Forthcoming Gigs
World Unlimited: 2009 - from the roots up-20 years of musical adventures and still on a voyage of discovery
World Unlimited 20th Anniversary Patron - Seth Lakeman
March - April 2009:
World Unlimited-Celebrating the worlds finest music since 1989
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March 15th
Nick Harper + support Edward James Mugford
Glee Club 7.30pm
There are guitarists. And there are guitarists. And then there’s the man they call Harpic. Nick Harper.A virtuoso guitarist whose unique style, distinctively soulful voice and passionate delivery combine for a live performance that is at one spontaneous, enthralling and emotionally-charged. Biting satire, charmingly caustic wit and covers of anything from Zappa to Zeppelin, place Harper a league apart from anyone you may have seen or heard before. He’s worked with artists as diverse as Dizzee Rascal, the Levellers, Jimmy Page, Squeeze and, of course, his father, the celebrated folk artist Roy Harper. And played on stages from Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall, to Base Camp, Mt Everest and on the High Andean Inca Trail at Machu Picchu. A folk troubadour. An acoustic balladeer. With a touch of rock’n’roll on the side. As one journalist commented: “Go and see this man live and then you will fully appreciate the intense virtuosity of his guitar-playing, his soulful singing, the intimate brilliance of his song-writing and the bloody funny way he puts it all across.” What more could you ask?+ support Edward James Mugford
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March 23rd
Chris Difford + support Ella Edmondson
Kitchen Garden Cafe 7.30pm
On his own he's never bored ......The double Ivor Novello Award winning Chris Difford takes to the road again for a unique evening, and a new landmark in his solo career - a one man show. Chris will be performing new versions of solo favorites such as Cowboys Are My Weakness and Lamas Fayre, plus a host of songs from his critically acclaimed album "The Last Temptation of Chris" including Fat As A Fiddle, Battersea Boys and On My Own I'm Never Bored - and of course some new takes on some rare Squeeze classics. His one man show will feature talk, song, and Chris's new travelling companion - a projector. Lucky audiences may even see a slide or two from across Chris's life, illustrated by music - and hear some songs from Chris's career, illustrated by slides ..... An evening of audio visual pleasure, enhanced with chat, and maybe some home made cake! Either way the one man show will prove to be exciting new territory for Difford .... an evening not to miss. Early bookings advisable. ‘The best recordings in years from a national treasure.’ Mojo ‘More monochrome detail than a Sillitoe novel.’ Uncut ‘When it comes to vernacular British pop few do it better’. Q Wry, witty, touching, compassionate, emotionally and socially engaging.’ Word www.chrisdifford.com www.myspace.com/cdifford+ support Ella Edmondson
Ella Edmondson is a contemporary singer songwriter based on Dartmoor in Devon. She has been playing her trade around the UK for a few years, whilst honing her performing and song writing skills. Ella has recently finished recording her debut album ‘Hold Your Horses’ produced by Andy Seward (Kate Rusby, Roddy Womble, Eddi Reader). The album to be released in February includes stunning performances from a host of award winning UK folk musicians, who between them have been largely responsible for the enormous popularity of the genre today. Guest Appearances include John McCusker, Kate Rusby, Andy Cutting and Jim Causley.
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March 26th
Diana Jones
Kitchen Garden Cafe 7.30pm
Diana Jones had released two finely crafted albums in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until she released My Remembrance of You in 2006 that she found her own voice. She had discovered a connection, both biological and artistic, to the sounds of old-time Appalachia, unleashing her private muse and creating a critically acclaimed record. The three years since that breakthrough have been a whirlwind. Diana has landed the opening slot on high-profile European tours with Richard Thompson and Mary Gauthier and has been the featured invitee at folk festivals in the US, the UK and Ireland. "It goes without saying, Diana Jones is a consummate singer and writer,who totally charms audiences. What sets her apart - and this is the highest praise in a crowded music profession - is her originality. Her music doesn't sound like anyone else's." Richard Thompson Diana Jones is an important new songwriting voice because she is able to take the facts of other people’s lives—or of her own—and distill them into the fine whiskey of feeling. The facts are still there—they provide the vivid details that allow us to imagine ourselves inside a collapsed mine shaft next to Henry Russell or in the dorm of an American Indian boarding school or in the Appalachian bus depot where a “Soldier Girl," with a green duffel bag over her shoulder, prepares to leave for boot camp. But the focus is always on the characters’ immense longing—of Henry for his wife, of the young Indian student for her father, of the new soldier for the lover left behind—the kind of longing we listeners can recognize. One of her songs, “Henry Russell's Last Words,” has been recorded by Joan Baez, while another, “If I Had a Gun," has been recorded by Gretchen Peters. Diana’s own versions of those songs can be heard on her new album, Better Times Will Come, an ambitious effort that consolidates and extends the leap forward of the preceding record. Diana’s fellow singer-songwriters certainly recognize the quality of her new work. Gauthier, Nanci Griffith and Betty Elders add vocals to the project, and the Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor adds fiddle. The acoustic string-band arrangements, anchored by fiddler Alicia Jo Rabins, bassist Paul Kochanski and multi-instrumentalist Duke Levine, are deceptively simple, for their restraint reveals the haunting originality of the melodies and the understated skill of the performances. “Increasingly compared to the likes of Iris DeMent and Gillian Welch, Jones just might be the best American songwriter most people have never heard of." Chicago Tribune_________________________
