Wednesday 28 May 2014

10/10/2008 Cherry Brakewells @ the Hope & Anchor

SubjectCherry Brakewells @ the Hope & Anchor
PostedDate10/10/2008

It's an odd night for me at the Hope & Anchor but not in a bad way. I arrive to find it's packed downstairs and a reggae band are playing. It's not the type of music I generally go and see, but the band are rather good and I find elements of their music that I like and can get into. It's refreshing to see something a bit different sometimes. Next is a soul singer from Sheffield - I enjoy her set less than the previous band although she's quite good.

The Cherry Brakewells get to play to a full room - which is no less than they deserve. Their funky blend of rock and soul goes down very well with the crowd.

The atmosphere in this small room under a pub is hot and sweaty, but the band seem to thrive on it and to be in their element. The band's mix of soulful vocals, rock guitars, and a hard hitting funky rhythm section is very appealing, as well as being heavier than you might expect live. This is a band who's performance demmands your attention and drags you in. As well as their current material they also throw in a song from the days when the band originally formed under the name 'Red'.

Shay and Monique from the band demonstrate good taste in their choice of Gibson guitars - Monique's Les Paul bass being a rare beast, although by coincidence I also saw Joe from the Fabulous Feedback Band playing one only last night. It's an excellent performance from the band, and once again theCherry Brakewells leave me really looking forward to the next time I see them. 
PS: The guitarist on the left in the top picture is Anna Calvi - now much better known as a solo artist. Shay's guitar is a rare 1960 Gibson Melody Maker.

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