Saturday 21st March 09 - Jody McKenna And Friends At Adelphi Club(1/3) by Michelle Dee

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3)

Photography Gallery Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,

Jody has just headlined a fine musical programme watched by a spirited crowd numbering fifty or so. Tonight was to be reggae artist, Finley Quaye's second gig at the Adelphi club but he has cancelled last minute and left Jody somewhat in the lurch. However, his friends and supporters rallied to put together a varied programme, featuring some of the artists that I'm sure will benefit from the newly formed Warren Records label. The pulling together of the show tonight underlines the ethos of friendship and support that The Warren seeks to cultivate. Two other artists grabbed my attention, apart from Jody McKenna tonight; they were Phil Eddlestone and Jody's friend Keith Hagger.

This was the second time I've seen Phil and he impressed me once more with his voice and stage presence. His songs, for the most, are easily accessible and I find myself singing along on more than one occasion. His closing number however, is in stark contrast to the previous; Here for You is something of an Anti-war song. An original composition which forces the listener to face up to the sheer brutality and futility of the many conflicts that blight our world.

Keith Hagger is joined by the inimitable Stewart Baxter on guitar and exuding confidence, proceeds to deliver a set of light-hearted songs filled with just a shade of impudence.

Fearlessly he stands, hands clasped behind his back, much like the school choir boy he once was, singing songs with infectious good cheer.

Keith soon has the Adelphi crowd at his mercy and they sing along and applaud with much enthusiasm. This response plays well with Mata from Channel 4, who has come down with the cameras, once more to film Jody McKenna and friends, at our beloved club. If Phil and Keith are not being eagerly snapped up by promoters of acoustic gigs by the summer, I'll get up on the stage and sing you a song myself.

As for Jody McKenna, since playing in front of 300 or more at Freedom Fest last year in Queens Gardens, rarely a week has gone by without him being booked to play at least two gigs. He has recently returned to London to play at the Troy Bar and has come to the attention of Harry Leckstein of Freeport Records. Harry Leckstein has recently been connected with other Hull acts including The Cliques (just announced first tour, taking in Scotland and The North) and Someone and the Somethings. It would seem that the London label manager is quite taken with the current crop of talent on show in Hull.

Jody has been learning first-hand about the reality of a career in the music industry. The false promises, the various label reps not turning up to gigs when you yourself have travelled hundred of miles to play at some poorly attended backwater pub being just two. He faces these drawbacks with the same easy going, laidback attitude he has employed all his life, keeping everything well in perspective.

By keeping those people most important close to him, his friends and family, he is able to stay grounded and has no illusions of stardom; though the upcoming Secret Millionaire show can only serve to increase his exposure. Of his time in London, Jody speaks most fondly of his experience busking beneath the London Eye. Here he is most at home; entertaining the people, singing his songs to those who take the time to stop awhile and listen.

Continued .... Next Page (2/3)

Photography Gallery Gallery 1,   Gallery 2,

Photographs Copyright © 2009  Michelle Dee

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