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AL Music Network Developer for Cheltenham & Fanzine Monkey It’s April already and despite so much having gone on this year, we have the annual vanguard of Cheltenham’s main festivals careering towards us – the Jazz Festival. Now, we’ve got a new honcho running the Jazz Festival and he’s brought some rather exciting new elements to one of the town’s best-established and reputable music fests… “Okay – that’s great for Cheltenham, but about us?” cry the rest of the county. Well, we have a much bigger scope of artists and venues for the Fringe as well as regularly programmed artist from the county on the Budvar stage throughout the festival. Not only that, but Monday sees the introduction of “Cheltenham Untapped” which will be an opportunity for artists all around the county to get on with showing their considerable collective talent Because a festival has taking such a big step at engaging the local community on both music and assistance with programming – we here at AD Music feel it’s necessary to support such a welcoming gesture in the only way we can – spreading the word. That’s why this issue not only contains all the usual listings, news & reviews but also a separate section for Cheltenham Jazz Festival and an exclusive interview with the boss Ian George.

Like I said at the end of last week’s spiel - If I don’t see you and at least two friends enjoying the free access gifted to so much festivity, then I guess we’re just going to have to fall out.

REVIEWERS AND VENUES NEEDED!

Following a very successful first 12 months we’re looking to expand AD Music both in content and distribution. Despite the numerous people who already help produce this lovely fanzine (just over forty, in case you were wondering) we are still lacking in a couple of places and really want to encourage you to get involved. CIRENCESTER: We’re looking for contributors to provide us with coverage of gigs in the area and any opportunities there are for musicians and bands. We’re also looking to distribute the magazine in the area once we have some Ciren-based content and listings, so any suggestions would be very welcome! FOREST OF DEAN: We are lucky enough to have distribution and listings already in the Forest but we want more reviews and opinions about what’s going on from you. Feature/review writers would especially be welcome. TEWKESBURY: Again, we are looking for contributors and distribution in the area. If you want to review gigs, write articles or know somewhere you’d like to see AD Music – get in touch. Being a non-profit initiative we don’t pay but can get you into gigs and publish your work. Please contact Amelia if you want to contribute anything to this fanzine here: amelia@glosmusicforum.co.uk Alternatively email me directly and I promise to reply on andrew@glosmusicforum.co.uk

http://andrewlansley.tumblr.com/

BBC Gloucestershire Introducing… is the show for your new music. Every Saturday from 5:30pm on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, you can hear the tastiest new cuts of unsigned music from across the county. We might have only been on-air since the beginning of October, but the response has been fantastic with shed loads of you uploading your tracks at bbc.co.uk/introducing – keep em comin’!

Every Saturday night from 5:30pm - tune in to BBC Radio Gloucestershire and turn it up LOUD. That's the time when we play your music - whatever the style or genre you're working in... We're eclectic like that. But there's more - we've just plugged in the last DI box, put up the microphone stands and grappled with a flashy rectangular box thingy and voila! We now have a digital, multi-track, non-linear, low-fat music recording space - our live sessions are going to sound better than ever and we're planning to do even more of them! Get in touch if you've got what it takes: bbc.co.uk/introducing and join the likes of the Roving Crows who were the first to brave the new equipment. In April, Cheltenham band Loungefly will be cranking out a few of their biggest tunes in a live session for BBC Gloucestershire Introducing... Rob Champion presents ‘BBC Gloucestershire Introducing…’ every Saturday from 5:30pm on BBC Radio Gloucestershire 104.7, 95, 95.8 FM, 1413 AM and on the BBC iPlayer

You spend ten minutes with the Jazz Festival Boss Ian George and he only goes and says all of this: This is your first year as Director of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival – how has it been planning one of the town’s most respected and popular events? Great fun so far. Sales have been great which is a relief. You wait with baited breath for when the festival, that has been in your head for six months, is finally out in the public domain. With Jamie Cullum guest-directing and artists like Imelda May, Paloma Faith and Elaine Paige all on the bill we’re seeing one of the strongest line ups ever. That must feel pretty good for your first year... We have a great team here and adding Jamie Cullum into the mix as Guest Director has given the Festival an extra twist. I’m really pleased with balance of the programme - broad names alongside jazz legends and continuing the best of young British Jazz which is something Cheltenham has been known for since it started. I wanted to explore genres beyond Jazz so we’ve got Blues with Eric Bibb, World with The Destroyers and Club with DJ Food and beat boxer Shlomo. What’s all this Jazz on the Square business then? Cheltenham Jazz Festival has, until now, been known as a leading venue based Festival but I wanted to add the outdoor feel. We’ve had a marquee on Imperial Square behind the Town Hall for a few years but I wanted to take it to the next level. For me a Festival these days is about more than just amazing music – it’s the whole experience – sights, smells (good ones!), friendly crowds, the whole buzz of a festival is really important. We are building a 600 seat venue, were hosting loads of great bands on the Budvar Stage for free and we’ve got plenty of food stalls with pizza, Thai and pies. You’ll be able to do some shopping with local artists, photographers on site and CD signings with all your

