AWARD WINNING ACTOR, DIRECTOR & MUSICIAN TIM ROBBINS & THE ROGUES GALLERY BAND. GLEE NOTTINGHAM SUN 03 OCT
TIM ROBBINS BRINGS ALL-STAR BAND TO GLEE CLUB NOTTINGHAM TO PLAY HAL WILLNER PRODUCED ALBUM
We are thrilled to announce that on Sun 03 Oct Tim Robbins & The Rogues Gallery Band will be playing their only Midlands date at The Glee Club Nottingham.
Releasing your first album at the age of 51 is a curious thing to do when you’re already a global, Oscar winning star known for your work both on the screen (Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River, Bull Durham, The Player), behind it as a director of film (Dead Man Walking, Cradle Will Rock, Bob Roberts) and theatre (1984, Embedded), but not as a musician.
Robbins has long written songs and performed in small venues, but has kept it under the radar – until now. Of writing and performing he says “I have too much respect for music to put out something that wasn't coming from a genuine place".
His 1995 writer/director triumph Dead Man Walking – for which he was Oscar nominated – also provided fertile ground for his musical interests. After sending a rough cut of the film to a selection of songwriters who had inspired him over the years, Robbins co-produced the film’s lauded soundtrack for Sony. Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Eddie Vedder, Patti Smith, Tom Waits, Steve Earle and Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn all contributed. Robbins has also undertaken projects with Pete Seeger and Nora Guthrie, Woody's daughter.
Before recording his first album Robbins wanted to “understand what my voice was and what kind of stories I wanted to tell. I think I’m ready to tell those stories now.” Joining forces with his friend, the legendary producer Hal Willner (noted for his eclectic tribute albums including ‘Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man’) for the album, ‘Tim Robbins & The Rogues Gallery Band’ is a nine track collection of raggle taggle and rousing gypsy Americana, where each song is a story, every one told with passion and raw emotional honesty. The album is released through PIAS Recordings on Mon 27 Sept.
“I think it’s a really amazing thing to watch someone making his first album at 50. It’s a very exciting first album,” reveals Willner. “It’s got incredible beauty, incredible anger – everything that music can do.”
Though he’s no plans to end his movie career, Robbins admits there’s something about performing live music that makes it that much more thrilling than the silver screen. “I get really inspired by audiences. That immediate relationship that you create with people, you can’t get that in films.”
Tim Robbins is a multi-faceted storyteller for our times - an actor, writer, director and singer-songwriter - this is the latest chapter of his story. “It is a new road to travel and there is a great unknown out there,” says Robbins, “but I feel like I’ve been heading towards this all my life.”
The Rogues Gallery is Kate St. John, Leo Abrahams, David Coulter, Roger Eno, Rory McFarlane, Andrew Newmark and Dudley Phillips. Joan As Police Woman lends her vocal presence to the ethereal ‘Moment In The Sun’ on the album. David Coulter, who has worked as musical director for Tom Waits, declares himself hugely impressed with Robbins’ songs, which he describes as “very lyrical, very beautiful, very from the heart, little movies in themselves and we were lucky enough to get asked to embroider them.”
GET MORE
There are major features on Tim Robbins in the current issues of Word, Uncut and Mojo magazines!
Tim Robbins Glee biography profile HERE
CAITLIN ROSE LEAVES NASHVILLE FOR GLEE BIRMINGHAM. FRI 27 AUG / STUDIO
CAITLIN ROSE BRINGS HER ALBUM OF THE WEEK ‘OWN SIDE NOW’ TO GLEE
EP 'Dead Flowers' and Album 'Own Side Now' – out now! Simply one of the most acclaimed new US singer-songwriters.
We at Glee highly recommend you discover this wonderful new artist, not least those of you who have ventured to us to enjoy the inspirational voices and songs of Maria McKee, Neko Case, Brandi Carlile, Jenny Lewis, Lissie & Alison Moorer.
"We've already been entranced by Rose's voice and stunned by her songwriting. The best thing to emerge from Nashville in a very, very long time. Confident, adventurous, eclectic and fun, this is a stunning debut" Culture - Album Of The Week - The Sunday Times
“For fans of Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch, this debut album from Caitlin Rose will be like catnip." Album Of The Week – Independent
"The meditations of 'New York City' and the penitent yearning of 'Sinful Wishing Well' sketch out their creator's interior world with a novelist's attention to detail" The Times Playlist
"There’s more than a hint of Lucinda Williams’ lived-in ache on the bruised Sinful Wishing Well – no mean achievement for such a stripling chanteuse" BBC
"She thrillingly finds her own voice" Guardian
"Rose plays both innocent ingenue and seasoned sinner" Observer
"The vulnerability in Caitlin’s voice chimes as true as the clink of a quarter in an old jukebox" NME
“A deeply lovable record” Guardian Guide
Further in-depth reviews and interview on Caitlin’s artist page here
CAITLIN ROSE PLAYS GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM STUDIO ON FRI 27 AUG
GRANT LEE PHILLIPS CALLS IN TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM WITH LITTLE MOON. SUN 03 OCT
CHAMPIONED BY REM & LIKENED TO THE AMERICANA OF THE BAND, DYLAN, GUTHRIE, SPRINGSTEEN & CASH
Album – Little Moon – out now on Yep Roc records
Championed passionately by REM, Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins, Grant Lee Phillips began his recording career as Grant Lee Buffalo and released the highly acclaimed albums Fuzzy, Mighty Joe Moon, Copperopolis, Jubilee along with the Storm Hymnal compilation. The inventive California-based group combined a vintage, rustic sound with a modern-rock sensibility.
