International Mersey River Festival On the Waterfront - BBC Radio 6 Funk and Soul show
What a fabulous treat for a Friday evening? As the sun shine brightly across the river Mersey,the BBC6 music stage stood proud on the waterfront. The three day festival was a celebration of the two M's, namely all things maritime and music.
Talented Liverpool group MiCLowry started off the proceedings taking to the stage at the pier head. The five piece vocal harmony collective were greeted by screaming fans and sang a collection of original songs as well as cover tracks.
There is no doubt about it, these boys deserve success and national acclaim. I have followed them for a few years now and it's a wonderful thing to see how they have developed artistically. Vocally, they have always been exceptional. What struck me about this performance was how polished it was. Their stage presence was fantastic and their harmonies as always tight and well executed. My favourite part of their set was a mash-up of Beyonce's "Drunk in love" and Bruno Mars' "treasure" - just incredible.
As I sat in the press pit, I could see MOBO unsung winner Esco Williams standing to the side of the stage looking on at his protege's like a proud father. MiCLowry certainly warmed up the stage before the Top man: Esco followed on stage to wow his home crowd.
Esco's set showcased a beautiful array of his new material such as "Breaking Bones" and "Oh Jordan" backing vocals by three vocalists complemented Williams dulcet soulful tones. As always, his performance was dynamic and his interaction with the crowd endearing and welcoming. It is clear that Esco has gone from strength to strength with his new offerings; delivering vocals rich, mature and abundant in depth. The crowd loved his performance, as did I.
Esco Williams SoundCloud
Esco left the stage to rapturous applause and tipped his proverbial cap to the master Lee Fields.
A legend in his own right and creator of soulful music for in excess of forty years, Mr Fields arrived on stage following an introduction by his band The Expressions.
Singing a range of older tracks and ones from his new album "Emma Jean", it was no surprise that Fields got the audience who were at this point sodden from the rain dancing enthusiastically. I caught up with him backstage and what a gentleman he was. I was privileged to chat with him. With a long career in music and an aptitude to deliver soul from the pit of his belly, Liverpool was blessed to have him present on the waterfront on Friday night.
The stage was set for Smoove and Turrell a funk and soul band that seamlessly continued the soulful thread of the night. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay until the end of their performance but the part that I caught was definitely a display of funk and soul at it's finest. It's no wonder that this group have supported such soul legends like Martha Reeves and the Vendellas, Nile Rodgers and Chic.
Craig Charles introduced Lee Fields and Smoove & Turrell onto the stage and played on the decks in between performances and after Smoove & Turell's set. Liverpool welcomed proud Scouser Craig with open arms and danced the night away to his offerings of soul and funk.
A thoroughly enjoyable night of music which continued on Saturday and Sunday night.
Talented Liverpool group MiCLowry started off the proceedings taking to the stage at the pier head. The five piece vocal harmony collective were greeted by screaming fans and sang a collection of original songs as well as cover tracks.
There is no doubt about it, these boys deserve success and national acclaim. I have followed them for a few years now and it's a wonderful thing to see how they have developed artistically. Vocally, they have always been exceptional. What struck me about this performance was how polished it was. Their stage presence was fantastic and their harmonies as always tight and well executed. My favourite part of their set was a mash-up of Beyonce's "Drunk in love" and Bruno Mars' "treasure" - just incredible.
As I sat in the press pit, I could see MOBO unsung winner Esco Williams standing to the side of the stage looking on at his protege's like a proud father. MiCLowry certainly warmed up the stage before the Top man: Esco followed on stage to wow his home crowd.
Esco Williams SoundCloud
Esco left the stage to rapturous applause and tipped his proverbial cap to the master Lee Fields.
A legend in his own right and creator of soulful music for in excess of forty years, Mr Fields arrived on stage following an introduction by his band The Expressions.
The stage was set for Smoove and Turrell a funk and soul band that seamlessly continued the soulful thread of the night. Unfortunately, I was unable to stay until the end of their performance but the part that I caught was definitely a display of funk and soul at it's finest. It's no wonder that this group have supported such soul legends like Martha Reeves and the Vendellas, Nile Rodgers and Chic.
Craig Charles introduced Lee Fields and Smoove & Turrell onto the stage and played on the decks in between performances and after Smoove & Turell's set. Liverpool welcomed proud Scouser Craig with open arms and danced the night away to his offerings of soul and funk.
A thoroughly enjoyable night of music which continued on Saturday and Sunday night.
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