The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 31st March 2010

Tom Williams And The Boat formed in Tunbridge Wells in 2008, the six members having been thrown together via the grey lady and electing to leave their various bands to create something new. With a diverse musicianship that encompasses the traditional rock ‘n’ roll of guitar, bass and drums supplemented by piano, violin, harmonica and whatever else works, the band formed their own Wire Boat Recordings to issue early EPs at gigs and it was these self contained releases that caught the eye of Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq amongst others who weighed in with airplay, sessions and invites to play the BBC Introducing Stage at various UK festivals.

Usually a 6 piece folk rock outfit, Tom & The Boat strip their sound down for their Grey Lady appearances playing just with Tom and Ant Vicary on acoustic guitars, Geri Holton on violin, and Chris Stewart on Piano.

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The Naming Of Things sing heartfelt songs of love and loss. Based around the songs of Andrew Lennox, coupled with the sinuous bass-lines of Jim Carrigan, the Tunbridge Wells-based band return after something of a hiatus. After a year that included the release of an eponymous EP, swiftly followed by a change of line-up, a series of personal tragedies has meant the songs have taken a darker, more reflective turn. The new material explores the fringes of folk and Americana (or should that be Canadiana - Lennox is half Canadian) and is influenced by the lyricism of Dylan, Cohen and Waits. The recent addition of Kate Genery, James Cox and Alex Metcalfe to the line-up has taken the band into new and exciting sonic territory. The band will be returning to the studio to record a new E.P. in the autumn.

Expect wistful melodies accompanied by an eclectic array of instruments including banjo, omnichord, glockenspiel, trumpet and accordion.

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Night Without Sleep are amazed they are still alive. They have fully embraced this lease of life in becoming an acoustic duo comprised of Mad Dogs - Wolff Williams (vocals/guitar) and Jim (Funboy) Loosley (guitar/vocals). Trying hard not to let themselves fall into any one genre of music, they are renowned for their dramatic live shows with their close to the mark lyrics and the ability to get under the skin of the listener, marking them out as true artistic performers. Sitting comfortably away from the safety of uplifting pop they offer songs that are interesting, edgy, full of emotion and very different to anything else you will see. They are currently in the studio recording a couple of EPs which is about time.

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The Kitchen Poet - aka Nick Webber - offers a distinct atmospheric style with crafted melodies, thought provoking lyrics and engaging, versatile vocals. Nick has established himself as one of the leading soloists on the local music scene and has been performing live since 2001 in venues all over the Southeast including festivals in Maidstone and Gillingham. He has also performed at the revered ‘Rock Garden' venue in Covent Garden, London. His influences include John Martyn Nick Drake and The Rollingstones. Recent achievements include finishing as one of the leading finalists in the ‘02 undisovered' Music talent search competition in addition to receiving airplay on BBC Radio Kent.

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