Riverfest is shaping up to be a very exciting local event for all sorts of reasons, not least for the variety and quality of music on offer across various stages. Dan O’Farrell, left, previews the High Tide Stage acts for bitternepark.info.
bitternepark.info have kindly asked me to preview the High Tide Stage and I shall endeavour to do the smorgasbord of musical delights justice.
The day on this stage kicks off at 10am with Straight To Cake. I haven’t seen this band yet, but my spies tell me that all sorts of skiffle-folk-styled goodness awaits, with ukulele and washboard to the fore. Will be fun in the sun!
Ferry Tales are up next and, again, new to me but sounds fascinating. The Isle of Wight is a real hotbed of musical and poetic talent at the moment, and I think that several of the prime-movers are working collaboratively on this project.
At 11:20, it’s Jim Chorley’s turn...We're told in fact a programme change means Bitterne Park guitar duo Taylor's, who Dan didn't preview, play at 11.20. Ed.
The volume will rise somewhat at midday, as The Flying Alexanders take the stage. In their 25th year, this bomb-proof punk band have managed to add some soulful and bluesy vibes to their muscular stomp, and have even started inventing new genres. Frontman Jon Sansom never disappoints with his wide-eyed and captivating delivery, whilst right-hand-man Perry Flatt dispenses chiming bursts of staccato distortion and the rock-solid rhythm section of Pete Hutton on drums and Colin Ames on bass underpin the chaos around them perfectly.
Ears can recover slightly during Brian Hooper’s set. Brian sings beautiful songs about, and set-in, Southampton and captures the poignancy and wistfulness of the best modern folk song-writing.
Following Brian is the supremely talented Cat Eliza Tarrant. Cat seems to be able to play any stringed instrument that comes within her reach, and her live-shows see her coaxing beautiful sounds out of an ever-growing variety of instruments. The constant in her sound is her deep, velvety voice, which adds jazzy shading to her melodic and enthrallingly personal songs.
Next comes my band, Dan O’Farrell & The Difference Engine. Modesty prevents me from blowing our collective trumpets too hard but, in the interests of clear information, I should warn you that our songs tackle politics, social-media, religion and Shakespeare. Not necessarily in that order. I can, however, praise the inventive double-bass playing of Rick Foot and the instinctive and sympathetic drumming of Chris Walsh. We may even have persuaded a violinist or two to join us for added colour. There, my conscience is clear!
Next up is Daisy Bowman, who performs as Gayatri. Daisy sings gentle and lilting folk-tinged melodies with a soupcon of Eastern mysticism in the mix. Will be a chilled and blissful half-hour.
The stage will seem a lot more crowded for the next act, The Chateau Bateau Band. Named for the band’s rehearsal space, festival-organiser Catherine Wright’s house-boat, the CBB make a beautiful and harmonious noise. Featuring Southampton Ukulele Jam frontman Colin McAllister on uke and vocals, with Vix Hobbs, Jo Davies and the aforementioned Ms Wright all sharing lead vocal and harmony duties in turn, the band spin pure gold from lesser known classics in the Country and Americana genres. Backed with Damian Cook on rhythm guitar, Adam Wells on bass and some scintillating lead-guitar work from Rob Critchard, the CCB are well worth watching.
Fresh from finishing her second album, folk-siren Lucy Kitchen will take the stage at 4pm. Lucy has one of the purest voices around, a warm and honeyed tone that makes her songs subtly sad and wistfully romantic.
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The Beehive, on at 4:40, is an offshoot, I believe, of fantastic Southampton folk-stalwarts The Shimmering Bees. Expect hurdy-gurdy driven reels and jigs. Beer should have produced the appropriate degree of merriness by this point in the proceedings, so I’ll see you down the front for some square-dancing!
Vincent Kellett, gentleman of song, will grace the stage next. Vince has two very appealing strings to his musical bow. Firstly, he is a classical guitarist of skill and finesse, and part of his set consists of his fantastic interpretations of tunes via his magic fingers. Secondly, Vince is a crooner of some repute, and has an amazing set-list of covers, veering wildly from Kraftwerk to Scott Walker. Sit back and let him entertain you!
At 6pm, it’s the Deadhounds’ turn. I haven’t seen these guys yet, but I’ve heard great things and a youtube search reveals a rocky-bluesy band with top tunes and a hard edge. It will sound great floating over the park.
You may well have seen Fragile Lucy busking under the Bargate, even if you haven’t made it to one of her fantastic gigs. Lucy makes the ukulele sound like an instrument of infinite finesse and she has written a collection of quirky, funny and memorably touching songs. She can deliver a mean cover version too, with the combination of her voice and uke making everything sound fresh. Sit down for vegetarian ham and be wowed!
Lucas and King are making great waves both locally and nationally at the moment. From the first few bars of their set, it will be immediately clear why. Hayleigh King plays beautifully clear and clever guitar lines whilst Bo Lucas sings with a voice that stops everyone in their tracks. Think Patsy Cline singing clear and modern original country songs in a sparse and wonderfully fragile setting. It will suit the oncoming twilight perfectly.
Midi Moths Photo: Keith Godwin
Midi Moths close the day at 8:10. I haven’t caught this band yet, but singer Leyanne Coombs has graced many marvellous Southampton bands since we were all much younger, and has always had a voice to die for. A youtube search reveals a dance-friendly and exciting trio steeped in trip-hop and folk.
I think it will be a fitting finale!
Dan O’Farrell