Honeygene gig at Ryan's Bar

Honeygene played Ryan's Bar Thursday night, and it rocked. The venue is a small but atmospheric basement in the heart of Stoke Newington, North London. This little pub not only has live performances, with free entry an always added bonus, but they also serve some great food, and of course plenty of drink. The night was organized by Max Mitch.

The night started with a young male musician, Billy Bernhardt, who had plenty of passion and darkness. The crowd was attentive, and really listened to the music which at times became quite intense! It was a refreshing night, where a small crowd gathered around the small stage and listened to the lyrics and vocal and guitar melodies played.

Up next was a male and female duo, both playing delicate guitar, whilst she sang quirky and upbeat songs about love and life. These were a great pair.

Honeygene were up next, and boy was it good getting back in the game. We played new tracks including 'A Better Tomorrow' 'Miss Sublime' 'My Hero' as well as The Monkee's 'Daydream Believer' and a few old tracks to get the crowd going. The room seemed to really appreciate my vocals, and my fathers guitar. Father and daughter doing what they do best.

Next in line for the night was a girl called Sarah crow who finished the night with acapella 'Summertime' from Porgy and Bess. It was a little strained, in my personnel opinion, but I did cover this song myself back in my classical days, and it ain't that easy. I prefer a higher and more lighter version, unless you are black and have a voice of a soul sister.

Finishing the night was Ryan Spendlove, who literally blew the audience away with his beautiful melodies and guitar playing.  He opened with a small fiddle, which really drew the audience in. He is one to watch.
Go to his page and check out his songs:
http://www.myspace.com/ryanspendlove

The night as a whole was delightful, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed myself, and all the other acts who played. Thanks Max.

The Blag Club, Notting Hill

Honeygene as you may have read, played a gig at The Blag Club, Notting Hill last Thursday night. This was a new venue, but surprisingly cosy with a relaxing atmosphere.

It was a small venue, a small stage, and a total of five acts played starting around 8 ish, ending about half 11. We were on second to last.

The Croquet field opened the night, and I have to say, with all my heart, it was possibly the worst act I have ever witnessed at a gig. It hurts me to bitch about another act this way, but the whole set was out of tune. It was, I am afraid to say, depressing.

Next up were Cuz, a duo, both cousins. Normally joined by a team of female backing singers, we only got to see this band stripped to its basics,due to licencing on stage. (max two people). Overall, I enjoyed their set, there were moments when I thought he had nailed the vocals, and he really did try har, maybe a little too hard. They covered artists such as Jason Mraz, Gnarls Barkley a.k.a Cee Lo Green and many other feel good songs that people could sing along with. I am sure with the backing vocalists the band would have a little more depth and vocal strength. They even admitted that on stage, and seemed like quite cool london lads having a good time.

The Voodoo Rays played next. They were not my scene, but the male and female duo seemed to work. I realize I am ranting on a tad, so will be brief when I mention that Honeygene played next. We really enjoyed the set, as the quietness of the room (literally all of about five people) gave us a chance to sing some new songs such as 'Tears of Colour' which I wrote a few months ago, and a cover by The Monkees 'Daydream Believer', a classic. The sound was good, very clear and atmopheric. It was great to sing again, and after about ten songs,we both felt liberated.

Last, but by no means least Sean Taylor took to the stage. He was brilliant, with his intricate and elaborate blues guitar riffs, his fingers were darting in every direction. I was impressed. And, most importantly, he seemed like a real genuine, nice guy. Definitely an act to watch out for. Hopefully we will be playing with him again. Talented. Check out his facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/seantaylorsongs

So, all in all, a brilliant night. Not much of a turn out, audience wise, but this didn't stop us from having a blast and singing our hearts out for the first time in months.

Last gig at The Gaff

So, The Gaff, Holloway road a.k.a Nags Head has gone. It has been replaced with the big chain that is Costa Coffee. So, not only would I like to express my anger at yet another chain taking over another music venue in London, I would like to share our last gig review which was in November 2010. Jane Playton gave Honeygene's performance an excellent review which can be found on her blog. Check it out.

http://janeplaydon.blogspot.com/search/label/Features


Here is the review. Our last gig ever at The Gaff.

"More volume please!” says Phil Honey-Jones from Honeygene, ready to launch into the next number called “Only 17”.

“This one’s for the teenagers”, he says, indulging in a quick joke with his daughter Charlie Allen before setting the crowd rocking with their unique sound, a fusion of Acoustic / Alternative / Rockabilly, complemented perfectly by Charlie’s beautiful classically trained voice.

They started writing together on a sad note in 2007, producing a song called “Perfect Harmony” in honour of Phil’s mum who was dying of liver cancer.

However, the music is uplifting, a fusion of different influences including Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones and Blondie. There is also a strong reggae influence, apparent in the first track, “The One Thing”, accompanied by TJ Tarantino on bass and Adam Lewis on drums.

They describe themselves as “dreamers”, and

“Full of Dreams” is the fifth track, starting with a subtle acoustic intro until the drums and bass pitch in with a much heavier sound.

“Truckin’ Love”, the highlight of the evening, finishes with a flourish of drums and everyone on a high.

When asked what song meant the most to him, Phil was reluctant to single one out, saying that they all meant a lot. He says that the songwriting “all happens very naturally”. Charlie says that she “wrote a lot more in the second album”, emphasizing the reggae influence that they call “reggae love pop”.

Honeygene have released one album so far,  “A Beautiful Place to get Lost”, with a new album coming out soon called “Under the Almond Tree”.

Long live The Gaff.