Tag: The Live Room

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 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 11 2026

Chris Wood 2026

Sunday 8th March 2026

Photos by Keith Belcher

Many thanks to everyone who came along and gave us a sold out evening for Chris Wood on Sunday. Chris was on superb form; his guitar and voice blending beautifully around those fantastic songs of his. In this writer’s opinion, ‘Spitfires’ alone is worth the price of entry. Although originally released some 17 years ago, it is sadly more relevant now that ever.

Never a polemicist or traditional protest singer, Chris nevertheless manages to echo and give words to the thoughts that haunt us during these very dark days. As he says: ‘I hope that people leave the show with the feeling that at least they’re not alone’.

However, not all his songs mine the ills of modern society, stories of replacing a much loved old sofa and taking his daughter to university show a family man dealing with the passing of time and are written with beauty, humour and much love.

He also gave us wonderful versions of some of our traditional songs, three of which were learned from his friend and sometime mentor, Martin Carthy, and were performed in tribute to the great man who has just retired from live performance.

The phrase ‘national treasure’ is much over-used, but is surely apposite in the case of this superb chronicler of English life. A brilliant show.

Mar 4 2026

Niall McCabe

Friday 27th February 2026

Photos and video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham

A wonderful performance last night. We missed him at Hullabaloo and I hadn’t yet listened to him. His style was not what one might expect from someone from an island off the coast of County Mayo but he has clearly been listening to lots of different sounds over the years. The music of his first few songs made me think of the folk of the sixties , Renbourn and Jansch a bit, but the American country influences came through loud and clear as the evening progressed. 

He’s developed his own, wonderful, guitar style, creating great sounds. His songs were marvellous tales of grief, wonderment and humanity, clearly influenced by his local culture as well as the folk music of his homeland and abroad. All was topped off with a great sense of humour and a perfect voice. 

Thanks for introducing such another fantastic artist to us, Ron and Hilary.

Videos by Keith Belcher

Crescendo

Valentine's Day

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

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!

Dec 12 2025

Jackie Oates & John Spiers

Sunday 7th December 2025

Photos by Nigel Plant, review by Mike Latham via the TLR WhatsApp group

It was our last gig of the year and, as others have said, it was another great concert.

Jackie does, indeed, have a fabulous voice and the playing of both musicians was sublime. I’ve seen John playing in many combinations before but last night really opened my ears up to the wonderful sounds he could create with his melodeons. Fabulous.

As Paul said, we heard songs and tunes from many lands, as well as a bit of background. What struck me was the unity of composition looking at how people and communities dealt with issues, be it caring for children or uniting together in an endeavour to support one another. That echoed what Hilary had talked about with regard to small venues like TLR. There we were, a group gathered together to share in the experience of songs and tunes from, not only recent times but also from centuries past in the development of our country. 

Such gatherings show the importance that the joy of supporting TLR at the evenings we have attended at the Caroline Street Club throughout the year.

This was another wonderful concert in what has been an exceptional year. A big ‘Thank You’ to all involved for bringing that joy to us. 

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and more great music in the year to come.

Nov 23 2025

Courtney Marie Andrews

Thursday 26th October 2025

Photos Richard Leach, review Mike Latham, video courtesy CMA fans Facebook group

It was magical.

An intimate show with Courtney and her guitarist, Jerry Bernhardt.

Her tales of events and experiences were also very intimate in feel, the revelation of some very private feelings or observations, underscored with the great meshing of voices and music.
It was clear that there was a lot of expectation in the room and we were not disappointed.

The evening began with another excellent, albeit short, session from Chris Helme.

Video

Table For One

Oct 31 2025

Rod Picott – The Farewell Tour

Sunday 19th October 2025

Review, photos, videos by Keith Belcher

This was the last time we’ll see Rod here at The Live Room, as he is hanging up his guitar to concentrate on writing from now on. We’re sad to see him go but grateful for a lovely show to end with.

(First up)…we had the beautiful voice and guitar of Gráinne Hunt opening for Rod Picott. Monaghan born and getting rave reviews Grainne was first seen by Ron and Hilary in Kansas in 2024 (they call it work!). She stepped in at the last minute to open for Rod.

From the opening notes of Between the Pines we knew we were in for a treat. After Rod Picott’s opening song he said: “What a beautiful opening set that was. I was sitting there listening and I thought , S**t, this is like a bird opening for a lawn mower”.

Rod was indeed in the audience listening just as intently as the TLR crowd. That’s pretty good praise as I doubt many people describe Rod’s voice as a lawnmower. A short but very good set. I have no doubt she will be back at TLR in the future.

Rod’s “Retirement” farewell tour arrived at Saltaire. He announced it as being sponsored by “Viagra and the early bird special at BeefEaters” ….Many very funny stories, songs and wry observations of the differences noted and experienced within European cultures from Rod’s 25 years plus of touring. Even a discussion about The Archers on Radio 4.

Fifteen albums to his credit between 2001 and 2023. He was 36 when his first album was released in 2001. He said it’s all he’s wanted to do since he was 10. He is planning to devote himself to writing . He is a rare talent , having written with the likes of longtime friend Slaid Cleaves (friend since school days) and Fred Eaglesmith and many more. The wealth of the songs played tonight demonstrated that. It all comes to an end at The Greys Brighton on November 3rd.

videos by keith belcher

Rod Picott: Gettin' To Me

Rod Picott: Girl From Arkansas

Rod Picott: River Runs & Badlands

Gráinne Hunt: Let Go

Gráinne Hunt: Water & Aire