Nick Courtney presents

An evening with 3 BLIND MICE at the RMA Tavern (08/04/07)
Reviewed By Nick Courtney and Gareth Howells



I had previously seen 3 Blind Mice on the Battersea Barge in London with some of my close friends and therefore was really happy that Nick had arranged another night of mouse music in Portsmouth!! It was looking like a great night's entertainment with support from Jay Munday (with Brad on bass) and the band Pathway who were to perform their 2nd gig as a "full band" (with the addition of bass and drums)


 

Jay Munday officially opened the evening with his best self-penned songs mixing with some of his strongest covers. The evening kicked off at 7pm and Jay Munday filled his set with his own strong songs with some covers scattered through the set from a varied list of influences like Biffy Clyro, Paul Weller, Thin Lizzy and Seal. Brad's bass gave Jay the opportunity to play lead while Brad filled the space, while also giving some of the songs an elaborate bassline that added an extra melody. Nice set guys.!

http://www.myspace.com/jaymunday

http://www.myspace.com/tantricfish

Pathway were on at 8pm and performed as a four piece for only the second time ever and it didn't show at all. Their material was filled with covers of Brit bands like The Kinks and Oasis, or big hits like "Stuck in the middle with you" and "Proud Mary" The bass and drums is a perfect addition to the original duo and they their performance was tight and solid throughout. Excellent stuff. Pathway were rewarded by a huge enthusiatic audience that cheered, danced and appauded throughout. It was a great performance that left the sell out audience hyped up, happy and ready to enjoy the rest of the evening.

http://www.myspace.com/pathwayuk

http://www.pathwaymusic.co.uk

 
 
 
3 Blind Mice were up next. This band is fantastic. Some of them spend their days touring with artists like Take That, Go West and Level 42 - but in my opinion 3 Blind Mice are better than all of these bands. In their own gigs they get to show off what good songswriters they are and what great chemistry they have on stage - with the audience as much as with the rest of the band. With a sound that conjures up images of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Crowded House, XTC, Beach Boys, 3 Blind Mice give a big performance filled with sophisticated harmonies, great lyrics and a bassist, drummer and lead guitarist with a kick to push the songs out with immediacy. A fourth vocalist, Frankie, was on stage too to add more kick to the harmonies.

http://www.myspace.com/catsawaymusic

http://www.catsaway.com


After a fantastic 2 hour set without a break, 3 Blind Mice left the stage to enormous applause. The doors closed and the private "after show party" began. This was a free for all, where the remaning people, mostly local musicians and their friends got to perform a short accoustic set infront of the people who had entertained them earlier. Performers included Nick Courtney with Brad on bass, Gareth Howells, Leigh Stokes, Frankie Jack, Helen and Matt, Alex and Lyndon from 3BM, Big Tom on harmonica and Tam on keyboards. It was a superb session of great music scattered with tomfoolery that lasted well into the early hours of Monday morning. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night.








Reviewed by Nick Courtney and Gareth Howells

Photo's by Shaz

For Gareth's full unedited blog and to read comments from others - See Gareth's Blog Please do not leave personal comments about individuals that are likely to offend. This is a friendly review and is just for fun !!!

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