage for the finale - Wow!!! Dave, Bonz, BFB, and Chris cooked it up on the spot. What a line-up! - bass, mandolin, banjo, two guitars, fiddle and dobro all swapping breaks intuitively. Memorable indeed, congratulations to all of those who organised and performed. A few new bluegrass fans were made this evening. It's hardly surprising when you consider the quality of the performers themselves. A very interesting mix of styles and a great mix of people, they all 'played their socks off'.

Stargazer

5th April 2001