March 28th
Dreadzone
Civic Hall Bar, Wolverhampton Doors 6.30pm please note early show
“In the tradition of Lee Perry and Holgar Czukay” The Times “Witty, inspired soundscapes” The Guardian “British dub-tech pioneers“The Age Dreadzone have released a free download of their new single ‘For A Reason’ via www.dreadzonedownloads.com. It’s the first material to be released from the band’s forthcoming studio album, slated for release in 2009. Already a firm live favourite, For A Reason’s vocal-led pop sensibilities, orchestral refrain and overwhelmingly upbeat vibe has led it being favourably compared to their biggest hit, Little Britain. Now in their 16th year Dreadzone have released five artist albums, one of which was cited by John Peel as one of his top ten of all time, toured their inimitable live show the world over and even found time to squeeze in a top 20 hit in the form of ‘Little Britain’. Fusing technology with human rhythms, dub bass collides with dance beats, live guitar and bubbling electronics, all united by energetic MCing and sweet reggae vocals. The future may hold many challenges but Dreadzone once again rise up and confound expectations. With new tunes on the boil, this year will hold quite a few suprises as the band move forward and continue to shatter preconceptions._________________________
April 3rd & May 1st
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April 10th
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April 11th
Kanda Bongo Man with full band + Bongo Go & AfrikaJam DJs, World Unlimited 20th Anniversary Gig
Hare & Hounds 8.30pm - late
Kanda Bongo Man is the Soukous superstar of Africa. His music has always been driven by optimism and happiness, it 's lilting, rippling, dance grooves that seems to smile from every register.. Kanda is the man who gave the world Kwasa Kwasa , the infectiously charged Congolese dance style and he is credited as being one of the pioneers of modern Soukous . Born in Kinshasa, Congo. Kanda grew up listening to Congolese legends such as Le Grand Kalle , Luambo Franco , Vicky Longomba, Dr. Nico , Tabu Ley , Zaiko Langa Langa and a synthesis of traditional melodies and several other Afro-rhythms, which without a doubt developed into Kanda ' s sound. His first professional musical experience came in the 1970 ' s when he was given the opportunity to front the then Zaire ' s Bella Bella of the very famous Soki brothers., Kanda ' s big break came with the album Iyole , which became a number one hit all over Africa in the mid 80 ' s. He performed at the Womad festival in England in 1983 and reached the audience he had hoped to find. In 1989, Kanda released his first American-distributed album, Kwasa Kwasa , which successfully reached a newer audience. Soukous was introduced into the American " World Music scene " via his work with record label Rykodisc and performances at the legendary Reggae on the River in California and an electrifying performance in presence of 30,000 fans at Celebrate Brooklyn in NY. In the Uk Kanda Bongo Man has performanced at Womad festival , Glastonbury , Africa Oye , Later... with Jools Holland, John Peel session and at live8 Africa Calling at the Eden project. He is a living legend in the Soukous world today, the man who has paved the road for Congo music outside Central Africa . Some press says: " if Kanda Bongo doesn ' t make you want to dance, call an ambulance. You ' re dead. " Magic !!!_________________________
April 21st
Ben Taylor + special guest David Saw & support Siskin
Glee Club 7.30pm
The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite)New studio album out April 6, 2009‘Wicked Way’ listed at #2 on the Best Songs (Folk) on iTunes in America for 2008 Kung Folk seeks not to know the answers but rather to understand the questions. Benjamin Taylor’s memorable melodies, immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful, honest lyrics demand your attention with 10 songs that come straight from the heart. With his third full-length album, The Legend of Kung Folk, Part 1 (The Killing Bite), Taylor puts the “kick” back into folk music to reveal the humour, wit and skill of a singer-songwriter who’s comfortable in both his own skin and with his impressive musical legacy. The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben’s life was always centred on music, although he spent several years travelling the world, developing a deep appreciation for the earth and the outdoors. His acclaimed previous releases include his debut album, Famous Among the Barns, and Another Run Around The Sun, which was hailed on Radio 2 as “LP of the Week.” Both were released on Iris Records, owned and run by Ben and his drummer, Larry Ciancia (Fiona Apple, Everlast, Ray LaMontagne). It’s a place where the duo is able to control their artistic decisions and create opportunities for other like-minded artists. Highlights from this era included appearances by Ben on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The CBS Morning Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Howard Stern. He also made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC’s American Dreams as Cal, a struggling singer/songwriter, and has appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. Making music has become as natural as breathing to Ben. Accordingly, this approach has coloured his songwriting on The Legend of Kung Folk - “Once you write it, a good song stands up on its own. You just have to be careful not to dress it in anything that will inhibit its natural potential. This time around I'm trying to focus less on making music and more on helping the music to make itself.” On The Legend of Kung Folk, his songs run the gamut from the sonically spacious acoustic piano/vocal duet with Jamie Cullum, ‘After It’s Over’, to the enormous stack of background vocals on ‘She’s Gone’ and from the tongue-in-cheek, lusty ‘Wicked Way’ to the earnest, uplifting ‘You’re The One For Me’_________________________
