Liverpool and Merseyside is absolutely bristling with fabulous musical talent, and the acoustic scene with its abundant open night mic nights and events led by the likes of Graham Holland at Liverpool Acoustic and Dave McTague and the team at Mellowtone testify for this. However, while discussing this thriving scene, the team at Klee Music wondered if the following would work: an evening where three singer-songwriters shared the stage together, sing a couple of songs together, sing a few of their own songs, and then, the twist – to sing a song composed by the songwriter next to them?
Intrigued? You probably should be. The venue has been carefully chosen – 81 Renshaw Street – probably the best small venue in Liverpool at the moment. With great acoustics and a warm and relaxing setting will suit the night perfectly.
The programme starts on Saturday 10th February, featuring Elijah James, Esme Bridie and Sophie Whittle. Elijah James, with his band The NightMares, are now looking forward to building up to the release of their debut album, scheduled for a September 2018 release on the Klee Music label. Esme Bridie is a little further down the line, and she looks forward to the release of her debut album, “Today It Rains”, again on Klee Music, this March. Esme is very much a veteran of the Liverpool acoustic scene, and has enjoyed the support of Liverpool Acoustic in her short but bright career. Indeed, they have called her debut album “a real triumph”. Sophie Whittle is a young lady from Rainford, but is also causing a stir, having made the final of 2017 Soundwaves Musical Competition. She has impressed us enough to earn her an invitation to perform.
The second event of the 2018 programme features the combined talents of Chris Layhe, Karen Turley and Tony McCaldon, an exciting, eclectic mix. Chris was one of the founding members of The Icicle Works, alongside Chris Sharrock and Ian McNabb, and has over the years preceding has continued to write and gig. Karen Turley is well known within the Merseyside and national acoustic scene, with her unique brand of folk / Americana / Irish influenced musical compositions. A recognised up and coming talent. The trio is made up by Tony McCaldon, another seasoned performer and distinguished song-writer who has that rare talent of melding together emotional lyricism and music resulting in a richness of composition that is not easily attainable.
The years programme draws to a close by featuring Steve Roberts, Thom Morecroft and Nick Ellis. Steve enjoyed commercial recognition when he signed to Arista Records with 16 Tambourines, and toured with Wet Wet Wet, before releasing the Mercury Prize shortlisted “How Green Is Your Valley?”. He has continued to gig constantly as a solo artist, and in 2001 released the critically acclaimed It Just Is. Thom Morecroft is a stall-wart of the local music scene, whose charismatic stage presence added to highly gifted songwriting always results in a great gig. A Klee Music favourite, he can get away with not playing our favourite songs, and it still being a triumph. And lastly Nick Ellis, whose latest album “Adult Fiction” (Mellowtone Records) has succeeded in placing him at the forefront of the local music scene, but also on the cusp of national recognition. An album of exceptional compositional skill, it is also an album to cherish.
Tickets for all the gigs are available from Klee Music at www.kleemusic.co.uk, £7.50 in advance, and £10 on the night. However, it is possible to purchase a season ticket for all three nights, specially priced at £20. This offer is available until Sunday 4th February 2018, and proves great value for money. So book early!
For more information about Klee music and their 2018 Acoustic Nights Programme visit https://www.facebook.com/kleeKleemusic/
