Blog

Jul 2 2026

Sons of Town Hall 2026

Thursday 11th June 2026

Photos and videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

What an absolute pleasure it was to witness the return of the Sons of Town Hall to the Live Room last night.

George Ulysses Brown and Josiah Chester Jones did us the honour of tying up their craft on the local waterway and bringing us up to date with their new adventures. They were as pleased to see us, knowing that here in Saltaire was a safe harbour with an appreciative audience and a very warm welcome. Newcomers were reminded of how our intrepid seafarers met and their early adventures. George always reminding us of the delights of making sausages in Germany. We were also regaled with their endeavours to win the heart of Louise which can often impact their own, close relationship.

New adventures, there have been many, the most adventurous being their recent accompaniment of Mr. Ernest Shackleton to the region of Antarctica. They regaled us with examples of a new aid to supporting their adventures through the concept of sponsorship. How the world moves forward, and they with it.

Their skills as fearless explorers of the high seas are matched by their skills as musicians, songwriters and wonderful harmonies. They truly embrace the skills of those who have come before them.

Sail on safely, gentlemen. And, as they say further to the north from here, haste ye back.

Acknowledgement of introducing this wonderful duo to us goes to the Master of Sound, Ron and the Mistress of Ceremonies, Hilary. Thanks to them and the club and volunteers for yet another wonderful evening.

videos by keith belcher

Boss Man

Morning Fields

Leaving London Town

Jul 2 2026

Bob Malone

Sunday 7th June 2026

Photos by Richard Leach, review by Eric Fairchild

The return of Bob Malone after 12 years!

We had a treat last night with Bob Malone and his band. It is rare to see a band fronted by a keyboard player. Bob put all ten of his fingers to good use and the pressure never faltered throughout his lengthy set. As well as his playing his singing was great too and the material was a good mix of original and covers. His band featured great bass and guitar too. Maybe we should not wait another 12 years for a return visit?

Jul 2 2026

Over The Moon

Sunday 24th May 2026

Photos and videos by Keith Belcher

videos by keith belcher

Chinook Waltz

Sea of Heartbreak

May 16 2026

Stephen Fearing & The Sentimentals

TLR 14th Anniversary Show!

Sunday 10th May 2026

Photos & videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

14 years!  And what a fantastic, enlightening period it has been. We have been exposed to artists we have loved for a long time but, more importantly, we have been introduced to artists we never knew existed but have grown to love and admire. And it’s all due to the tenacity of Ron and Hilary who have created this wonderful opportunity for us all to enjoy such a variety of artistry.

As always, and as Hilary highlighted last night, there are others to show our appreciation to. The Caroline Street Club has established itself as a wonderful place for us all to enjoy these riches and we should also celebrate the dedication of the volunteers, photographers and everyone else who has been involved in sustaining The Live Room.

And the concert itself? Another great event, this time from Stephen Fearing and The Sentimentals. They gave us a much appreciated performance. Great songs, fabulous musicians, music with a kick and the apposite advice of not chatting too much when tuning. 

What a wonderful way to celebrate 14 years of the best all round roots music club in West Yorkshire. 

Don’t forget your t-shirt!

Videos by Keith Belcher

As The Crow Flies

The Empathist

If I Could Only Fly

May 12 2026

Joe Martin Band 2026

Sunday 26th April 2026

Photos and videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

What a fantastic fortnight we have experienced with the Americana themed group of concerts. Each event brought a slightly different emphasis from each performer in terms of style but every evening highlighted a group of great songwriters ably supported by a fantastic collective of musicians.

Last night completed the fortnight with a great set from the returning Joe Martin. It is very clear what styles of music Joe was listening to as he was growing up. He has finely honed his craft to join a wide pantheon of writers and musicians and we were regaled with tales of how his trips to America and his observations of life have inspired his writing.

I was particularly impressed by his description of the willingness of others to reach out and offer support to the younger  group of writers coming through. It’s so heartwarming to hear these tales reminding us of the positivity of human connections in these current times.

Joe’s connection with Cal Campbell and Cornelius Webb highlighted this for us and also allowed Joe to bring his own admiration for their respective parents in his versions of many classic and well loved songs.

