Andrea Glass + Bob Collum + Tsar Nicholas III @ The Grapes, August 8th

[Amsterdamned]

Americana Night @ The Grapes on Saturday August 8th once again welcomes a fine triple bill of acts to a Sheffield stage. Fresh from a recent session with Radio 2 legend Bob Harris, alt-country songstress Andrea Glass makes a much awaited return to The Grapes. This time with pedal steel player in tow, Tulsa's Bob Collum makes the trip North from his new found home of Essex to treat us to more of his roots laced powerpop. Last and by very no means least, we have an old favourite in the shape of Tsar Nicholas III & The Exiles. This grand evening of musical entertainment, also featuring the best in Americana, alt-country, outlaw folk and cowboy songs between bands, begins at 8pm and entry will cost you just £4.

 

 

***ANDREA GLASS***

 

Bolton's Andrea Glass stunning debut album has been causing quite a stir. After being discovered by American Country star Kevin Montgomery (whom she supported on his 2007 UK tour), Andrea was whisked to Nashville in July that year where she recorded 'Stood Under Stars' with a host of fine musicians, including Montgomery himself and renowned pedal steel player Al Perkins. Radio 2's Bob Harris picked up on the record, and has been regularly featuring tracks on his show. Andrea describes her influences as 'cowboy boots, flocked wallpaper, tea, notebooks, everything about autumn, all things coastal, trains, long journeys and maps' and her finely crafted songs cast the impression of a life spent on the road.

 

You can see the video for the North Wind single here:

 

 

"To arrive on the scene from nowhere and produce an album of quality material like this is quite extraordinary, this girl really is a name to look out for." Maverick magazine

 

"It's rare to find a new name emerging so fully formed." Netrhythms

 

"a wonderful album" Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

 

"a rare quality of songwriting and beautiful voice" Sandman Magazine

 

http://www.myspace.com/andreaglassmusic

 

http://www.andreaglass.co.uk

 

 

***BOB COLLUM & THE WELFARE MOTHER***

 

When Bob Collum released his last album 'The Boy Most Likely To..' in 2004, one reviewer remarked that this is what the pop charts in heaven must sound like. The pleasures of the afterlife became even more attainable with the release of its follow up, 'Set The Stupid Free', in January 2008... and you don't even have to die for the privilege!

 

Having released two albums stateside (1997's 'More Tragic Songs of Life' and 2000's 'Low Rent Romeo'), at the turn of the millennium Bob waved a fond farewell to his Tulsa Oklahoma abode, and exiled himself in South Essex, conveniently on the fringes of the capital and the underground Americana music scene. He then set about commandeering the Welfare Mothers (Bob's band) to give his new songs the tougher propulsive edge they demanded. The Welfare Mothers were born and through gigging extensively, began to build a following both around and outside the UK.

 

After a few cracked-hearts, snapped guitar strings & many memorable live shows along the way, we find ourselves in 2008…..'Set The Stupid Free' opens with one of those attention-grabbing simple statements of intent, and a brief invitation to what follows. A simple guitar crash, understating the bands Who-like comprehension of exciting rock dynamics, before being swiftly seduced by the playful crying steel guitar (provided by the legendary BJ Cole), and a melodic, Byrds-ian country-edged soul, so central to Bob & the Mothers sound.

 

Elsewhere on this emancipation ride, the breadth of Bob's song-writing and the band's reach takes in earthy rock grooves (Virgina Mystery), intimate yet universal confessionals (Katie I Agree) and a hypnotic musing on the likelihood of second-coming quitting all that sanctity lark and setting up a mobile karaoke unit (Disco Jesus).

 

Ultimately, 'Set The Stupid Free' marks a turning point, where a promising talented band steps up to command attention. Inviting, compelling you to sign up for the cause.

 

 

"Collum is a lyricist of note, and can turn his hand to heartbreak, pain, love and loss with equal facility, all the time while displaying his penchant for the slightly skewed view of things." Maverick Magazine

 

"Anyone who wants to hear what Top 40 sounds like in a perfect world should pick up The Boy Most Likely Too... and turn it up!" Being There

 

"A turn of phrase to rank with Nick Lowe's, and an instinct for hook and melody mean you're thinking of the Byrd's with a country edge to boot." Bucketfull Of Brains

 

http://www.myspace.com/bobcollumthewelfaremother

 

http://www.bobcollumonline.com

 

 

***TSAR NICHOLAS III & THE EXILES***

 

The Silver Tree Club are dead. Long live Tsar Nichilas III & The Exiles. With their drummer and bass player having departed for pastures new, frontman Nick Wallace took the opportunity to head things in a new direction. Gone is the demonic piano playing (Nick has taken up guitar), megaphones and all the old material. They return with all new songs and new members in their new stripped back lo-fi sound. There are elements of late night jazz from the dark corner of a dive bar and comparisons have been made with the more sombre moments of Tom Waits. It's a format that allows Wallace's stories and observations to take the lead and draw the audience into the heart of his tales.

 

http://www.myspace.com/tsarnicholas3rd

 

 

Facebook Event page:

 

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127372258091

 

 

[Amsterdamned]

This is tomorrow night. All kicks off from 8...