It’s still a little quiet out there for gigs in this early part of the year and the cogs of the local music machine may still be in a new year slumber. There are a few bands however that have decided to venture out and about around the island and fly the flag for the local musical talent.
Heading west first and to The Creek in Peel where tomorrow night (Friday) sees the ever present four-piece soul and classic blues band Borderline taking to the stage.
The line-up of the band that consists of Heinrich Koop, Keith Randall, Alan Presford and Nigel Johnson play a set that mixes rhythm ‘n’ blues, rockabilly, a little Country and Western, 60s soul and Delta blues.
They pick their musical influences to include the likes of Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Robert Cray, Albert King, BB King, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Moon Mullican, Little Walter, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker and Ray Charles.
For further information on all of their forthcoming shows, visit www.facebook.com/Borderline-Isle-of-Man-101961323485747
Back toward Douglas now and this Saturday night Jaks Bar will play host to another prolific gigging machine that comes in the form of 9 Mile Smile.
For those who have not yet seen them before, the band made up by vocalist Angela Wells, guitarists Graham Smith and Grant Evans, bassist Lewis Thompson and Johnny Wade on drums specialise in covers from the likes of anything from the now ubiquitous Kings Of Leon via The Stereophonics to Blondie and Michael Jackson via Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin and just about anything in between.
A good time band and well worth having a look at if you’re in the area on Saturday night.
For more information on the band visit www.facebook.com/9MileSmile
Finally, some news came through over Christmas of the passing of local musician John Callister or JC Sqigglybins Callister as he’s known to his friends.
Whilst I didn’t know John personally it’s very evident that he was very well liked from the many tributes paid to him.
Ballagroove Records boss and friend Gypo Buggane had this to say about John: ‘His main band was The Tholtan Builders of whom he was a founding member.
‘He was a hero to multiple generations, either teaching guitar, playing songs, telling stories or telling jokes.
‘A unique individual whose legacy will live on through all the lives he touched.’
RIP John.
The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday) from 10.45am at The Lawn Cemetery, in Johnny Watterson’s Lane, followed by cremation.
Afterwards, there is invitation to go along to Morton Hall, in Castletown, to share your memories of JC.
If you have anything for inclusion in the Manx Sound Exchange, email leachsteve@hotmail.com