The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 9th December 2018

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!"

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When Andy released the first ever naked Christmas music video it hit the national headlines, leading The Mirror newspaper to ask “Is this the best Christmas music video ever?” With the topics of his songs ranging from pandas to Luxembourg via Pot Noodle, Andy Twyman blends blues with humour and rock and roll to titillate your ears, mind and toes. Having already performed at Glastonbury Festival, on BBC Radio, and on Channel 4, Andy’s reputation is growing as a highly original emerging artist.

Andy first took to the stage aged 12 in pubs and clubs, with his guitar, voice and harmonica, often jamming with local musicians including Rory Graham (aka Rag and Bone Man). Before hitting 18, he had gigged as a solo act in top London venues including The Jazz Café and 100 Club. Driven to create a distinctive and exciting act, Andy learnt to play foot operated drums, giving his songs a beat to get people on their feet. Drawing on influences as diverse as Muddy Waters, Monty Python, the White Stripes and Noel Fielding he developed a one man band show. In recent years Andy has brought this show to Spain, the Netherlands and France, has performed twice on BBC Radio and on London’s Resonance 104.4FM, and has had articles written about his music in The Sun, the Mirror, and The Daily Mail newspapers. On Christmas Eve 2015, Andy's Christmas music video, 'A Naked Noel', was broadcast on Channel 4, and in 2017 Andy was interviewed on the London Live TV station to discuss his festival appearances and new live album release. When the summer arrives, Andy performs at festivals all over the country inducing laughter and dancing amongst the drunk and disorderly. He has performed at many of the biggest and best UK music festivals including Glastonbury, Beautiful Days, Standon Calling, and Green Gathering.  

Quotes

"The master of the one man band...a first class musician and songwriter"

Blues in Britain Magazine

"The audience realised they were in the presence of a real entertainer, a provider of a refreshing blast of new blues"

Blues Matters Magazine

“His guitar sounds either stoic like John Lee Hooker or grooves like Bo Diddley”
Wasser-Prawda (Germany)

"A one man band with edge...an excellent, versatile, contemporary singer songwriter that gives the blues a new take with humour"
Lancashire Blues Archive

"The audience were enthralled and entertained"

The Hastings Flyer

(photo credit: Laura Wispells)

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Info coming soon

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