March 2007 -The Royal Tavern, Blyth

 We have had a couple of nights without the spotlight artists for one reason or another, but tonight, we have decided to ask Swell back for a second time. The last time the played here, was in the smaller room, but the new layout suits them and the overall sound was good. However, as I usually sort out the sound, I suppose I am rather bound to say that!

The line up consists of the Faye Douglas (Lead Vocal), her fella Simon Day (Guitar & Vox) and Jamie Parker (Bass & Vox).  From time to time, Simon and Jamie swap instruments as both are equally at home with the bass or the 6 string guitar. There was no doubt about it, the audience liked them and hopefully, some of you will get yourselves down to the Tavern when they play their full set here in a few weeks time. 

Above left we have Simon on the acoustic and over on the right, a couple of right swellegant, elegant silly asses if there ever was, in the guise of Michael and Pete - a couple of the regulars here.

It was a bit of a night for the younger ones. After Swell we has Pol (left) and Chris (right) doing their stuff as well as many of the other usual talented folks that populate the Tavern on a Thursday. Even though 'The Toon' had been playing, we still had a good turn out for the night and once again struggled to get everone up for their turn. However, I suppose this is the price of fame :-)

 15th March 2007 - Libby

Libby has played the Tavern Spotlight before, back in October of last year and she went down well then too. On this ocassion she mixed the songs between originals and covers so that you would always have known some of the songs played.  

On the night we heard songs from the likes of the Cranberries & The Corrs as well as her self penned: The Brittney Song, Music Industry & I See you.

Following on from Libby, we had some of the old regulars - two of them are seen above in Zak (or Graham as he is known to his family) and Bill French. Bill is a brilliant bass player having played for years here and there, but as can be heard when he plays his Jackson Browne stuff, he is a very accomplished 6 string player too.

The final 4 photos below show our ever versitile Zak backing Pete Shaw on bongos, Steve Harper finally getting up to play (backing Chris on bass), Pol (backing Chris on electric) and of course, Chris.  

Thursday 22nd March - Repetoir Dogs! 

Repetoir Dogs are: Dave on lead vocals, Brother Derek on bass/acoustic guitars, Kev on lead guitar, Emma on vocals and ocassional backing guitar and Paul on drums.  

Normally, we have an acoustic session in the Spotlight sesson, but this week, we had the whole band. Derek and Dave are at the Tavern almost every Thursday come rain or shine whilst the others get along most weeks, so it was good to have all of them up at the same time.

Starting from the top picture, we have Dave and Kev followed by Emma and Derek. Below we have a couple of pictures of Paul on bongos and drums. The band are full of talent. Paul is without doubt one of the best drummers in the area, Derek has been playing bass (very well) for some 60 years or so ;-) whilst Dave has certainly got THE rock voice. Young Kev has to be seen to be believed and Emma has added a bit of depth to the band by bringing in top end vocals and backing guitar. 

After the set, we had the Buskers section of the night. Amongst those up tonight were these 2 lads, Bob and Rob. I like to hear these 2 on as they have some good harmony vocals. If you like the Everlys, Coldplay, Snow Patrol & The Beatles then you should be happy. Watch out for them as they will be playing here as a trio with pal Steve at the back end of April.

Finally, we have a picture of Alex. Every so often he comes to the Tavern to give us a little bit of class with his classical guitar pieces. A nice change to Smoke On The Water and Sunshine of Your Love!!