favourite artists. Most importantly we’re still supported by Budvar beer (a popular sponsor here) who will be well represented on the Square. Cheltenham Untapped is a showcase day for local musicians and looks set to be one of the highlights of the festival. How important is a strong local music scene to the festival? The local scene is vitally important to the Festival. There has always been a connection with what is going on in Cheltenham but I wanted to bring it right into the heart of the Festival and celebrate it. On the Bank Holiday Monday alone we’ve got straight ahead Jazz, funk bands, big bands, jazz with a country twang... loads of cracking local produce. For part of it we’ve given over the 600 seat Arena to three local groups who are showcasing a variety of great bands.

Did you know… That Ian George’s name can be made up entirely with the first two-thirds of Ian Brown’s full name? Photo courtesy of the BBC

Cheltenham has recently been recognised by the PRS as the 5th most musical city in the UK. Was this surprising to you? What do you think has influenced the town’s culture of creativity? Cheltenham has always punched above its weight culturally, there are the Festivals, of course, but the whole scene has stepped up in the last four or five years. There are plenty of promoters and bands that work their arses off and Cheltenham is lucky to have them. The town can’t take it for granted though and everyone needs to support it where they can and the loss of the Axiom has yet to be addressed. For our part I’m hoping to do some events year round to compliment what’s already going on...watch this space. Okay – so AD Music gives you a time machine and all the money in the world. Who do you book for next year? Great question. Duke Ellington for the Big Band sound, Miles Davis for the Sunday afternoon, James Brown laying the funk, DJ Shadow for the wee hours and then close the Festival with Louis Armstrong as he leads thousands in a rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” For more information about the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2010, please visit: http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/

The Automatic Gloucester Guildhall March 7th Words: G-Dunst It was straight to business at the Guildhall where the gig was opened by “electro space core” band The Peppermint Hunting Lodge, hailing from the Forest of Dean. Despite a high-energy performance (and great reputation around the scene) their set contained too many epic songs and seemed to lack the diversity and depth that the band are clearly capable of. Next up were Welsh Indie rockers “Straight Lines” who delivered a tight, high power set worthy of a headline act and truly got the audience ready for the Automatics powerhouse performance. It’s always nice to see a great band sandwiched on a bill such as this – and are definitely one to watch for the future. With the supports done and audience suitably stirred the headliners took the stage with the crowd raring for there fix of electro - punk rock; The Automatic were in no mood to disappoint. They kept the crowd on its feet with a competent blend of classics such as “Monster” and “Recover” as well as tracks from there newest album “Tear the Signs Down” including new single “Run and Hide”.

Since leaving their record label “B-unique” the band have gone back to their roots and resurrected the spirit of their 2006 debut “Not Accepted Anywhere”. This has helped solidify the band’s sound and they appear more confident in themselves on stage. The performance included some pleasant surprises such as a new song “Something Else” which brought in some heavier influences to the band’s electro-rock sound, showing they have the capability to make more than just generic pop songs. Vocalist and bassist Rob Hawkins provided a good performance and kept the crowd enthralled, whilst Drummer Iwan Griffiths was beat perfect and Guitarist James Frost pulled of some slick fret-work. But the star of the performance was synth player and vocalist Paul Mullen, whose raw energy really brought the songs to life and put the band ahead of the crowd of electro pop wannabes which have flooded the charts of late. Overall the set was a crowd pleaser and showed off the bands new musical maturity and didn’t leave the audience unfulfilled. The new Album “Tear the Signs Down” is out now.

