Best of the Mezz Preview –Dec 18th 2009.
Another quarter ends with a fantastic array of artists performing for over 3 hours on the main stage having played their auditions in the Mezz Bar Open Mic nights. The overall quality is so high that just about every artist that had appeared this quarter was worthy of a main stage slot. Unfortunately with time and cost limits the list was whittled down to just four artists and one band. This enables each artists to play a full set and get a chance to grow into the performance as the audience warms to their particular style.

PJ FOTHERGILL

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The music that we are drawn to is usually the type of music that makes us experience those amazing reoccurring feelings. Those songs that open up a gate, break down a wall, or simply just puts your mind at ease. The songs from Pj Fothergill fit that description! The range of songs vary from making you want to look outside your window and admire everything in sight to conquering situations that you didn't have the strength to manage before. Pj’s music connects every string of emotion within and finds a subtle way to amplify expression. With the soothing piano, rhythmic guitar, and that touch of violin, Pj’s voice is just the icing on the cake. While listening to these songs, you will find that not only are his lyrics powerful and relevant to personal situations, but there is also an undeniable sense of passion and drive in each note alone.

The only results that could possibly come from listening to his music is satisfaction, peace, and potentially even a better understanding of life and where you’re at. His music reaches out to people from every walk of life regardless of age, sex, race, or issues. With Pj's new CD, “Hannah” out on Dec 18th, you have the chance to get a free ticket on a ride that vividly expresses the ups and downs of life and all of the ingredients that come along with it. Down, down you fall, but up, up you come. Join Pj on this journey, admission included. All we ask is that you have your sound turned way, way up. If you are into quality music, we promise that this talented artist will not be a disappointment!

TOM COPSON

Tom Copson is a singer songwriter with a ‘life changing’ voice for the listener. His songs exert honesty, passion and frailty upon his audience during all of his positively infectious performances, live or otherwise. Working with producer Stu Reid, Tom released a new E.P. on the 15th March this year in his musical home town of Cambridge. Along with more recordings this has been followed by extensive touring all around the country through to the summer, and the festival season. Tom has supported many well known acts such as Jose Gonzalez, Scott Matthews, Jamie T, Paul Curreri and most recently Frank Hamilton.

‘A fantastic voice’ – Seasick Steve

CHRIS BRAID

Coming from Guildford in Surrey, Chris Braid signed his first management deal when he was 21, and secured his first record deal in his mid 20's, recording the critically acclaimed debut album, simply titled Chris Braid. This Chris has over 10 years of experience working in the music industry. His involvement has included song writing, band development, press relations, tour management and artist relations. In 2009 Chris performed in front of a sell out crowd at the prestigious South by Southwest festival. This performance came as a result of him securing licensing deals for 7 different US TV shows, including 'The Hills' and 'The City'. He has also had tremendous underground success with Jerome Farley, creating new dance material remixed from selected songs from his debut album.

In 2009 Chris Warne and Chris Braid signed their first joint publishing contract, after the two joined forces to write the song to run alongside one of the UK's largest anti knife crime charities. Due to the adulation and respect the song 'Put 'Em Down' received, it was only a matter of time before they made their affiliation official.

Chris & Chris are currently working with Jonas Jalhay (The Saturdays) to produce some of the most refreshing and startlingly brilliant material to be circulating in the European music scene.

SEAN McKINNEY

BACK ROW

The Group

Back Row are a six-piece covers & functions band covering a wide variety of pop, rock, blues & dance music from classic 70s-onwards anthems to the latest contemporary songs.  Vocals are amply and beautifully covered by our lead singers Claire Bender, Kate Brewer and (on occasion) bassist Craig Martin.  The engine room is completed with our fine drummer (and rehearsal room guru!) Ian King, while the lead & rhythm parts are finely blended between Ian Pickering (keyboards) and Martin Wise (guitars).
The first stirrings of a band happened towards the end of 2008 with Ian K and Craig, joined soon after by Martin; the idea was not only to rediscover some our old favourite numbers but also to explore some of the excellent sounds that today’s music has to offer.  The next few weeks saw Ian P and singers Claire and Kate to add the extra dimensions and vocals required.  So, we have now started to break out into the performing world and look forward entertaining music loving audiences and above all – make it fun!!

