WORDS JANET HARDING / IMAGES EDIE LEES
So… my first trip to this feel- good Scouse shindig was last year, and my God I cannot wait for tonight’s after last year’s experience. Now in its 11th year, this spectacular is a must for all live music fans; a much and eagerly anticipated event which sees people travel far and wide (not only across the UK but from abroad too) to celebrate these much loved songs, performed by a 13 piece band in as near to a home town setting as it comes (We’re only across the Mersey). It’s a real party feel, filled with Scouse wit and a Merseyside soul.
So, in the midst of Storm Darragh (which did its worst) we headed off to the City of Sound to what is possibly THE best Christmas knees-up there is. Trains were severely disrupted, with many services cancelled and any still running delayed considerably due to the storm. Due to this we sadly missed the opening set of Plum Hall, arriving only just in time for the Blow Monkeys set.
Despite the awful weather outside, upon entering we soon see it’s already pretty full inside, shoulder to shoulder in most areas, and as the Blow Monkeys launch into their set, a huge surge of excitement rushes through the venue. Smooth, sleek and totally on point: a mixture of sounds, a funky disco feel at its core (guitar riffs and bass) but a real jazz coolness is its heart, Saxophone really gives that uplifting vibe, whilst drumming is skippy and fast paced. Vocal is stunning, identical to recordings, velvety and rich tones but with a mellow laid back tone. It’s so well received; the entire crowd is bobbing and dancing along this entire set. With shimmering feels and an abundance of stage presence, the Blow Monkeys still deliver that cool 80s vibe, but crisp and edgy and right in the ‘now’.
An upbeat, feel-good performance just oozing with cool, very immersive, soulful sounds wrapping themselves around us. It’s impossible not to get wrapped up in this, and you just can’t stay still, or not sing along.
And so on to tonight’s finale and extravaganza. Our band take their places on stage in a dimly lit venue and once our host, Ian Prowse, is in situ it’s straight into the set with musical exuberance. It’s the most enthusiastic energy. This powerful beginning sets the precedent and the entire set continues in the same incredible and explosive manner, the feels easily conveyed from performers on stage down into the crowd. It’s infectious; this feel good, party style energy knows no bounds tonight, filtering out into every corner, encompassing all, and is eagerly accepted by a hungry crowd. The O2 Academy, Liverpool, is alive and beating!
Every band member dances around whilst playing, interacting with each other; it’s such a party up on stage, spilling over into a crowd, dancing and singing en masse. It’s hard to express how wonderful it is to be a part of this inclusive and celebratory event, and with the best damn music around! Strong drumming as a foundation with soaring bass lines, acoustic and rhythm guitars adding melody then lead guitar giving definition (the instrumentals are incredible); strings bring a joyous layer and a folk feel whist penny whistle and flute bring in the Gaelic or Celtic effect. With a brass section giving a force and strength and a real festive vibe, piano and keys bring richness and detail, all with a soaring vocal atop. That all familiar, characterful Scouse edged story telling vocal that blends perfectly in harmonies from our female backing vocalists. So much atmosphere is created and it’s a real delight for the senses, each and every band member making it all seem so effortless and clearly loving every second.
Interaction with the crowd between songs is very genuine and the overriding theme is all about celebrating life and having the best time, none more so than the trilby clad, dancing Mikey who really brings an extra layer of feel-good and does not stop dancing up on that stage!
Another stand out for me. There is honestly such a genuine feel throughout tonight’s shindig, it’s so apparent the love this crowd has for Prowsey and it’s so obviously reciprocated. It’s what I take home from this tonight, that every member on stage gives more than 100 percent and it’s because they love it. You get a real sense of camaraderie and true friendship and real passion for the music they make. A true celebration of friendship, life and music in the greatest style of a Scouse (and/Wirral) knees up. Highlight of the year!
FOLLOW IAN PROWSE AND AMSTERDAM
FOLLOW THE BLOW MONKEYS
Music is my lifeblood and writing about this creative force is my passion.Im never happier than at a live gig,festival or listening to music,pen and notebook in hand.
