As you all surely know, the CMU team are currently at the Edinburgh Festival at the moment publishing ThreeWeeks, the main reviews newspaper up here. Just so you're in the loop, here's the latest music reviews from the CMU/ThreeWeeks team - a joyfully eclectic selection.
And if you want to know more, why not tune in to the ThreeWeeks radio show on Festival FM tonight and every night at 7pm (87.7FM in Edinburgh, or online at www.festivalfm.net)? Though we say so ourselves, it's rather good. Anyway, here's the reviews, there's even more at http://www.threeweeks.co.uk.
Napoli E Basta!
Libero Music Publishing
"Music, like a torrent you flood my soul, and around me I fly free in space without end." Music from Naples is unashamedly emotional, and as such, needs a passionate performer in order to pull it off. Luckily, Oscar Mancino is just that type. Each song is delivered with emotion and depth, and although I don't understand Italian I can just about get the gist of them. A great performance is also given from the musicians in the Ensemble Recitar Cantando but I was confused about the narration spoken at random moments from backstage, and the slides displayed on screens (the images of Naples, ok, but peacocks?). Fortunately these slightly bizarre elements of the production don't detract from the wonderful music. [el]
C Electric, 7-14 Aug, 9.05pm (10.20pm), prices vary, fpp 107.
tw rating 4/5
Wine, Woman And Song!
LSH Productions
Free wine with live music at lunchtime: surely a cocktail for success? Unfortunately, Leo Heaton's performance lacked the kind of polish and panache that could have made for an excellent musical exploration. She certainly can sing the handpicked jazz and musical tunes well, but lacks an edge that makes the experience frustrating viewing. She appears nervous, remaining stationary throughout the whole hour, and thus fails to provide the stage presence required for a one-woman show. Sloppy piano accompaniment didn't help her either. The free booze is a nice touch and her song selection is genuinely good, but there wasn't enough substance to truly inspire. [nc]
ClubWEST, 14-27 Aug (not 24), 1:15pm (2.05pm), £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 117.
tw rating 2/5
Roxy: Music At The Fringe 2005
Roxy Art House
This wonderful and cultural experience is part of a bigger programme that brings three bands from different sides of the world to the Roxy
Art House each night. The band I went to see, Waa Sylla, turned out to be a tribal African group that take you on a tour to parts of Africa with their uplifting and energetic music, colourful costumes and amazing traditional dance moves - inspiring some audience members to join in. It might take a few minutes to settle in and enjoy the music if you haven't experienced it before, but with a bar and café available in the hall you'll soon find yourself immersed in a fantastic atmosphere, wanting to stay for the other acts. [waj]
Roxy Art House, 5 - 28 Aug, times vary, £8.00 (£6.00), fpp 110.
tw rating 4/5
Hugh Cornwell: 'A Multitude Of Sins' Acoustic Performance Plus
Readings From His Autobiography
From playing to thousands when he fronted The Stranglers to playing to the mere hundred people packing out tonight's venue, legendary musician Hugh Cornwell is no stranger to the stage. But this show is a first for him. He combines reading from his autobiography with acoustic performances from not only The Stranglers records but his own solo music too. His book readings take us on the road with The Stranglers in Sweden through his brush with the law, to his biggest hit to date, while his music provides the soundtrack to those years. Old favourite 'Golden Brown' is left to the end of the show. And what an ending it was. [ssm]
Gilded Balloon, 14 - 19 Aug, 9:15 pm (10:15 pm), £11.00, fpp 102.
tw rating 4/5