Words: Rose Churchill

The Crowd Four Stroudies who produce some mature music for their youth. They opened with a Maccabees cover No Kind Words, familiar to the audience and getting their attention from the off. Catchy and upbeat was second song Players Hearts, showing how well they collaborate together on stage. Words She Says is a perfect driving track and the Acoustic Song was the ideal shout to break up the set list. Easy on the Eyes, ‘the faster one’, got people dancing and was well received by the (other) crowd. The lads new single Birdsong was a highlight and a fantastic seal on the opening set. All in all, a very neat performance! The Joe Public The Joe Public hit the Guildhall as part of their Take It Back tour, and were just what the doctor ordered. Their style was to the taste of the audience, laying them out some good straight rock. The talkative bunch was energetic to the eye, really making the most of their stage space. They played their new single, Skin, which was a bit more melodic but will definitely see some radio play. The band possesses an ear pleasing vocal tone that has no doubt helped their career. Should Have Known was one of the best of the set, with down-tempo Solution rounding off amid an epic wall of sound. Dinosaur Outfit It was nice to see some electro-ska fracture the band line-up, and Dinosaur Outfit really delivered well, despite a (not sure if it’s intentional) can’t-be-assed attitude! Pure movement maker Invisible Shields got the floor boards shaking, shining some feel good rays onto the Wired audience and getting a good reaction. Coming Home, with its interesting and entertaining use of a xylophone pumped energy into the crowd who were appreciative to have some dance ready music fill the hall. Maddie’s Books and 18 were sure shots at adding to the atmospheric buzz and getting the audience involved. Leaving them geared up in anticipation for Tom Browning. Tom Browning and the Movement This guy was simply made for the stage. Expecting him to turn up with a guitar and mic he had his whole nine-man band in tow, leaving Tom to flaunt his flair and take authority on stage. He was intimate with the audience and got a spirited response from them. Popular tracks including Same Things and the up-beat On Fire were on the seven-song set list, with Home Is Where the Heart Is being the height of his performance. Watching fans could relate to his sentimental lyrics about friendships feelings and values, or in other cases ‘all those people you love to hate’! Expect to see Tom and the Movement rock the stage somewhere bigger in the near future, and if you missed them on Saturday, or even if you didn’t, it’ll be worth the quids. Hopefully he won’t be too busy to pop back next term. It’s safe to say that 2010-2011 has a tough battle in beating this year’s line-ups... With an outstanding finale the wire is officially wound up, until next time.

Get in touch with Wired at www.wiredrecords.info

Lower High Street, Cheltenham

A Genuine Freak Show 4th March Despite sound problems from the outset A Genuine Freak Show was packed with powerful sound walls throwing out positive vibes. On tour from their hometown in Reading, this seemed to be their best Cheltenham performance after unknowingly playing a Christian festival, and then to only a handful of people last year at Subtone. What fools the people of Gloucestershire was to miss them first time around! Playing some orchestrated rock, a blend of tranquil and heavy tracks, dominated by the use of the violin and cello throwing in a unique edge over other bands to have performed here lately. Songs from their soon to be debut album Oftentimes, due for release in later 2010, went down admiringly with the crowd. A worthy eight song set, all of which were a healthy length, included highlights Luckmoore Drive, I Can Feel His Heartbeats and finale She’s Got a Shooter. They’ve got the sound to fill out an arena, and admittedly would need the sizable stage to suit the seven of them. Squeezing onto the Frog’s stage was visibly restricting them in their presence but this didn’t affect the music. We were lucky, lucky people to catch them rising to their peak. Club gigs might be a rare occasion in the future.

Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham

JB Jazz & Blues Band 17th March Words: Katherine Bayly As I walked in, the JB Jazz and Blues Band looked sophisticated situated at the bottom of the pub with their swing-style suits and classy instruments balanced along the wall behind them. Suddenly the drums started hissing as the symbols were struck and the music kicked in with such a lively jolt for a band whose majority of members are probably reaching 60 years of age. There were absolutely no hic-cups as the band filled the Norwood Arms with happy jazz music which had everyone’s feet tapping. Couples began to grab each other’s arms and pull each other onto the floor to jive. They set alight the community spirit that pubs seem to have lost. The tight performance was mesmerising. Jazz can be a difficult form of music to learn but this band made it look like the easiest. The keyboard player’s skills were immense along with the drummers and extraordinarily the bass player. The lead man, Roger, was a multi-talented musician being able to sing, play saxophone, clarinet and oboe as well as do a bit of cheeky dancing to entertain the ever-expecting audience. Unlike many other jazz bands, they had this uniqueness about them. You could tell they had passion and wanted fun

from what they were doing, highlighted by their cover of the Jungle Book’s most famous song, The Bear Necessities. Their energetic attitude bounced through the audience and created something that really felt quite special. With members that can all play, sing and perform superbly, the JB Jazz and Blues Band are definitely raising the bar for other bands in Gloucestershire.

