A coup for Triskel Promotions if we may be so bold as to blow a small trumpet! Genuinely labelled as Sheffield’s finest, a more brooding, emotive, proud of his roots singer is hard to come by. Hawley is all of this and more. He cut his teeth with brit-band hopefuls Longpigs, he then toured with stalwarts Elbow and Pulp as their accomplished guitarist. He made the move to solo, in what was to prove, his defining moment, some 20 years ago. I say that as we now celebrate his seminal album Coles Corner’s 20th Anniversary (like all his album titles, a nod to where he grew up) He sings musical love letters to the people and places of Sheffield, while his biting political songs turn into rousing singalongs. He is grounded and yet not afraid to speak up for those less fortunate. A regular on the Later with…. series with Jools Holland, their own friendship going back to his early days as a musician. He effortlessly jumps in on whatever the mood is at the Beeb studios making it look like they have all rehearsed for hours but in actual fact he performs on the fly.
We are pleased to have him showcase Coles Corner and many many more fine songs he has penned.
At the 2006 Mercury Music Prize ceremony, award winner and fellow steel man Alex Turner graciously and amusingly implored the crowd to “call 999 – Richard Hawley’s been robbed!” The biggest band in the UK at the time giving very public credit where it was due, albeit with a little bit of local bias.
It’s a simple but seductive theory: the older the recording, the more magic locked within. Seemingly down with that notion, Richard Hawley has long repurposed the spirit of ’50s and ’60s balladry with style and great affection, his quiff, tailoring and fondness for the lonesome twang of a Gretsch guitar badges of nostalgic allegiance.
Hawley will be accompanied by longtime collaborator Shez Sheridan who is often accompanying Hawley on acoustic tours (and with a full band too of course.) His collaborations on projects extends to the likes of Tony Christie, A Girl called Eddy, Donny Osmond, Bertrand Belin and Duane Eddy.
Support for the evening, in the intimate setting of the Gaiety Theatre, comes from well know local singer songwriters Simon Rae and Jeff Jepson, together performing as TRUMAN FALLS. They will be performing a selection from previous works alongside their latest offering Silverdale.
You can get a flavour of the fun they command on stage here:
When they played here last, we were incredibly fortunate to have lead singer Stewart Douglas play a couple of exclusive songs on the balcony of some friends over in Peel, at Holm Villa(thanks Sara and Andy, always great hosts). These balcony songs were recorded and filmed by local professional videographer Brook Wassell of WEI Creative. A gifted musician himself, he really did catch the magic of the session.
With a fuller set list after their 3rd album dropped,the band finished on a high last year,headlining Barrowlands,Glasgow,selling it out weeks before.
The intimate setting of Peel Cathedral will lend itself to Stewart Douglas’s piercingly beautiful voice.The band have played stunning sets as a full band in churches across Scotland.They are scheduled to headline and likely sell out their largest venue to date,Usher Hall in their hometown Edinburgh, a few weeks after our show.
One of the songs exclusive to our friends at SOUND RECORDS. They continue to be the nucleus to all musical magic. The best place to find out about shows and to get the best in vinyl and much much more.. The finest shop just off the High Street.
There is something mystical, engaging and heartwarming about the music of WREST. Personal songs with searing, determined lyrics that draw you to a special place. Most of the crowd at last year’s Centenary show hadn’t heard much of their repertoire but were treated to 90minutes of pure bliss. A nicer band of musicians you’d struggle to meet. Enthused by that show, they were naturally keen to come visit again (to the ONLY real city of the Isle of Man, the wonderful Peel city)
The band create a captivating atmosphere through their use of soaring guitars, intricate arrangements, and powerful vocals. This will be the first time they have played a Cathedral despite playing some amazing venues such as Deep Space Planetarium, Loch Fyne, St Mary’s Space and the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow.
Peel Cathedral will undoubtedly be a magical, intimate and perfect setting for this ethereal soundscape show. We are excited to welcome them back.
Support for the night comes from a friend of the band Jim Wilson and long standing friend of the promoter, Colin Davidson.
Jim Wilson has been touring supporting the band this year. A huge presence and voice.
Also supporting, is fellow Scotsman and local troubadour Colin Davidson. I have know Colin for a long time and he has cast his net wide with various projects and bands such as LUX and SWITCH over the years. However, he has recently begun recording and releasing his own songs. Originally from Dundee, he cut his teeth as a bass player with multiple bands, releasing albums with Big Blue 72 and The Swiss Family Orbison. When he arrived on the Island in 2002, he couldn’t get a bass gig, so switched to guitar, forming Lux, then moving on to Switch and the rest is history. After uncovering an old book of lyrics, he set to recording his own back catalogue and very quickly rediscovered his love for writing and recording. He posted his first offering, Se7en Years on Bandcampand pretty soon the song was picked up by Manx Radio, who added it to their daily playlist. He is, at present, working on getting enough songs together for an album. A collection of self-penned music that we will be hearing performed live for the first time ( no pressure Col)
Se7en Years – Colin Davidson
Thanks as ever,to Pete Williamson Photography for the artwork content.
