The Chords were a 1970s British pop music group, commonly associated with the mod revival, who had several hits in their homeland, before the decline of the trend brought about their break-up. They were one of the more successful groups to emerge during the revival, which was popular in the UK in 1979, thanks in part to The Jam's popularity (and their affection for mod music and style) and the release of The Who's Quadrophenia, a film centred around the mod subculture of the 1960s, and based on their 1973 rock opera.
For nearly sixty years, the Jolly Boys have been integral to the fabric of Port Antonio's musical landscape and cultural heritage. Masters of mento, one of Jamaica's original musics, this band has rocked innumerable private soires, charmed the traveling elite and toured the world, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who has heard them. Their new album, Great Expectation, introduces a new sound and direction, making them more unforgettable than they have ever been.
The Jolly Boys quickly rose to local prominence in the 1950s as the house band for the Rat Pack's Jamaica chapter, chaired by the swashbuckling enfant terrible, Errol Flynn. Singing songs of double entendre and ribaldry to those in search of escape and excess, the group served as Port Antonio's go-to band for thirty years. Being 'discovered' by a new generation of world music aficionados in the late 1980s meant that the Jolly Boys could take their musical party on the road. Several album, dozens of countries and thirty years since, the Jolly Boys have become the most recognizable mento band in the world.
Now, the Jolly Boys are back, reinvigorated with a revolutionary new sound. In early 2009, Jon Baker, founder of Gee Street Records and one-time leader of the A&R team at Island Records in NYC, held a recording session at Geejam studios to capture some of the Jolly Boys vintage material. He was looking for the rebel mento 'the punk rock of its day' where singers sang frankly about sex and wrote biting commentary about relevant social issues. The Jolly Boys delivered, but it led to a fresh creative idea: why not dip into the rock repertory, take the songs that resonate with mento's raucous history and give them a different vibe? Baker, together with his long term friend and creative partner Mark Jones from Wall of Sound, worked together and chose tracks from artists like the Clash, the Stooges, the Stranglers and Amy Winehouse. They fit the mento vibe so naturally that work on the new project began immediately.
Over the next several months, the group worked tirelessly with Dale Virgo, Baker's co-producer, on a set of innovative arrangements and modern beats to complement and contemporize an older sound defined by banjos, maracas and rumba boxes. To bridge the narrows between the two styles, Baker brought in mento scholar and banjo driver Daniel Neely as the project's music director. In addition, Jamaican saxophone legend Cedric Brooks added both his unique musical insight and his horn to the project. The entire endeavor was documented by filmmaker and director Rick Elgood (One Love, Dancehall Queen, Westway to the World), whose docudrama about the Jolly Boys past, present and future is currently in production. The result of these efforts is the Jolly Boys' new album, Great Expectation, the birth of modern mento.
The well-seasoned and ever energetic Jolly Boys thrash out this new mento sound with as much heart and flex as any contemporary performer. Lead singer Albert Minott's saturated vocals, natural retro chic stylings and limitless charisma convey an uncommon originality and musical creativity that is entirely his own. On tour this summer to promote the new album, Albert will be supported by a sensational group of foundational Jolly Boys and young Jamaican lions. It'll leave you excited and wanting more.
Born out of love for Jamaican sound clash, forged with a do-it-yourself punk rock ethos and delivered with a raw hip hop swagger, the unstoppable Babyhead sound is drawn from all quarters of the musical universe, in true Bristol fashion. They have been a live phenomenon in the clubs and on the festival circuit for a decade plus, rocking stages from Glastonbury to Fabric and attracting onstage collaborations from Ozomatli, Rodney P, Alice Russell, scores of children, transvestites and even a three legged one eyed dog!
Keith Allen called them 'bastard child of Ian Dury and Iggy Pop', while the legendary Toots of The Maytals fame proclaimed the band 'Irie, despite their beards and suits'.
After two years in the lab reworking their sound, and newly signed to reggae label Rockers Revolt, Bristol's bastard sons Babyhead are back out on the road with full horn section, to deliver their extraordinary and energetic live show.
Zaza Music Presents Babyhead Plus Support from Samsara Fri 17 September 7.30pm - 10.30pm Tickets £8.50 adv Resident / Rounder Records, Ticketweb, See, We got Tickets.
PLAYGROUP LIVE & THEM! PRESENT: LITTLE DRAGON
Saturday 25th September
19:00 till 22:30
Little Dragon
Plus support from Phoria
Saturday 25th September
7pm - 10.30pm
£12 adv + B.Fee available from
Rounder, Resident, Ticketweb, See, We got Tickets
An enticing blend of twee indie pop hooks and crisp electronic beats in the style first perfected by Saint Etienne's Foxbase Alpha, Little Dragon are a showcase for Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagano, a mainstay of the European downtempo and lounge scenes. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Nagano first broke through in 2000 and 2001 as the singer on several singles by Swell Session, the project fronted by Swedish DJ and producer Andreas Saag. She later sang lead on the club hits "Summer Sun" and "Bright Nights" for the Swedish electronica duo Koop, as well as Hird's house singles "Keep You Kimi" and "I Love You My Hope," along with several contributions to the acid jazz collective Stateless' 2003 album Art of No State and the stylistically similar Sleepwalker's 2006 album The Voyage. Little Dragon, by way of contrast, are Nagano's own band, featuring keyboardist Hakan Wirenstrand, bassist Fredrik Kallgren Wallin, and drummer Erik Bodin. Bodin is also the percussionist for Swedish alt-folkie JosĂŠ GonzĂĄlez; in fact, Nagano sings harmony vocals on GonzĂĄlez's second album, In Our Nature. Little Dragon debuted in 2006 with the "Test" single, on the Scandinavian label Off the Wall. The following year, Little Dragon signed with the larger British indie Peacefrog Records (Nouvelle Vague, etc.) for their self-titled debut album. Machine Dreams, showing flashes of new wave inspiration, followed in 2009.
