Cult Rhythm and Blues heroes Nine Below Zero are currently touring the UK in support of their album 13 Shades of Blue, and hit up The Stables on Saturday night (March 4).
Three band originals are in the ranks too; Dennis Greaves (guitar/vocals), Mark Feltham (harmonica), Mickey ‘Stix’ Burkey (drums) and Ben Willis (bass) as well as additional horn section, keyboards, violin and backing vocalists, creating an exciting new Nine Below Zero Big Band sound after an impressive live debut on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury 2016.
Since their genesis in the 1970s, NBZ have been known for providing unique and innovative music in the form of alt blues-rock, a breath of fresh air in a pop punk era.
Now though, all thoughts are on these live shows - and the band are the band is itching to play for you.
“...the energy, enthusiasm and the magic are back," Dennis promised.
"We never had a hit single, but we became a cult band with an almost fanatical following. It will be great for us all to reconnect with the fans," he added.
Seth Lakeman’s eighth studio album is a stunning collaboration between his dynamic song-writing, the genius of legendary producer Ethan Johns (Paul McCartney/Ryan Adams/Laura Marling) and the sublime harmony backing vocals of emerging girl trio Wildwood Kin.
Between them they have conjured up an epic, soulful album of intense songs that are stripped back to their very essence, and this week Seth returns to The Stables to deliver it in the live environment.
Ethan agreed to produce the album after Seth sent him one roughly recorded song on his mobile phone, with the trio of girls adding their lush harmonies to the cult folk singer's gritty lead vocals. They recorded the 11 tracks ‘live’ with an organic, acoustic vibe created in the great hall of a Jacobean Manor House and the album oozes with the atmosphere of this setting.
The spiritual-sounding songs have a trance-like quality. They encompass evocative contemporary messages, yet have an ethereal sound as if they have been hanging in the air for centuries.
Ethan has let nothing impair the raw, visceral content - just enshrined the pure sounds of voices and ringing instruments.
With Ballads of the Broken Few, Seth demonstrates that he is not complacent and is constantly exploring new and bold musical paths.
At the time of writing, it's standing tickets only left for Sunday show show. Hurry or you'll miss those too.
2017 is a busy year for Draw By Four, who have secured a 20-date UK tour in the lead up to recording and releasing their first album, Framework, and as part of that trek, they play live at the venue on Tuesday evening (March 7).
With a line-up steeped in tradition, Draw By Four take the classic 60s organ quartet into brand new territory where the compositions from leader Jon Shenoy (Ivo Neame Large Ensemble) mix contrapuntal bass lines and rhythmic hooks with thoughtful lyricism.
Mixing stark ethereal voices with gritty Hammond boogaloo, organist Will Bartlett (Jim Mullen, Salena Jones) draws on a wide palette of sounds that build the foundation for an infectious mix of groove-based original compositions, enchanting ballads and unique arrangements of avant-pop songs.
The Framework tour also includes a suite of compositions written in response to paintings by three British painters: Winifred Knights, JMW Turner & Gill Holloway.
In the spirit of jazz and innovation Draw By Four will encourage the audience to enjoy an enhanced visual experience – marrying the works of the above artists with the music.
Book your seat for the aforementioned dates by clicking here
