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Vince Freeman releases new album Let's talk 2009
Named the Uk's Best Male Solo act in 2008 Vince Freeman is back in the UK and touring his new album, Let's Talk.
Last year saw Vince win double awards at the UK Indy Awards from a field of 120,000 acts. He also became a finalist in 6 categories at the annual world wide Effigy Awards.
He has performed with artists such as with Paolo Nutini, Lucie Sylvas, Jocelyn Brown, Newton Faulkner, James Morrison as well as performing a concert for PEPSI in Las Vegas in 2008 to a worldwide audience.
Vince Freeman who now lives in France where he has a songwriting retreat www.theretreatfrance.com has spent the last year writing and producing his newest piece of work.
The album has attracted considerable interest both in the UK and the USA. Vince has been named one to watch from the UK Performers Right Society, ASCAP and has been getting regular airplay on US and UK radio networks.
Vince will be performing his album launch in Cheltenham at the end of his 40-date tour of the UK at The Front Rooms.
This multi award winning songwriter is not one to miss.
27th January 2010
The Front Rooms
High Street Cheltenham
Tickets in advance: £7 VIP and £5 main room
(01242) 571789
You can listen to his music at :
http://www.myspace.com/vincefreeman
Erik Mongrain - (Weds 18th Nov)
The guitarist who pioneered the 'lap tapping' technique favoured by bands including Metallica is coming to The Front Rooms tomorrow
Erik Mongrain shot to fame in the 90s after laying the instrument on his lap and 'playing' it like a piano.
Rather than strumming the strings like most guitarists, he struck them with both hands like piano keys.
His extraordinary style became known as 'lap tapping', and won critical acclaim from fans and reviewers worldwide.
The 29-year-old became an internet sensation after footage of him playing was posted on You Tube.
More than four million people logged on to the video sharing site to see the Canadian in action.
Now Mongrain is heading to Cheltenham's exclusive music venue The Front Rooms as part of a UK tour.
The self-taught guitarist, who lives in Montreal, said: ''I can't wait to visit Cheltenham on Wednesday and perform at The Front Rooms.
''It's a fantastic venue and I hope my performance will do it justice!''
Mongrain, who musical influences include Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, began playing guitar at the age of 14.
Having mastered traditional classical, acoustic and electric styles, he began ''experimenting''.
These included the little-known 'lap tapping' technique, which sees the instrument laid flat on the musician's lap.
Instead of holding a chord with one hand and strumming the strings with the other, he tapped the strings with both hands - as if it were a piano.
''The effect was spectacular,'' he said.
While the style was not strictly new, Mongrain's involvement catapulted it into the mainstream.
He went on to release his first CD, 'Fates' in 2007, followed by his second, 'Equilibrium, a year later. Both went on to win international acclaim.
Mongrain will play two 40-minute sets at The Front Rooms tomorrow night, from 9pm.
He will be supported by local guitarist and harpist Dale Campbell, whose own career is also flourishing.
The Front Rooms, dubbed the South West's answer to 'Ronnie Scott's', the legendary jazz club in London's Soho, opened for business last month.
Since then, the exclusive 20,000sq ft venue - which boasts two stages, three bars, a VIP area and even a red carpet onto the High Street for customers - has carved a reputation for showcasing the best British talent.
Next month's big acts include an exclusive performance by The Drifters.
Owner Dale Nunn said Mongrain's set was guaranteed to ''bring the roof down''.
He added: ''Erik Mongrain is one of the world's most talented musicians, and I'm over the moon to have him as the latest high-profile act at The Front Rooms.''
Robbie Peaple - 14th and 15th November
A world-renowned pianist whose fans include Amy Winehouse, Brian May and Lemar will headline a charity ''music extravaganza'' in Cheltenham this weekend.
Robbie Peaple (corr), dubbed a ''mean'' musician by 60s rock legend Rick Wakeman, will make an ''eagerly-awaited'' appearance at The Front Rooms.
The 29-year-old - currently working with X-Factor star Austin Drage (corr) - will perform a 90-minute set from 9pm on Friday.
He is among a string of high-profile musicians set to play at the exclusive High Street venue this weekend.
Others include the acclaimed pianist Adrian Dixon, local band Plastic Buzz, and electro-pop band The Subterraneans.
Dale Nunn, the owner of The Front Rooms, arranged the star-studded line-up to co-incide with Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Tens of thousands of racing fans are expected to pour into Cheltenham this week for the annual event.
Mr Nunn said Peaple, Dixon and Plastic Buzz are guaranteed to lift the spirits of residents, race fans and bookies alike.
He is also planning to donate 10 per cent of ticket sales to the Cheltenham branch of the Round Table.
''These acts are among Britain's best performers,'' he said. ''They've worked with some of the world's biggest names and are incredible artists.
''I can't wait to welcome local residents and visiting race fans to what I know will be a fantastic and memorable music extravaganza."
"The more people we have through the door, the more money we can donate to the Round Table.''
