The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 4th August 2010

The Varlies are a homegrown Tunbridge Wells rock band. Formed back in the
early 90s by guitarist, Kev Amos and singer, John Whitehorn, they have
been delighting audiences and listeners alike ever since with their own
blend of music and infectious live performances. The Trinity show is set
to offer a chance to catch the full band in one of their now rare
performances together where they will be performing songs from their last
four albums. With Paul May on drums and Steve Mealing on bass completing
this fantastic line up, this really be one not to be missed. Paul Dunton
Says... "The Varlies are quite simply one of the best bands I have ever
seen live. Their sublime musicianship and infectious melodies underpin
their undoubted ability to create fantastic music. This is band that takes
you on a rollercoaster of emotions! Expect everything from high energy
foot stomping rockin' tunes, funky grooves and hire wire guitar riff's to
beautifully crafted acoustic ballads. John Whitehorne is an exceptional
vocalist, with an incredible range and tone that reminds me of Neil Finn, with shades of Bon Iver's falsetto at times. The band's
live sound is hard to pigeon hole as they have their own swagger and
style, however if you said names such as The Dave Matthew's Band or a
rockier version of Crowded House that would give you an idea!"

Show full profile »

WakeUpTom is the stage name of local singer-songwriter Tom Joseph Walker. Over the last year Tom has been busy writing and recording, and has recently been joined by fellow local musicians Henry Willard, on double-bass, and Tom Heasman, on drums and percussion. Says Walker of the new trio: 'I'd just finished recording some demos in London, and was introduced to Tom and Henry by mutual friends. None of us had met before so I invited the guys round to my place for a jam and we instantly hit it off. It's great to have two wonderfully talented guys as your mates to bounce ideas off and bring your songs to life, whereas before I just had to imagine what the other instruments might sound like! It really opens up a whole new world of possibilities to how you write and how you perform your songs live. Having the opportunity to rework some of your earlier material with a band and try out some new songs is really exciting. We can't wait to start gigging together!'

Tom picked up his first guitar aged ten and hasn't put it down since (or stopped buying them). 'I started off playing acoustic and then bought my first electric when I was fifteen. I'd love to say that I grew up listening to all the old classics but actually my dad mostly played 80's soft rock like Journey and Bon Jovi, which was great, but I've only recently started listening to Clapton, Stevie Wonder, SRV, Nick Drake, etc. I also don't think there's anything wrong in being influenced by contemporary artists like James Morrison, Newton Faulkner, or Mr Blobby…I love modern acoustic players like Andy McKee, and folk singers like Kate Rusby. With the electric guitar I'm more interested in musicians like Clapton, who can actually write good songs and not just shred solos.'

Tom sums up his approach to music: 'Of course, like all singer-songwriters, you want your music to connect with people. But my main aim is that you feel better after listening to one of our songs than you did beforehand, or, simply to put a smile on your face.'

Show full profile »

Sevenoaks based singer/songwriter Geoff Easeman is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist who has explored various musical genres both in bands and a solo performer. He has established himself as one of the most charismatic soloists at The Grey Lady shows in addition to enjoying a hugely sucessful debut at Paul's ‘Ship Theatre' showcase in Sevenoaks at the end of last year. Geoff was formerly with local eclectic blues/country band ‘The Magd' who themselves were a popular headline act at the Grey Lady shows. The band amicabally dispanded at the end of 2007 leading Geoff to focus on his Solo acoustic gigs in the meantime. Geoff's distinct style is higlighted his nimble and inticate finger work on the steel spring guitar influenced by genres such as Folk, Country, Ragtime & Blues.

Show full profile »

Born with left side Microtia, Nick picked up the guitar from his folk playing parents when he was seven years old. 

His uncle played drums with Suzi Quatro in the seventies, so music has always run in the family. 

Nick started to sing and produce his own songs at eighteen having honed his blues, rag finger style and soulful rocky tones. 

He ran a studio for three years and in 2013, now with time to focus on himself as an artist, released his debut EP followed by his debut album early 2015. 

Nick aims to be out and about more than he ever has been, to promote himself, record label, charities and good music. More info online.

Show full profile »