Macc Music 45

Jim Kirkpatrick’s Heavy Weather visited Toast Bar in Macclesfield on Sunday. The gig was hastily relocated from the Green Room but was nonetheless a corker.

  It’s been quite a while since Jim has played a full set with his own band at a Macclesfield venue. Back in yesteryear he was a regular player at Knights Bar and for a good while he was almost resident there. At that time Jim couldn’t have been much more than 18 years old but was good enough even then for people to still remember how skilled a player he was. More recently Jim and Heavy Weather have been enlisted by the likes of Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake) as his touring band, and Jim has also been invited to be the new lead guitarist in the newly reformed FM. It’s no accident that he is in such demand, those that were watching him on Sunday can tell you why. He is impossibly good, that’s why. Just turned thirty Jim is at the top of his trade, he is a stunningly fine, inventive, soulful player and he fronts an exceptional band. It never ceases to amaze me the level of talent you can see in pub size venues. That was a fabulous performance indeed, from three exceptionally talented players.  I’m already looking forward to seeing them again at Nantwich Blues Festival at Easter.

   Some interesting acoustic happenings going on around town.. Last Friday saw a lovely performance from Helen Walford (singer /songwriter/guitarist) at the Hollins. Helen was delightful but sadly the crowd were a bit too noisy to get the full benefit of Helen’s delicately nuanced performance. But then again that’s a pub for you and is to be expected. At least it was busy.

Helen cropped up again on Thursday at the Old Kings Head along with a host of other acoustic anything players, and an impromptu jamming/tunesharing evening broke out which I am told was excellent and great fun. This Thursday it is rumoured that something similar could potentially happen at the Hollins on Black Rd. Also there is a sub rumour which suggests the possible attendance of world class performers. I don’t believe it but I shall be there just to make sure!

   If there are any among you who fancy playing a ukelele then I bring glad tidings. On the last Wednesday of each month at the Boarhound Pub, Brook Street , a new ukulele group meets to indulge in playing, teaching, learning, sharing their enthusiasm for their preferred instrument, and having a giggle. All comers welcome with or without a ukulele. Only a sense of humour is compulsory.

   Whilst I am still metaphorically off-piste I must recommend Sutton on Stage. It takes place in Sutton village’s (seriously palatial) Scout HQ on 17/18^th April. A pot pourri of entertainments from a rock band to a monologue. This show can be seriously funny (nice oxymoron). You have been warned.. For tix tel. 01260 253450.

    This biggest name in blues to hit Macc since John Mayall left? Sherman Robertson, 15^th April WMC Poynton.

Now that’s serious.

Support live music (the habit is spreading)

Garry the Hat  garrywhite10@yahoo.co.uk