Ray's Gigs

Daily news and reviews of gigs bars clubs restaurants product launches films theatre fashion shows books art galleries hotels competitions interesting places to visit ...and much more!

Tuesday 09 May 2023.

Tuesday 09 May 2023. I went to two events related to London Craft Week - 09 May to 14 May. Every evening a few venues are showcasing. 6.15pm to 7.15pm. Multi-artist - private view - 4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London SW7. A huge crowd of over 500 folks on the guest list in this huge gallery space that is over many levels. A few live demonstrations including clay sculpting and weaving were taking place. Complimentary English sparkling wines, prosecco and wines for all the guests. then 7.45pm to 9.30pm. Multi-artist - private view - 49 Belgrave Square, Belgravia, London SW1. This stunning building was acquired by Argentina in 1936, and has since been used as that country's Ambassador's official London residence. It has been opened to the public on one weekend a year since 2006, as part of Open House London, which notes the "sumptuous interiors still intact". During the Second World War, the house became a meeting place and haven for Argentines. Over 200 folks on the guest list, with a mix of Argentines and others. The Argentine Ambassador is here, and is friendly and chatty to all. There was a violin player performing in one of the rooms. Complimentary Argentinian wines, Argentinian canapes....and trays of bananas. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Saturday 06 May 2023. GLEN MATLOCK BAND live at The 100 Club. Sex Pistols legend is playing a special show to launch his new album. GLEN MATLOCK new album 'Consequences Coming' is released today. Head On A Stick ( this track released as a single on 27 Jan 2023). Magic Carpet Ride (this track released as a single on 03 March 2023). This Ship ( this track released as a single on 31 March 2023). 'Consequences Coming' Full Album Track Listing : Head On A Stick Consequences Coming Magic Carpet Ride Speaking In Tongues Shine Off Your Shoes Constant Craving (KD Lang cover) Step In The Right Direction Something ‘Bout The Weekend This Empty Heart Face In A Crowd Tried To Tell You Can’t Be Myself With You This Ship A couple of other Glen shows coming up after this one.... Mon 15 May - GLEN MATLOCK - solo acoustic show and album signing - Rough Trade East. Thurs 18 May - GLEN MATLOCK BAND play Sub 89, Reading. -------- Nice to see several people here that i know including Rusty Egan, Richard England (Cadiz Music), Anne Pigalle and legendary photographers Danny Clifford and Richard Young. Support act BLACK KAT BOPPERS arrived onstage at 8pm for their good 40 mins set. The four piece group play old school Rock n Roll ,with a Guitar, Double Bass & Stand Up Drums. Black Kat Boppers hail from down on the South Coast Water Way in Southampton and are 4 fellas who love to play hard boppin’, jump up, rockin’ blues, dance music. GLEN MATLOCK BAND arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 75 mins set. Glen Matlock is back in the UK, after playing shows with Blondie across the pond. This is a special show to launch Glens new album , so several new album tracks were played, and fan faves like 'Rattle Your Cage', 'Born Running' and 'Pretty Vacant' were dropped from the setlist. The third song played was a treat for King Charles Coronation today as Glen played 'God Save The King'. Introducing the reworked song, Matlock said it was for “one night only” before singing the opening line, “We’re gonna save the King/ It ain’t just old thing”. Glens band sounded great as usual. We get a pukka version of The Rich Kids 'Burning Sounds' which is dedicated to Rusty Egan. The main set finished well with a great version of the lead track from his new album 'Head on a Stick'. Encores were both cover versions , Bob Dylans 'Rainy Day Woman' and The Small Faces ' All or Nothing' A great show. -------------------------- -------------------------- Friday 05 May 2023. ROY AYERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Roy Ayers (age 82) is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer, vibraphone player, and music producer. Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk. He is a key figure in the acid jazz movement, and has been dubbed "The Godfather of Neo Soul". He is best known for his compositions "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", "Searchin", and "Running Away". I have seen him live over a dozen times before...this is billed as his Farewell Tour. Saw Roy Ayers headline Hammersmith Odeon a few times in the 1980s , and a few times at The Jazz Cafe , Camden in the 1990s. ------ The show is not sold out, but pretty full with all the levels open. A great mix of middle aged black and white folks showing up to pay respect to this music legend. DJ 279 played a great set of dance / soul tunes that got the crowd in the mood, with the likes of that proper classic 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now'. ROY AYERS & his band arrive on stage at 9pm for their 70 mins set. Most seem a bit shocked at how frail Roy Ayers looks these days , as he is helped on to the stage, as he uses a walking stick, and sits on his stoll throughout the show behind his instrument. It felt very like how Brian Wilson is on stage these days. His singer does most of the singing and talking throughout the show. The band featured lots of nice sax and keyboard playing. Highlights included his big tracks ' Everybody Loves The Sunshine' and 'Running Away'. Good to see this music legend again. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Wednesday 03 May 2023...7.30pm to 11pm... SPEY BAR - launch party - Browns , 82-84 St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2. Discover Covent Garden’s hidden gem – Spey Bar at Browns. Head upstairs to experience an authentic Highland welcome, where you can browse the extensive whisky selection, sample real Scottish ales, signature cocktails, or dine from the Scottish bar menu. Inspired by the Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie Hotel, Spey Bar Covent Garden delivers Highland hospitality in the heart of London’s West End. While we’re far removed from Scotland’s fastest flowing river, you’ll feel like you’re just moments away from the Spey – perfect if you need a dose of Scottish relaxation while in England’s capital city. -------- This used to be a pretty bland function room above the main area for this brasserie & bar. It is now a full refurbished lovely looking cocktail bar, with lots of cosy seating. Around 150 guests here tonight. We had a bagpiper play before the welcome speech. It is in the heart of theatreland , so handy to pop in before or after a show nearby. They stock over 100 different whiskies. From 9pm a DJ played soul & disco classics. Lots of complimentary drinks and food as there was a choice of a dozen cocktails, wines , beers plus Scottish themed canapes. Very enjoyable.