They dared to choose hope over despair, and embrace the epic possibilities previously outlined by Springsteen, Dylan and The Band (and since revisited by Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips, reinforcing the idea that GLB were onto something).
Rolling Stone magazine recognised him as one on the songwriters of his generation and voted him ‘Best Male Vocalist’. He acquired a much lauded reputation as a visionary, poetic and profoundly insightful songwriter.
"GLP, once of Shiva Burlesque, explored the mythic Americana of Woody Guthrie, the lyrical opulence of Bob Dylan and the epic musical imagining of Bruce Springsteen. It didn't hurt, either, that Phillips was possessed of a voice as capable of the Tim Buckley-ish falsetto of "Mockingbirds" or the portentous, almost Johnny-Cash-like drawl of "Lone Star Song"" Amazon
“Still at the top of his game …with a dozen songs that crisscross between anguish and optimism, discord and salvation, crafted with the deftness of a poet and the ingenuity of a composer. Phillips has made perhaps his most intimate recording yet.” Amazon
“Strives after hope, if not glory, building to a rare expression of life's enriching possibilities for a sensitive, singer songwriter whose taut poetic visions are wrapped in a sun-streaked romanticism.” No Depression
“An old fashioned crooner for the Nirvana Generation, Phillips wields a dark, smoky voice that's one of the great instruments in music today.” Paste
GRANT LEE PHILLIPS PLAYS THE GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON SUN 03 OCT
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Fri 11th June 2010
PAUL HEATON (EX-THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH) - FROM ACID COUNTRY TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM. SUN 26 SEPT
PAUL HEATON ARRIVES AT GLEE FOLLOWING A UK PUBS TOUR BY BICYCLE!
New Album, Tour and Glastonbury headline slot announced! Plus a new date at The Glee Birmingham.
Paul Heaton releases his eagerly anticipated second solo album Acid Country on 13th September 2010 and has just announced a UK tour to accompany its arrival. The autumn dates will be preceded by a headline slot on Glastonbury’s Leftfield stage as well as appearances at Latitude and V Festival.
The follow up to 2008’s widely acclaimed 'The Cross Eyed Rambler', 'Acid Country' is Paul’s 15th studio album and his second as a solo artist.
The new long player sees the former Beautiful South and Housemartin continue to write classic melodies with a country edge, whilst also maintaining his sparkling pop sensibilities. As ever, his intricate and sometimes acerbic lyrics stand out with songs about old and new experiences, stories of travels and home, optimism and pessimism.
Paul previewed some of the songs from 'Acid Country', as well as tracks from his previous solo outing and a couple of classic offerings from his Housemartin days - in May 2010 when he embarked on the Pedals and Beer Pumps Tour. He travelled to16 pubs by bicycle, cycling over 1000 miles in the process and playing some of the best shows of his career. Starting off at the Rovers Return on Coronation Street and fitting in a quick date at the Woolpack in Emmerdale, the dates saw him highlighting the plight of local boozers and celebrating cycling as an environmentally friendly (and very healthy!) method of touring.
Pauls's career path has seen him deliver hits such as 'Caravan of Love' and 'Happy Hour' with The Housemartins, which also included Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim). Then came 'A Little Time', 'Song For Whoever', 'You Keep It All In' , 'Rotterdam', 'Perfect 10' with The Beautiful South.
