What's On

Friday 16 May
SCHUBERT VORTEX
Emerging from the Southville Arts Trail experimental music scene, Space Rock duo Schubert Vortex combine driving rhythms, hypnotic guitar riffs, and swirling electronics to create a 21st century mix of krautrock and psychedelic electronica. http://www.myspace.com/schubertvortex

Saturday 17 May
EDDIE AND THE HOTRODS + The Soulvents + DJ Bruce R
Eddie and the Hot Rods began life in 1976, when four teenagers from Southend on Sea got together and playing their own style of fast energetic rock and roll / r'n'b, were soon a big hit on the London pubrock scene. Catching the eyes and ears of the music press and the major record companies, they were soon signed up by the legendary Island Records and went on to have three hit albums and four top forty UK singles including the Top Ten hit 'Do Anything You Wanna Do'. There have been numerous TV appearances worldwide and they have filled almost every major venue in the UK. A success in the USA too, they have toured alongside The Ramones, Tom Petty, The Police, Squeeze and Talking Heads. After over a decade of touring, and with various members of the band involved in other projects (Paul Gray - UFO/The Damned: Barrie Masters - The Inmates: Graeme Douglas - The Kursaal Flyers: Steve Nichol - One the Juggler...), the Hot Rods slowly ground a halt and for a few years there were only occasional reformations involving several line-ups. However, throughout the changes, one man remained a constant - the 'very RocknRoll' Barrie Masters and in 2000 the band were asked to take part in a 76 date tour of the UK alongside Dr. Feelgood, John Otway and The Hamsters. Barrie reconditioned his Hot Rods and the tour was a great success. The band have been back in demand ever since. In 2003, they recorded an album of brand new songs, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, which was snapped up in France by Bad Reputation Records and then by Voiceprint Records in the UK. 2004 was spent touring the UK and France promoting the album and 2005 started off with the band back in the studio, writing songs for the next album. They continued to tour through into 2006, including the UK, France, Italy, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland and Germany, as well as a successful return to the USA. 2006 also saw the release of the bands first full concert DVD, Live - 2005, recorded at London's Mean Fiddler. 2007 will see Eddie and the Hot Rods all over Europe and hopefully this time, Japan, as well as a return to the USA. www.eddieandthehotrods.com myspace/eddieandthehotrods.com TICKETS £7 ADV from Bristol Ticket Shop

Tuesday 20 May
BLUES COGNESCENTI with DJ Tony Biggs
Since recorded seven albums and several singles with several bands playing along the way with Fats Domino, Wanda Jackson, Charlie Feathers to name a few Tony is also an author of Cowboys, Honkytonks & Hepcats' should be out in early 2008. Not mant people know this-but he has also recorded with Van Morrison! HIS WEEKLY COGNOSCENTI nights are rooted in raw blues and a chance to delve cracking blues collection that includes blues from the 1930`s to now with plenty of Big Bill Bronzy, Robert Johnson and Howlin` Wolf amongst many others.

Saturday 24 May
THE LEGENDARY DJ DEREK
DJ DEREK returns after his sold out debut gig at the Thunderbolt! Legendary Bristol DJ whose blend of reggae, dub and ska has made him an icon for many in the industry, including a host of Jamaican producers and Massive Attack. Derek isn't your average turntablist - a former accountant in his late 50s (at least!) with a major cardigan habit, Derek kindled his love for music as a washboard player in the 1950s; nevertheless he continues to blow away audiences with his unique selections. £5 on the door-GET THERE EARLY

Thursday 29 May
DR FEELGOOD + Chris Scott + DJ Tony Biggs
The Feelgood's were formed by teenage R&B Lee Brilleaux and guitarist Wilko Johnson after see the former; joined by John B. Sparks (bass) and drummer the quasi-legendary Big Figure. They took their name from a Johnny Kidd & The Pirates B-side after having the early name Pigboy Charlie Band,. They started out on what was to become the London pub-rock circuit, playing covers of Blues and R and B favourites. Although their first two LP's, DOWN BY THE JETTY and MALPRACTICE (both 1975) sold respectably, it was their third album, the live STUPIDITY (1976), which broke the band. It was recorded at Southend's famous Kursaal which is on the day-trippers favourite Golden Mile A UK #1 album, it perfectly captured the sweaty anarchy of their shows and the stripped-down R&B which would inspire the soon to emerge punk bands. The band's 'non-fashion' statement — all short hair, sober jackets and no flares — made an impression, as did Wilko's combined rhythm and lead guitar style, borrowed unashamedly from Johnny Kidd's guitarist Mick Green. A powerful live attraction for over two decades. Dr. Feelgood was one of a handful of bands to thrive in both the British blues boom and the age of punk. Deservedly so. Even today and without their late-lamented singer Lee Brilleaux, they can still kick up a storm. www.drfeelgood.com TICKETS £10 ADV

