TIME OUT: Why playing the blues is a real family affair
HALF a dozen years ago Jeff Lyall was persuaded to come out of his self-imposed musical retirement.
The occasion was the city's first Philadelphia Blues Festival and there was a spare slot.
Recalls Jeff's son Mark: "I was playing there with Slim and the Big Band Blues Band and our sax player knew that me and my dad played guitar together at home. He asked if we fancied taking up the spare slot so we agreed."
And one of Sheffield's most enduring musical teams was born.
The M&J Blues Band has not looked back and today Mark and Jeff are among the hardest working duos playing on Sheffield's pub scene.
Said Mark: "When I was growing up there were always guitars around the house and my dad taught me to play, showing me one or two things.
"He used to be a member of a group in the 60s but hadn't performed in public for years. We just jammed at home and developed those songs for the blues festival."
In fact their repertoire today is mostly made up of favourites Jeff has gathered along the way.
And now, for the first time, it is music fans can enjoy in the comfort of their own home.
For the M&J Blues Band is about to release its first CD, Then and Now. And it trawls through 40 years of music standards, from 16 Tons to Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Move It to Red Headed Woman.
There are even a couple of ukulele numbers for good measure. Rhythm guitarist Jeff is in charge of vocals, with his relaxed style. Son Mark handles lead guitar in a suitably restrained manner.
He is highly regarded on the Sheffield music scene for his abilities on the instrument, not least because he doesn't fall into the trap of letting flashiness overtake taste. He knows when to let a single expressive note sound out - though he does have his rocking-out moments on the album which will be launched tonight (July 3).
They are at the Harlequin in Nursery Street, which is one of their regular venues and admission is free. The CD will be available to buy, priced at a fiver.
Elbow Jane maintain their loyal following
HAILED as one of the UK's premier acoustic live acts, Elbow Jane come to the Beehive folk club tonight.
They have played main stages at festivals and clubs countrywide winning a loyal following and national acclaim from fellow artists.
Last year they were personally invited to play at Chris While and Julie Matthews's Party on the Lawn and sign to Fellside Records for their new CD.
Their unique blend of bazouki, mandolin, guitar, keyboards and percussion is complemented by expressive vocals and wistful harmonies.
The band is: Kev Byrne (guitars, keyboards, vocals) who has been the song-writing force behind many projects including The Hedgehogs; Chris Chesters (bass) who has worked on many theatre productions including Evita, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Oliver; Steve Finnegan (percussion) whose musical pedigree ranges from heavy rock to jazz and classical; Joe Topping (vocals, guitars, mandolin, harmonica); and Richard Woods (guitars, bazouki, vocals) a former Young Performer of the Year winner at Fylde Folk Festival. Elbow Jane are our guests at the Beehive Folk Club, Harthill tonight (3). There are only a few places left so please contact Peter Garratt on 0114 2352850.
Reg Meuross and Jackie Oates are at the Rock@Maltby, Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby tonight (3). Next Friday, July 10, will feature a singers' and musicians' night.
The Wilson Family are at the Royal Hotel, Dungworth tomorrow (4), hosted by Jon Boden and Fay Hield.
Doc Brown and the DeLorians of Sound will perform at Live@215, in Sharrow Vale Road, tonight (3), who will be joined as a band member for the first time by former Bison guitarist Barry Haigh. Support will come from Bob Bridge and Carp
A concert of glorious four part harmony with Sheffield Folk Chorale takes place tonight (3) at the Sacred Heart Church, Hillsborough, from 7.15pm. Tickets: 0114 2863378 or 0114 2343580. The chorale will also be in full voice next Saturday (11) at St Mary's Church, Walkley. Contact 0114 268 0901.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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