What an interesting week I have had, from a musical perspective.

By Gareth Cornfield

The radio show I present on Radio Tircoed, sponsored by Llanelli Music Scene, FRWT Salad (Folk; Roots: World & Traditional Music) had very special guests.

The band, Initial Reply, came to the studio to talk about their music. They are: Nicola Lee, Ceryn Evans, Halena Morgan, Phoebe Jones and Isobelle Morgan, an all-girl rock band.

I was first alerted to them by, of all people, Nia Griffith MP. She had sponsored them in a competition. The idea was that MP’s would put forward a band from their constituency and the winner would get to play in the Palace of Westminster. Initial Reply are already reaping the rewards of this as the increased exposure & publicity has boosted their profile.

The girls are a five-piece, having had some personnel changes. We played some of their recordings & chatted. Then they did something very difficult. They took their usual electric set & did an acoustic version. I was mightily impressed.

There are many seasoned performers who would not be able to translate their songs and playing from an electric/rock setting to an acoustic one so successfully. I did feel sorry for the Bass player as she didn’t have an acoustic instrument. They were excellent and showed a confidence and performing maturity beyond their years. I expect to see a lot more of Initial Reply and strongly suggest you do too.

On Friday, I was at Pontardawe Arts Centre to see one of my favourites, Show of Hands. For the uninitiated, Show of Hands are: Steve Knightley and Phil Beer. They have been nominated for & won the best duo at the BBC Folk Awards.

Confusing really as, for the last ten years they have been joined by Miranda Sykes on Double Bass & vocals. Steve & Phil are both multi-instrumentalists – Mandocello; Guitar: Tenor Guitar: Cuatro & Fiddle being some. Phil’s credits include numerous collaborations and The Albion Band. Steve is a consummate & prolific song-writer and has again collaborated with any folk luminaries such as Seth Lakeman. They wear their West Country origins on their sleeves. This background informs their songs & adds to their relaxed stage craft.

Steve Knightly ( From SOH Website)

Phil Beer (from SOH website)

The big surprise for me, however, was the support act, Miranda Sykes and her partner, Rex Preston. Away from supplying vocals for Show of Hands, Miranda’s voice soared like a bird released from a cage. Rex has to be the best Mandolin player I have had the pleasure to hear. So often, mandolin players strike more than one course of strings, thereby harmonising with themselves.

Rex was much ‘cleaner’ in his attack. This gave the notes a bell like quality that was, frankly, beautiful. The voices and arrangements melded into a glorious whole. So much so that I bought both of their albums. Listen out for them on my radio show over the coming weeks. {Radio Tircoed, 1065 fm www.radiotircoed.com}

Miranda Sykes (from her MySpace page)

Show of Hands are touring in support of their new album, ‘Wake the Union’. They played songs from this album as well as favourites from their extensive back catalogue. The song, “Arrogance, Ignorance & Greed” about the banking crisis is, sadly, still pertinent. I.E.D (Improvised Explosive Device) now has extra lyrics to reflect the bombing of the Boston Marathon.

This is the hallmark of excellent performers, they can the familiar songs and present them in a way that is fresh & relevant. ‘Santiago’, about copper miners going to South America to dig for copper ore and send it out through the port of Santiago has a new verse about the Chilean miners. Throughout, they kept the large audience enthralled with stories and jokes.

The evening flew by. My only worry is regarding a venue for the future. Previously, it has been a standing only gig at Pontardawe Arts Centre. This time, it was in theatre seating style to accommodate the number who wanted to see them. Next time, they may have to be here for two nights. That might not work though, as I for one would go to both nights!

Monday was the usual eclectic gathering at The Loughor Boating Club for the Riverside Folk Club. A large audience as well as performers were there. Rhea read her poetry, there were folk songs & country from Mike ‘Monkey’ Silito. I read a poem ‘Bomber’s Moon’ by Mike Harding and sang unaccompanied. Sian Richards sang her own compositions. She is a singer/songwriter who is going from strength to strength.

Initial Reply accepted my invitation to come down. Performing as a four piece, sans bass player, they did two of their own songs and a cover. It is no understatement to say that they impressed many of the performers. Many ‘Old Hands’ took the time to compliment them on their musicianship and stage craft. It is a feather in my cap that I was able to bring them to the club. They enjoyed themselves and we look forward to them coming back.

The Riverside is a great venue for folk/acoustic music. The audience is appreciative and knowledgeable. Unlike so many open-mic nights, they listen to the performers.

Why not come down and check it out. Every Monday from about 8.30