Band Member’s details

Claire Bender (Vocals) – Claire has loved singing from a very young age and has spent the last 10 years singing anytime, anywhere, and to anyone who will listen!!  For the past 6 years this has been focussed more towards musical theatre and she has appeared (mostly as a dancer) in some great shows, including, West Side Story, We Will Rock You, Oklahoma, Fame and this coming January in the pantomime Dick Whittington!!  Since joining the band last year, she feels like she has come home and is really looking forward to an exciting 2010 which will (hopefully) be packed full of gigs.

Kate Brewer (Vocals) – Kate Brewer joined Back Row after a short 20 year break from singing!  Back in the 80s she sang with a Billy Idol wannabe (Bobbi Style), on one occasion supporting Imagination at the Hammersmith Odeon (now Apollo).  “Her dance degree was more Isadora Duncan than Hot Gossip”, so you’d better hope she doesn’t let go of that microphone!  Mostly off-screen during her career in children’s television, she’s now enjoying a taste of the limelight again in Back Row.  In her spare time she has her own schools art exhibition business, is a mum to two musical kids, and writes poetry for children.

Craig Martin (Bass/Vocals) – Craig was born in South Africa and moved to the UK many years back.  He is a solid member of the band’s engine room, not only keeping the Bass guitar driving nicely, but also is influential in the development of the band’s sound and arrangements.  His low-range vocals add a soul-like dimension to some of our numbers (move over Mr. White!).
Craig’s professional background is in mobile phones and is a guru in writing Blackberry software applications.

Ian King (Drums + anything that can be hit, scratched, shaken or stirred!) - “It all started in an attic bedroom in a cold, Northern seaside, late 60s winter.  Learning ‘Tamborine Man’ on Colin’s old 6‑string (I never became the guitar hero of my the teen dream; Colin did though, thirty-five years on playing with the beautiful Janet Holmes).  Mick R. played MY old 6‑string and made it sing like I couldn’t.  So, the great Tony Chick taught me drums; I built a studio, found the band, and here we are.”

Ian Pickering (Keyboards) – Ian has been playing piano since he was knee-high to a piano stool. However, he was soon seduced by the allure of the electric guitar. He mis-spent his teenage youth in his native town of Oxford attempting to play guitar in an early eighties post-punk / ska-revival band called the Invaders.
After moving to Guildford and a long interval away from playing live music, he returned to the ivories as keyboard player with local classic/prog-rock band Velvet Razor.  After three years of recording and playing local venues, including appearances at Guilfest, Ian left Velvet Razor and together with some of the other band members (Ian K & Martin) formed Back Row!
Ian is one of two qualified pilots in the band (both called Ian) - he is a bit like Gary Numan but without the mascara.

Martin Wise (Guitars) – Martin has been playing guitars since he was knee-high to a Eukelele’s nut (dad played in skiffle/New Orleans jazz bands in his day, gave me and my younger brother one each … they made useful cricket bats at the time!).  Played in various bands since teens, both original material and Rock/Blues/Funk covers, mostly in the pub rock scene.  He also plays Classical guitar (trained-up by the talented Tim Spinks), on occasions playing to classical/jazz audiences.  He joined prog-rock band Velvet Razor three years ago as a bassist (a new avenue to explore).  Feeling the itch to get back tickling six strings, he helped form new band Back Row in November 2008.
Martin is an electronics engineer by profession.  His hobbies include, collecting guitars (no s**t Sherlock!), restoring watches & clocks (OK, keeps me tame!) and music/film appreciation.  He is a bit like Omar Sharif but without the moustache!

IF YOU GO OUT TO SOMETHING NEW IN DEC – MAKE IT BEST OF THE MEZZ – YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.