High Notes launch @ St Bonaventure's

By James Gale

Those who weren't there for High Note's first Acoustic Showcase at St Bon's missed out on an excellent musical treat.
 
Jimmy Blowsheen from Trowbridge regaled us with a set of powerful and heartfelt songs - look out for Jimmy, he's very well worth a listen. Jimmy was followed by Rich Maya from Bath - raw emotion, lyrics that tugged at the heart-strings, some very tasty guitar work, and a vocal delivery that had the audience captivated. Jimmy and Rich will both be featuring at the BARSSFest Main Event on 22/23 September.
 
The night was topped off by the performance of Mr Love & Justice from Swindon, fronted by singer-songwriter Steve Cox. Again excellent original songs, leavened by a couple of familiar covers. The sound produced by the vocals and guitars of Steve and Nick with inventive and well-matched percussion from Brendan even had some people dancing at times! We look forward to their return to St Bon's before too long.
 


Rich Maya


Jimmy Blowsheen

Next week's programme features three Bristol-based acts - the increasingly well-known and much admired Benita Johnson, the excellent Maddie Southorn, hailing originally from deepest Cornwall, and accompanied by Janet Martin on cello for mainly original material mixing a contemporary sound with a traditional folk feel, and bluesy folk singer/guitarist Matt Short.
 

 

 

 
Afficionados of the fine art of songwriting and performance should make a regular date with Friday night's High Note Acoustic Showcase at St Bon's. Great value at £3 on the door or from Bristol Ticket Shop ( www.bristolticketshop.co.uk); fine creative musicians, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seats, good acoustics - and cheap beer! Don't get lost - access to the car park and main entrance is up a lane at the west end of Berkeley Road, Horfield, just before the skewed crossroads with King's Drive/Clare Avenue and Birchall Road.
 

Mr Love & Justice

 

 

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