LIVE MUSIC - PETE MOLINARI - TRAIN BOUND FOR GLORY AT GLEE BHAM. WED 22 SEPT
PETE MOLINARI HEADS TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM FOLLOWING 'LATER WITH JOOLS' APPEARANCE AND DATES WITH RICHARD HAWLEY
"Pete Molinari could sing the fucking Yellow Pages and make it sound cool" Richard Hawley
Album 'A Train Bound For Glory' out now, includes the single 'Streetcar Named Desire', recorded in Nashville and featuring The Jordanaires (Elvis Presley’s backing singers). Pete’s records have been passionately championed by Ray Davies, Paul Weller and Richard Hawley. Pete was nominated for Best Newcomer in the Mojo Awards and he toured with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
"One of the most distinctive voices of his generation. A superbly realised piece of folk blues heartache" Phil Alexander, Editor Mojo
“Molinari clearly has an ear for the classic verities of soulful country music as sharp as practised aficionados of the craft as Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. A singular talent with his distinctive voice and guitar” Allan Jones, editor Uncut
"Molinari's voice and haunting melodies left me feeling that the musical void in the British music scene will most definitely be filled. He can follow in the footsteps of Dylan and Guthrie. Sweet-voiced blues-folk...a cherishable artefact even before you fall under the spell of the actual music" NME
"The soul of American music distilled into the voice of a Cuban-heeled greaser from the Medway Delta" The Guardian
"The sound of God’s own jukebox" The Independent
The album showcases Pete’s remarkable falsetto: you'll hear shades of Woody Guthrie, Jimmy Scott, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline in a voice and a poetry that is entirely Molinari's own. Pete was born into a large Maltese/Italian/ Egyptian family and had an odd childhood. While his friends were listening to Nirvana and Oasis he developed a deep infatuation with the Billie Holliday, John Coltrane, Leadbelly and Bob Dylan records of his older brothers. After reading Woody Guthrie's 'Bound For Glory' and Jack Kerouac's 'On The Road', which were pretty much like the old and the new testament for him, Pete completely absorbed the romanticism of the whole spirit of a poet/musician.
With a head full of songs and his trusty guitar he went out to New York, which turned into two years travelling round the USA. There he honed his unique vocal style playing the bars and cafes of New York’s Greenwich Village – places where Jack Kerouac and his beat poets read and also the likes of Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and Dylan all played. As Pete says: "I’ve travelled a long road to get here. These songs have been on that road. From playing places in London to the late night coffee houses of Greenwich Village, Memphis, New Orleans, San Francisco, LA and Paris".
PETE MOLINARI PLAYS GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON WED 22 SEPT
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Wed 2nd June 2010
THE MISERABLE RICH BRING ‘OF FLIGHT & FURY’ TO GLEE BHAM (STUDIO). THU 10 JUNE
THE ORCHESTRAL-FOLK OF THE MISERABLE RICH RETURNS TO GLEE WITH NEW ALBUM
The Miserable Rich are a Brighton based Willkommen Collective outfit who have been described as 'pop music that could soundtrack a nursery rhyme created by Tim Burton'. 2009 saw a reaction to their barnstorming cover of Hot Chip's 'Over and Over' and their debut singles 'Pisshead / Boat Song' and 'The Time That's Mine'. Their debut album 'Twelve Ways To Count' was released and toured in Europe, to critical acclaim. The album, released in November in the UK, made many best of 2008 album lists. And via the Wilkkommen Collective, they have collaborated with The Leisure Society.
Led by violin and cello, with acoustic guitar and double-bass holding down the rhythm, it would be easy for these Brightonians to come across as chin-stroking clever-clogs. Instead, a variety of influences come together to form a swirling, warm, inviting sound that’s rich with feeling. The strings have an indie element from Mike along with a classical influence from Will, while Jim brings classic rock from his Clearlake days. Meanwhile Rhys’s jazz props up the bottom end and James’ vocals have the rawness of his soul upbringing. But this isn’t maths and that equation comes out with something unique. It’s as rooted in late 60's and early 70's widescreen psychedelia musically as it is in the modern world lyrically. If one day someone digs up a lost Love acoustic album they’ll say, “Oh, it sounds like The Miserable Rich.”
"Their lush orchestro-folk is so heartbreakingly beautiful, it reduces anyone who hears it to a weeping mess." NME
“De Malplaquet’s warm, hazy voice coupled with the songs’ ruminative aspect impress most, from tales of drunks and bonnie barmaids to such beautifully tender moments." Q
"A cracking album full of tender, dark, warm, thoughtful and euphoric songs that'll keep you humming along all day long" Piccadilly Records - Record of the Week
"It's amazing how a band so fresh can have so much quality. One of the best sessions we've ever had" Marc Riley, BBC 6Music
"Destined to be one of the singles of the year" Gideon Coe, BBC 6Music
The Miserable Rich are Will Calderbank, Mike Siddell, Jim Briffett, Rhys Lovell and James de Malplaquet.
Read a Q & A with The Miserable Rich here New album ‘Of Flight & Fury’ – out now on Humble Soul Records The Miserable Rich play The Glee Club Studio, Birmingham Thu 10 June
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Thu 27th May 2010
LIVE MUSIC - LISSIE & ALAN POWNALL CO-HEADLINE TOUR VISITS GLEE BHAM TUE 22 JUNE
LISSIE & ALAN POWNALL BOTH ARRIVE AT GLEE WITH DEBUT ALBUMS
Alan Pownall recently supported Angus & Julia Stone at The Glee Club and Lissie performed the track ‘Oh Mississippi' on 'Later With Jools Holland' to great acclaim. Both are releasing their debut albums, Illinois born Lissie with 'Catching A Tiger' (Columbia Records) and Alan Pownall with 'True Love Stories' (Mercury Records). Lissie’s album follows her EP 'Why You Runnin’', made with Bill Reynolds from Band Of Horses and Kings Of Leon producer Jacquire King.