Lansdown, Stroud

Mockers featuring El Toro 27th March Words & Picture: Milly Chowles

Interviewer: ”Are you a mod or a rocker?”

Ringo Starr: “I’m a mocker.” And so am I after experiencing the best night out at Mockers, in Stroud, that this jaded clubber has had in a long time. I had heard rave reviews, myths about leather cat-suited women in cages and other tales of debauchery. Until last Saturday however, I had not yet been along to one of these monthly(ish) nights being put on by vinyl obsessive, party enthusiasts Pavinyl and Nick (Solidkick) Buckle. I arrived at about half ten and the smoky dance floor was already in full swing. What struck me immediately was the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. People of all ages, and an anything goes dress code makes this a welcoming place for anyone who like me goes out for the sole purpose of dancing and having fun, rather than posing self consciously

or drinking to oblivion. The theme tonight is ‘Bunny’s and Boots’ so there is licence for all kinds of delicious eccentricity and exhibitionism, if you so desire. A gold flapper bunny and a 70’s glam rock bunny are getting down alongside modish chaps and rock chicks. Then there are the famous girls in cages, a tactical ploy

promoter Pavinyl uses to set the tone for uninhibited partying, it seems his cunning plan is working tonight. Mesmerising projections of 60’s B movie pulp fiction, screen sirens, bunny girls and old school Hollywood glamour provide the back drop. There is live music tonight in the form of Liverpool band El Toro who play a fervoured set of filthy garage drenched in surf. They sound raw and reverby, in an ear splittingly good way. The dancing continues in to the night as Pavinyl and Nick play a soundtrack of 60’s surf, garage, rock and soul. I’m transported back to a time before I was born when suits were tailored, mp3’s weren’t even imagined and we’re all Betty Page or James Dean. I’m already looking forward to next months Mockers. A classy night of excellent vintage.

More? http://www.myspace.com/mockersclub

New Cheltenham Label gets busy… Cheltenham based record label Kiss My Face Records have announced the first signings to their brand new label. The acts that have been officially announced last month are local bands covering a wide range of musical genres. The first artists to be signed to Kiss My Face Records are:

Indie Ska fusion 6 piece Coxon’s Riot. Stroud based Indie rockers The Crowd, alternative folk singer/songwriter Ed Donavon. The roster also include acoustic songstress Amy Spencer as well as folk talent Ryan Martin. All of the artists will feature on Kiss My Face Record’s first release, which will be a showcase EP of all the local bands. The EP will be launched at the end of April and will be accompanied by artwork from students at The University of Gloucestershire. Label Manager Stefan Edwards said “It’s a really exciting time for us. We have spent a lot of time getting to grips with the running of a record label but we are really looking forward to this first release. All of the acts are completely different, but it just goes to show how much talent we have right on our doorstep.” The CD will be available to buy online through iTunes and other online retailers, as well as local Gloucestershire record shops. The official launch of the EP will be at the end of April and will be celebrated with a launch party held at The Frog and Fiddle, Cheltenham. Kiss My Face Records are still looking for local bands to add to their roster, but are also looking to expand and sign acts from all over the country. They also have plans to release full length EPs from some of their new signings who already have the material ready to do this.

Find out more about KMF Records at www.kissmyfacemusic.co.uk/

ON MY PLAYLIST – Charlie Baxter “I’m a one-man electro punky pop act from Cheltenham. Influenced by a variety of classic and contemporary electronic music, I mix rock guitars with 80s synths and dance floor beats to hopefully create a fresh sound and some catchy songs” - Charlie Charlie has recently started his own independent record label, Pink Shoe Records, through which he has released his debut album Girls, Guitars & Glowsticks.