Peaple, who lives in Blackheath, southeast London, hit the headlines in 2003 when he joined the pop band 'Slinky Malinki' - a group managed by Elton John's producer.
Since then, he has worked alongside some of Britain's best-loved artists including Amy Winehouse, Queen's Brian May, Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood, and The Drifters.
He said: ''I can't wait to play at The Front Rooms. It's a great venue and I'm really looking forward to being part of such a fabulous weekend line-up.''
The Front Rooms, dubbed the South West's answer to 'Ronnie Scott's', the legendary jazz club in London's Soho, opened for business last month.
Since then, the exclusive 20,000sq ft venue - which boasts two stages, three bars, a VIP area and even a red carpet onto the High Street for customers - has carved a reputation for showcasing the best British talent.
Future performances also include those from Erik Mongrain, an internationally-respected guitarist, and Darby (corr), Todd, the former drummer with The Darkness.
Peaple will play two 40-minute sets between 9pm and 11pm. His performance will be followed by 'The Subterraneans', a four-piece acoustic-electric pop band.
Saturday's show will feature Adrian Dixon, whose set will also be followed by The Subterraneans.
Local band 'Plastic Buzz' will complete the weekend's line-up.
Mr Nunn said: ''Since The Front Rooms opened, we've gone from strength to strength. This weekend is all about rewarding our loyal customers with a weekend of live music that will not be forgotten.''
Venue Review - Explore Gloucestershire 11/11/09
Explore Gloucestershire went along to the Front Rooms, Cheltenham’s newest live music venue situated in on the Strand in the town centre.
The Front Rooms aims to appeal to audiences aged from 18 – 80 offering something that little bit different from the normal night out on the town.
The Front Rooms is tastefully decorated and spacious with designer sculptured sofas, it is situated over 3 floors with the entrance bar an ideal meet and greet area. The second floor boasts two areas for live music with a grand piano on the first, more informal stage setting and a second bigger stage with a dance floor in front. Upstairs in the galleried VIP area you can sink into big comfy sofas and relax with friends whilst still enjoying the music. There are large TV screens throughout the venue so you miss nothing and bars on all three levels so you’re not forever queuing for drinks.
We were treated to a fabulous evening of music from pianist, Dino Baptiste and contemporary folk and pop band, Back to the Bridge. Dino Baptiste made easy foot –tapping listening with his funky blues performance. It was a nice touch to be able to see his hands fly across the piano displayed on the large screen behind him. Later, Back to the Bridge played on the other stage. More of a pop /soul band they were the ideal opportunity for some late night dancing.
In the run up to Christmas it makes for a great night out with a group of friends.
So, keep an eye out for what’s on next at the Front Rooms on The Strand in Cheltenham.
Dino Baptiste - This is Gloucestershire - 4/11/09
Mick Jagger heading to Cheltenham gig?
Rolling Stones legend Sir Mick Jagger could be rocking up to a pal's music gig in Cheltenham on Friday.
Rumours are rife that the legendary frontman is heading to Gloucestershire to watch his friend and favourite pianist, Dino Baptiste.
According to gossip, he could be the guest of honour at The Front Rooms for Baptiste's eagerly-awaited show.
Baptiste, known for his 'dynamic' rock n' roll and blues, met Jagger in 1998 when he performed at a birthday party for the star's ex-wife Jerry Hall.
He went on to play a live set with Jagger during a music festival on the Caribbean island of Mustique in 2005.
The pair performed at the resort's popular 'Basil's Bar' - a stone's throw away from the $3.95M luxury villa that Jagger bought in 2006.
Neither Baptiste - who made it to the fourth round of this year's Britain's Got Talent - or Dale Nunn, the venue's owner, would comment about Jagger's arrival.
But Baptiste, who has supported some of the world's biggest-selling artists including Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Alannah Myles, said: "I've played with Mick twice so far and I'd be delighted if he came to the show.
"But whether he comes or not, I can't wait to make my debut at The Front Rooms on Friday night."
The Front Rooms, dubbed the South West's answer to Ronnie Scott's, the legendary jazz club in London's Soho, opened for business last month.
Since then, the exclusive 20,000sq ft venue - which boasts two stages, three bars, a VIP area and even a red carpet onto the High Street for customers - has carved a reputation for showcasing the best British talent.
Future performances include those from The Subterraneans - described as a mix of U2, The Beatles and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers - and pianist Robbie Peaple, who has supported the likes of Amy Winehouse, Brian May and JLS.
Baptiste will play two 40-minute sets between 9pm and 11pm. His performance will be followed by 'Back to the Bridge', an eight-piece contemporary folk and pop band.
Mr Nunn played down the rumours about Sir Mick's appearance, but said: "It's a privilege to be involved in such a magnificent venue.
"The Front Rooms has become a lively hub of new music and I can't wait for Friday night's show - whether Mick Jagger arrives or not."
Sir Mick Jagger was yesterday unavailable for comment.
See the Article Here on This Is Gloucestershire |
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