Shared Two Album Launch

An excellent night of music and joy at the Half Moon Putney last week. Following the success of the Shared album, Miles got together another fine bunch of musicians for Shared ll. Both Shared albums are available from IRL records and all good record stores. Shared ll was launched with a London gig featuring all the artists who appear on the album playing in various combinations – plus Dirty Ray. Ray does not appear on the second album but Miles & Erica have contributed a cover of the classic Immaculate Fools song – Immaculate Fools. Thes guys and gals are all fantastic in their own right and the album should definitely be in your collection.

Ray & Erica Nockalls

Format for the evening was two short sets from each of the musicians, either on their own or in combination. This produced some fantastic moments – especially Dan Donnelly’s guitar on Ray’s Bury Me Standing. Ian Prowse (Pele, Amsterdammed) charmed everyone with emotional bitter sweet songs and emotional bitter sweet and usually hilarious anecdotes. Dan Donnelly’s versatility and hooky songs were a treat and it was a great joy to see Jim-Bob up there with Miles and Erica delivering up poetry, old songs and reciting from his book. Miles & Erica displayed their outstanding musicianship and songwriting abilities – such warmth and skill is a rare thing. And what a treat to hear Erica sing too. Ray did not disappoint not only keeping the faithful happy but judging by the conversation on the smoking patio winning plenty of new fans too. Of course he was filthy as usual. I said he didn’t disappoint.

Ray & Dan Donelly

The finale saw all musicians back on stage for a joyous and heartfelt tribute to the recently departed Poly Styrene -first a great version of the Day the World Turned DayGlo and then Leonard Cohen’s So Long Marianne with everyone taking a verse on both songs. As Miles pointed out the last song was doubly appropriate as unbeknown to him when he picked the song, Marianne was Poly Styrene’ real name. This was a stunning night of great entertainment from a bunch of people who are not only excellent musicians and songwriters but also just drip with warmth for their audience. I swear they enjoyed it as much as we all did. It would be so good to see this ensemble take to the road for a tour. Logisitically maybe difficult but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Leo

The Shared 2 album which also features Boo Hewardine, the Daughters, Damien Dempsey, Smoke Feathers and Brent Lee is available from here Shared 2

Ray with Erica and Ian Prowse giving it up for Poly