Latest 7 magazine

A fabulous set from Alex Cornish and his band, including a heart-stopping, stripped-down version of Dire Straits’, ‘Brothers in Arms’. Cornish instinctively understands that writing a song is so much more than merely telling the world how s*** you feel now that your lover has gone. His songs are beautifully structured, filled with tension and topped off with lovely little melodic flourishes which give them genuine emotional impact. Equally important, the lyrics eschew the banal, faux angsty posturing which bedevils the output of so many singer-songwriters. The only ‘negative’ was that certain audience members (you know who you are) thought it OK to talk and laugh during his performance. Nonetheless, a truly great evening out.
Latest Musicbar, 1 September
5/5
Gary Mepsted

A construct inspired by the classic ’80s film, this tribute is less a theatre piece, more a floor-stompingly enjoyable cabaret night. A delightful cast with voices picked to suit the songs selected by the original duo, as well as a strong support from a trio of belting soul female singers, made for a fun night all the family came along to enjoy. The only weak moments came when the ensemble of performers, plus the live band on stage, fragmented. Some solo performances without the support of the others showed the bare bones of a performer’s limitations. For the most part, though, no one cared, as the audience danced in the aisles, singing the virtues of ‘Sweet Home Chicago’, and feeling the joy of the party.
Theatre Royal Brighton, 31 August
3/5
Victoria Nangle

Before reggae and ska there was mento and The Jolly Boys have been playing it for over 60 years. Probably the oldest performers to grace the Coalition stage, the snappily dressed septuagenarians, dubbed the Jamaican Buena Vista Social Club, were here to promote their new covers album. Most of the songs suited their laid back calypso style, with ‘Rehab’ and ‘Ring Of Fire’ standing out. Both ‘Powda’ Bennett, 73, and Albert Minott, 72, were surprisingly sprightly and ‘Johnny’ Henry, 71, sat sage-like as he played his sitting bass rumba box. A great show from a group who have more than paid their dues.
Coalition, 31 August
4/5
Steve Clements

The mod revivalists emerged from the stage smoke only a silhouette of their former selves. Hailing from London, The Chords lived up to their deafening reputation but with little flair. The vocals were coarse and off-key. Their instruments, although sometimes tolerable, mostly grated inharmoniously. Front man Billy Hassett appeared warm and energetic, but intermittently battled with the sound engineer who failed to reduce the level of feedback spewing from the microphones. The rock veterans were upstaged by their supporting act, The Universe, who proved that rigorous playing, euphonic voices and an astonishing drum solo is the source to any modster’s heart.
Brighton Coalition, 27 August
1/5
Simon Robb