Conference marvin::uk_music

    Am I right in saying that it's Martin on his own - i.e minus the
    Daintees?  Either way, since he's playing in Ayr later this month,
    it makes sense to go and see him - do you know anything about tickets
    price/availability?

    Dougie,
    
    What do you know about him?  He's opening for Hothouse Flowers
    when I see them in Boston and (per usual :-)) I don't know anything
    about him.                                  
    
    Sue

    Sue, I don't know that much *about* him, other than that he hails
    from Newcastle or thereabouts, and has made two very enjoyable albums,
    BOAT TO BOLIVIA and GLADSOME, HUMOUR AND BLUE.  There's nothing
    spectacularly different about his 'sound', but his lyrics are often
    poignant, and his voice is pleasant on the ear.  I hate to categorise
    music, but I guess this is kinda 'modern folk' or thereabouts.
    
    Trivia question - what is the catch in the title of the first album
    mentioned above?

    You know how ignorant we Americans are of geography, but is
    Bolivia land-locked?
    
    Thanks for the info Dougie.
                                       
    Sue

    Anyone got details of his concert schedule ?
    
    I bought Gladsome, Humour and Blue and it's excellent. I had problems
    sourcing a copy of Boat to Bolivia something to do with a change
    in distributors ( or something like that). 
    
    Any information about Stephenson or the Daintees would be very much
    appreciated.
    
    
    Regards,
    	   Andy.

    Andy,
    
    Don't know about the rest of his US or UK schedule but he'll be
    in Boston at Citi opening for Hothouse Flowers on 4 April.
    
    Sue 

    Sue,
    	Are you going along to see him ? If you are I'd be very interested
    in your reaction to his performance.
    
    Regards,
    	   Andy.

    Andy,
    
    Yep, I'll be there.  I missed the last chance to see Hothouse
    Flowers, and I was determined not to miss them this time round.
    
    >> If you are I'd be very interested in your reaction to his 
    >> performance. 
    
    Why *my* reaction?  (As an American, a female, or a 'musical
    innocent')
    
    Puzzled of Marlboro
    
    
    

    Unfortunately, I missed this one - MS did a solo gig at a small
    folk club (i.e. he would have been totally unamplified and the place
    would have been crowded with more than 120 people in) in Hitchin
    recently.
    
    I'd have gone and seen him on the evidence of the one or two songs
    I've heard - Dougies description of his music as "modern folk"-ish
    sounds about right. One song I heard sounded like a kind of lighter
    version of something Lloyd Cole might have done, and I like him
    all right, eh Dougie?
    
    Was this his only solo gig, or does he make a habit of it?
    
    Bob
    

    Bob, I can see where you're drawing comparisons between Martin
    Stephenson and Lloyd Cole, but without a doubt, MS's approach is
    more emotional/heartfelt, and at the end of the day, decidedly less
    commercial.  I hate to say it, but it is absolutely brilliant music
    to have on in the background when there's people in (etc. etc.),
    but equally, it's excellent stuff to take in during quiet times
    of your own.  Favourite tracks of mine are CROCODILE CRYER and COLEEN
    from the first album, and THERE COMES A TIME and WHOLLY HUMBLE HEART
    from the second - coincidentally, I think all four tracks that I've
    named have been singles, and have all died an unfortunate death  :-(

    With regards this solo gig Bob, I can tell you that it's part of
    fairly extensive U.K. tour during Feb./Mar. - indeed, he's playing
    Ayr Town Hall along they way, but as I don't know anything about
    tickets availability, I don't see me being there  :-(
    
    Sue, I'd again strongly recommend that you try and hear some of
    his material prior to the gig - I've always found it a bit wird
    if you don't know any of the songs that are being performed in front
    of you.

    Re: .9
    
    Your reaction as all three would be appreciated and anyone elses
    come to think of it.
    
    Regards,
    	   Andy.

    Wholly Humble Heart, that rings a bell, thanks. If that's typical
    of the area he's working in, I'll definitely have to check him out
    further.....
    
    Bob

    
    
    went along to see MS in Glasgow on wed.( 15th Feb ) at Henry Wood
    Hall which is where the SNO perform. Enjoyed a very good performance
    with songs from both albums played excellently. There was also a
    big helping of new songs which went down well apart from one dodgy
    number with a sax. making a terrible mess of it.It turned out to
    be an inspired choice of venu. I seen Test Department there a few
    years ago and both gigs have turned out memorable.
    	anyone going along to see MS should watch out for some good
    country guitar from one of his band members - never caught his name.
    	
    
    	dox doxter