The Live Room
The best all round roots music club in West Yorkshire
11th September 2022
Words and photos by Keith Belcher
Sunday 11th September 2022, The Live Room, Caroline Street Social Club, Saltaire. A superb return performance by The Brother Brothers – Adam and David Moss , identical twins, raised in Peoria, Illinois. I heard comparisons to the Everly’s , Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel from several people throughout the night so that gives an idea of just how good they are.
Plus support The Silver Reserve
Thursday 25th August 2022
Photos and words by Keith Belcher
The very fabulous Della Mae making their long awaited debut at The Live Room, Saltaire. Originally scheduled for 2020 but something (???) threw a spanner in the works.
Truth to say they surpassed the expectations. I was fortunate enough to see their superb performances at Celtic Connections, Glasgow opening for The Milk Carton Kids and headlining their own show. Changes over the years but tonight’s line up was fiddle player Kimber Ludiker, lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith, guitarist Avril Smith, bassist Vickie Vaughn. Mandolinist Maddie Witler didn’t make the trip this time around.
A high octane show from start to finish, serious amounts of energy generated, fair to say at the end there were people initially dancing in their seats but some just got up and danced. One of the most high-powered shows I’ve seen at TLR (and I’ve seen more than most people!).
Support act, Matthew Sturgess aka The Silver Reserve is rapidly gaining a good following with his superb, atmospheric shows. He had both the crowd and Della Mae who watched his entire show hanging on his every word and sound. A short but very sweet set, he’s due back to do more than open next March.
Plus support The Ocelots
Thursday 4th August 2022
Photos by Keith Belcher
It was one of those magical nights here at TLR, with two lots of siblings in one show, not only sharing their lovely harmonies in their own sets, but also in an unrehearsed finale where they both took the stage to deliver a couple of covers for us, one and off-mic ‘Chiquitita’ by Abba! It was a wonderful evening.
Friday 15th July 2022
Photos by Martin Lingard
It’s always heart warming when an artist exceeds your expectations and Friday was yet another example.
Oregon-based duo, Fellow Pynins – Dani Aubert, vocals, banjo and Bouzouki, and Ian George, vocals, guitar and mandolin – were quite simply outstanding. Playing a mix of their own compositions and traditional songs learned directly from other musicians from the UK and USA, they mesmerised the audience with their beautiful harmonies and exquisite playing. They were also very funny, telling stories of their travels and misadventures with a distinct eccentricity that had the crowd laughing throughout.
They were a really lovely couple, who won everyone over with their warmth. We will definitely not be leaving too long before bringing them back and we know they’ll have a much bigger crowd next time.
Thanks to Martin Lingard for the photos of the night in the absence of Keith Belcher, who is away for a couple of weeks.
Sunday 3rd July 2022
Photos and review by Keith Belcher
Sunday 3rd July 2022, The Live Room, Caroline Street Social Club, Saltaire. The return of The Black Feathers, husband and wife team, Sian Chandler and Ray Hughes. They first appeared at TLR as support for My Darling Clementine on 17th January 2014. They were so popular with the crowd that they headlined their own show with [Shaun Hutch] as support less than 8 months later on 22nd August 2014.
A long gap between then and their virtual appearance during lockdown on 15th November 2020. Possibly still jet lagged from a very successful US tour they wowed the TLR audience once again with their own blend of divine harmonies, musicianship and extremely skilled songwriting and a whole lot of stories and bonhomie. From their deeply felt opening song On The Road Again (not Canned Heat!) to their “cheery” cover of Joni’s Big Yellow Taxi they wowed the very appreciative crowd.
They called BYT cheery not me!, it was very upbeat though. Their encore of a beautiful song Moonlight was performed unamplified sitting on the stage edge. Please Ron and Hilary get them back soon although I know you meant to have them back sooner than this. Something got in the way…..On tour at the moment, catch them if you can.
Thursday 23rd June 2022
Photos by Keith Belcher
We had a lovely evening on Thursday 23rd with Texan troubadour, Darden Smith giving us a terrific evening of songs, storytelling and poetry, evoking the wide open spaces of the American plains. He’s such an engaging performer. His latest record, Western Skies, of which we availed ourselves of a copy, is a beauty too, grab a copy!
Sunday 19th June 2022
Photos by Keith Belcher
We’d been looking forward to this Colorado-based trio since their thrilling livestream show they gave us during lockdown and we weren’t disappointed. They delivered a spectacular performance for us, showcasing not only their highly original songwriting and arrangements, but also their sensational musicianship, with blistering solos from all three. A truly terrific live act that won a standing ovation from the rapt crowd. It was clear that they have a real joy in playing music together and sharing it wherever they go. We’ll be looking to bring them back as soon as we possibly can.
Friday 4th June 2022
Words and photos by Keith Belcher
A collection of stills from last nights performance by Suzie Ungerleider; a very memorable night. So nice to see an artist really having fun on stage
Sunday 22nd May 2022
Photos by Keith Belcher
The debut appearance of The Jake Blount Band at TLR. Jake on banjo, fiddles and lead vocals. George Jackson, fiddle, banjo and vocals, Nelson Williams, double bass and Gus Tritsch, guitar, uke and vocals.
Friday 22nd April 2022
Photos by Ron Pengelly
What a fantastic night we had with the amazing Hot Club of Cowtown on their TLR debut!