Don’t mess with Charlie - he’s James Madrox The XX- Islands A perfect pop song, I can’t stop listening to it! Beautiful melodies, haunting vocals, great guitar sound. The simplest ideas work the best; it truly is a lesson in great song writing. Duran Duran- Planet Earth A guilty pleasure but I love a bit of 80s synth pop. It might be cheesy but you can’t resist it! People (including me) are still ripping this stuff off for good reason! Ellie Goulding- Under The Sheets (Jakwob remix) Absolutely huge dance floor track! This remix totally eclipses the original track. It takes the dub step blueprint and messes it up in a delightful way. This is definitely my club choice! Explosions In The Sky- Your Hand In Mine. These guys craft incredible, emotional songs with perfectly simple and euphoric guitar melodies. Put the EP on whilst driving back from a gig or night out, it’s relaxing and uplifting at the same time. Klaxons- Golden Skans. Klaxons started the keyboards in rock music thing for me. Their debut album has been a real influence. Dig this out to remember how amazing it is and be inspired to release a new record! Catch Charlie Baxter in Cheltenham, Bristol, Oxford and beyond as he looks to play more dates over Summer to support his new record, available on ITunes and at his shows. http://www.myspace.com/charleswbaxter

Want to contribute? Very much like this section states every month, we like listings, reviews, editorial, previews, pictures, art, cartoons and would like to fill these pages with things you care about. We‘d love to hear about anything to do with live music in the county really and can help with anything from promoting you here to getting you reviewed, played on student and local radio, putting you in touch with venues, musicians and artists across the county and just about anything else you can think of! Want to advertise? Put your gig posters in with the mag for distribution? Ask what our favourite kind of ham is? You can contact Amelia – our lovely PR girl on amelia@glosmusicforum.co.uk AD Music Editor Andrew Lansley | PR/Listings Amelia Scognamiglio | Cover Design Dan Cooper | Listings Design Robbie Pert | Listings Contributor Ollie West | Staff Writer Lotte Lawrence | Staff Writer Rose Churchill | Comic Strip Courtesy of K-Bomb Comics | Thanks to all the people who contributed to issue five, special thanks (again) goes to Claire Leadbeater @ The University of Gloucestershire for organising the funding and production of this work. Produced in conjunction with AfterDark. AfterDark Editor Justin Box | All work remains property of the original owner, used with permission. Reproduction in whole or any part (especially the listings) of this fanzine would be awesome as it’s great to spread the word people, just make sure you credit the fanzine : )

Fringe On The Town

Fringe On The Square Time Venue Act Thursday 29th 17.30 Budvar Stage Special Guest, The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band &

Thrill Collins Friday 30th 17.30 Budvar Stage Megan Henwood., Budvar Brewed Jazz Competition

Winner, Cattle Market. Saturday 1st 12.00 John Gordons Joe Noel & Swiss Trio 14.45 Budvar Stage Jake Hall 15.45 Budvar Stage Conservatoire Band 18.15 Budvar Stage Jim Lockey & tSS 19.15 Budvar Stage 8 Fold Sunday 2nd 15.00 Budvar Stage Conservatoire Band 16.00 Budvar Stage Friday Lunchtime Project 18.30 Budvar Stage Polly & The Billets Doux 19.30 Budvar Stage Waiting For Kate

Cheltenham Untapped Time Venue Act Monday 3rd 11.00 Budvar Stage GYJO 11.45 Arena TubeLord 12.45 Budvar Stage Kim Cypher Band 13.25 Budvar Stage Tommy Charlies Tetraphoni 14.00 Arena AJL Big Swing Band & Metz Big Band 15.00 Budvar Stage The Roving Crows 16.00 Arena JB Jazz & Blues Band 17.00 Budvar Stage Andy Nowak 19.30 Budvar Stage Dom Franks All Stars

These people love and support live local music in Gloucestershire,

we hope you do too!

Date Venue Act Thursday 22nd Pittville Campus, UoG Amy Spencer, Joe Summers & The Midnight Mile Friday 23rd The Railway Mark Hole, Brendan Bayliss + support Slak Brown Torpedo, Radioactive Sparrow + support Saturday 24th The Vine Men Diamler & Dale Campbell Montpellier Wine Bar Swing From Paris Sunday 25th The Exmouth Becky Carter & Paul Newman The Beehive Anita Walsh & The Dixies Wednesday 28th The Exmouth Jazz Fest Quiz! D-Fly Strayhorn