Now Then Manchester Sunday Soirée returns with the first of 2012 taking place on 29th January at Dulcimer in Chorlton. The acoustic early evening line-up will be headlined by the upbeat, feel-good trio Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band, who will perform their first show at the venue, and they’ll be preceded by a solo performance from Twisted Nerve, Analogue Catalogue and Humble Soul signee Aidan Smith, with James Munro and Shen also in support.
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band is a travelling troupe of musicological minstrels, peddling the good Doctor’s unique good-time tonic to all four corners of the land. Formed from a secret combination of early blues and jazz forms, a sprinkle of ragtime, a dash of hot swing, the essence of sweet spiritual, a pinch of the oldest of old-timey melodies and a teaspoon of Vaudevillian and Music Hall show-off-ery. All whisked together with the most esoteric of folk rhythms.
“I think the most I’ve danced in the past ten years is to that band.” Guy Garvey, Elbow
“Brilliant, absolutely brilliant…” Fugitive Motel
Aidan Smith
From humble beginnings of scraping together the money to buy a four-track recorder, Aidan Smith has since established himself as one of Manchester’s favourite raconteurs. With two records released via the ever reliable Twisted Nerve in 2003, he gained 60% of the vote in BBC Manchester ‘Best Newcomer’ poll the same year. A further two releases via Analogue Catalogue followed in 2005 and at that time he earned support slots with the likes of Calexico, Badly Drawn Boy, I Am Kloot and King Creosote at various venues from URBIS to the Bridgewater Hall.
His latest LP, Allotments, was released through Humble Soul in 2008 and continued to evoke the woozy warmth associated with the modern folk output from Fence Collective’s roster and Brighton’s Wilkommen Collective.
“Smith is a chameleonic impressionist of considerable pop skill.” Drowned In Sound
“This is definitely an album that is worth discovering.” Leedsmusicscene.net (on Allotments)
James Munro
James Munro is a twenty-three year old singer/songwriter influenced by artists such as Bob Dylan, David Gray and Morrissey. In 2009 he recorded the demo CD entitled The Impression On Me, which was followed by the 2011 home recordings The One Take Shake. A new EP is due to follow in 2012.
Shen
Having been influenced by John Martyn’s experimental take on acoustic guitar and folk music, Shen is unafraid to pursue alternate guitars tunings within his complex, yet accessible, compositions. The fragile nature of some songs evokes Nick Drake and occasional choices of cover versions have included Bill Callaghan. Layered over the top are emotively delivered vocals, à la Thom Yorke, with Dr Mahogany’s Goat Circus multi-instrumentalist Loz Boot providing harmonic and percussive accompaniment.
“Intricate acoustic picking combined with heartfelt lyrics.” Now Then Manchester
Doors are at 5pm
Pay-what-you-like; £3 suggested / much appreciated to support performers.
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