Lavishly soulful, Alice’s voice is both timeless whilst sounding bang-up-to-date. Live or on record, she always performs with her trademark self assurance and sass. If you didn’t know what she looked like you’d be mistaken for thinking she was an American diva brought up on a diet of belting out gospel tunes in her church. But no, Alice is 100% British and hails from Brighton.
That said, the source of Alice’s inspiration is as eclectic as it is surprising with influences including Minnie Ripperton, Eva Cassidy, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Jill Scott. Alice’s sensual, sublime voice has seen her work on many different projects in a number of capacities. Her work with Bah Samba (who released on Estereo Recordings) finds her fusing Latin sounds with tinges of house, uplifting jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti reveals a more laidback, hip hop and soul inspired sound.
Alice always pens her own songs; they are quick witted and often influenced by the musicians around her, which she states has been an important stimulus for her solo work. Her solo outing features a six-piece band – ‘Alice Russell Live’ - made up of some of the most talented musicians around. As well as her band, Alice has worked with Quantic Soul Orchestra, Nostalgia 77, Mr Scruff, and most recently David Byrne of Talking Heads.
Alice’s music is music that tugs at the emotions and raises hairs on the back of the neck. You really can’t fake Alice Russell’s talent.
BRASSNECK PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE
Tuesday 5th October
19:00 till 22:00
The Birthday Massacre is from Toronto, Canada. Combining their interests in various musical and artistic styles, the band has successfully accumulated an impressive international fan base, press accolades, and defied categorization with their unique sound and visuals.
The band was formed in 1999 and independently produced and recorded their first two albums, Nothing and Nowhere and Violet. Through both of these high-demand releases, as well as their highly acclaimed and beautifully atmospheric website, the band obtained a large and loyal fan base throughout the world. Due to their independent success, in 2005 they were approached by European record label Repo Records (followed shortly by Metropolis Records in North America) and the band began its steady climb to reaching a much wider audience with the 2007 release of the acclaimed and wildly popular Walking With Strangers.
In the last few years, the band has been performing internationally, traveling extensively across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, the U.K. and Europe. They have become renowned for their high-energy live performances, drawing large, mixed crowds through their appeal to fans of a surprisingly wide range of genres. Equally comfortable playing intimate venues as they are on a festival stage, the band's highly-praised performances will continue into the next year as they continue touring.
Currently, the band is in the mastering stage of their fourth full-length album, and preparing for both headlining shows and shows with OTEP in the July/Aug of 2010. They will also be returning to Europe and the U.K. in the fall.
14+, under 16's need to be accompanied by an adult
Tickets: £12.50 adv. / £14.50 on the door: Rounder 01273 325440 / Resident 01273 606312 / Dome 01273 709709 /
www.ticketweb.co.uk // www.seetickets.com
+14s welcome, under 16s to be accompanied
As one half of the songwriting duo (alongside Pete 'Babyshambles' Doherty) for The Libertines Carl Barat summed up an era of great British bands. Since their demise, (and recent inevitable reformation) he fronted the critically acclaimed punchy, ragged, and frenetic Dirty Pretty Things before announcing their end in 2008. Barat is now back with a new album of solo material and a tour, where he will be playing tracks from his the new album, alongside older material.
Pama Intl mixed live by the legendary Mad Professor
Thursday 21st 2010
7.30pm – 10.30pm
Tickets £12 + B.Fee available from:
Rounder, Resident, Ticketweb, See, We got Tickets
From their inception in 2001 Pama Intl have been brewing a unique blend of 60’s soul, 70’s reggae with a 21st century commentary. As much King Tubby as the southern soul sounds of Stax, all the time remaining distinctly Pama Intl. In 2006 they became the first new band to sign to the legendary Trojan Records in 30 years. 2008 saw Pama Intl getting back to their deep-rooted DIY philosophy with the launch of their own Rockers Revolt label, and the prompt release of Pama Intl-Love Filled Dub Band album…
**Included in the ticket price is a free digital copy of the rewired! In dub**
Based out of Victoria, British Columbia CANADA, this Alternative-Rock Punk-Pop combo was founded by drummer Paul Hawley and bassist Dustin Hawthorne in 1999. The two recruited guitarist Dante DeCaro and Steve Bays who performs live singing with the microphone in his left hand, playing a synthesizer with his right hand.
