HUGH McMANNERS/MAUREEN & THE MUMMERS/PIP GREASLEY & SALLY HOSSACK/ CHAMELEON DREAMERS
Musician Pub: 13th September 2023
This was a different and hugely entertaining gig at The Musician Pub. This ws the third of an occasional series of shows organised by Kenny Wilson to recreate the ambience, psychedelia and creativity through music, song and poetry of the late 60's scene in Leicester, around the Chameleon Coffee Bar, Town Arms and Pheonix among others... a scene i would love to have been a part of but wasn't... but it doesn't stop me loving these gigs and being inspired by them...
So, what of the gig... we started with a solo acoustic set by Hugh McManners. As ever a hugely accomplished and enjoyable set, kicking off with what has become my favourite of his songs, "The Indian". I always find the tone of his guitar is wonderful!! Lovely set from a fine performer... could have done with far more!!
After Hugh, Maureen & the Mummers performed. Difficult to know what else I can say about this band... tonight the band was a four piece with Maureen reciting the poetry, Helena harmonising and Jim and Harley playing drum and saxophone respectively. A different performance by Maureen without the theatricality of the Multimorph shows, but just the basic music and poetry... a single extended piece called "The Kings New Clothes" which was totally spellbinding... While Harley and Jim played brightly throughout Maureen delivered the lyric in her inimitable style while Helena added the lovely harmonies As always a fascinating and hugely enjoyable show.
After a short break Pip Greasley stepped up.. i had only seen him do short cameos before but this longer set simply blew me away... multi-layered and electronic music delivered from a range of keyboards and a laptop set out on the table... Pip built up the layers beautifully to create waves of sound to support the poems, including "Howl" (Alan Ginsberg) and some anti-war pieces. This performance had all the creativity and poetic energy that Kenny is recreating brought smack up to date with the electronic/computer generated music. Towards the end of the set Sally Hossack stepped up to add some ethereal flute and vocals... the overall effect was simply beautiful and transported everyone to an otherwordly place of peace and happiness!!...
After Pip, Kenny Wilson took the stage, assisted by Jacqui Sexton on hand drums... Kenny started with a poem then a song accompanying himself on accordian then picked up the guitar to perform his epic "Chameleon Dreams"... an evolving song evoking the creativity of the times... I am sure most people will know Kenny so all i can say this was Kenny doing his thing with his usual style and quality
Loving there shows, and hopefully wewill get the 4th installment in due course
Keep music live.. keep music real.. support your local venue
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