RECENT WRITERS CAFE REVIEWS

Ian Cafe Reviewer

On this page are some recent reviews of the Writers Cafe from Ian. Older reviews by Sarah and June and dominic and Carmen from when the Writers Cafe was based at the Arc arts Centre in Stockton can be found onour main site - link in My Links in the side bar. Note there will be some pics and audio linked to this blog as I get this blog organised. Trevor.  I hand you over to Ian -

REVIEW OF THE MAY WRITERS  CAFE 2007 

May’s café was yet another triumph. A delightful evening, both entertaining and thought provoking. I do not know how Trevor manages to keep finding acts with something new to offer within the Café format yet every month there is something innovative to savour.

Trevor was once again the opening act. Modesty stops Trevor giving himself a place higher up the bill where he could so easily stand proud. But as usual, Trevor was the perfect warm up for the rest of the evening. He opened with three poems. Trevor’s poetry is beautiful and evocative when read (and many can be read on his My Space) but they truly come to life when Trevor performs them.

Second act of the night was The Steve Marron project. An acoustic duo whose name is derived from the first name of one and the surname of the other. Their songs are haunting and beautiful. They sang a song based on the TV show “Lost” and in a change of mood, one about being dumped called “Say Goodbye”.

They were followed by Stiletto Pigeonetto and what Trevor calls his Rap Poetry. He is an inventive and humorous poet. His poem the Vegetarian was excellent and the words sizzled just like the bacon they mentioned.

Next was another first for the Café. Not only was it the first time Becky from Leeds had performed there but it was the first time anyone had performed flash fiction. This is in essence very short stories. But there is often a beauty in brevity and such was the case with these stories. Poetic in their imagery and to the point they showed how a few well chosen words can paint a huge and detailed picture. From the well observed Park Girls to the sublime Pam’s House and the last humorous story. Becky said that this was also the first time she had performed in public but her confidence and clarity did not reflect this.

Trevor reopened the show after the break reading his “Down Our Street”. This poem as read by Trevor has been used by The Nerve cutting his words up and setting them to music with a small play in the background. I mention this because although still a work in progress Trevor played a version. The piece is innovative and unique and this reviewer looks forward to hearing the finished version.

Then we had the poetry of Bob Beagrie. He performed a poem called “The Grey Man” based on a person who can be seen in Finland. He was then joined by musician Kev Howard. He Performed poetry from a work he has written about Mother Shipton from the viewpoint of her husband. Kev Howard added depth and subtlety to the performance with his musical backing enhancing the spoken words yet never eclipsing them.

In the last 6 or 7 months the Café has had several acts which fuse poetry and music and this was another example of how well this can work. This fusion is not songwriting as such but still powerful and this pair brought to us another unique blend. The result was a very modern epic poem that had echoes of how such poems used to be performed.

The Steve Marron Project then played another set which if anything outshone their first. The guitar playing was excellent and the lead guitar work on the songs where both members played guitar was breathtaking.

Stiletto Pigeonetto also performed another brief set and temporarily compered while Trevor was otherwise occupied.

Last act of the evening was comedian Mark Allen. His act is a more observational conversational comedy than the old tradition of telling gags. But this is of course a well established new tradition and one Mark fits into very well with his witty observations often having a point to make as well. Making his audience think as well as laugh.

The Writer’s Café continues to be a great night out. A forum for new talent from many fields. This month was no exception bringing us some brilliant performers new to the Café 2 new blends of music and poetry to complement those that have gone before in the form of Bob Beagrie and Kev Howard and the Cd of Trevor’s poem as used by The Nerve, In The Steve Marron Project an excellent new band. And a complete new format in the form of flash fiction. And a second outing for stand up comedy. The Café goes from strength to strength artistically.

Review Writers Café 4th April 2007

Trevor compered the evening as he has done since Ruby left. Obviously taking his Poetry God status to heart he opened with a rousing “Good Evening Stockton”. He then introduced the opening act Voicebox.

Or to be fair two thirds of Voicebox as there were three members last time they appeared at the Writers Café. Opening act must be one of the most difficult spots on the bill, warming up the audience ready for the other performers. But Voicebox rose to the challenge manfully and successfully. They performed a short play about a PC user ringing a technical support helpline. Having worked on a helpline myself, I particularly enjoyed the natural conclusion to this conversation. The poem that stood out for me was one about losing your best friend after he gets married. A witty poem with the witty title “The Prisoner of Glenda”. Another piece that all would be poets should take to heart was about the pretentiousness that many (often bad) poets display. Fortunately these do not grace the stage of the Writers Café but the mumbling wordsmith is a horror to be avoided.

