Bromsgrove news, Bromsgrove Sport, Bromsgrove Leisure - From The Bromsgrove Advertiser

Passion is the name of the game for musician, Jamie

From the archive, first published Wednesday 5th Jan 2005.

A MUSICIAN whose trademark brand of bittersweet love songs has won the hearts of many a listener is hoping to win over the nation - and put Worcester firmly back on the musical map.

Talented singer Jamie Knight, from St John's, Worcester, has been singing for nine years and playing guitar since the age of 16.

He draws inspiration for his songs from the ups and downs of everyday life and his first album, Where The Heart Lies - a heart-warming collection of self-penned acoustic pop and folk tunes - was released in 2002.

The album was snapped up by the record-buying public - and he now hopes to repeat the winning formula with his follow-up Bound, due for release later this month.

But first he will be hoping to impress audiences at the city's Huntingdon Hall, when he performs there at 8pm on Friday, October 8.

Concert-goers can expect exclusive first airings of tracks from Bound, as well as tunes from his debut - together with a couple of carefully-chosen cover songs.

The 30-year-old - who had a song featured on a charity compilation CD earlier this year for breast cancer research - will be playing with Paul Smith on double bass, Jon Sharp on drums, pianist Dave Staiger and vocalist Ria Keen - and the Worcester-based Wigornia String Quartet.

"The string quartet are absolutely superb," he said.

"I've never worked with an orchestra before but it's been a pleasure to work with them because it enhances the feeling of the songs and people will feel the passion on the night.

"It's a pleasure to play at Huntingdon Hall because it's a wonderful venue with a great sound and people will really enjoy themselves."

Jamie - who has played at the hall before as well as the city's Marrs Bar - recorded his latest album at FFG Studios in Gloucester.

The songs were written over the past two years and he took inspiration from artists such as Jeff Buckley and Elvis Presley.

"It's just more heartfelt - a lot of feeling has gone into the songs," he said.

"I get a lot of inspiration from singers who use their voices to create a passionate feel to their songs.

"When I create an album that moves people - and I think that's what I've done with Bound - then that's my reason for doing it.

"If you're releasing something because you think it's going to make a lot of money then I think the passion goes."

Asked as to the future, Jamie said he hoped to get his songs played on Radio Two and is already working on songs for his third album.

He also has a tour of Europe and America planned for next year, is keen to play festivals such as Glastonbury, and would most like to work with singer Damien Rice next.

"I certainly feel happy about the way things are going - I haven't felt as positive about music really and I think it's my time to make my stand in the music world," he said.

Tickets for the Huntingdon Hall concert are £8.50 (concessions £7.50) and are available from the box office on 01905 611 427.

n THE Evening News has five copies of Jamie's debut album Where The Heart Lies to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: What is the name of Jamie Knight's bass player?

Answers should be sent, with your name and address, to: Jamie Knight CD, Nightlife, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX, by Friday, October 8.

REVIEW

Tilbrook squeezes out some stunning vocals

ONE wouldn't normally expect to hear songs with eye-opening titles such as Genitalia of a Fool, played alongside covers of random songs jokingly shouted out by audience members.

But then Glenn Tilbrook is no ordinary musician, and Sunday's gig reaffirmed this as he reeled off Genitalia, from his latest solo album, and hammered out Elvis and Glenn Miller covers, much to the audience's amusement.

I first saw the man himself about eight years ago - as a fresh-faced university student. Packed off to study in the far-flung north (well, Middlesbrough), I took solace in the student union bar and its gigs - my first ever concert being his former band Squeeze.

Eight years on and wiser in the ways of music, I was no less impressed by his stunning vocals and stage presence as he graced Worcester's Marrs Bar.

When you're part of a prolific pop-making factory like Squeeze, where do you start though? At the start I guess, and so Glenn kicked off with his former band's first hit, 1978's Take Me I'm Yours.

What ensued was a near-two-hour nostalgic roller-coaster ride through his former band's musical history as he reeled off hit after hit - their impact no less powerful stripped down to acoustic guitar.

Hourglass, Tempted, Another Nail in My Heart - they were all here - among a host of solo numbers, proving his time with Squeeze was no fluke.

The highlight was an emotional encore as he performed Squeeze classic Labelled With Love, accompanied by Worcester's own Jules Benjamin on piano - earlier providing a solid support set.

It was almost poetic as one of the stagelights reflected off his guitar, causing it to shimmer like a star.

Glenn proved he was the real star tonight though - still able to pack the punches.

Motown

IF a foot-tapping night of Tamla motown is your cup of tea, then you should head on down to the Archdales Club in Warndon, Worcester, tomorrow night.

The event is being organised by Paul Wild of E&E Engineering and proceeds will benefit the Noah's Ark Trust - the Worcestershire charity offering bereavement support free of charge to children and young people throughout the county.

The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £5, available by calling Sue or Mary on 01905 745735.

Have a laugh

PEOPLE can expect a barrel of laughs at Worcester's Marrs Bar on Thursday night, as the venue plays host to its monthly comedy night.

Tickets for the night are £7, available from Music City, Kaos or The Marrs Bar.

Pack `em in

ROCK solid rhythm guitar and catchy tunes coupled with an electrified suitcase are set to come to Worcester's Marrs Bar on Sunday evening - in the form of musical duo Two Timers.

The band pulls together the talents of Sarah James - nominated three times for Female Vocalist of the Year by Blues in Britain, and the taciturn ex-Dr Feelgood member Gordon Russell.

They play an electrified suitcase, marching band snare drum, raw harmonica and a host of other percussion instruments.

Tickets for the gig are £5 in advance or £6 on the door.

Archive Home