Stefan Melbourne at Castle Hotel, 23th September 2013

02 February 2014 by · Write a comment · Categories: manchestertaper · Tags: , ,

 

Stefan Melbourne - Castle Hotel

still from manchestertaper’s video recording

With a UK tour pending and new EP awaiting release, it seems that now would be an appropriate time to dig Stefan Melbourne’s first ever headline gig out of our 2013 backlog…

We’d long anticipated this set after catching Manchester-based Stefan supporting Jesca Hoop at the Cornerhouse a couple of years earlier. Accompanied only by his own guitar and the crystalline vocals of Chloe Leavers, Stefan’s songwriting mines a dark seam of hard-luck stories that often seems at odds with his unassuming stage persona.

In a scene awash with bearded wannabe troubadours, his work might invite superficial comparison to the likes of Ryan Adams or Damien Rice but, for my money, a better point of reference would be Paul Westerberg: songs of almost unbearable gravitas dressed in irresistible melodies and delivered with a wry, rueful smile.

But you can make your own mind up about that. We present here the entire set recorded at the Castle both as audio and video. Many thanks to Chris and all at Red Balloon as well as Lucinda for the always immaculate sound.

Stream “Castaway”:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download complete show in MP3 format (click here)

Download complete show in FLAC format (click here)

Setlist:

Don’t Let Me Go
How Long Is Always
Bide Your Time
Before The Sunsets
Castaway
A Clearing That I Call Goodbye
Landslide
These Walls
Something Of Mine
The Ballad of JoJo Burn

If you download and enjoy this music we would fully expect you to support the artist by buying their records and attending their gigs. Stefan Melbourne’s official website is here and his Soundcloud is here.

Danny George Wilson at Castle Hotel, 6th September 2012

29 August 2013 by · Write a comment · Categories: manchestertaper · Tags: , , , , ,

 

Danny George Wilson - Castle Hotel

photo by manchestertaper

It’s been a bit quiet on the website front for us over recent months but rest assured that the Manchestertaper team have been beavering away, amassing many hours of quality live music which is just crying out to be shared…

We begin with a dip into the vaults: can it really be nearly 12 months since Danny & the Champions of the World’s Danny George Wilson played a blinding solo gig for House of Cards Promotions at the Castle? Ably supported by Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou (whose set we hope to share with you soon) and Manchester’s own Mog Stanley, Wilson played a taut, intense set that served to strip back the Danny and the Champions material and allow his tersely beautiful lyricism to shine.

Some dashes of gruff Antipodean humour and a singalong of Dancing in the Dark lightened the mood somewhat but could not detract from the scorched, highly personal songs at the core of this performance. Most of those in attendance were clearly fanatics, familiar with every word. Hopefully this recording will win some converts to a distinctive and arresting talent.

Thanks, as always, to Mike and Kellie and all at the Castle for another great gig.

Stream “Old Soul”:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download complete show in MP3 format (click here)

Download complete show in FLAC format (click here)

Setlist:

Restless Feet
Follow the River > Dancing in the Dark
Beauty in this Town
Track 40’s Gone
Old Soul
Henry the Van
Every Beat of my Heart
Red Tree Song
The Truest Kind
Still Believe
These Days

If you download and enjoy this music we would fully expect you to support the band by buying their records and attending their gigs. Danny & the Champions of the World’s official website is here and their current album can be purchased here.