CannyGigs

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This is a plain text version of the CannyGigs list for 2008, but if you have any queries or would like to book tickets please call 07760 400 226.

Thank You to Coco Montoya for an incredible performance at the Cluny on Thursday 4th March. We had a big turn-out and if ever a crowd was "up for it" this was the gig. The show got off top the best possible start by the Mitch Laddie Trio who did a first rate support set. Many in the audience had not heard of Mitch, but were glowing in their praise for the young guitarist. Note he is back with his own show on the 12th April. Coco gave us two solid hours of breathtaking musicianship. There was classic blues, more rocky stuff, touches of soul and the odd samba rhythm could be detected. Coco and the band played out of their skins. His guitar playing was at times was unbelievable with several show-stoppers. Even the drum solo was brilliant and rather than using it to visit the toilet or go and get a pint, the crowd lapped it up - excellent stuff! Obviously, we will be getting Coco back, but sadly it won't be for another year. One of the best gigs we have ever staged!

“Martin was in fantastic form! This band surpassed everyone's hopes and expectations. The twin harmonies were spot on. The best thing was hearing those bass-lines again. Good to hear a few songs live for the first time. The show was a stormer and the band did more than justice to the songs, many of which I thought I would never again have the privilege to witness live on stage. Martin’s in fine voice and the interplay of his bass with the guitars was a joy.”

Hard-rockin' blues to slow down shuffles from Freddie King to Hendrix with this charismatic New York guitarist who is truly amazing.

AC/DC Night with a band rated as the leading UK tribute to the legendary rockers.

Live/Wire cover the entire AC/DC story, great musicianship, pizzazz and entertainment

It's been quite a couple of years since we last booked Rob Tognoni, but it's not for the want of trying. Rob is a seriously brilliant guitarist. He's also from Australia, but don't let that put you off Bruce. Anyway all that sunshine, kangaroos and healthy living would give anyone the blues - either that or the lager. Importantly we cannot recommend this gig too highly. The Northeast weather should be ok .... but whatever the weather, it's going to be a hot one with Rob Tognoni!

"A stunning guitarist with killer licks and a fine blues rock feel..." Jazz FM, London UK

Would you have liked to see Hendrix or Clapton in their early years? This gig sees three young guitarists with their bands who are already making big waves in the music business.

Mitch Laddie has already shown his outstanding talent for Newcastle audiences with his supports for both Walter Trout and Nine Below Zero.

Martin is a mesmerising solo performer in a contemporary blues, Americana genre. A troubadour in the truest sense of the word, Martin went traveling in his early 20’s armed with a cheap guitar and hasn’t strayed too far from that path ever since. On the other hand, his prowess as a guitarist and in particular the unusual weissenborn style of lap slide work that he has mastered, has won an army of fans around the world.

Last Autumn Martin and his band went into the studio to record their next album for release this April, under the watchful eye of producer Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore). With the new album, major label interest and another major name tour support in discussion it looks like Martin Harley’s fan base is set to keep growing for the foreseeable future. “ Actually, I’m a bit scared to be going on stage after him, he’s an immense talent” James Morrison

We have been working with the Hamsters for about fifteen years and yet to have a duff gig. Despite the hundreds of gigs and long trips touring the UK and Europe, the lads always turn in a cracking show. Yes, the musicianship is tip-top, but they are also highly entertaining. The trio of guitar, bass and drums trio have long been established as one of the UK's premier live bands having performed over 4,000 concerts in 23 years. Although primarily playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana, they're also widely regarded as the UK's leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top which will no doubt be featuring in this gig.

Guitarist and singer Barry Barnes is one of Europe's most active enthusiasts working to keep alive the music and memory of Rory Gallagher.
Playing live is what Sinnerboy do best. Anyone who has seen them will tell you, it's all about energy and passion, strong songs played with verve. But how else could you approach playing Rory's music? For Sinnerboy, keeping the music of Rory Gallagher alive and live for people who love to hear it is all that matters ...and don't look for three guys on stage poncing about in wigs trying to look like three other guys, what you get with this band is all out passionate Rory Gallagher music! THIS IS NOT CABARET! Check out their website www.sinnerboy.co.uk

We are delighted to bring back to Newcastle one of the UK's leading hit-making musicians - the rock god that is John Otway! One of John's finest moment came in 2002. Asked what he wanted for his 50th birthday, he requested "A second hit". A concerted drive, including a poll, scrutinised by the Electoral Reform Society, to select the track saw "Bunsen Burner" with music sampled from the Trammps classic "Disco Inferno" and lyrics devised to help his daughter with her chemistry homework, reached the UK number 9 on 6 October and earned him an appearance on Top Of The Pops. There cannot be a more complete entertainer in the UK, John Otway delivers a five star show.

This is without doubt the Premier tribute act to the legendary Thin Lizzy and a stirring homage to Philip Lynott.

Due to overwhelming demand in the Northeast, the band are touring again in 2010 complete with their magnificent mirrored backdrop, police lights and full pyrotechnic display. Expect Whisky In The Jar, Parisienne Walkways, The Boys are Back in Town and many more of Phil Lynott's genre-defying hits, alongside some of his cult album tracks and solo material.

Without doubt one of the top modern day Blues artistes touring the world today, his songs are stories of his past and everybody’s present. His songs are delivered with a sense of irony, his lyrics are both meaningful and amusing in equal measure. Added to this Larry has a wonderfully expressive voice, is a fine guitarist and a great performer. The Norman Beaker Band have been at the forefront of the UK blues scene for over 3 decades working with a Who’s Who of Blues stars including, BB King, Buddy Guy, Alexis Korner, Jack Bruce, Van Morrison, Chuck Berry and many more.

Since the age of 15 Billy Walton has plied his craft in the Asbury Park, New Jersey shore music scene and played countless gigs in both the United States and Europe with numerous of rock luminaries including Springsteen, Gary US Bonds and Stevie Ray’s backing band, Double Trouble. In November 2009 Billy’s efforts culminated with a two week tour as the guitarist for Southside Johnny. The Billy Walton Band’s sound is a combination of hard blues reminiscent of Hendrix, Clapton and Vaughn mixed with a healthy dose of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. Live, Walton has always been an explosive performer with jaw dropping talent but with the addition of bassist William Paris, drummer John Hummel, the Billy Walton Band produces a singular brand of funky blues that has deep roots in both the jam band musical tradition as well as the Jersey shore Walton has cut his teeth on.

Oli Brown Band + Joanne Shaw Taylor + Virgil & The Accelerators

We have booked Oli Brown twice in the past year as support to the likes of Walter Trout. Both times he blew us away with his outstanding musicianship, understanding of the blues and music in general. This lad is more than an outstanding guitarist, he writes quality songs and does a fabulous job when is comes to re-arranging classics. He's young, fresh and well worth checking out.

Buddy Whittington was of course John Mayall's lead guitarist in the Bluesbreakers, a spot he held from 1993 until 2008, but luckily for us he now has the opportunity to visit the UK with his own band. CannyGigs has worked with both John Mayall and Buddy many times and so we have first hand knowledge that he is an outstanding guitarist. This will be another amazing gig in a very intimate venue, so be sure to purchase your tickets now.