Trevor Teasdel followed and performed with his usual style and wit. He recited “Down Our Street” a particular favorite of mine which combines biting satire, humour with a cracking rhythm to the words. “Sin City” is another of his poems that always goes down well.

The first half was closed by Tom Lennard who had a longer slot than most. And he used this time well to entertain and inform. Tom is an Ironstone Miner from this region who was born in 1869 and brought to the present through the magic of Tony Morris. He told stories of his life and sang songs from the ironstone mining community. Tom provided a fascinating insight into the lives of these people and brought a small part of our history vividly to life.

Trevor opened the second half by “Waking up in Walker” with visions of silos leaking surrealism. This was followed by Sara who performed a poem about the new MIMA complex, which was excellent and critical.

She was followed by Stiletto Pigmento who performed 2 thoughtful poems commenting on art students and then the Iraq conflict. This was up to date enough to mention the 15 sailors taken captive by Iran within the previous fortnight. The Iraq conflict was also one of the main themes pf Mark Allen who followed with a stand up comedy act that as well as being funny was also quite thought provoking. Trevor commented that in the past comedy has not fared too well at the Café. On this showing I do not understand why this was so.

Next up was Dominic  the missing Voicebox. His poem continued the Iraq and anti war theme being about the bombing of Fallujah in Nov 2004

The evening was closed by Tony Morris, who performed poems and folk songs. He had the unusual gimmick of allowing the audience to choose his set by shouting out numbers. He did cheat a little and selected close alternatives that suited the mood or technical aspects. Some of these continued the anti war theme and some carried other themes such as number 25 a song called Sugar and Rum which was about the slave trade. Accompanied on his guitar his performance was excellent and harked back to an older form of folk music than is usually performed. 63 and 37 were also particularly good.

Once again the Writers Café has found something different with which to entertain the audience. Tony Morris and Tom Lennard made excellent special guests exceedingly well supported by the rest of the performers.

Review Writers Café 6th Dec 2006

I don’t know if I was the only person who wondered if, after the last 2 months events featuring special guests there would be a loss of momentum and this months event would be an anticlimax. There was no need to worry and this months event was yet another triumph. A purely musical event organised by Hooper including the sound system. often adjusting Mike stands etc as necessary

Ruby Diamond compered as usual and opened each half with a song from the new rock opera that she is writing based on the music of the Who. Not a reworking of Tommy as the fans of Mr Marshall’s Ambassadors thought. The two songs presented tonight were My Operation “People try to put me down” and Prostitute “I’m a prostitute for another guy” On this evidence I can’t wait to hear the rest of this work. Which I believe includes such songs as I Can’t Explain (Why I am wearing Your Dress Mummy), Pictures of Ruby, Whose Next for the scene where Trevor wanders off with the running order and a confused Ruby is left to organize several agitated performers and of course the old classic Guitar Wizard “Those boys with their woollen hat sure play a mean guitar”.

JB Butterfield was an accomplished and confident performer with a strong visual image and the talent to match. His songs were a different style to the indie/folk of the rest of the bll (his MySpace lists his style as Americana/Blues/Country). He was followed by Paul Hanafin another Writers Café virgin, and another entertaining performer.

Bo continues to grow in confidence and his voice has a clarity and power that matches his guitar playing. His growing confidence performing solo was evident with a short Xmas tease for the audience. Tommy Marshall’s Ambassador’s played a great set of their acoustic indie rock. Relatively new as a duo they play with confidence and have a debut album out already. They did sterling work beforehand promoting the event and Marshalling their fanbase. I do not apologise for that pun.

Hooper organized the evening’s entertainment. They also worked hard beforehand promoting the event. They performed with their usual calm entertaining efficiency.

Although it was really Hooper’s night they generously allowed Izzy Isgate to top the bill. Izzy’s set was as stunning as usual and the power of her voice filled the theatre without diminishing its quality. She performed a new, as yet untitled, song that with a change of pace halfway through showed an interesting development in her songwriting skills. She was prompted to perform the ever popular Something about Morgan by Ruby Diamonds version called Something about Ruby.

All the performers except JB Butterfieldand Paul Hanafin were effectively performing to a home audience having already established themselves as Writers café favourites. If they return JB Butterfield and Paul Hanafin will also join their ranks. A thoroughly entertaining night even if we were robbed of Trev’s set (but not his red wig).

Review Writers Café 3rd January 2007
DEFFO CHECK NAME SPELLINGS IN THIS ONE PLEASE

Maybe the timing was bad but January’s Café was not particularly well attended. This is a huge pity. A pity for the performers, all of whom turned in a top performance despite this. And a pity for the people who missed a great nights entertainment. Maybe they were frightened away by Trevor’s mention of an elephant in his advertising bulletin on My Space.