ALAN POWNALL
"Sure to be every bit as huge as both Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling" Rough Trade Album Club
"The folk pop album of the year...a perfectly pitched summer album of laid back acoustic strumming, warm production and mouth-watering harmonies." Rough Trade Records – Albums Of The Month
Alan honed his skills while sharing a flat with Jay Jay Pistolet and Mumford & Sons and by sharing stages with Florence & The Machine, Jack Penate, Noah & The Whale, Adele and Laura Marling. After signing with Mercury Records, he embarked on a second supporting tour with Mr Hudson, and he's now about to release his debut record. Of his long player Alan says "There was definitely a feeling of wanting a vintage sound to it. It’s obviously been influenced by the music of the 40s or 50s. I always loved people like Eddie Cochrane or Elvis, even people like Billie Holliday are definitely intrinsic in my upbringing without even realising it." Alan’s voice dominates the record, at once antique, ageless and immediate, as he croons about the romantic entanglements in his lyrics. I wanted the album to be like a jazz festival in the 1940s in the south of France, but set in some dingy bar on a rainy day – like, it would have all those picturesque elements, but slightly twisted as well. It was a very cathartic and a real learning experience for me, both technically and emotionally. To be honest it’s the first thing I’ve ever finished in my life."
"Lissie draws comparisons to Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde, but is also able to transcend the past to become a present day icon for lovers of both blues, folk, and country." Q Magazine
"She has the voice, the songs and the image – barefoot prairie girl transported to an LA canyon in 1972 – to be huge in 2010." Guardian
"One of the year’s true finds, Lissie maintains the flame for the true rebel country spirit with her finely-etched songs and smokey vocals" The Mirror
"Band Of Horses endorsed freckle-nosed country-pop from the mid-west via California. Fuelled by tequila, tomato juice and a broken heart." BBC
LISSIE & ALAN POWNALL PLAY GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON TUE 22 JUNE
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Wed 26th May 2010
LAURA MARLING + MUMFORD & SONS COLLABORATOR PETE ROE GLEE BHAM WED 09 JUNE
PETE ROE RELEASES HIS DEBUT EP AFTER SUPPORTING MUMFORD & SONS AT GLEE AND PLAYING IN LAURA MARLING'S BAND
Pete Roe has had a quite wonderful 2010 and it’s about to get even better! He supported Mumford & Sons at The Glee and then played both with and as support to Laura Marling at the Ikon Gallery and Alexandra Theatre, along with playing for Alessi’s Ark on the same bill
Pete's forthcoming EP, a totally solo, live, guitar and vocal effort is due out in June. 'The Merry-Go-Round' an EP reminiscent of Nick Drake's 'Pink Moon', is to be released on Communion Records, a new label established by Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons) and Kevin Jones (Cherbourg).
Pete's tender vocals and easy storytelling style sitting atop nimble guitar lines have drawn comparisons with Bert Jansch and John Martyn.
PETE ROE PLAYS THE GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON WED 09 JUNE
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Mon 17th May 2010
MILES HUNT (THE WONDER STUFF) & ERICA NOCKALLS AT GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM. SUN 06 JUNE
MILES & ERICA ARE CATCHING MORE THAN THEY MISS ALL THE WAY TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM
"Fisherman’s Blues–era Waterboys is an obvious touchstone, and there’s a healthy rage to the lyrics. There’s a rustic jollity that suggests Fairport Convention get a lot of action on the home hi-fi". UNCUT
Miles Hunt has been the singer, rhythm guitarist & principle songwriter in The Wonder Stuff since 1986. Here's the story in Miles' words.
"The band continue to write, record & play live to this day but I also find time to indulge myself in solo pursuits, sometimes accompanied by other members of The Wonder Stuff.
In what has now become the last ten years I've made a handful of solo records including "Miles Across America", "Hairy On The Inside", "By The Time I Got To Jersey", "Life's Great EP", and "Five Songs EP". In 2001 I signed to Eagle Records and made "The Miles Hunt Club" album.
In 2004 we released the first Wonder Stuff album in eleven years, "Escape From Rubbish Island" (IRL) and followed it up in 2006 with "Suspended By Stars" (IRL). The band has been steadily touring both the UK and North America for the last three years and I have to say it is the happiest and most creative period I have experienced as a member of the band.
My last output of 2006 was a live solo album, "Interloper" (IRL), which was recorded at a couple of late summer gigs in the UK and features Wonder Stuff favourites as well as songs from my solo releases, including three brand new songs.
