CNPhotography

James Blunt Review: Unedited.

2011-02-21T06:34:00.000-08:00

James Blunt played to a sold out Newcastle City Hall on Friday night, on the most recent date of his current World Tour, and left a lasting impression on everyone there. The diverse audience including people of every age, style and creed, brought together for one night.

The set opened with a stage full of musicians, but no James Blunt as the introduction rang around the venue. Shortly after it was joined by the sound of a wave of applause as the man himself entered from the back of the room and moved through the crowd itself. He hit the stage just as the vocals began, and the crowd went wild.

His vocals were record perfect throughout the night and it’s clear he has perfect control over every note he sings. His unique style and tone allow him to convey genuine pathos during his more emotional songs. Then he has the energy needed to pull off his high tempo numbers, with a rhythm which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your feet, if your not up and dancing you'll be tapping your toes.

In some circles it seems to be un-cool to like James Blunt, it could be his portrayed poshness or unusual speaking voice, either way it’s a shame. The man is one of our countries most talented artists and has produced quality songs, which are, loved the world over. Fans were treated to songs from his newest album, as well as his best-known hits from the albums Back to Bedlam and All The Lost Souls. It wont come as a surprise that i would choose Your Beautiful as the song of night, but when a tune unites the crowd in such a way, it is hard to look beyond it.

His music is melodic, thoughtful and beautifully crafted. The raw emotion which he poured into the performance of Goodbye My Lover, resonated in the room with anyone who had ever suffered a broken heart.

His encore was just a continuation of what was a quality night, leaving the hit 1973 until last, meaning every word was harmonised by the crowd. By the end of the song Blunt was riding his piano like a surfboard. Absurd and amazing, the man is the perfect live performer, and the smile across his face was testament to his genuine appreciation as he left the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation.

Update to the max!

2010-10-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Bonjour!

Bowling For Soup at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1657
Kate Nash at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1704

More to come soon peeps!

Be sure to check out my other points of call!

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/craig-nelson-photography/125689764148800
My Website: http://www.wix.com/craignelson/musicinfocus

Long time...no update

2010-10-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys.

Ive been writing for another website so havent been keeping up to date on here. Which i know is very bad. So what im going to do, for as long as im writing for them, ill be updating the blog with links to the articles which im writing and photographs ive taken.

Its been a pretty busy couple of months actually, lots of gigs and lots of photographs and reviews. The website im writing for at the moment is called www.gigape.com.

The Broadcast at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/144
Amy Macdonald at Belladrum Festival - Inverness: http://gigape.com/archives/234
Barenaked Ladies at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/656
Various Artists at Split Festival - Sunderland: http://gigape.com/archives/848
Mayday Parade at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1196
Sound Of Guns at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1226

Various artists coming up soon including; Bowling for Soup/Fenix Tx/Amy Macdonald/ Twenty Twenty/Pendulum.

Stay Tuned! =)

xx

Big D and the kids table + Mouthwash 10/08/2010

2010-08-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Location: O2 Academy Newcastle

Photopass wasnt exactly on the door, but someone came down with it after about 5 minutes! So no problem at all there! so straight into the review! Huzzah!

First of all. Just a heads up. If you really dont like Ska music you might not enjoy this review, as these are 3 of the best Ska bands ive ever heard.

Review:

Mouthwash! (i dont know whats with all the !!'s today? maybe im shouting this whole thing!)

I have to start the song 'No Fear' as its still stuck in my head. Its quite clearly their anthem, and as soon as it starts bouncing through the crowd, everyones hands are above their heads clapping. Though the whole set was as thougtful and a pleasure for your ears.

Instruments were being changed and swapped throughout the whole set, energy and movement throughout every member of the band, and every one of them singing along with the lyrics. A definate listen for someone who enjoys their Ska or awesome music in general, and a bit of healthy competition for the likes of Reel Big Fish.

Next up! The JB Conspiracy!

Another talented group of musicians with a bunch of catchy, dance inducing party tunes. Rythmn which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your legs, if your not swinging your arms and legs uncontrollably, you'll be tapping your foot and i bet you cant stop it.

At one point one of the group jumped up over the pitwall and into the crowd began skanking and playing his instrument in the crowd itself before making his way back up onto the stage.

A quality shock and awe moment, and just shows the joy which the band find in playing to a crowd. Just as good as Mouthwash and another quality opener in what was fast becoming a great show.