Saturday 31 May
THE PLAN
Indie Rock

Thursday 05 June
JOHN OTWAY & WILD WILLY BARRETT
John Otway John first achieved notoriety with his eye-watering performance on Old Grey Whistle Test and subsequent hit single 'Really Free' in 1977. A heady mix of blind ambition and rank incompetence was to keep this microstar shining for almost two decades despite Otway's ability to turn any situation to his own disadvantage. His autobiography 'Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure' out sold, by a factor of ten, all the records he had released since his hit, and now Otway is struggling to live up to this billing - selling out London Astoria for his 2000th gig in 1993, filling the Royal Albert Hall in 1998, and charting at number 9 with his 2002 single 'Bunsen Burner'. For John 'Two Hits' Otway, 'the future's bright; the future's Otway! Wild Willy Barrett is an English folk singer best known for his collaborations with John Otway. His musical style is witty and his humour onstage is dry. He is known for virtuoso fiddle playing, and can play various other stringed instruments. www.johnotway.com www.sleepingdogz.co.uk Tickets £10 from Bristol Ticket Shop 0117 929 9008

Friday 06 June
ACOUSTICA=PAUL HANDYSIDE ex HURRAH!
Singer songwriter Paul Handyside was founder member of eighties indie group HURRAH! who had several releases on Arista and Kitchenware records. Paul then went on to tour and record with fellow Kitchenware label-mate Martin Stephenson. In 2001 he formed Bronze and released two albums `The statue in the stone`and `A common prayer`. Now solo, Paul's songwriting is a mixture of americana, pop, gospel, folk and 19th century hymns. Paul has covered `Bachelor kisses` for the tribute album `Love goes on`, to celebrate the songwriting talent of Grant McLennan from the Go Betweens. Out 22 October 2007 on Rare Victory Records. Debut solo album `Future's dream` out now on Malady Music via Shellshock Distribution. Downloads are available now from iTunes http://www.myspace.com/paulhandyside FREE ENTRANCE

Friday 13 June
Acoustica=TOM MOUNSEY
With such influences as Robert Johnson, Son House and Muddy Waters, Tom takes his southern state style bottleneck blues playing and makes it his own, creating quite an impact on the local music scene. `Tom takes to the stage with a mic-ed up foot and a steel National guitar, his wild bottleneck guitar playing quickly turns heads. Like a young Lightnin Hopkins mixed with a dash of Stevie Ray Vaughn.` Alex Kendall. Cornish Guardian. www.myspace.com/bluesonthebrain myspace `His Gritty riffs are never overcomplicated, and combined with his determination not to stray from a single message, he creates a powerful image for the listener.` Editor. Newquay Voice `Cornish trad blues upstart, Tom Mounsey kicks out four steamy dirty jams on the 'Blues On The Brain' E.P taking the beat-up porch-front acoustics to their southern roots and beyond.` Backbone. 24/7 Magazine. As his music grows, so will his ever growing recognision. Keep an eye out.. There's a new bluesboy in town...

Saturday 14 June
MOONSHOT
With heady mix of authentic Studio One and original ska, Moonshot have been sending dancefloors into a sweat for the last 15 years. Expect a cookin' rhythm section, sweet harmonies and a brass section drawn from the cream of Bristol's jazz players. YOU WILL DANCE!!! £5 on the door.