In 2007, The Wonder Stuff took some time off as I was concentrating on writing & recording the "Not An Exit" (IRL) album with Wonder Stuff violinist, Erica Nockalls, and drummer, Andres Karu. Erica and I toured the UK extensively throughout 2007 in support of "Not An Exit" released on Fake Chapter Records.
Erica and I got 2009 off to a rockin' start with a special show at Birmingham's Town Hall.. The evening was named 'Shared' and we invited some of our favourite players to join us in an evening of acoustic performance. The bill features Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Roddy Frame (Aztec Camera), Nick Heyward (Haircut 100) and Katell Keineg.
2009 saw the release of another Miles and Erica album, titled "Catching More Than We Miss" (IRL). Most artists will often claim that their latest effort is their best and hand on heart, I can tell you that that is exactly how I feel about our new album. As a performing and writing duo I don't think Erica and I have ever sounded as good as we do on this new album. We are joined once again by The Wonder Stuff's drummer, Andres Karu and producer, Pat Collier, for this record."
MILES AND ERICA PLAY THE GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON SUN 06 JUNE
VILLAGERS RETURN WITH BAND FOLLOWING FYFE DANGERFIELD SUPPORT. GLEE BHAM TUE 01 JUNE
VILLAGERS ‘BECOMING A JACKAL’ FROM DUBLIN TO THE GLEE
Villagers is the brainchild of Conor J. O'Brien, who has already opened for the likes of Neil Young, Tracy Chapman, Wild Beasts, Cass McCombs, Bell X1 and Tindersticks.
Conor supported Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) at The Glee Club Birmingham this January and he now returns with his band ready for one of our most eagerly anticipated shows of the year. The album (and single) 'Becoming a Jackal’ is released on Mon May 24 through the legendary Domino Records.
'Becoming a Jackal' introduces us to Villagers’ vivid narratives, gripping poetry and melodic depth. Conor's clear and distinctive voice weaves a remarkable spell, delivering an album of rare, alarming beauty. From restrained to unleashed, from a whisper to a literal howl, 'Becoming a Jackal' mutates, intrigues and beguiles in equal measure.
Over the course of 11 varied, subtle, complex and plain gorgeous songs, the Dubliner shows just why he is Domino’s latest signing, while defying any easy categorisation of his influences or peers. O’Brien namechecks David Axelrod, Jens Lekman, Robert Wyatt and Rufus Wainwright but you could equally add Paddy McAloon, Paul Simon and Randy Newman to the possible roots of this record. And its creator is just as captivating in person. If the album has a theme, it’s change - “whether physical, emotional or and spiritual,” O’Brien ventures.
"A must-see for those who dig ragged pop, eerie folk and heartfelt, emotional songs and sounds" The Irish Times
Villagers will be supporting Field Music at the forthcoming Meltdown and Noah & The Whale at Somerset House, along with playing Glastonbury and Latitude
VILLAGERS PLAY GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON TUE 01 JUNE
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Wed 28th April 2010
JESCA HOOP - CHAMPIONED BY GUY GARVEY & TOM WAITS - GLEE BHAM SUN 09 MAY
JESCA RETURNS TO GLEE WITH ‘WHISPERING LIGHT’ FROM ‘HUNTING MY DRESS’
It has been quite a year for Jesca Hoop thus far. Tipped by a diverse range of publications from Uncut (“excellent”), Time Out (“bewitching”), OMM (Tips for 2009), The Sun (‘Single of the Week’ for ‘Murder of Birds’), Esquire, Music Week and a two page feature in The Times on the back of one limited self-released UK debut EP. Interspersed shows and radio sessions for the likes of Marc Riley have had to maneouver around the recording of the follow up to her US-only debut album from 2007. This arrives in the supremely elegant and unique shape of 'Hunting My Dress' (released November 30 2009). Not only that but Jesca has toured the UK with Elbow and used to be Tom Waits' nanny!
"Like going swimming in a lake at night" Tom Waits
“Simply the most beautiful voice” Guy Garvey
“By turns soulful & contemplative, spirited & witty, Hoop effortlessly shifts emotional gear, a striking ability to meld the traditional and the contemporary & her forceful, crystalline voice the constants” Time Out
"Good enough to compare to the more wholesome elements of The White Album, Joanna Newsom's Ys and Elbow's quieter moments" (Guy Garvey sings on Murder of Birds) The Guardian
"So startlingly original, whose writing is so stamped with her personality and history. Hunting My Dress, confirms her as one of alternative folk-pop’s most arresting recent arrivals, sings like an outcast angel and writes like a restless explorer" Culture, The Sunday Times
“Genuinely gorgeous...the likes of which come along all too rarely” Music Week
“Friends in high places never hurt, but Jesca Hoop hits the heights all by herself” Mojo
“Shape shifting vocals, Celtic folk, jagged alt-rock and an earthy sensuality that sets her apart” Q
GET A TASTER KIRSTY ALMEIDA
Special support for this show is KIRSTY ALMEIDA, who you’ll be hearing much more about later this year! www.myspace.com/almeidagirl
JESCA HOOP PLAYS GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON SUNDAY 09 MAY
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk and there are no added fees!"
added - Tue 27th April 2010
BRANDI CARLILE SHOWS POSTPONED - NEW DATES TUE 19 OCT BHAM + WED 27 OCT CARDIFF
IMPORTANT Tue 27 Apr - 3pm Late last week we were informed that due to the recent air travel disruption the Brandi Carlile European tour is postponed. Brandi's flights from the US were cancelled and due to the backlog of passengers the airline are unable to reschedule the journey within the near future.
