The Brighton Festival is fully under way with its brilliant programme of theatre, comedy, art, dance, talks, debate, cabaret and music, music music. CMU's sister publication, ThreeWeeks, is covering it all, and you can check the coverage at http://www.threeweeks.co.uk, with music reviews here each day in the CMU Daily. Look, here are some now:
Chris Difford
Chris Difford, renowned lyricist of the band Squeeze, showed why he is so cherished in the memories of music fans in this brilliant solo set that certainly bodes well for that band's imminent reunion tour. After an excellent set by support act Chris Simmons, Difford took to the stage before a crowd clearly anxious to see their hero. Enthralling the audience, Difford played Squeeze classics such as 'Cool for Cats', interspersed with tracks from his upcoming solo album. Stories of Squeeze on tour, and their aforementioned reformation, filled the gaps between songs, all of which left the crowd shouting out for more. An excellent show to witness for music lovers; a real must-see for any true Squeeze fan!
Komedia, 8 May, 08:30pm, £12.50, fringe pp26.
tw rating 5/5
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The Hat
"The world's greatest show jumpers. Not us!" is how drummer and superb vocalist Dave Sanderson introduces The Hat. What they actually are is a curious mixture of guitars, double-bass, rapping, snoring, singing, a children's xylophone and an audience imitating flamingoes, orangutans, sheep and chameleons. With support from beat-boxer Lyrical Lips and folky, sea-shanty pioneers Pipe and Slippers, The Hat tell a story worth listening to in every song, in a manner that makes it all too easy to get distracted from the lyrics by the sheer charisma and zeal of the act. Entertainingly innovative, this extraordinary band put on a show that, unless you have a particular objection to audience participation, you will have a difficult task not to adore.
Komedia, 9 May, 8:30pm, £8.00 (£6.00), fringe pp26.
tw rating 5/5
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Praise Bob!
Orange Room Music
Ripping into a punchy, raw version of 'Maggie's Farm', compere Kit Ashton kicked off a night of 'organised chaos' courtesy of eleven talented local musicians performing classics from the repertoire of the songwriter's songwriter himself, Bob Dylan. Highlights included Michael Ross' bluesy rendition of 'You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go' and Carrie Tree's delicate take on 'Hard Rain's Gonna Fall', but every song was a high-quality cover that should ensure that Ashton isn't "beaten to death by purists with a B-flat harmonica". Tonight's artistes ranged from r&b singer to Celtic crooner to fast-paced rock band, all thrown together in the kind of deliciously shambolic medley Bob would no doubt have enjoyed. On a wing-and-a-prayer, this talented bunch managed to improvise an evening that was ragged around the edges, but with the utmost style.
Komedia Studio, 9 May, 8:30pm, £6.00 (£4.00), fringe pp26.
tw rating 4/5
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