Slow Show and Ellis Davies & Ríoghnach Connolly (Honeyfeet) @ Roadhouse, 13.12.12

“Have you heard that woman’s voice? It’s fuckin’ brilliant.”

That comment was made by the manager of the Roadhouse about Ríoghnach Connolly, who is also the vocalist with Honeyfeet. Well, if it’s good enough for her, then it’s good enough for me. Tonight Connolly and Ellis Davies are here at the request of The Slow Show to open this evening’s performance.

Having just toured with Elbow, this show is intended as a low key homecoming event for the headliners, The Slow Show. Nearly 200 people have filled the venue and as soon as Robert Goodwin leads the troupe out, they’re greeted with cheers of approval.

The six members can just about squeeze onto the Roadhouse stage and they quickly set off into opening number ‘God Only Knows’, whose title is the only similarity with the Beach Boys hit. This number has the delicious tones of the cornet relayed by Jenna Smith. If you were to hear the vocals only, you might wonder if Richard Hawley is making a surprise appearance, but the deep tones belong to Robert Goodwin and add a languorous feel to proceedings.

Slow in name, measured and lush in delivery, the band create an intriguing weave of brass band sounds allied to a multi layered, Americana tinged, pop sound. Like a hot bath on a cold night, it’s something to luxuriate in. There’s no moshing or throwing of beer pots by the crowd; instead there is a line of bobbing heads and feet tapping in quiet contentment.

Their style is typified on one song that they do cover, ‘Born to Run’ by Springsteen which is stripped of its testosterone fuelled delivery, allowing its dreams of escape to echo as loudly as Clarence Clemons’ sax playing did.

Words & Photography: Ged Camera

Now Then Debt Records: Event Photography (Thursday 13th October 2011 @ Dulcimer, Chorlton)

[Ged Camera]

October's Now Then Manchester show at the Dulcimer combined the musical dexterity of Debt Records artists with the linguistic compositions of Wordlife poets. This latest photographic compilation plots its visual path.

The three selected Wordlife poets were separated by a solo set by HoneyFeet saxophonist Alabaster DePlume; James Lock warming the gathering crowd as a seated raconteur. Alabaster then set a trend of performing amid the audience, ranging between delicate and vociferous with acoustic guitar in hand.

[Ged Camera]

[Ged Camera]

Joe Kriss duly followed, recounting poetic tales with eloquent humour.

[Ged Camera]

The prop-wielding Stan Skinny not only introduced himself, but also bagels and tabloid newspapers, earning attention through an observant wit.

[Ged Camera]

[Ged Camera]

[Ged Camera]

Louis Barabbas diverted eyes and ears music-wards with his characteristic rumbustious flair, shifting ambience to rhythmic and feet to jive.

[Ged Camera]

[Ged Camera]

Finally, HoneyFeet hardly need an introduction. Singer Najia Bagi (who will launch her debut solo album at our next Dulcimer showcase on 10th November) describes Rioghnach Connolly simply as having "the best voice in Manchester and possibly the UK - she sounds like heaven." She's not wrong; an enraptured audience wholeheartedly agree.

[Nathan Gibson]

[Nathan Gibson]

[Ged Camera]

[Nathan Gibson]

[Nathan Gibson]

[Nathan Gibson]

Images: Nathan Gibson & Ged Camera [as indicated next to individual photographs].

Words: Ian Pennington