The new, rescheduled show dates are - Glee Club Birmingham Tue 19 Oct + Glee Club Cardiff Wed 27 Oct.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope you shall still be able to join us for the new date - all bookings for the original dates have been transferred to the new, rescheduled dates. Please call the Glee Club Box Office as soon as possible if you are an existing customer and have any queries or require a refund.
Thank you, The Glee Club.
BRANDI, AS SEEN ON ‘LATER WITH JOOLS HOLLAND’, BRINGS HER MAJESTIC LIVE SHOW TO GLEE!
Born in Washington, Brandi was raised on "elaborate family jam sessions" and Elton John / Patsy Cline records. A self-taught singer & guitarist, by 15 she'd discovered the Indigo Girls, picked up her first guitar and began writing. Before long she was gigging around Seattle.
During that time she met Phil & Tim Hanseroth, who now form the core of her band alongside Matt Chamberlain (Morrissey). Together, they caught the attention of legendary producer Rick Rubin (Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chilli Peppers), who went on to mentor them. She’s also produced by T Bone Burnett (Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Gillian Welch and soundtracks – Crazy Heart, Walk The Line and O Brother Where Art Thou?)
"It feels genetic to me, a personality trait almost," says Brandi Carlile on her love of music. "As soon as I was old enough to do anything - walk, talk, throw a ball, whatever it was - I was already singing."
Combining blues and soul with a nod to Bonnie Raitt, her self-titled debut scored her a place in Rolling Stone's `Top Ten Artists To Watch' list, while also earning her a deal with Columbia Records. Brandi has toured with The Fray, Chris Isaak, Tori Amos and Ray LaMontagne.
Here's just a little of the impression Brandi is leaving on people
"She leaves the room spellbound in awe of her great asset - that voice" The Independent
“She has one of those timeless voices that evokes comparisons to Emmylou Harris and Baez.” VanityFair
“Brandi Carlile knows how to wring every last emotion from a lyric. She channels heartache, fear, nostalgia and joy in nearly the same breath, creating a vivid pastiche of alt-folk pop.” Billboard
“She would’ve been at home on the Opry stage, crooning tortured ballads alongside Patsy and Loretta or harmonizing with Gram Parsons in some alternate Emmylou-less universe. But by some stroke of fate, she landed in these times instead.” Paste
“She has the most amazing voice I may have ever heard. Soulful. Country. Perfect in every way and propelled by taste.” Sheryl Crow
Albums - The Story and Give Up The Ghost - out now! Give Up The Ghost was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, birthplace of legendary recordings by The Doors and Led Zeppelin. A sonic soundscape of honest vocals, organic sounds and arresting delivery!
BRANDI CARLILE PLAYS GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON TUE 19 OCT & GLEE CLUB CARDIFF ON WED 27 OCT (RESCHEDULED DATES
TURIN BRAKES BRING ‘OUTBURSTS’ TO GLEE BHAM ON UK TOUR. TUE 09 MAR.
TURIN BRAKES RE-DEFINED THE ACOUSTIC-POP GENRE WITH THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, WHICH WAS NOMINATED FOR THE MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE
Formed by Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian in 1999 Turin Brakes' first release was The Door EP, which was followed by their highly acclaimed debut album, 2001's The Optimist LP. In 2003 they released the album Ether Song, which spawned the massive radio track and Top 5 single, Painkiller (Summer Rain).
They will be releasing a new studio album, Outbursts, on 1st March 2010, which will be preceded by a single, Sea Change, on 22nd February.
“The fewer middlemen there are between us and the people who are interested in our music, the better,” Olly says. “We're embarking on a new era where there is a far greater immediacy between the band and the listener.”
This fresh approach is summed up in one of the album's standout songs, Never Stops, a soulful, life-affirming mantra, with a raw, bluesy feel, sums up the enduring spirit of Turin Brakes and their uniquely thoughtful brand of acoustic music. Paper Heart an achingly vulnerable, waltz-time lament with a haunting piano and string part, dissects a relationship in which one person has the power to “rearrange the sunsets” and play with their lover's world as if it was a little stage set. Radio Silence, meanwhile, captures a sense of beautiful alienation redolent of OK Computer-era Radiohead. The moment of complete silence towards the end, followed by a sudden surge of sound and the majestic guitar line in the outro is breathtaking.