Another great set at The Live Room and the close to a great themed fortnight. Great sound too.

Videos by Keith Belcher

Alone In Valentine

Brown Paper Bag

Hand Me Down Heart

Apr 26 2026

Robbie Cavanagh & The Whole Family

Friday 17th April 2026

Photos, video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

A case of ‘And now for something completely different’. A showcase for Robbie with a full band, he impressed the audience when he played solo but, having a great trio of musicians behind him his music and songs took on an extra dimension.

The evening started with great energy and that carried on throughout with a few lulls in the energy created by the introspection and empathy of some of his thoughtful tales of love and loss. And what a lyricist he has become.


Those songs were ably supported by Dan, Thomas and Roberto who provided great support to Robbie and, as the man himself said, all had a wonderful time. As did we in the audience. Thanks, as always to Ron, Hilary and the volunteers.


One final word. Jim Reeves? He’ll have to go!

Videos by Keith Belcher

Texas Cooking

Love Comes Quickly/Another Dead End

Helpless

Apr 25 2026

Dean Owens & The Sinners (2026)

Friday 24th April 2026

Photos by Richard Leach

Apr 23 2026

Julian Taylor

Sunday 19th April 2026

Photos and video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

What a stupendous show, once again confirming the magic that live music brings to our lives.

An impressive opening performance from Michele Stodart both in her playing and in her stunning observations of life.

There was a theme from both sections of the evening and that was the artistry of both writers portraying the hardships faced in life, whether mental health issues, racism or sexism and showing the strengths in working together. An issue addressed by Julian in the second half.

And what a second half that proved to be. He mirrored a lot of the themes that Michele had addressed in her set but, as the session progressed and the glances exchanged among the front line were observed, it suddenly became ‘Party Time’. Julian’s vocals revealed a beautiful soulfulness and the sounds alternate between soul, funk and rock.


As stated previously, his accompanying musicians completed a well appreciated performance. I’m certain it will be in ‘the end of year lists’ of those who witnessed this event.

Thanks, as always, to Hilary, Ron and the volunteers. Great sound too.

Videos by Keith Belcher

Michele Stodart: Dismiss Me

Michele Stodart: Promise

Julian Taylor: Ain't Life Strange

Julian Taylor: Bobbi Champagne/Sweeter

Apr 5 2026

Rosier & Elanor Moss

Sunday 29th March 2026

Photos & video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

A wonderful introduction to two new names to me; great to see such younger musicians coming forward to take what has gone before and add their own stamp on it.

Elanor took what appears to be a simple style, those folk club singers of the early 60s with ‘simple’ songs and tunes , except she doesn’t. Her style of playing had me transfixed, watching her fingers intently and then, those songs. Revelatory compositions on the human condition, how we face the rigours and disappointments of life but move forward with strength. Definitely one to watch.

And then Rosier. Similar in the way they took those folk tales of their past and the influences of those musicians that they were exposed to when growing up and created their own sound. Ethereal is an adjective I have heard mentioned a lot recently and their sound was certainly that. Again, not afraid to stamp their own mark on it and take those old tales forward for us all to hear in a contemporary setting. Past and present aligning to remember those warnings of pitfalls and problems to avoid.

If only some contemporary ‘leaders’ would learn those lessons.

videos by keith belcher

Elanor Moss: On A Good Day

Elanor Moss: Sarah Waiting in the Car

Rosier: Plus D'Amis

Rosier: S'il Chante

Rosier: Other Forms

Mar 28 2026

Minor Gold

Sunday 15th March 7pm at The Kirkgate Centre, Shipley

Photos by Richard Leach

The Live Room partnered with Kirkgate Community Centre for this one off special show by Australian duo, Minor Gold to help them complete the UK leg of their tour after the show booked for The Hullabaloo fell through. We’re really glad we managed to pull it together thanks to Kirkgate, as they delivered a really wonderful evening of brilliant songwriting and harmonies, together with some sparkling guitar work. We will definitely be working on a return visit by them, this time to our home at Caroline Street Social Club. Thank you to everyone who came along and made such a lovely night for them.