Worcester Music Forum

Acoustic Lunch at the Old Rectifying House 08.03.09

Review by Lisa Ventura

Organised by Chris Bennion of Not Just Sauce (www.notjustsauce.co.uk) and Fat Rat Productions (www.myspace.com/fatratproductionsuk ) this was the first of what they hope to be an ongoing run of daytime acoustic gigs and judging by the amount of audience members that were in attendance throughout the afternoon, I think these will be running well into the year and even beyond.

It was the perfect venue to have such an event because you could go into town to do a bit of shopping and then arrive at the Old Rec ready to whet your whistle, have a spot of lunch at this lovely riverside venue and listen to some terrific performances by some fantastic musicians and singer/songwriters.

First up on the bill was Becky Rose, who reminds me of a very young Tori Amos and Bjork.  She took to the keyboard with ease and for a very young girl she has a very strong voice.  Other performances were by Ragime Ewan, who writes his own original material and offers a modern take on the busker.  His lyrics of life, overdoing things and love kept me well entertained and chuckling into my diet coke (well, I was driving that day)!

I particularly enjoyed Andy Robinsons set and unfortunately it was only one half of Grocutt & Hayes, as one of them got stuck in traffic and couldnt make it (I think!) but it was still a great set despite that.  Id already seen them both perform in the past as they have supported Midge Ure on his recent UK tour.

Babajack are one of my favourites on the local music scene and their half hour blues set comprised of tracks from their new album The Maker.  This ambient, chilled out set is always a joy to listen to and Im looking forward to seeing them again in the future.

Finally, Jamie Knight never disappoints and I very much enjoyed his appearance as Jamie Knight and the Acoustic Tree.  Jamie is one of Worcesters more accomplished singer/songwriters and a firm favourite on the music scene. 

These Acoustic Lunches will be a regular event and anyone who would like to take part in this years Worcester Music Festival, but who cant make any of the Open Evenings or meetings, are more than welcome to come along, talk to the organisers and find out how they can be involved.  The next one is on Sunday 29^th March 2009 at 1.30pm and the line up includes John & The Retinal Circus, Marizpan Moon, Black Cat Bone, The Players, Anna Rice and headlining are The Misers.  Please come along and support us!

Lisa Ventura