Sitting at home in front of a computer engaging with music online has its place in today's world, of course.
But it will never compete with the glow of a live gig – the hiss of an amp, the faint aroma of the beer barrel and more than that, the buzz that comes from the shared experience of being front and centre at a show.
Andy Shaw know that only too well. He has spent the last six years giving up his time to run the weekly Garibaldi LIVE Matinee project in Northampton.
The Saturday and Sunday afternoon gigs are a labour of love for this volunteer who has spent his life working in sounds.
“The project started by way of a very happy accident, when I was looking for a venue for a band I’m involved with and was introduced to the venue Garibaldi manager, Tom Neal.
“It started a truly genuine and mutually supportive relationship that has culminated in eight gigs a month, featuring the most acclaimed performers from the UK and beyond.”
Catering for those with a penchant for blues, jazz, r&b, fusion, folk and more, these shows have has gained something of a national reputation, too: “The musicians love playing here: the vibe, the intimacy of being close to great performers and the total lack of barriers between performers, audience and the brilliant staff is amazing,” Andy told Total MK's Sammy Jones, “Having been in and around the music business all my life, I’ve never known anything quite like it.
“It's become very clear to me that the promotion couldn't find a better home than The Garibaldi,” he said.
But who are these shows really for?
“...people with open minds about music,” is his easy reply, “They are only about the music; it’s not a gig for big egos and band politics. For the audience, there is no restriction in terms of age or preferred genre; hearing great players close up is impressive on any level.
“What’s happening here is something different for Northampton; an accessible, free to view performance that would command quite a high ticket price in London...”
Garibaldi manager Tom Neal
Under the gaze of Andy, and the support of The Garibaldi, artists can flourish and local players can cut loose before a supportive audience – and the law of probability says they will find themselves playing alongside some industry aces, too: “The ‘Frankensteinian’ Matinees are combinations of great local musicians and great musicians from elsewhere that I put together - some of whom may have heard of each other, but never seen or played with. The results are always superb,” Andy promises.
“Names including Alan Barnes, Simon Spillett, Liane Carroll, Greg Coulson, Ryan Bachman, John Wheatcroft, Martin Winning, Adam Gammage, Mat Day, in fact every top player, whether string, brass, reed or percussion, has taken part.
“Others who have been here include Dom Pipkin & The Ikos, Bill Kirchen, Neil Angilley Trio, Roger Beaujolais, Jim Mullen...” and he continues.
Artists these muso's have worked with number everyone from Bjork and Bryan Ferry to Paul McCartney and way too many others to mention.
That's the beauty of these events – you never know who might be playing for you.
“These Sunday music sessions really are a hidden gem in the town,” said Northampton musician, and Sunday Sessions supporter, Billy Lockett, “They've been going for a long time, and it's sometimes hard to believe your ears – these are top class musicians absolutely killing it on stage, and yet the whole thing is free!”
Unfortunately, like everything else in the current climate, these sessions are struggling cash-wise. They might be free to view, but they aren't free to run.
“It was inevitable that funding would become an issue,” Andy admits, but he's not out with the begging bowl, per se, and is instead “working hard to find supporters that recognise the value of the project, auctioning items, via a GoFundMe initiative, as well as forging stronger links with institutions such as Northampton College.
“With venues and the arts in general under huge pressure, it’s imperative that audiences support local initiatives on every level,” Andy said, “Financially the heavy lifting is done by the pub and the project has also enjoyed some excellent support from Northants Contemporary Jazz.
“The Music Venue Trust has also given a grant towards sound improvements, and we are massively grateful for that.
“In the longer term, funding of around £15,000 per year will secure between 90 and 100 gigs per year of the highest standard.”
So how can the folks of 'fampton help raise this creative hot spot from the monetary mire?
“Spread the word, even if you’re not attending the gigs yourself,” Andy urges of us all, “It would be a hideous world without music; and those who put their whole life, heart and soul Into being the best they can be deserve our massive respect.”
Can't argue with that, can we?
The next time you pop along, take some loose change and pop it into the charity tin, or better still, go visit the GoFund me page set up by Tom to swell the coffers.
The visiting players have been bringing the tunes, and sending supporters home happy for years now. With your help, they'll continue to do that long into the future, too.
Chris Corcoran Band – August 9
> To support the campaign visit gofundme.com and search Garibaldi Matinee
Main pic: Andy with Northampton musician Billy Lockett