Thursday 19 June
THE SHE CREATURES
1960s garage-rock riffs & psychedelia from Earth with their own cosmic vibes and kitted out in the sexiest of space girl outfits, The She Creatures have set off on an intergalactic tour to bring their way-out sounds to you! This is a warm up for GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL. http://www.myspace.com/theshecreatures £3 ADV from Bristol Ticket Shop £5 on Door

Friday 20 June
Acoustica=STEVE BUSH & FRAN FEY
Acoustica presents;Steve Bush and Fran Fey will be singing and playing favourites including 'Fucked Up Woman, Fucked Up Man', 'Chapel on the Hill' and 'What Lovers Say', many of which feature on their forthcoming 'Row of Ashes' album. Neither Steve or Fran will be wearing socks with sandals for this particular gig.

Saturday 21 June
DAPPA DON AND THE PLAYAZ= REGGAE
DAPPA DON AND THE PLAYAZ are a Bristol five piece band dedicated to providing an electric evening of Reggae, guaranteed to get you jumping to the beat of Ska, Rock Steady and Roots. Formed in 2007, The band are fronted by one of the most chrismatic singers in the area Dappa Don, backed by a superb line up of experienced musicians, whose passion is to bring you the authentic sound of the Caribbean. Powerful vocals combined with rock solid drum 'n' bass, horn section and wicked guitar, create the music to get your body moving and your spirit grooving. http://www.myspace.com/dappadonandtheplayaz £5 ON THE DOOR

Saturday 05 July
KATY TUCKER & THE SEXY CLOWNS
Ex She Creatures front-lady doffs the blue wig and plays her solo acoustic set. Featuring the Sexy Clowns - her never-the-same-twice backing band, tonight expect to hear Annette Berlin (Big Joan, Male, She Creatures) on glockenspiel; finger drums and joining Alex Kalinowska for backing vocals, and Dan Moore (Phantom Limb, too many other outfits to mention!) on organ. Katy plays original bitter-sweet tunes that will soothe you in to dreams, spiked with the occasional nightmare

Friday 11 July
Acoustica= KATEY BROOKS
Acoustica presents; Deeply resonant, like a fine malt whiskey; a voice and presence that evokes stillness in every corner of the room. Often compared to the likes of Tracy Chapman; Katey Brooks has become noted for delivering music that makes an audience feel that she is ...singing about us, as much as for us. Carl Dolan, Venue Magazine. myspace.com/kateybrooks

Thursday 24 July
From Nashville USA=ELIZABETH COOK + Tim Carroll
To say that Elizabeth Cook’s background is like something out of a country song would be wildly underestimating the entire genre. The youngest of 11 half-brothers and sisters, she grew up in rural Florida where her musician parents met while playing in local country bars. Her father learned to play upright bass in a Georgia prison band while serving 11 years for running moonshine. Her mother, a singer and mandolin player from the hills of West Virginia, wrote her daughter’s first songs, including “Does My Daddy Love The Bottle More Than He Loves Me,” and had Elizabeth singing on stage at 4 years old. Elizabeth’s 4th album, Balls is a bold declaration of an uncompromising artist unafraid to be exactly who she is. . Produced by Rodney Crowell, 9 of the album’s 11 tracks are written or co-written by Elizabeth – including the brash anthem “Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman” – and the album stands defiant in its devotion to smiles, tears and sexy, sassy swagger. It’s a fiercely independent ride where shuffles, ballads and even the occasional juice harp can soar alongside an exquisite cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Sunday Morning.” Balls is, quite simply, Elizabeth Cook’s unabashed breakthrough. In contemporary country music, it’s a rare performer who will dare to take on the industry on her own hogs-and-kisses terms. But for the artist whom Nanci Griffith has called “this generation’s Loretta Lynn,” it takes a certain tenacity to meld smart attitude with classic tradition, the credibility of a life lived with genuine hillbilly passion, and the integrity to write an acclaimed cache of uncommonly cool songs. In other words, for Elizabeth Cook, it takes Balls, and having Balls is just the beginning. http://www.myspace.com/elizabethcook TICKETS £10adv from Bristol Ticket Shop

