Live Review
The Wessex Heartbeat Campaign Southampton General Hospital
Thursday 5th of December 2013
By Talena
At Southampton General Hospital (Southampton)
Where's the last place you'd expect to go to a gig... a hospital, right?
Well Southampton General Hospital has changed that. Don't worry, the bands didn't quite set up home next to any monitor's or beds, the gig was held in a function section in aid of the Young Person's cardiac ward. Organised by Solo Events, and helped by Daze Entertainment, the night showcased some of the best local talent.
Littered with heart shaped balloons, complete with a buffet and (no joke!) a champagne fountain, tonight is quite possibly the most formal gig possible.
Just when you think it might be that bit too formal, the fun kicks in with a burlesque dancer to entertain the (mainly) elderly audience. Don't think there's one complaint from the entire room right now. Whilst moving round the room, she showcased her talented use of feathers and balloons. I'll let you come up with your own image...
First up to start the musical entertainment is Tom Jones tribute act, Steve Marks. Taking to the mic in a gold jacket and dark sunglasses, he looks the part and quickly proves it with a quick round of cabaret classics and ending with a sparkly cover of Spencer Davis Group's 'Gimme Some Lovin'. Shylo Van Heyzen brings some amazingly, heartfelt music to the night. A South African, singer-songwriter her voice and keyboard sounds have this incredible power to silence the room and easily bring a tear to the eye. After a heart-wrenching cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time', she finished her brief set with a one of her own songs.
Nick Nak Paddy Whack, a folk band with a penchant for banjo's and the mandolin, make their first appearance of the night. Spreading their clappy, upbeat music to get everyone in the charitable mood and a fantastic cover of Irish classic 'Tell Me Ma' leaves everyone waiting for their second set.
Funk Soul Collective follow the folk with a brass punch, kicking off with a pumping version of 'Pick Up The Pieces' by the Average White Band. They're minus a singer this evening but nothings amiss once the trombone and trumpet jump in atop of their funky music and electric drums.
Up and coming Winchester band, Jackson and the Spangles, take the next slot with a set of funky indie beats injected with a style of 70's rock riffs.
Blend this with a bit of folk and you've got the perfect foot tapping equation. The classy, spat out vocals go down with ease thanks to their great presence and friendly air. Everything's in sync and perfectly delivered by these boys, even down to the hectic multi-tasking of the drummer. This is no conventional band. The singer has such a distinctive voice; don't be surprised if there's shivers' running down your spine. After some heartfelt songs, in classic band fashion, they leave the best for last with the distinctive, 'The Man' which gets the best reception.
Nik Nak Paddy Whack are back to round off the evening, and with their folky prog style it was only a matter of time before they cracked out The Pogues and a banjoed, delicate cover of Leveller's 'What a Beautiful Day'.
Phenomenal.
Rate this Article
