Chris Cowley returns from the first night of the return of Live and Local at Ryde Theatre. Ed
As VentnorBlog reported last week, Friday night saw the return of the Live and Local gigs at the Venue.
Hosted by Glynn Taylor for Isle of Wight Radio the night is a showcase of local talent with extracts being broadcast on his Sunday night show.
The evening began with Soul Tone making their debut on stage and judging by audience reactions they went down very well.
Mainly Wroxall boys, The Kurves were next up and as always they were a pleasure to watch having just as much fun on as off stage.
Singer Jamie (who I’m told was actually a “quiet lad” when growing up) used the space between songs to make sure some banter was thrown Glynn’s way as well as having a bit of fun with the crowd.
With influences ranging from The Doors and The Kinks to Arctic Monkeys the band mix wailing guitar riffs and fine tuned piano keys with acoustic rhythm and heartfelt vocals.
I’m told that an EP is on its way shortly, with an album to follow by summer and am assured it will be crammed full of excellent material.
The final band of the evening was Hugo Frusslinky. As VB has already mentioned front lady Heather McCallum is one of the new evening presenters for Isle of Wight Radio so this gig was particularly close to home for her.
Lead guitarist Jono (not Bono’s) attire for their performance deserves special mention- leopard skin leggings, stripy socks and a t-shirt bearing his name!
Hugo has a unique sound with Heather’s voice ducking and diving from tuneful, delicately pitched highs right the way down to powerfully low tones.
One minute she has a guitar in hand, the next a flute so combine this with rock riffs and drum beats supplied by the rest of the band and you get a vague idea of their sound.
The group has an excellent stage presence with the whole bunch pulling rock star poses giving it all with or without cameras being present. They clearly enjoy being in the lights and aren’t afraid to show it!
You can hear the gig for yourself on Glynn Taylor’s Live and Local Show Sunday nights between 7-10pm on IW Radio (102/7fm)
All images: Chris Cowley Contrast TV
