YOU DOING ANYTHING SPECIAL THURSDAY OR FRIDAY THIS WEEK??

Some folk look forward to the onset of Christmas because it means some special, quality time with family and loved ones. Others are more materialistic and like the idea of giving and receiving presents. I believe there's even some who like the time as it gives them a chance to ingest all sorts of food and drink they don't put anywhere near their system at any other time of the year.

Me? Well, its a little bit of all of the above and more. For in recent years, the onset of Christmas has meant getting along to a memorable Martin Stephenson gig thanks to the efforts of promoter Alan Hendry at Sounds In the Suburbs. And 2010 is going to be offer the same again....

Readers of old will hopefully know already of the great work Alan does in putting on gigs in fantastic and unusual venues, mostly in Glasgow. Sounds In The Suburbs started in 2006 as a sort of hobby for Alan as he looked to bring singers and bands to neighbourhood venues in the West End of the city. By neighbourhood venues, we're talking halls attached to sports clubs, some of which hold quite a bit less than 100 paying punters. Alan has also branched out a bit in recent years, promoting gigs by the likes of Penetration and Vic Godard in city centre venues and in Edinburgh, but the bread and butter remains the neighbourhood gigs in Glasgow.

My first experience of a Sounds In The Suburbs event was in February 2007 when Martin Stephenson played for nearly 3 hours at a pavilion of the Woodend Tennis & Bowling Club. we were treated us to all sorts of songs from his solo career, the era with The Daintees and cover versions. All night long he encouraged members of the audience to come on stage and be part of the show - a number of whom did just that. It was a genuinely unforgettable night....the added bonus afterwards at such an intimate venue was getting the chance to talk to Martin afterwards.
There have been a number of other great gigs since then, including the last two Christmases. The 2008 gig was particularly exciting as it saw the Daintees back Martin in an acoustic performance of the entire Boat To Bolivia LP, one of my all-time favourite records. I'd have been happy enough for the band to call it a day after those 12 songs but again we got an extended show of just over 2 hours of audience requests being granted - even the most obscure of b-sides that was rarely played live when the band were at their peak were given an airing.

Lasy year, Alan promoted two Christmas gigs with the Daintees - the first being at the Woodend and the second being at a larger venue of a local rugby club. Thanks to a clash with a works night out, I was only able to make the first of these gigs. As usual it didn't disappoint. But those who went along on both nights told me I missed something really special the second night as all sorts of guests joined in from within the audience, including a turn from comedian and all-round talent Bruce Morton.

This time round Alan is trying something a wee bit different. On Thursday 16th, he's promoting a solo Martin Stephenson gig at the Woodend, while on Friday 17th there's a Martin Stephenson & The Daintees gig at the Accies Rugby Club. The former will see a lot of the solo stuff played, a handful of covers versions and all sorts of Bragg-esque monologues in between. The latter will be all about songs by one of the best and most underrated bands of the 80s. Oh and I understand Bruce Morton will again be on hand to deliver some stand-up comedy....but I'm not sure if his material is as hilarious as Martin's impromptu tales of excess in the rock'n'roll world....

Tickets can be had in advance from the usual outlets, but you can save yourself a booking fee by contacting the promoter direct - soundsinthesuburbs@hotmail.co.uk

Its £12 for the solo gig and £15 for the band gig. Oh there's the bonus of really cheap prices at the bars....really cheap club prices way less than you'd ever pay at a gig anywhere else in the city.

If you've never yet seen Martin Stephenson play live, then this is an ideal opportunity to do something about it. I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

mp3 : Martin Stephenson - Mountainous Spring
mp3 : Martin Stephenson & The Daintees - Running Water





Happy Listening