Tag: Americana

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

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.

Mar 5 2026

Jeff Cohen Writers Round 2026

Sunday 1st March 2026

Photos and video by Keith Belcher, comments from the TLR WhatsApp group and Facebook

The return of one of the nicest men in the business, Nashville songwriter and publisher, Jeff Cohen, this time with a new cohort of guests: Laura Oakes from the UK and Stevie Woodward from Nashville. They were also joined for a couple of numbers by Jim Duguid, co-writer of many Paolo Nutini hits, including New Shoes, which he performed, and Steve Chrisanthou, who co-wrote many songs for Corinne Bailey Rae, including Put Your Records On, which he performed for us.

‘Hope that there’ll be another Writers’ Round next year. They’ve both been excellent and really varied’ – Susan Kirkham on Facebook

videos by keith belcher

Jeff Cohen: Boat On A River

Laura Oakes: Good Guy

Stevie Woodward: Nobody But You

Mar 4 2026

Ashley Campbell

Friday 20th February 2026

Photos by Richard Leach, video by Keith Belcher

Ashley Campbell made her return visit to TLR after last year’s Writers Round with Jeff Cohen. This time she had her own band with her, comprising Thor Jensen, guitar and vocals; Mark Lewis, bass and vocals; and Jack Amblin, drums, washboard and vocals. They were also joined by Andrew Cox, from Post Modern Jukebox on sax.

videos by keith belcher

I See You

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

Feb 6 2026

Robert Vincent

Plus support Amy Jo Clough

Friday 16th January 2026

Photos by Richard Leach

The TLR debut of Robert Vincent and his trio was completely sold out and he gave us a stunning performance. What a voice! He received a standing ovation and we’ve rarely had so many rapturous comments from an audience as they were leaving. It was such a great show that we did that rare thing ourselves and immediately rebooked him, this time with his full band for January next year! Tickets on sale soon. We had a great opening spot from Amy Jo Clough too!

Thanks to Richard Leach for the photos.

Dec 19 2025

Homegrown Bluegrass

Sunday 14th December 2025

Photos by Nigel Plant

We closed of our 2025 programme with a celebration of all things bluegrass (with more than a dash of country, jazz and contemporary songs) from across Yorkshire. Featuring around twenty musicians, six bands, a tableful of cheese sandwiches and mince pies, and a packed house, it was a great way to bring our musical year to a close!

Many thanks go to Kevin Garratt and John Bennett, who brought all the musicians together ad also performed on the day, and also to Peter Mate, who first launched the idea and with Adrian Gallagher spent several hours preparing all those cheese savouries!