In Concert: Joe Brown, Newport Riverfront, 2007

It was a case of something old, something new, something borrowed and something bluegrass when sixties pop legend Joe Brown ended his current tour at Newport Riverfront on Friday evening.

Joe accompanied by his Bruvvers, Phil Capaldi, Neil R Gauntlett, and Dave ‘Rico’ Nilo began the show with the a capella Gospel song “Rock My Soul”. Then to everyone’s surprise, Joe’s son Pete, himself a successful performer and producer walked onto the stage to join the band.

Joe and the Bruvvers displayed a wide range of musical styles including folk; country, skiffle and rock n roll paying tribute to friends Lonnie Donegan, and George Harrison along the way. It was also interesting to hear new twists on Buddy Holly’s Well Alright which had a distinctive Bluegrass feel and a blues version of the medieval song She Moves through the Fair.

There were also tracks performed from his new album Down To Earth and  of course a few diversions into Joe’s own pop past with rocking performances of I’m Henry The Eighth I Am, Sea Of Heartbreak, Picture Of You and Darktown Strutters Ball.

After closing on a rousing version of Forty Days, Joe returned for an encore of his unique ukulele version of See You In My Dreams a song he said would send us home with some love in our hearts. Hearing the comments of people as they left the Riverfront and for me personally – I’d say the magic definitely worked!

• A version of this review appeared in The South Wales Argus during May 2007

In Concert: Reelin' and a Rockin', Newport Riverfront

Reelin' and a Rockin arrived at Newport Riverfront on Friday evening, bringing with it five celebrated music stars from the 1960s, namely, Dave Berry, Dave Dee (of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mich and Tich) , Chip Hawkes (of The Tremeloes), Barry Ryan and Susan Maughan. All artists had sold over 30 million records between them in their heyday, but could they still deliver the goods?

The show commenced with an opening medley of Rock n Roll classics featuring all artists including such songs as Reelin and Rockin, Route 66 and Lucille.

Chip Hawkes delivered The Tremeloes hit Suddenly You Love Me, while Dave Dee, recovering from a recent bout of laryngitis, bravely tackled Zabadak. Dave Berry gave a stylish performance of The Crying Game, and Barry Ryan stole the show with his soulful power ballad Eloise.

Hawkes, Dee, Berry and Ryan would ultimately unite on several numbers throughout the evening including a Beatles medley and a moving interpretation of Silence Is Golden.

Susan Maughan also gave a rousing version of her 1962 smash Bobby's Girl, while backing musicians The Big Beat Band recreated the sixties sound with stunning performances from lead guitarist Paul and saxophonist Sophie.

Many hits and memories were revisited and as the evening ended with Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On; one felt the audience really could have continued rocking all night.

• A version of this review by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus during April 2007

In Concert: Gerry Cross The Mersey, Newport Riverfront, 2007

Born in 1968, I don't really remember the 1960's. I did grow up, however, becoming a fan of the era's music. So an opportunity to see Gerry Marsden, at Newport Riverfront on Friday night was a chance I didn't want to pass by.

Gerry and his band, the Pacemakers were an integral part of "The Mersey Sound". They were the second band (after the Beatles) to sign to manager Brian Epstein in 1963. Gerry and The Pacemakers were also the first recording act to go to number one with their first three singles.

Their first hit, Mitch Murray's How Do You Do It? came to them after been turned down by both Adam Faith and The Beatles. Gerry recounted John Lennon as saying to producer George Martin "Its rubbish, give it to Gerry Marsden, he needs a song".

Ably supported by a new version of The Pacemakers (these guys were too young to be the originals) Gerry took the audience through many hits including I'm The One', I Like It, Ferry Cross The Mersey and You'll Never Walk Alone, while also paying homage to heroes Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino.

I wondered if 40 years after his initial success, Gerry would still have the voice that soared him to number one. I shouldn't have worried. That voice transported me back to a golden era I'd have loved to have grown up in. Thank you Gerry!

• A version of this review was published in The South Wales Argus during March 2007
• Read Andy Howells review for Gerry Cross The Mersey at Newport Riverfront, 2011