Little Ray and Soy Un Caballo at Hedge Folk

I spent a most pleasant evening over at the Carlton Club at one of the sweet little Hedge Folk sessions last Friday. I know it's not jazz, but this blog does say ".. or anything else that feels right at the time". It's fair to say I do like lots of other music despite the fact that this has ended up being mainly a jazzy affair.

The first thing you notice is how nicely those lovely Hedge people lay the place out with flowers on the table and such. The general ambiance was very warm, easy and welcoming. First up were the really quite charming Little Ray. They opened with a touching version of the song 'Little Ray', the vulnerable voice of singer and guitar player Louise Shiels immediately capturing the rooms attention. The songs were generally quiet and minimal pieces graced by some sweet harmony vocals from Danielle Galway and Nigel Bunner. The thoughtful and simple lines from guitarist Matt Kelly, and the straight n'steady drumming from Dan Best complimented the wistful textures perfectly.

The decidedly more quirky Soy Un Caballo followed with a sort of easy listening electro-pop amalgam. There were some quite sophisticated arrangments from the pair of Aurélie Muller on vocals, vibes and bass, and Thomas Van Cottom on vocals, guitar and electronics. It was another really charming set consisting of unusual and catchy-in-a-good-way tunes. The songs are well put together and backed by some great playing from these two. A high point was 'Robin', its metronomic vibes introduction seducing us into its irresistably melodic and groovy heart.

I couldn't stick around for the final set from John Fairhurst so that'll have to wait for another time. A fab evening even so.

alt.didsbury.tea

Having moved back to Manchester a few years ago now (I'm originally from Stockport), I couldn't help but be amused by references to 'leafy boho' Didsbury, as nice a place as it may be. A Cafe Rouge and Slug and Lettuce do not bohemia make. This for sure is not Hoxton or Prenzlauer Berg (no doubt London and Berlin scenesters will dispute the boho cred of these places too). Having said that, the opening of a fantastic new cafe, The Art of Tea, may nudge it a little more in that direction. As the cafe's MySpace says it "promises to put some much needed alt. back into the Didsbury scene!" - [everybody and everything now has a MySpace - apparently the cafe is male and 29 years old]. You can find this great new place at 47 Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury. The cafe offers "wholesome and hearty food, speciality drinks, wifi access, regular events, rotating art work, an awesome soundtrack and somewhere to pick up a classic novel".

This all began as sad story. We headed down to Zero Records a few weeks ago to pick up a second hand CD and maybe a novel from the The Village Book Store at the back of the record shop only the find the place closed, seemingly another victim of bittorrent mp3 file sharing and Amazon. On returning from holiday in Lakeland we drove past to see the Zero Records sign back outside the shop and the new Art of Tea frontage. One of things myself and friends have been moaning about for ages is the lack of a decent cafe and here it now is! The next day we duly patronised the establishment and I can recommend not only excellent tea, but great coffee and a fine cream cheese and sun dried tomato bagel. Even the side salad garnish excelled with rocket leaves and a decent balsamic salad dressing instead of the usual pointless ice berg lettuce . The decor is a sort of alternative granny style with small knitted doilys on the tables and 1950's standard issue retro sofas.

Not only this but The Art of Tea is hosting free Sunday afternoon 'Red Deer Tea Sessions' run by the The Red Deer Club. Local folk fave, Liz Green will playing there on Sunday the 7th of October at 3pm along with Aidan Smith & Sally Murray. Promises to be a good one, Liz being the winner of the Emerging Talent Competition at this years Glastonbury festival.