Enter *Big D and the kids table*

The music is clear, melodic and beautifully thoughful and well crafted. Every note is there for a reason, and the lyrics scored through the middle to highlight the talent in the player of each instrument.

David McWane is the coolest guy ive ever seen in my life. He held the crowd in the palm of his hand with laugh out loud funny stories and a geniune rapport with the crowd, he positioned himself as the best front man ive ever seen preform live.

Playing up to every member of the crowd and every camera pointed at him, its obvious that he is a natural born preformer. The music channelled through him into the crowd, every member of it, with a smile on their face, mirrored by the massive grin on his face while he preforms.

A talented band, with catchy upbeat tunes, an awesome ending to an awesome show.

http://www.myspace.com/mouthwashlondon
http://www.facebook.com/thejbconspiracy?ref=ts
http://www.myspace.com/bigdandthekidstable

Amy Mcdonald: 07/08/2010

2010-08-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Location: Belladrum Festival 2010 (Inverness)

I was already working the festival anyway, so i thought if im there i may aswell get some shots, Amy was headling the mainstage on the Saturday night so i thought it would be a good opportunity to crack out the long distance lens and take a few. Got into position towards center stage and waited for the set to start. The sheer quality of her voice was evident from the first note of the first song, through the the final of the last song. Theres a reason her songs are so popular, and i now know firsthand why she is reviewed so well for her live music also. Every song was belted out with the confidence of a veteran preformer, and sounded as good if not better than the studio recorded versions of the songs. She played through her barrage of hits including; 'This is the life', 'Mr Rock and roll', and 'Dont tell me that its over'. Her originality showing through, and her stage presence kept every eye in the crowd on her.

Amy Mcdonald photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624558386301/

Not Advised + They Sink Ships : 04/08/2010

2010-08-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Location: 02 Academy Newcastle

Hi lo mon amigos. Straight in no troubles!

Review:

Forever Living Dead. The quality of the band was way beyond what you would suspect for the first warmup band at this sort of gig. I was really impressed with the complexity of the songs they were breaking out, multi-layered, strong lyrics against shredded rock guitar riffs. Comparable to the harder stuff which Funeral for a friend have produced.

Forever Living Dead Set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655556400/

Next up. They Sink Ships. Powerful and thoughtful lyrics against a pop punk drum line hurried along by high speed guitar riffs, firmly positioning themselves in the pop-punk mold, and they pull it off well. So though you may not find anything which sets them apart from the pack. Theyre enjoyable to listen to, and surely thats the point? The song "Tired Eyes" is a quality tune and you can feel a bit of a Say Anything-feel to the song whilst not changing from their upbeat pop-punk style.

They Sink Ships set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655623218/

Main band! Not Advised. I was a little disappointed at first when the band came out, as that was when we realised that the main frontman Jim couldnt sing due to a problem with his voice, so another member had to step up to the plate. It’s a testament to the quality of the tunes that they still sounded as good whilst the main frontman wasn’t singing them. 'The Worlds Not Ready' a song someone like the Lost Prophets would be happy to have in their setlist. A pop-punk anthem that vibrates around the academy as its sung back to the band by the crowd, "i found a way to keep you coming..keep you coming back". The rest of the set just as quality, filled with party anthems and brough alive by the energy within the band. Quality.

Not Advised photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624530968527/

http://www.myspace.com/foreverlivingdead
http://www.myspace.com/theysinkships
http://www.myspace.com/notadvised

Hey guys. Just an update on a few bands

2010-07-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ive kept tabs on all the bands ive photographed just so that i can keep you guys up to date. So ill give you a rundown of any interesting developments for any of the bands, whenever it happens. Starting.....now:

Francesqa: Released their new EP 'We Lived' currently ranked at no6 on the UK Rock Chart on Itunes. Definately worth a download folks. 5 songs £3.95, and quality throughout. 'Ghosts' the single an absolute peach which is currently getting requested a bucket load, with good reason, on channels such as Kerrang!
Buy me here.

Out OF Sight: Released their debut album 'Where Do We Go From Here'. I hope they have started as they mean to go on. As these guys can be as big as their ambition takes them. 10 tunes. Pure gold. Starting with the upbeat and feet moving party tune 'You Know What I Mean'. Leading straight into 'This Is What Livin' Really Feels Like' my favourite song of the album. As ive already noted, amazing live, and recorded to keep the same spirit.