Saturday 26 July
From Nashville USA=JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE + Dave Suth
Justin Townes Earle is 25 years old and his age belies his experience. Growing up in Nashville he mis-spent his youth playing in bluegrass/ragtime combo The Swindlers and the louder, more rocking The Distributors and developing some very bad habits. During tours as guitarist and keyboardist (…and not a very good one, laughs Earle) in his father Steve Earle's band, his problems became untenable and he was fired. Ultimately he cleaned up his act, dropped his self-destructive habits and began to focus on songcraft. `You don’t have to be fucked up or torture yourself to write songs,` explains Earle, “I used to write a lot, a whole lot, and half those songs I don’t even remember. Now, I sit there and I write it and I finish it and I keep it.” With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zandt’s stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride,” saying, `Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.` Likewise, his father’s incredibly acclaimed, prolific career casts a huge shadow, but Justin Townes Earle's makes a name for himself by focusing his writing on the personal rather than the political, narrative tales instead of protest. The Good Life melds the qualities of a short story with the lyrical acuity of excellent songs, celebrating grand southern traditions and blowing a fresh breeze across the musical gardens and dive bars of Nashville. `The Good Life's 10 songs are direct, fat-free and resolutely timeless...the subject matter is eternal: good love, bad love and the way either can lead a man to hit the road.` Performing Songwriter `Like the late Van Zandt, Earle uses a base of acoustic blues and prewar folk to build his own brand of American roots music.` Nashville Scene `I have a feeling that in a few years we'll need backstage passes at the Ryman auditorium to get anywhere near him. He's just THAT good.` Chattanooga Free Press Learn more about Justin Townes Earle at www.myspace.com/justinearle. Tickets £7adv from Bristol Ticket Shop

Thursday 07 August
From Nashville USA=JASON RINGENBURG
legendary Nashville singer-songwriter and alt-country, cow-punk pioneer Jason Ringenberg

Saturday 06 September
KPASSA
K-Passa play the Thunderbolt for the first time.Their mind-blowing melting pot of Cajun, Roots, Folk and Cow-Punk-Rock will hit Totterdown where their have them stomping in the aisles. Over the years they have played well over 1000 gigs and have been Glastonbury Festival mudslingers many times.

Thursday 18 September
MARTIN STEPHENSON
After his brilliant sold out show in 2007, by popular demand we welcome back Martin!. Boat to Bolivia, Martin’s debut album on the mighty Kitchenware Records with the Daintees, provided a springboard to success in the late 80’s. Their mix of sophisticated pop, rootsy influences and virtuoso guitar playing brought comparisons with Aztec Camera and mega label mates Prefab Sprout. Martin brings his guitar to Bristol, playing great songs tinged with sadness and joy. This is a night not to be missed. myspace.com/martinstephenson £5.00 in advance, £7.00 on the door Bristol Ticket Shop

Friday 26 September
ACOUSTICA=MCDOWELL
McDowell is back playing solo and peddling his spooked folk rock following a calamitous year fronting ill-fated garage combo 'Speed Queen'. Playing a new set of picked acoustic folk along with selections from first album 'Rooks Wedding' . McDowell is a hugely experienced performer with a sizable back catologue of underground releases under his belt. Following a lenghy break due to studying and band projects 2008 willprove a busy time for McDowell. A new album is being recorded with the help of family members and friends and will retain the same sparse and spooky feel of its predecessor. The influences remain, a bedrock of classic sixties folk rock mixed with the more diverse elements I leave myself open to. http://www.myspace.com/mcdowelluk

Friday 24 October
Acoustica=LORRAINE AYENSU
Acoustica presents; This crisp set of bitter-sweet songs marks a deserved step up in confidence by singer-songwriter Lorraine Ayensu on the back of her increasing national profile. The dozen tracks speak very personally (and poetically) of love won and lost and of moving on, the reflective and grounded lyrics making them less a torch than a lighthouse steering others through troubled seas. There's a light touch to the production that lets you hear how sweet and musical her voice is, while the arrangements make the most of her regular band's versatility. Mike Cosgrave's deftly folky accordion on the title track somehow manages to characterise the song, while the alto sax Norma Daykin adds a subtle emotional undercurrent to 'You're Gone'. But above all it's Lorraine's album and by the last track you feel you know her well and you're glad to make her acquaintance Tony Benjamin, Venue Magazine August 2007

Saturday 22 November
JAH WOBBLE TBC
Britain’s finest bassist who, since leaving Public Image Limited (PIL), has become an icon, performing with the likes of African Headcharge, Ginger Baker, Björk, The Edge, Brian Eno, Massive Attack, The Orb, Pharoah Sanders and The Shamen. Jah Wobble produces a heady brew of dub, English Folk, trance as well as Chinese and African sounds.