Pete MacLeod is one very busy man. In addition to recording his much anticipated second album with the multi-million selling Youth, he has recently launched Stepping Stone Music. The concept is simple but one that commands my respect, with Pete doing his bit to help aspiring and upcoming musicians by providing them with a platform to promote their music. This particular night ties in nicely, as the artists performing tonight are also the first to feature on the new Stepping Stone Music site. In addition, this particular night will be Pete’s last official involvement with the Creation Sessions (Glasgow), a night he established last year, as he prepares for the release of his yet untitled album.
Arriving at the venue, there was a tangible buzz about the place and it is evident the local interest in the night has increased significantly, judging by the sell-out crowd. Opening the night is a singer/songwriter from Alloa, named Kieran Fisher. Over the last few years Kieran’s and my own path have crossed at various times and I am delighted to be helping and working with Kieran as he continues on his musical journey. Kieran opened with a cracking track called ‘Rise And Shine’, whilst the standout moment of his set came with the mass crowd sing-along of his belting number ‘Festival Song’. For those that were there you will know what I mean; Having been to numerous gigs over the years I cannot recall ever hearing a travelling crowd bellow back the words of one of their own with such passion and belief.
Following Kieran was Jamie Coleman, another young man who has a bit of a presence about him. Having caught Jamie previously I was keen to hear how he would sound with his new band, The Giants. Jamie opened with his song ‘Calm Yourself Down’ and got the crowd going with his track ‘Ma Life Ma Rules’. With his harmonica in tow, Jamie sounded more powerful than I previously remembered.
Next up on the bill was Jamie Reilly, however as I was later to find out, Jamie is now part of a three piece called The Blue Lenas. Consisting of former solo artist Scott Beaton on bass and also a drummer, this for me this was the big surprise of the night. At 20 years old, Reilly is a formidable guitarist and at times the guitar solos reminded me of John Squire. Perhaps it was the music accompanied with the flowing mineral water or perhaps it was just Scott’s outrageous shirt that got me really into the groove, but I loved their set consisting of many tracks that are as yet untitled.
Headliner The Beat Movement cranked it up a notch with a few old and familiar faces in the crowd getting right into their set. Having been following their activity as they gig up and down the country for sometime on-line, TBM were a band I had been looking forward to catching live for some time. ‘Coming After You’ was standout for me, although that may have been due to listening to it a few times via The Stepping Stone website prior to the gig. The set was intense with the crowd loving it and the guys generated a lot of energy in the room. Their guitarist was dynamite throughout the set and it was a great end to a fantastic night at Sleazys. 4 acts, £8 entry… quality night!
Bazza Mills
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