The quartet released a number of EPs, compilations, singles and the debut album, "Scenes One Through Thirteen", that generated enough buzz to get the band signed to SubPop Records who released in April 2002 a 5-track EP titled "Knock Knock Knock".
Shortly afterwards they headed into Vancouver's Mushroom Studios to record a new full-length, "Make Up The Breakdown", which peaked at #5 on the U.S. Top Independent Albums chart and cracked The Billboard Top 200 while the single "Bandages" climbed into the top 20 of The Modern Rock chart; the second single, "Talk To Me, Dance With Me", also made a respectable showing by breaking the top 40 on the same chart.
In early April 2005 the group released "Elevator". Shortly after completing the album, guitarist Dante DeCaro departed the line-up. The band quickly found a worthy replacement in guitarist Luke Paquin. Their third full-length disc peaked at #34 on The Billboard 200 and generated two Modern Rock top 30 hits: "Goodnight Goodnight" and "Middle Of Nowhere".
September 2007 saw Hot Hot Heat release their third album for Sire Records, "Happiness Ltd.". The 11-song set reached the #86 position on The Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, yielding only one minor hit single, "Let Me In".
Experimenting with amps and microphone placements, alternative sounds and vintage gear, Bays, Paquin, Hawley and new bass player Louis Hearn recorded "Future Breeds", the first HHH album cut in the band's own studio, Tugboat Place, which occupies a suite in one of Vancouver's oldest buildings, a marble-laden tower replete with a haunted floor. Released in June 2010 on L.A.-based Dangerbird Records, the CD includes the Canadian Alternative Rock radio top 40 hit "21@12"
Peppered Steak with Horseradish - £6.95
100% pure fresh peppered steak burger in a fresh white flour bap with mixed leaves & dressed rocket with red onion marmalade & tangy horseradish. Served with seasoned
French fries.
Lamb & Mint with Tzatziki - £6.95
A fresh lamb & mint burger in a fresh white flour bap with mixed leaves, dressed rocket, red onion marmalade & tzatziki. Served with seasoned French fries.
Steak & Cheese - £6.95
100% pure fresh steak burger in a fresh white flour bap with mixed leaves, dressed rocket, tomato & red pepper relish & cheddar cheese. Served with seasoned French fries.
Chicken, Chilli & Lime with Sweet Chilli Mayonnaise - £6.95
A fresh, butterflied chicken breast marinated in chilli & lime – served in a white flour bap with mixed leaves, dressed rocket, spring onion & sweet chill mayonnaise.
Vegetable & Lentil with Cheddar - £6.95
A vegetable & lentil burger in a fresh white flour bap with dressed rocket, mixed leaves, red pepper & tomato relish & cheddar cheese. Served with seasoned French fries.
Teriyaki Beef with Wasabi Mayonnaise - £6.95
100% pure fresh teriyaki steak burger in a fresh white flour bap with dressed rocket, mixed leaves, strips of spring onion & wasabi mayonnaise. Served with seasoned French fries.
Fishfinger Burger - £5.95
3 choice cod fishfingers in a fresh white floured bap with mixed leaves, dressed rocket
& tartare sauce. Served with seasoned French fries.
Scampi & Chips - £6.95
Served with wedges of fresh lemon, dressed mixed leaves, tartare sauce & seasoned French fries.
We stock the following Spirits: Smirnoff Black more
We stock the following Liqueur and Speciality Drinks: Luxardo more
We stock the following Wine and Sparkling Wine: Prosecco Sartori - Italy, Wolf Blass Green Label Chardonnay, Blossom Hill - Pinot Grigio more
We stock the following Draft Lager: Sagres, Baltica more
We stock the following Ale And Stout: Theakstons more
We stock the following Draft Cider and Bottled Cider: Kopparberg, Brothers Cider more
We stock the following Mineral and Non Alcoholic: Life Water, Schweppes more
Week in week out, you can expect highly impressive line-ups at the Coalition, showcasing the cream of the crop in live music, club nights, comedy and entertainment from around the world. Equally, we support celebrated local bands and artists, as well as regularly hosting arts entertainment events. With a capacity of 600, two VIP areas, a spectacular state-of-the-art sound system, funky canteen, 250-person beach terrace and a 24-hour license, Coalition really is the most unique venue in town.
If you didn’t visit Coalition in 2008, then here’s just a taster of what you missed… Guilty Pleasures, Secret Garden Party, Vice Magazine Live, Rock Against Racism, Bacardi B-Live, The Big Chill Live, Pendulum, The Great Escape Festival, Junior Simpson, Jo Lean And The Jing Jang Jong, The Automatic, Lovebox, The RGBs, Sam Sparrow, Herve, The Treason Show, Whitest Boy Alive, Buzzcocks, Lo Fi All Stars, The Dodos, XYZ Unsigned, Vula, Audio Bullys, Chris Lake, Bombay Motorcycle Club, Eddie Temple Morris, The Papers and Dreadzone. But worry not – If you haven't visited Coalition yet, here's a taste of what you've been missing' then after the list of nights and events 'But worry not, there's plenty more to come.
Coalition is also available for private hire – please contact Anthony on 07971588407