“These are all moments I've experienced in my life. They trickle down and it can take years sometimes for them to turn into songs. Some of my lyrics can seem abstract, even a bit absurd at first, but I hope they convey an emotion. It's a joyful experiment.”
“We loved the idea that these songs were outbursts that were going to happen whether we liked it or not,” explains Olly. “It's an album that has been made with no outside briefing or preconceived plans. It is absolutely true to ourselves.”
TURIN BRAKES PLAY THE GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM ON TUE 09 MAR
"Over 80% of Glee customers already book online. WHY? Almost all shows are discounted for online bookings here at glee.co.uk"
added - Thu 18th February 2010
NEW ORDER & JOY DIVISION LEGEND PETER HOOK AT THE GLEE CLUBS BHAM & CARDIFF.
LIVE SPOKEN-WORD & MULTI-MEDIA SHOW WITH NEW ORDER LEGEND. SPECIAL SHOW COMPERE HOWARD MARKS
“Peter Hook is a born anecdotalist, firing off quips and pithy asides like a scattergun.” Sunday Times
Peter Hook – co-owner of iconic Manchester nightclub The Hacienda and co-founder of seminal bands Joy Division and New Order - is back on the road recounting the rollercoaster tales of fun, success, lost money, confusion and true faith that encapsulated the notorious ‘Madchester’ scene.
In this new show - a spoken word, multi-media night based on his 2009 best selling book ‘The Hacienda: How Not to Run a Club’ – ‘Hooky’ promises fans a chance to hear it like it was; the real revelations and stories not allowed in the book. A heady era that still bleeds into modern public consciousness having been responsible for some of the most cherished British music of the last few decades, this will also be a rare chance for the audience to dip under the surface with the bass slinging legend in a question and answer session.
As co-founder of Joy Division and New Order Peter Hook has been shaping the course of popular music for thirty years. He provided the propulsive bass guitar melodies of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and the bestselling 12-inch single ever, 'Blue Monday' among many other songs. As co-owner of Manchester's Hacienda club, Hook propelled the rise of acid house in the late 1980s, then suffered through its violent fall in the 1990s as gangs, drugs, greed and a hostile police force destroyed everything he and his friends had created. This is his memory of that era, it’s characters and it is ‘far sadder, funnier, scarier and stranger' than anyone has imagined.
UNKNOWN PLEASURES WITH PETER HOOK AT GLEE BHAM SUN 11 APR & GLEE CARDIFF SUN 25 APR
TWISTED FOLK TOUR - BETH JEANS HOUGHTON & STORNOWAY AT GLEE BHAM. WED 17 FEB
TWISTED FOLK CREATE ANOTHER ADVENTUROUS & MOUTH-WATERING TOUR!
Twisted Folk Tours have become known for adventurous line-ups representing the best in modern folk and twisted popular music. They who put together last year’s highly successful collaboration between UK pastoral pop group Tunng and Malawian desert bluesmen Tinariwen. Who assembled Nina Nastasia, Jeffrey Lewis and William Elliot Whitmore. They also presented Howe Gelb & the Voices Of Praise Choir and packaged King Creoste with Jose Gonzalez and Vetiver (& Devendra Banhart) with Micah P Hinson and Vashti Bunyan. Now it’s Stornoway and Beth Jeans Houghton – in what promises to be an unmissable Glee show.
BETH JEANS HOUGHTON
Beth Jeans Houghton is the Newcastle singer who, to paraphrase The Guardian, joins the dots between Gwen Stefani and Vashti Bunyan. She has been playing guitar since the age of 16 and is only 19 now. In the meantime, she’s supported Tunng and Tinariwen, hobnobbed with Vetiver, the late John Martyn, Bon Iver and Joanna Newsome and recorded a single, Golden/Nightswimmer with Adem and more recent an EP ‘Hot Toast Volume 1’ with Mike Lindsay from Tunng. She was the popular hit at 2009’s Green Man festival and has been hitting the road with her band, The Hooves Of Destiny. An album is on currently being produced by Ben Hillier, the production mastermind behind Elbow’s Cast Of Thousands, Doves’s Some Cities and Blur’s Think Tank. Beth appeared at last summers Moseley Folk Festival, Birmingham. Hot Toast Vol. 1 is out now on Static Caravan records.
