While everyone is lamenting the fact that they couldn't make it, I thought I'd share some pics of the evening. As always, there was a good variety and every act brought something special to the mix.
The kicker offer, X-rated Bob. You will notice that he has, very unselfishly, donned his more easily identifiable footwear again seeing as the water crisis had been safely averted.
And here's another picture of him pouring his soul into a TJ's microphone and an appreciative audience.
So, it being Winter Solstice and all, it was decided that the Solstice Sisters would perform a pagan ritual on stage to beckon back the sun.
We can be honest here, right? Well, I'd have to say that I didn't particularly enjoy this. Not only was it completely devoid of any musical value (the one song that was sung was sung badly) but it wasn't a ritual I would have chosen to attend myself. Forgive me Bob, but I thought that, in a way this was a bit of an insult to the real performers on stage. The bigger insult however was their behaviour during the other performances. But enough of that.
Moving on to one of the keystone acts of the night, Shannon Hope. This Durban girl has a powerful voice and very arresting stage performance.
Third act, Gill Hockman. Here's a true poet. I really enjoyed his bare bones style of music and his intriguing lyrics.
Then Shotgun Tori joined him on stage for his last song, Baby Shoes, which was one of my favourite songs of the evening. Their voices go very well together. The only thing I would have liked better is if there was some more harmonic separation. But really, a very nice song this one and a very nice performance.
Next up, the Swamp Dogs. This is why you gotta love TJ's. How often are you going to find a guitar, accordion and lap steel trio performing combinations of Irish folk and pirate songs? This was great.
Richard on the lap steel.
Bob, I missed the name of the female member of the group?
And to wrap up the night, came our very own ShreddySmurf. I am a big fan of Shreddy's singing and guitar playing. He chose a collection of covers ranging from Bob Dylan to Third Eye Blind and he did a marvellous job. He chose some songs that braver men would have failed at on such a cold evening but his fingerwork was solid and his voice was true.
I'd have to single out Shreddy's set as my favourite for the evening. He has a very engaging stage personality, he's a deft guitarist and an equally good vocalist.
I have been enjoying TJ's immensely lately, both at the formal music evenings and at the open mic nights. The variety of acts means that you are bound to find something that you like. But mostly, it's offered me the opportunities to see some really good guitarists in action. If you guys haven't seen ShreddySmurf, Squonk or the artist formerly known as Stratisfear working their magic yet, then you are missing out and you've got only yourselves to blame.