Compere for the evening was Trevor due to the fact that Ruby Diamond is no longer available as she is getting more bookings. A pity for the café though of course not for Ruby. She will be missed and I for one hope her career goes from strength to strength. First act on was Trevor himself reading some of his poetry. What’s the Crack and Down Our Street are both available to be read on his My Space. But hearing them performed brings the words to life with his evocative images and wordplay.

Second up was JB Butterfield. A singer/guitarist who is more in the American folk style than the English. A style that has elements of blues, bluegrass and country. Though not the over glitzed plastic Nashville country (which I don’t like) but the true down to earth country music of those who really live in the country. His vocals roll along nicely over the foot tapping guitar work.

Next was Gordon McGuiness who was described as a Middlesbrough poet from Scotland. His poems were short and to the point. And very effective. A personal favourite was “poem found under the bed”, 2 lines long yet told a pointed and perhaps common story,

He was followed by another poet Denise Moss. Her poems were full of dark macabre humour and her delivery suitably deadpan. I believe it was her first performance at the Café but I hope not her last. Her first poem in particular grabbed my attention.

Next up was AMP or Accoustica Music Project. A 3 man band formed as an outlet for musical therapy for depression. However the reason for their being is immaterial. The fact that they were excellent and played some lively heart lifting tunes is not. Another first appearance at the Café I believe but hopefully there will be many more.

Ian Horn followed with more poetry that spoke to mind and heart. Poems that were so sensitive he had to request the audience not to clap as the other poems got jealous. I was not the only person who found this hard to do.

The evening was rounded off by a second set from JB Butterfield who opened with a song featuring vocal and harmonica only in a good old blues style. If his first set was outstanding this one was even better including his own compositions such as “Man on a Wire” and some great cover versions. He pointed out that one song “Hush” had not been written by Deep Purple although the version that was their debut single is the best known. Hush was written by Joe South. I love this song from the (pre heavy metal) Purple version and JB did it proud playing it in his own inimitable style.

Tonight’s event was quite different again to recent events featuring as it did new acts some old friends and showcasing JB Butterfield in the way the Café likes to boost new talent. And on tonight’s showing, even without many of the recent stalwarts there is a huge pot of talent brewing. A great night and a terrible pity for all those that missed it. My only disappointment was that I did not get to see that elephant. But then it had escaped and is still no doubt roaming free over the great plateaus of Stockton.

Review Writers Café 7th February 2007

February’s Writers Café was a return to the more poetry based events that they appear to have been in the past. Evidence that the Café changes from month to month growing and developing new talent, plenty of which was on display in this event boding well for the future. The event was held in the Green Dragon studios due to the regular venue being refurbished. The room was white and clinical and lacked the more intimate atmosphere of the Georgian Theatre.

Trevor compered the evening again and as usual opened the event performing with his usual style and energy, especially the modern cut up from Crack magazine that flowed with a fast rhythm appropriate to the source material.

The next performer was someone who had not performed at the Café before. A young poet from Durham University called Rocky. Her writing was fresh and well considered and her work was personal. The performance was also fresh, clear and entertaining. A talent that is clearly a contender for a title. I wonder if her next performance will be billed as Rocky 2. And I hope that we will not have to wait too long for it.

Then Robert from Voicebox took the stage finishing with a poem about an incident in his childhood that resulted in a loss of innocence and unexpectedly being able to buy a lot of sweets.

Guy Hudson had travelled all the way from Lincoln for tonight’s performance. There he organises a similar event in a pub that Trevor and Keith Armstrong have read at. It is good to see this cross fertilisation and support flourish and hopefully another return visit from Guy can be arranged.

He was followed by Keith Armstrong the “Jingling Geordie” who performed without microphones. These were not required as his melodious voice carried to the back of the room with clarity and power. Keith is a confidant performer unafraid of dialogue with his audience. Among the work he read was a love poem dedicated to the Forth Bridge. Undoubtedly a wonderful bridge worthy of the fine words of endearment Keith bestowed on it.

The first half of the evening’s entertainment was closed by Bo a singer songwriter whose talent outshone the brightness of the walls and some poor quality sound.

The second half of the evening was opened by Michael Edwards with a very clever poem called Misspellt Sympathy.

Paul Wild read a poem about American and English differences, “The Fall are a Manchester band not a time of year” was one of my favourite lines all evening.

Then we stepped into the dark world of Denise Moss with a gothic horror tale of ghostly vengeance as her heroine sends the man who raped and murdered her to eternal damnation. A dark tale that was anything but depressing.