"A remarkable voice and a rare star quality" Mojo
"Golden has been turning heads & hearts, showcasing the beautiful delicacy of her voice & a killer tune." Guardian
"Beautifully crafted tracks, ripe with delicate melodies and intricate guitar work" Music Week
"Magic faerie dust from the enchanted forest inhabited by this precocious young maiden" Record Collector
"Mesmirising Psyche Folk" The Independant
"I once used a girl's head as an ashtray" Mike Lindsay, Tunng
"Odd question, do you have any tweezers?" -Kieren Hebden, Fourtet
STORNOWAY
Named after the Hebridean island but hailing from Oxford, Stornoway are a five-piece band of songsmiths, scholars, scientists and men of the earth. The last couple of years have seen them quietly honing their art in the shadows of the dreaming spires, and earlier this year they released their first official single; the critically acclaimed Zorbing. Their charming brand of quintessential pop, steeped in pastoral hues, won them fans across radio and press. They were booked to play an unprecedented 4 stages at Glastonbury Festival 09, Radio 1 asked them to headline their ‘Introducing Stage’ at their Big Weekend. The band also performed on Later With Jools Holland.
'A breath of fresh air. Come join the lovely revolution.' NME
'A passionate singer makes his case and a violin holds the line, visceral guitar parts ensure the song lodges in the brain. 4/5' 'Unfaithful' review, The Mirror 'Magical, majestic songs. 4/5' Live review, The Sunday Times
'My favourite single of the year' 'Zorbing' review, The Guardian
'Stornoway's sound is like shifting sand: a mixture of acoustic pastorals, pop balladry and folkedelia. 4/5' Independent
LIVE MUSIC FOR GLEE CARDIFF - ADE EDMONDSON, DUKE SPECIAL & MORE.
Alongside a damn impressive comedy line-up, Glee Cardiff also - of course - hosts some pretty special music shows.
Here's a taster of our forthcoming shows, for full music listings please see the What's On / Cardiff Music section of the site.
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DUKE SPECIAL PERFORMS 'THE SILENT WORLD OF HECTOR MANN' AND SONGS FROM 'MOTHER COURAGE', WED 12 MAY
One of Ireland’s most successful and sublimely talented musical exports, Duke Special, returns with his new project. 'The Silent World of Hector Mann' is an album based on 'The Book of Illusions' by Paul Auster - recorded by Steve Albini in Chicago and featuring Neil Hannon and Ed Harcourt. Duke has written the music to a new production of Bertold Brecht’s "Mother Courage" which he played to 100,000 people at the National Theatre – the entire production is based around his music and the band’s performance.
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ADRIAN EDMONDSON & THE BAD SHEPHERDS, SUN 16 MAY
‘Punk songs on folk instruments – genius’. This show will feature songs by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, Sham 69, The Undertones, Talking Heads, Squeeze and others, even Kraftwerk! Alright, they’re not all punk, but they come from roughly the same era. Recent nominees for a Radio 2 Folk Award in the 'Best Live Act' Category.
TIM ROBBINS BRINGS ALL-STAR BAND TO GLEE CLUB NOTTINGHAM TO PLAY HAL WILLNER PRODUCED ALBUM
CAITLIN ROSE BRINGS HER ALBUM OF THE WEEK ‘OWN SIDE NOW’ TO GLEE
CHAMPIONED BY REM & LIKENED TO THE AMERICANA OF THE BAND, DYLAN, GUTHRIE, SPRINGSTEEN & CASH
PAUL HEATON ARRIVES AT GLEE FOLLOWING A UK PUBS TOUR BY BICYCLE! 
PETE MOLINARI HEADS TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM FOLLOWING 'LATER WITH JOOLS' APPEARANCE AND DATES WITH RICHARD HAWLEY
THE ORCHESTRAL-FOLK OF THE MISERABLE RICH RETURNS TO GLEE WITH NEW ALBUM
LISSIE & ALAN POWNALL BOTH ARRIVE AT GLEE WITH DEBUT ALBUMS
PETE ROE RELEASES HIS DEBUT EP AFTER SUPPORTING MUMFORD & SONS AT GLEE AND PLAYING IN LAURA MARLING'S BAND
MILES & ERICA ARE CATCHING MORE THAN THEY MISS ALL THE WAY TO GLEE BIRMINGHAM
VILLAGERS ‘BECOMING A JACKAL’ FROM DUBLIN TO THE GLEE
JESCA RETURNS TO GLEE WITH ‘WHISPERING LIGHT’ FROM ‘HUNTING MY DRESS’
IMPORTANT
TURIN BRAKES RE-DEFINED THE ACOUSTIC-POP GENRE WITH THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, WHICH WAS NOMINATED FOR THE MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE
LIVE SPOKEN-WORD & MULTI-MEDIA SHOW WITH NEW ORDER LEGEND. SPECIAL SHOW COMPERE HOWARD MARKS
TWISTED FOLK CREATE ANOTHER ADVENTUROUS & MOUTH-WATERING TOUR!
Alongside a damn impressive comedy line-up, Glee Cardiff also - of course - hosts some pretty special music shows. 
FYFE DANGERFIELD OF GUILLEMOTS PLAYS HOMETOWN SHOW - ONE OF ONLY FOUR SPECIAL UK SHOWS!