Simon ParkinCanadian singer-songwriter David Celia stops off at the Cider Shed to perform songs from his latest album, I Tried. Plus: We Can't Dance, Martin SImpson and Milly, Will Barlow and Mia Vigar at the Arts Centre.Simon Parkin
DAVID CELIA
Cider Shed, June 18
Canadian singer-songwriter David Celia stops off at the Cider Shed, on Sprowston Road, tonight to perform songs from his latest album, I Tried.
The Toronto musician is one of the most experienced independent artists and busiest working musicians, and has consistently built an audience across Canada and Europe, where he's regularly toured for the past eight years.
An accomplished singer-songwriter, guitarist and arranger, his third album builds on the success of his previous releases, Organica and This Isn't Here.
I Tried tugs the heartstrings with a collection of country-tinged urban folk pop songs. It's an over-wieldy description, but necessary as his musical output spans a variety of musical genres. It's a thoughtful, funny, sensitive collection of bright, sharp original songs that owes as much to Beatlesque pop as singer-songwriter traditions. Lyrically it's filled with a myriad of emotions and life observations, but instead of alienating an audience, his experiences are warm and inviting. Admission is free, which is a bargain.
t Further listening: www.davidcelia.com
WE CAN'T DANCE
Norwich Arts Centre, June 19
Having only formed last October through Access to Music, We Can't Dance have already enjoyed some success on the Norwich music scene.
Following a stage invasion at the first gig, the enthusiastic four-piece started 2010 in similar fashion with a riotous gig at the Arts Centre. They've also already played sold out shows alongside Blonde Louis and The Kabeedies this year with their chaotic lo-fi indie pop loveliness going down a storm. The band - Harry, Josie, Matt and Ash - have just finished recording their first EP - suitably entitled for a Norwich band, Gary Doherty - which is available for sale on iTunes.
Recent trips to London to play the legendary 100 Club as part of the Norwich showcase will soon be followed by further shows in the capital later this month. But before that they top the latest Tilting Sky line-up, alongside Ipswich country-punks Jackknife Horsebox, Tortoise Family Connections - aka Rory from The Kabeedies and Calum from These Ghosts, and Norwich trio Lady Panther.
t Further listening: www.myspace.com/wecantdanceuk
MILLY/WILL BARLOW/MIA VIGAR
Norwich Arts Centre, June 22
Another inviting Howlback Hum produced line-up of acoustic material from some of Norwich's best upcoming young artists in the relatively intimate setting of the Arts Centre caf� bar.
Milly - aka musician, artist and beard-lover Emily Hirst (pictured) - will be beguiling once again with her beautiful voice and sparse, yet intricate enchanting folk songs. She manages to evoke the emotions of many generations of women, whilst adding something fresh and very much her own.
Joining her will be Will Barlow, who will be putting in a solo appearance though he is normally to be seen as the singer, songwriter and guitar player with The Gore Vidals.
Mia Vigar, who last year released the excellent debut (under her own name at least) album, True Adventures Happen In Your Head, will also be performing, as will The Milgram Experiment and Lilith.
t Further listening: www.myspace.com/emilyhirst
MARTIN SIMPSON
Norwich Arts Centre, June 23
Martin Simpson, twice winner of Musician of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and one of the finest acoustic finger-style and slide guitar players in the world, returns to the Arts Centre.
In the last two years, Martin has been busier, more successful and more visible than ever before in his 37-year career, a veritable overnight sensation at the age of 56.
Numerous festival appearances and a series of almost completely sold-out UK tours have continued to raise his profile.
His 2007 release, Prodigal Son, was nominated for five BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and won Album of the Year, and Best Original song for the deeply-moving Never Any Good.
Last year saw the release of a new album, True Stories to wide critical acclaim. The material was a split between traditional songs and tunes and for the first time, Simpson's own original compositions.
Here he will be performing with Andy Cutting (accordion) and Andy Steward (bass). There are a limited number of standing tickets available - all seats have sold out.
t Further listening: www.martinsimpson.com
SOUNDS IN THE CITY
t June 18
Avosetta + more (indie) - Arts Centre
Floating Greyhounds (rock) - Brickmakers
Rox Off (rock) - King Edward VII
Pout At The Devil (glam rock) - Blueberry
Karmacoustics (acoustic) - Karma Kafe
t June 19
The Lost Levels + more (indie) - The Forum
Tilting Sky: feat. We Can't Dance (indie) - Arts Centre
Staprest (Mod/rock) - B2
Ska-Ta-Brain (ska) - Blueberry
Tendahooks (indie/rock) - Brickmakers
NMS - Marquee
Doctor Rox (rock) - King Edward VII
The Cream Horns (rock/blues) - Marlborough Arms
Blues Brothers (tribute) - Trowel & Hammer
t June 20
Mollyhawk (Irish) - Cider Shed
Ukele Society (4.30pm) - Ten Bells
Lee Vasey Big Band (12pm) - Brickmakers
t June 21
PUP Promo (indie) - Marquee
Jazz N jam (open mic) - Blueberry
Sessions (open mic) - Brickmakers
After Hours Club (open mic) - Ten Bells
t June 22
The Fire Fighters (ska) - Brickmakers
Abandon All Hope (metal) - Marquee
Folk Night (open mic) - Micawber's Tavern
Trad Acoustic (folk) - Eaton Beehive
t June 23
Norfolk's Got Talent (competition) - The Talk
Pure Acoustic (open mic) - Brickmakers
The Session (Irish) - Cider Shed
Lee Vasey & Friends (rock/blues) - Trowel & Hammer
t June 24
Rules of Romance (pop-punk) - B2
Sound For A Pound (indie) - Marquee
Open Jam (open mic) - King Edward VII
Albert Cooper's Jazz Life (jazz) - Rumsey Wells
Cruisin For A Blusin (blues) - Rose Tavern
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