From the Esquires Web Site (www.bedfordesquires.co.uk):
"As is customary in May, the committee of the Sid Worth Memorial Trust Fund (SWMTF) stage the first of their two annual gigs held in memory of the late musician. As stated before, these evenings, by way of admittance, collections and donations, raise money to help any aspiring local musician or band.
Tonight Esquires is split into two with three bands for me to review on level two and three more downstairs in the bar. They were Valentone, The Nimblewits and Pistonz.
An interesting choice opens the proceedings. Michael Green is his name and it is a level 2 debut. He is joined by a backing band of young local musicians. Michael has a very relaxed fluid style. Mixed and varied, he seems to combine influences ranging from funk, jazz and soul allied to his pop songs. There is, I would say, even a hint of gospel in his repertoire. This combines well with his stage presence. His lithe and fragile frame moves and grooves throughout. Although his band is conventional, i.e. guitar and drums, his music could loosely be described as dance-oriented. Confidently he begins with "Tonight", while the Latino strains of "Senorita" sees Michael dreamily singing "I'd love to meet you". "Part Time Lover" is not a Stevie cover, but "Tell Me" turns out to be my favourite. It has a slightly hypnotic feel to it. "Angel, Angel" slows everything down on this soulful rendition. The newly penned "I can be your goodnight lover" is a firm statement of intent. The laid back grooves come to a close on "Taste Like Sugar". It has been a sweet thirty minutes in the company of The Michael Green Band.
For those people in Bedfordshire not aware of the awesome Cherry Lee Mewis, I have a simple question. Where have you been hiding for the past eighteen months? Beloved by so many of the musos in town, she collaborated on The Quireboys last album and has recruited many seasoned pros. Due respect this evening to her 'blues powerhouse band' including Max Milligan, Nick Slater, Tony Morton, and featuring Robbie from the Rockin' Blues Pimps. There are, I can tell you, quite a few more on the subs bench for other gigs. With this pedigree, the jazzy blues vixen is a must see. Welsh born Cherry has big sad eyes and such an innocent smile. Her throaty vocals belie her tender years. It's sophisticated and perhaps needs a dark smoky venue to do it full justice. She's certainly no shrinking violet, ultra-sassy in everything she does. "Midnight in Bedford" is a bluesy journey down Mill Street! A big stage such as this should be converted into a Parisian cafe just to give a bit more authenticity to Cherry's bohemian ambience. However, "Let's go Back in Time" as she vents her displeasure with an ex-boyfriend. Maybe it's time to sip a "Little Cherry Wine". She sings passionately "You are going to have to choose between me and your cherry wine". Oh it really is a "Shame, Shame, Shame", but with everybody in the crowd enjoying their Mercedes Benz moment, the band leave us to "Take Another Piece of my Heart Now".
Thanks to the generosity of the SWMTF, headliners Tinker Jack were able to record their debut EP which they launched here late last year. Although they played here recently, I'm sure they had to return the favour. Tinker Jack were once again a credit to themselves and SWMTF. They come off the back of a successful gig at The Stables, MK and it appears they are still on a high. "25" is beautifully reproduced. With vocal dexterity adding so much to their country-folk tinged beauty, it makes for quite a set. This is a band who make fragile a muscular strength. Displaying atmospheric splendour, perhaps the house lights at Esquires should be replaced by candlelight effect when the Tinkers are in town! Their melodies cut deep and when called upon, the mighty "Arkansas" has the extreme power to tamper with this reviewers already flighty heartbeat."
Click here to view photos from gig, taken by our good friend Keith.