Pam Golden was another Writers Café first timer and read a humorous tale about Midas who found that ALL he touched turned to gold and ended up as a nice statue.

Next on stage was Morbid, one of several poets who had impressed me on my very first visit to the Writers Café last year. And again he was on top form with poems of unrequited love and about his “evil ex girlfriend”.

Then a three piece called Voicebox performed. They are Dominic Windram with the aforementioned Robert and *** from the Write Room in Wolviston. Their performance was a political affair. They started by reading a Bob Dylan song “Masters of War” that had been written about Vietnam, but still has resonance unfortunately in today’s world. They also performed a short play about the Gresham rejuvenation scheme in Middlesbrough. With sharp satire and making some clear points this piece was about a particular piece of local politics and yet said a lot about local government in general. By combining global and local politics in one performance they made a point about how all of it relates to all of our lives.

The evening was finished by another set from Bo. The sound quality was much better and Bo captivated the audience with his performance. His folk-blues guitar playing is excellent and his voice has the versatility to carry a soft sensitive line or perform with power without losing any clarity. He performed a mixture of self penned songs and covers with his usual modest style. The Nick Drake cover’s in particular were exceedingly well played and sung. His own songs sit alongside the covers very well and show Bo has a writing talent to match his wonderful performance. After his set the audience did not need Trevor’s clear enthusiasm to demand an encore.

The evening was another great night out and the various performers showed what a wide range of topics and styles the word poetry can cover. All of it was enjoyable and had something to say to us the listeners. Thank You All.

Review Writers Café 7th March 2007

March’s Café was back in the regular venue in the Georgian Theatre. And for this reviewer highlighted the different ways of performing poetry to bring it to life and entertain an audience.

First up as usual was Trevor Teasdel. Among others, he performed a poem he hadn’t read before. One More Battered Woman. This powerful piece was originally written as a song but made a powerful point.. Another new poem held a kick in the tail. As Trevor rotated around his microphone stand like a rock god without a band, he paused. The audience started to applaud but the poem wasn’t over and like aforementioned rock god, Trevor spun round continuing the piece to the surprise of the audience.

Next was the welcome return of Rocky. A delightful performer whose reading is quite expressive. She read three poems that she was considering using in a forthcoming slam contest including Note to Self which she also read last month. Her work is quite personal yet has a lot to say to all of us. The quality of her work was so good it was hard for the audience to agree which two of the three she should perform. I for one am sure she will do very well in the contest.

Then we had a musical slot from J B Butterfield with his brand of country and blues. But this is not the glitzy sequinned country of Nashville but the music of the people who actually worked the fields. And the very roots of rock and roll itself. JB’s performance is uplifting and joyous and he is clearly a performer at home in front of an audience.

After the break Trevor performed again, including a poem entitled Stereophonic London. This poetry god engages the audience and his clever use of words are thought provoking as well as entertaining.

After Trevor had finished he introduced Sarah and Jane who used to be Café regulars but had been absent for a while. He said that as penance he had instructed them to write a poem in the break. This reviewer already knew that they had been the café reviewer before him and in a spirit of solidarity was determined to give them a good review. But what if they were no good? What price professional integrity? No need to worry they performed an excellent well written poem with style despite tongues being in their cheeks. It was about Stockton’s “cultural quarter” bringing in references to some of Trevor’s work.

Like several other performers, the featured musical act of the night was unable to make it and his spot was filled by a second set from JB Butterfield. So the audience was definitely not left cheated. JB performed a Cajun song and revealed that he had lived in the very part of America his songs come from, perhaps revealing the source of the authenticity of his performance.

The evening was closed by Plexus a duo who combine music with poetry. Although similar in concept to The Fugitives, it was very different in essence. But aren’t poems set to music just songs? Not on this evidence. Well some bloke reciting verse over music that’s Rapping? Not necessarily. Although all of these things Plexus are more and the style and performance was innovative and very entertaining. The music behind the poetry danced to a more modern beat than that of The Fugitives and while a constant and entertaining presence served only to enhance the words. Karl Thompson, microphone in hand prowling round the stage like another poetry god, performed these with humour and style. Ralph Stokes kept himself mostly in the background yet his presence towered over the stage. This was a powerful performance of poetry and held the audience spellbound.

It was another night of great entertainment at the café. One or two performers made small mistakes. But this is part of the appeal of the Café as it is a showcase for new talent innovation. And they do not matter as overall every performer is of the highest quality and entertainment value. Although I have dubbed Trevor a poetry god his new nickname was coined by JB Butterfield, who referring to Trevor’s rather thin dancing partner called him Basil Brush. Broom Broom.