House Party? Get Out OF Sight on. Lose control. Dance. The quality continues throughout, never letting up, get me to the dancefloor!
Buy me here.

Thats it for now.

http://www.myspace.com/outofsight
http://www.myspace.com/Francesqa

Mike Fantastic + Chasing Jayne 12/07/10

2010-07-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Location: O2 Academy Newcastle

Up the steps. Into the Box Office. On the guestlist. Not the Photopass list. Amazing.

Run into the venue looking for someone who might be a bands PR guy or band manager, ask one of the guys at the merch stall, and it turns out to be the bands managers, who goes down and sorts it for me.

Review:

As i spent a bunch of time waiting i actually came up onto the floor halfway through the first act.

Mirror Signal Manouvre. First thing i felt here was a bit of an Arctic Monkeys vibe, strong bass and drum line, and the song 'better than woodpecker' is a catchy melodic tune, but doesnt have the magic or extra something of the tunes the Arctic Monkeys produce again and again. The next song did sound prety good, as it was a cover, of 'Foundations' by Kate Nash, which they sung and played well, changing just enough for it to be worthwhile, and was probably the best of what i heard from them.

Next up. Chasing Jayne. The songs started well and got steadily better and better, more rythmn and originality coming into play, and at one point a Dragonforce-like guitar duet during "Dreams on the horizon" which was as awesome as it was unexpected. Sending a ripple throughout the crowd, and i just had to txt a couple of friends about the rockin' ear candy. As with the previous band, the best song by them on the night was a cover, but instead of a copy they got more inventive, this time 'Pokerface' by Lady Gaga. A rocked and sped up version which complimented both the band and song itself. All in all a tidy set, and im looking forward to shooting these guys again.

Chasing Jayne photoset: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=193978&id=195234445100

Final warm up were Alone tonight. With a frontman with a bit more stage presence than the other previous bands, not that the previous guys werent, he just seemed to engage more with the crowd. This is shown within the photos below. The music was pretty tight and was obviously well rehearsed, and unlike the previous bands their highlight was actually one of their own songs. 'My Best Worst Enemy' a tidy live rock song, with a strong rolling rythmn and beat.

Enter the main band. Mike Fantastic. You may have heard the name before? Where from you ask? Though they are pretty young as a band they have already been on TV. They appeared on ITVs Britains Got Talent 2010. Getting through the first round, but evenually being dropped before the semi finals which were live on ITV, where im sure they would have shone.

The first thing you notice about the band is their dress sense. Bright coloured clothes, hats and geek glasses. Mirrored by the waiting crowd as they had been selling the bright thick rimmed glasses throughout the first 3 acts sets. Next thing is the confidence of front man Owen Sheppard, who kicks out their awesome brand of self styled GUNK (Geek - Funk).

Mike fantastic come at you with downright awesome Keyboard rythmn and a pounding bassline which leads you through the set. Its like 3OH3! only alot less annoying. Crystal clear lyrics even with the distortion on the mic. I will normally choose one of the songs during a set as a highpoint, but the set was so polished and every song perfected to a T, means i cant really choose. I would just advise you to check these boys out, as its like Owl City without the depression, and who doesnt need that in their life?

Mike Fantastic photoset: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624646724746/

http://www.myspace.com/mirrorsignalmanoeuvreuk

http://www.myspace.com/chasingjayneband

http://www.myspace.com/Alonetonightuk

www.myspace.com/mikefantasicmusic

Tiger Please + Francesqa : 24/06/2010

2010-06-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Location: 02 Academy Newcastle

Hello again!

Much smoother this time. Photopass was at the box office so headed straight upstairs.

Review:

The openers were a local band called Laconia, from Chester-le-street. Where i just so happened to go to school, and actually had a close friend who knew one of the band members, meaning that although they were probably realtive unknowns to most of the crowd, i had been listening to their older stuff for a while. The song "Your God is your enemy" being the song which i remembered them for mostly, a quality rock tune reminiscent of the likes of Staind and Trapt. Due to there being a reshuffle of the band however, this wasnt a song which they played in the set, and is no longer listed on their myspace.

They were definately heavier rock than the other bands playing, but the lyrics were still crystal clear, and front man put on a great show, resulting in some of the best pictures of the night being shot during their set. There was a great tempo and beat to the music which lends itself well to a live setting, and went down well with, what was a mostly Emo/Punk crowd.

