The Loud Women organisation has a radio show, an e-zine and a thread of gigs throughout London that showcase female and female-fronted music. This was the first of their shows I had played (and I hope not the last); the variety was absolutely amazing.
The night kicked off with Carolyn Striho from Detroit; she had played keyboards for The Slits in the US and also sung with Patti Smith. Accompanied by her husband on guitar, she gave it all she got and roused the crowd into a proper Saturday night mood. Carolyn herself plays guitar and keyboards and has a big, big voice that filled the Hope and Anchor with positive energy.
Anna, the promoter, who fronts her own metal band, introduced the bands.
When I went on the crowd were incredibly positive and even the woman behind the bar sang along to The Sea. They seemed to really connect with my songs and despite having a crappy cold it felt really good to sing and play to such a greta bunch of people.
Concrete Bones were on next and it was heartwarming to see Maya singing in front of her band. I met Maya when she came to a song writing weekend at The Premises a few years ago and she has a gorgeous voice; now fronting this band, she looks perfectly at ease. Flanked by two women guitarists and with an excellent drummer too, there is no need for a bass player in this band. The last song, Concrete Bones, was really strong and I am looking forward to hearing their forthcoming EP.
Finally, Tokyo Taboo took to the stage; they are loud, extrovert and their singer Dolly Daggerz swished through the crowd and sang a song from a perch on the bar, never missing a note. Again, she has a big, big voice and is backed by a very well-rehearsed band of musicians; this seemed like a band ready to be signed and on the brink of success.
The atmosphere of the whole night was brilliant- the audience was completely up for everything and it reminded me a bit of those 1980s gigs in Scotland where people went for a good night out and made bloody sure they got one. The sound in the Hope and Anchor is crystal clear and the sound guy did a really good job.
And now, relax....
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