April 24th
Ruarri Joseph - we're very sorry but due to Ruarri's stepson going into hospital we need to postpone this date until May 28th, we're really sorry for any inconvenience
Glee Club 7.30pm
Ruarri’s acclaimed debut, album ‘Tales Of Grime and Grit’, was released on Atlantic in late 2006. It was incredibly well received by both the UK media and his musical peers resulting in a string of support slots that kept him busy for the next two years. Gradually ‘Both Sides Of The Coin’ took shape and after a spot of soul searching and a trip to Thailand, in January 2008, Ruarri decided to split from Atlantic and take his destiny into his own hands. March 9th 2009 will see the release of Ruarri Joseph’s second album ‘Both Sides Of The Coin’. As the title suggests, it’s an album of two halves, one full of melancholy and heartache, the other exploring the light-hearted side of his songwriting. Through this juxtaposition Ruarri has created a playful yet thought-provoking album that highlights life’s contrasts. "A man who sets so much store by keeping the song the star" Sunday Mirror+ support Dan Whitehouse
Dan has the sort of voice that could pop the cork of a champagne bottle, brutally honest lyrics that run sinuously close to the bone and melodies that plant themselves under your skin like jumping beans in the sun. His debut release 'The Balloon: The Bubble & The Box' is a series of 3 EPs recorded with an eclectic ensemble that fuses ambient guitar, classical piano and strings with an explosive rhythm section. Described as 'sensational' by Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), Dan has recently supported Lykke Li, Ida Maria, Kaki King, Joseph Arthur, Gary Go, Josh Ritter, and Maria McKee.
+ support Kristy Gallacher
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April 26th
The return of a new monthly series of
The Old Dance School + James Rea + Chris Tye
Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 7.30pm
The Old Dance School
Acclaimed for their uplifting, grooving show, The Old Dance School craft their diverse and explosive set from thrilling arrangements of British and European tunes and self-penned tracks. Dual Fiddles, whistle, guitar, vocals, bass and spectacular cajón based percussion combine to show their folk, jazz, soul and world music influences with a clarity and maturity that has brought this lively group of young musicians a proliferate following. The Old Dance School have just released their debut studio album 'Based on a True Story'.
James Rea
In a musical climate in which every songwriter and their dog is touting themselves as an “urban poet”, the classic art of songwriting is oft forgotten. 22 year-old singer/songwriter James Rea bridges the gap between these two extremes, penning songs that, although of their time, have a true timeless quality. The Birmingham based performer’s Jazzy, New-wave influenced indie-pop has prompted favourable comparisons to archetypal British songsters such as The Kinks, David Bowie, Squeeze and Elvis Costello. 2008 saw him being chosen as a finalist in Radio 2’s New Songwriters Academy and being invited to a master class from top-songwriters and industry figures. James’s ever willingness to perform has seen him playing anywhere there’s a ready ear, from busking on the streets of Birmingham and Berlin to notching up a couple of impromptu live appearances with some big names, specifically 60s legend Donovan and current indie-darlings The Mystery Jets. “With Donovan I went to see him opening an exhibit on psychedelic art,” explains James, “we got chatting, I told him I was a singer-songwriter and next thing I knew I was on stage, guitar in hand, singing my songs to all these 60s art luminaries and former hippies!” This desire to perform demonstrates James’s dedication to getting his music heard, as well as his music’s crossover appeal, from adolescents who can relate to James’s witty takes on modern day life, to older listeners harking back to the glory days, while James’s melodic sense lays waste to the claim that “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”.
Chris Tye
Chris released his debut album in 2006 on Headwrecker/Universal Records. 'Somewhere Down The Line' consists of 9 songs whittled down from 80 and is an understated classic, full of late nights, hazy confessions and stories of longing and belonging that would make Damien Rice proud. He has toured and recorded with Stephen Fretwell, Amy Winehouse, Bic Runga, James Yorkston and Teddy Thompson amongst others, and has a honed an impressive live act after playing his first gigs nearly eight years ago. Chris is currently putting the finishing touches to his second record; 'Matchbox Stand' which is said to boast a very different sound to the first album, featuring string arrangements and some even richer vocal harmonies.Look out for a release date early this summer:www.myspace.com/christyemusic
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