Laconia photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624399619448/

Next up were Tiger Please. This was the band id been looking forward to most of all during the night, as when id researched the band, and checked up on their songs on their myspace, i became just a little bit addicted to the tune "Winter and the Storyteller".

Their set started with a guitar solo but no frontman on stage. I scan the crowd and see the vocalist stood in the middle of the crowd watching. Awaits the perfect moment. Then runs up onto the stage, as this lyrics start. An awesome entrance and the talent shines through from the start.

Throughout the gig i was trying to think who they reminded me of, theres bits of early Snow Patrol..Kings of Leon and Keane, but what conclusion i came to in the end was, that they sound exactly like Tiger Please. Passionate and meaningful lyrics, in songs that start strong and get stronger throughout. A band i wouldnt be suprised to be playing the mainstage at a major festival in the next few years, if theyre as ambitious as they are talented.

Tiger Please photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624274853749/

Next up. Francesqa.

Pretty much gave up with taking photos for the first couple of songs of the gig, as they were using a super bright strobe light, which my camera didnt love at all. So at least it let me just sit back and enjoy the music. "Ghosts" Great single. Rythemnic upbeat and catchy. Kicked out by a confident and energetic frontman. He bounced and headbanged around the stage, with a string of cameras tying to catch his movement. Every song leading on perfectly from the previous. A very well put together set, and enjoyable, whipping everyone there into a bouncing smile filled frenzy.

Francesqa photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624351443166/

Laconia: Facebook
http://www.myspace.com/tigerplease
http://www.myspace.com/francesqa

Out Of Sight + Every Avenue : 02/06/2010

2010-06-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

Location: 02 Academy Newcastle.

Arrived at the gig, camera bag on back and water bottle in hand.

First things first, water bottle in bin because theyre not allowed in the Academy, but free water on tap from the bar. Awesome. Head to the box office, to pick up my photopass where im greeted and advised that though im on the Guestlist im not down to have a photopass. He asks which company im shooting for, and advise that its freelance at the moment, but tell him i do have the number for the bands tour manager. Give Jack Fairbrother (Out Of Sights manager) a call, and he sends someone down to sort it out.

Ted the drummer comes down too,and asks if i can concentrate on him for a while, to get a few good shots they could maybe send off to their drum sponsor SJC, tell him thats fine and head upstairs.

Review:

Squeel. Silence. Light off. Lights on.

The openers were Me Vs Hero. Their energy helping but not really making up for a lack of real edge. Tunes that were at points catchy and upbeat, but quite generic. The frontman not really lending himself to gig photography, being the most stationary of the band, but still a very good vocalist, the words burning through the strong guitar riffs resulting in zingy tunes which built up the crowd .

Me Vs Hero photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624291022502/

Next up were Out OF Sight. The standout band of the three.

From the first chord, you knew these guys were in a different league, to that of MeVsHero. Rythmnic and catchy punk party tunes that had me on some occasions forgetting to take photos, and allowing myself to be drawn into the vibrations and bouncing they were creating in the room. All members of the band seemed more than at ease dealing with a crowd, and seemed like a bunch of guys who love playing music with their friends and just so happen to be extremely talented while doing it. The song "This is what livin' really feels like" being the highlight for me, a catchy tune i havent been able to get out of my head since. With the sort of feel good lyrics and danceability Blink182 would be happy to recreate in their next album. When they finished their set, the buzz was there for all to feel.

Out Of Sight photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624291155028/

The main act of the night was Every Avenue, a professional sounding/looking outfit, while not as upbeat and catchy with their tunes, brought a fresh sound with some cracking lyrics. The frontman of the band being the easiest of anyone during the night to photograph. Looking a little bit like New Found Glory's Jordan Pundik. His interaction with the crowd produced sparks and came across genuinely during the softer parts of their songs.

Every Avenue photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624179895685/

http://www.myspace.com/mevshero

http://www.myspace.com/outofsight

http://www.myspace.com/everyavenue

Hello there

2010-06-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

First post on the new blog. Hello peeps and peoples.

What will follow is a long and hopefully enjoyable journey through the UK music industry.

Photographs from the pit and reviews from my head, out of my fingers and thrown at your faces.

Enjoy

CrNe.