Category: Gig reviews

Sep 8 2026

Scotland Introducing: Birdvox & Iona Fyfe

Sunday 6th September 2026

Photos by Richard Leach, review by Mike Latham

Wasn’t it Postcard Records who had the tagline, ‘The Music of Young Scotland’? I think we saw another iteration of it in tonight’s ‘Scotland Introducing’ show.

We had Iona Fyfe, who’s making a name for herself amongst the newer generation of traditional singers. She doesn’t just continue the tradition but updates it, adding her own lyrics or creating new songs which observe the situations that people are having to deal with. She has a wonderful voice and was more than ably accompanied by Michael on the piano. Another great introduction to the Live Room.

I found Birdvox an interesting experience. Again, they brought the tradition forward through their use of old melodies and lyrics. I found their use of electronics intriguing, mirroring the sounds of birdcalls as well as creating their own songs of life’s rich tapestry. No surprise that they are called Birdvox.

Music moves forward through many forms; as children we were brought up on Kenneth McKellar, Moira Anderson and, yes, Jimmy Shand. Then we had The Corrie’s and Robin Hall and Jimmy McGregor. Even Richard Thompson admired Jimmy Shand, it’s not all ‘buckles and bows’.

Here’s to the next show, a ‘Tapadh leat’, as my Scottish ancestors would say, to Ron and Hilary and all at TLR.

Aug 17 2026

Martha Spencer Wonderland Trio

Thursday 6th August 2026

In memory of our friend Peter Mate

Photos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

As everyone attests, another great show last night. Such a pity that Peter was not there to savour what was clearly another show enjoyed by the performers and the audience.

It was great to hear the music of the Carter Family and Doc Watson and that of Martha herself and her contemporaries, some of whom have also been recently lost; a rather poignant occasion. The sadness of those events was countered by the sheer joy of the other tunes and tales that were shared with us. And then there was the dancing, not to mention the musicianship of the three performers.

Another fantastic event and a great conclusion to the current season. Many thanks to Ron and Hilary for a wonderful array of shows we have enjoyed over the last year. Next year’s programme gets off to a great start too. Thanks also to the Club and to the volunteers who ensure that we all enjoy our visits to the finest little roots venue in West Yorkshire.

Folk Yeah!

Aug 17 2026

Davina & The Vagabonds

Wednesday 22nd July 2026

Photos by Richard Leach, review by Mike Latham, comments from Alun Pelleschi, Eric Fairchild, Gill Baxter

Oh, what a night. What a superb performance from Davina and her amazing accompanying musicians.
The love that they all have for the songs from different eras and the mark that their joyous versions emphasised the power that music can have in creating such a sense of joy that we all felt last night.

Each individual musician was phenomenal, as were the vocals which had such soul and power. It was a real treat to be introduced to yet another group of performers who, I assume, were previously unknown to many in the audience. That’s the power of the smaller music venues, introducing both audiences and artists to each other and allowing us all to join together in such an emotional and uplifting experience.

Thanks, once again, to Hilary and Ron. Long may you run in your endeavours to bring joy to the world.

Wow. A fantastic show- got to be up there with the best this year. Great stage persona, great range of genres and excellent musicality – Alun Pelleschi

Davina and the Vagabonds….Phew!!! A phenomenal gig. Norlins, Ella, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino…great players, a five foot trombone and Davina is a great singer and band leader – Eric Fairchild

We really enjoyed Davina & The Vagabonds last night. Fantastic musicians, great range of material ( loved the blues, soul & New Orleans best but all good) and Davina is a force of nature! What a voice – Gill Baxter

Aug 17 2026

Marty O’Reilly

Thursday 9th July 2026

Review & videos by Keith Belcher. Photos by Keith Belcher & Richard Leach

Thursday 9th July 2026. Part 1. The debut appearance of Marty O’Reilly from Sonoma, California. In 2025 he appeared on the American version of the Voice, earning a 4 chair turnaround for his version of Ray La Montagne’s Trouble. This was a classy performance from start to finish that many will be very pleased they witnessed (some new faces at TLR who had travelled far for this show!)

It’s not every day you get one word comments like “phenomenal”. Amazing voice, great guitar, wicked sense of humour and generally an all around entertainer whether it was his own songs or covers of Woody Guthrie, Otis Redding, Sister Rosetta and more. A lot of set 2 took place in the midst of the audience , no amplification needed. Photos at the end have been enhanced a little as it was quite dark in the audience. A well deserved standing ovation at the at start of his relatively short UK tour, I strongly advise seeing him if you can.

videos by keith belcher

The Captain's Daughter Pt1

Yonder Comes The Blues

Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay

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!