Washington Irving Single Launch, Mono, Glasgow

Great night. Drawings to come toute de suite. Unfortunately missed the lovely Randolph's Leap (made up of six folk which has grown from the one that I saw last time). Another time soon.

Jarv from Endor was good, and I was super impressed with The Social Services. Washington Irving were on top form. If I hadn't been drawing, I would have been swinging someone around by the arm or any other spare limb on offer.

Pictures to come.

Curious, Curious presents 'Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lock Pickers' with 'Sparrow and the Workshop' and 'Washington Irving'

Stereo in Glasgow is possibly one of my favourite venues for it's intimacy, lighting, great sound and rough edges and tonight had the potential for a blistering line up.

However, I recently read a review in the Skinny about Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lockpickers from their stint at 'Hey You Get Off My Pavement' (which had a great line up and which I missed due to other drawing escapades). It suggested they were a bit tame and lamented the split of Uncle John and Whitelock, since all the ex band members were there on the day either in the crowd or in other bands. I have to say I agreed with the article. 'Jacob' and the organist Jamie are the two remaining members from UJaW and while they might have the same skills, bonds and professionalism they had during their former band, the other two members did not appear as intrinsically linked.

Favourite aspects of the performance:
The minimalistic lighting changes from green to blue to red looked great and if I was a photographer I'd be snapping away at Jake's raw performance: as it was I just drew his movements. Jamie's beast of an instrument was the most awesome brooding object on the stage and regardless of hiccups with the ending, 'Maryhill' was definitely the best song.



Of the supporting two bands Sparrow and the Workshop were probably at most ease with their performance and a personal favourite of mine. Jill is a firecracker -her lyrics, voice and guitar picking styles in tune with her gift at storytelling. At times I was reminded of Jolie Holland, but with more bite and agression. Drummer/singer Gregor and bassist/guitarist Nicholas accentuate the heat and the cool, the savage and the gentle. Great stuff.



Washington Irving get better and better, bulking out with more talented and obscure musicans. Joe Black is a terrific young front man and I have no qualms in reckoning he and whoever he takes with him on his musical journeys will produce some brilliant songs and performances.

Great night all in all though, and the tunes were good from what I heard at the start of DeeJay David Barbarossa's set.

Oban Mike Night

I swear this night is getting bigger and better. Perhaps soon, Oban will be known as the place to be regarding up and coming original musicians? I hope so. A gateway not just to the isles, but to creativity in general. Louis and Stevo should be the proud daddios of this great event which takes place every month at The Waterfront bar in Oban. Last night saw Chunks, The Lemmings, Cameron, Rona and John, Scott Douglas and Mr Matt Goodwin aka '1/2 MT'all the way from the U S of A play some great sets. Twas a most splendid night. It actually really rocked!

My good pal Garry the animator did a great job as VJ, and setting up the Animation/Drawing Time Lapse system with all his super techno/creative know how, and I just sat back, had a large glass of the Red Stuff, and drew my pants off. Well, not quite. But definitely, I don't think wearing a skirt is practical when you've got to insert yourserlf into small spaces near the stage. All quite different, and all with their own voice. I think Cameron, Rona and John perhaps need a little more time with each other, but individually all were sounding good. Rona's definitely a star in waiting!

So here's the pics from the last 3 Open Mike nights that I've drawn. See what you think. It includes pictures from the last two including the Waterfalls, Kim on saxophone, Washington Irving, the ever popular K9 Kev, and I'm sure I've forgotten someone. Ah yes, The Open Plan who I actually drew at the ever busy James Gray's Musicworks Studios.

If you check their myspaces out you can listen to some of their music. Some might need updating with new music, but you'll get a good feel. You can also see the animation that Garry made of my drawings for the Dunstaffnage Music Festival at the following 2 links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fi21OmxZ1E
http://www.garrywhitton.blogspot.com

Musicians from Open Mike Night - 16 August 2007
http://www.myspace.com/savethoselemmings
http://www.myspace.com/chunksonline
http://www.myspace.com/12mt