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We had had The Fair Rain (or The Old Dance School, as they were called when we first heard them) in our sights for over two years, and they didn’t disappoint on their TLR debut on Friday 24^th March.

Photos by Keith Belcher

Short one member, owing to a family illness, they nevertheless demonstrated exactly why their music has been described as ‘cinematic’ by several commentators. With their instrumental line-up of acoustic guitar, double bass, drums, violin, viola, accordion, and trumpet augmented by electronics, they produce a truly unique sound.

Their songs too, on the night drawn mainly from their 2016 album ‘Behind The Glass’, are highly original. Main writer and lead vocalist, Robin Beattie’s contributions genuinely create a cinematic listening experience. Perhaps the best example of this is the eerily beautiful, ‘Mannequin’, the tragic story of Franz Reichelt, the Austrian-born tailor, who in 1912 decided to eschew his hitherto use of tailor’s dummies, to personally test his prototype parachute from the Eiffel Tower; a test that was filmed and sadly, proved to be his last. The band has a cult following, but really do deserve much wider recognition for their work.

Photos by Graham Smout

The final show of our 2017 Winter Season also saw the debut of ‘the new stage’! Not before time, as we have spent almost five years cramming bands into the inadequate space using a variety of rickety concoctions that wouldn’t pass a rudimentary health and safety inspection.

“Thanks for great evening and brilliant seat.  I think I must be turning into a folk rock fan.  The atmosphere was amazing.  I found it quite emotional at times.  All those people enjoying themselves.” Jean

We have nearly sold out for this gig – there’s just ten tickets remaining and they are only available from our website now.  Don’t be disappointed – buy your tickets now before it’s too late!

This gig will also be another late one, we think, as we have the excellent singer songwriter Mr Chris Quinn opening at 8pm.

“Thanks to both you and Ron for another wonderful musical experience. We anticipated a sort of sentimental journey (which would have been enjoyable enough) but Lindisfarne delivered so much more.

And you chose the perfect warm-up act: Nick Hall did a great job. I’m more impressed every time I see him.”

(John F)

We probably could have sold out two nights for this wonderful band, who royally entertained us on Friday night! If anyone doubted whether this sextet of veterans could still generate the energy, power and skill of their hit-making heyday, those doubts were soon dispelled.

The stage was packed with equipment, so much so that there was little space for the guys themselves, but once they squeezed on, it was full throttle all the way. With a nearly 50 year history, there were anthems aplenty to make us smile, reminisce and sing along to.

For many of us, it was the first time that we had had the pleasure of hearing some of these unforgettable songs live and lads delivered scintillating versions of ‘Lady Eleanor’; ‘Meet Me On The Corner’; ‘Fog On The Tyne’; ‘Run For Home’; ‘We Can Swing Together’; ‘Clear White Light’; and many others that had the capacity crowd singing along at the tops of their voices.

It was a night we’ll remember forever, and special mention should be made for Nick Hall’s powerhouse opening support set, which got many in the crowd talking and seeking CDs!

Photos courtesy of Keith Belcher.

Thank you to everyone who came along to see Ashley Hutchings take us on a journey through his life and times over two marvellous hours of poetry, stories and music here at TLR last night. Accompanied by the twin talents of Ruth Angell on guitar, harmonium, fiddle and vocals, and Becky Mills on guitar and vocals, this was not only a performance, but also an exhilarating gallop through 50 years of creativity and musical history. There are not many people who can say they jammed twice with the legendary Jimi Hendrix, but Ashley is one!

By turns, moving and funny, Ashley showed why he has been such a driving force in folk and rock over five decades of boundary-breaking musical adventure, and that he still has the energy and desire to entertain and delight audiences with fresh ideas and share the stage with young musicians. A sheer joy.

If you love great songs and a super-tight, hard grooving Americana band, then you were either at your ideal show on Friday with the Peter Bruntnell Band – or you missed your ideal show!

We were prepared for Peter’s soulful voice and wonderfully incisive songs but, never having seen them, we didn’t realise what an incredible band he has around him. Mick Clews on drums and Peter Noone (er, no relation!) on bass make one of the finest rhythm sections you’re ever likely to hear, and stand-in on guitar for the show, Richard ‘Dicky’ Hayes played some stunning slide to compliment Peter’s own crunching, spiky guitar lines. Great bunch of guys too!

We were also thrilled to have yet another big crowd to make it a very special evening, so thanks to everyone who came along. Photos courtesy of Graham Smout.

What a fantastic night here at TLR on Sunday! Mandolin Orange were absolutely stunning and we had one of the biggest crowds ever, with 200 delirious gig-goers crammed into Caroline Club to see the amazing husband and wife team of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz.

Playing songs from their three studio albums, the duo demonstrated just why they have built such a strong fan base that people were coming from all over to see them, including a superfan all the way from New Orleans! The combination of great songs, superb musicianship (spontaneous whoops and applause for Andrew’s sizzling mandolin solos) and absolutely pitch perfect, sweet harmonies had the crowd on their feet and hollering for more. The pair clearly enjoyed their first visit to TLR and came out for not one but two encores, despite still suffering from jet lag.

Special mention too for a lovely opening set from Brighton’s Jess Bishop and her band.

Photos courtesy of Keith Belcher

Well, that was a sticky weekend. Amy having to cancel at the last moment owing to illness certainly induced some panic! We needn’t have worried thanks to the support of you, our lovely crowd and the sensational Luke Jackson, who showed just how far he has come in a short time.

At the age of just 21 he held a big crowd completely spellbound over two sets. And what a voice! What is astonishing is that he has many years of development before he even beginsto hit his peak. His is a towering, innate talent and one which he has honed by many hours of hard work and watching, at close hand, some of the best established artists in the UK and abroad. Rest assured that we’re already working on a reschedule of the original show with Amy and will let you know as soon as that’s in hand. Photos of Luke are courtesy of Ian Hartman.