There is much to do before
this wonderful local music festival takes place. Organising and planning of the festival is a
big job and many of us who volunteer there do so because we love it. Togfest is a local Milton Keynes festival that
runs annually on a Friday evening and all day Saturday. I normally only do the Saturday due to other
commitments but it is most definitely worth volunteering your time. You get fed and watered, a free t-shirt and
get to see some amazing bands and artists.
This year, like many
before it, the quality of artists was exceptional. In between my shifts as a
crew member I was lucky enough to see some perform. Of course as a reviewer I want to let you know
what I thought. As I often review
theatre as well as music gigs – I thought it might be fun to suggest which
musical they could perform in to give you an idea of their individual style.
Here are a few of the acts
I was lucky enough to see.
The Faces of Sarah
First to perform on the
main stage, The Faces of Sarah set the level of excellence for the rest of the
day. They consider themselves ‘alternative
goth rock’ but for those who do not normally listen to this – trust me this is
a band worth finding out more about. Nick
Shultz has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard and he really did
not only get the attention of the audience – but had them mesmerised in their
melodic tunes. There were no screechy
voices – just a perfect pitch to deliver the divine lyrics.
Musical Theatre analogy: I
can see Nick playing Judas in Jesus
Christ Superstar. Judas’ songs demand a more powerful voice than Jesus and
Nick has an amazing range to deliver with authority. If Nick played Judas – I would be rooting for
Judas!
Lost at Home
Lost at Home are a four-piece
band from the West Midlands who are a stunning piece with great songs and a
style that mixes funk pop/rock together. My first thoughts on hearing them are ‘wow –
why aren’t they famous?’. Yes, they are
that good! But the music world is not
based on how talented someone is – it’s about clever marketing and who you
know. Well I am going to wax lyrical
about how great these guys are as they are absolutely fabulous. If I had a crystal ball I would say big things
are in store for this band. Check them
out!
Musical Theatre analogy: On The Town. I chose this musical as I wanted something
that demonstrated how great they work together. Something about friendship. On the
Town is a musical about three friends who are looking for adventure. I hope Lost
at Home find their adventure!
Jimmy Brewer
I started to write about
Jimmy and my fingers wrote ‘Jimming’. I
like this as it says a lot about this talented singer/songwriter. Jimmy has the most amazing soulful voice. It instantly makes you sit up and listen. He is original and effortlessly cool. Jimmy could be Jimming his way into your heart
from the moment you hear him.
Musical Theatre analogy:
The Blues Brothers. Mainly because Jimmy
is a soul man and his voice is from deep within his soul.
Jaelee Small
Jaelee was introduced by
Caz (the compare) as bonkers. I cannot
imagine a higher accolade coming from Caz and Jaelee certainly has something
that makes her stand out in the crowd. Her
name might be small but her personality is huge and her charisma on stage means
you cannot stop watching her. She danced
in purple wellies with a flower in her hair. She sang like someone who has an
old soul. Her voice is compelling – full
of soul with jazzy influences. She scats,
she harmonises, she is just amazing to watch. Meeting her afterwards she hugged me like an
old friend. She is a totally lovely
person with a great talent. I would also
like to put a word out for her band – those three backing singers were amazing
giving her perfect harmonies together. I
think this is one lady who will go very far.
Musical Theatre analogy: Rent. It has some strong women roles that Jaelee
could do justice for. Maureen or Joanne would suit Jaelee down to the ground.
April Blue
Just as the sun started to
come out again after the shower – April Blue seemed a juxtaposition of their
name suggesting raining April days – but their style of music with their laid
back funky reggae beats really helped give the festival its sunshine feel.
(well after all it is June!).
Musical Theatre analogy:
okay so maybe not musical theatre but their music really wanted me to be on a
beach in a tropical country. Ohh perhaps
South Pacific then.
Corvus
I knew as soon as I saw
the lead singer’s biceps (I couldn’t help but notice!) that they were going to
be rock. The lead singer told me they have
been compared to Bon Jovi and Journey. So a good standard to set your rock standard
to. Corvus gave a fantastic performance –
really belting out some of those songs – but I do have to mention the guitarist
who was exceptionally good. Well I am partial
to a bit of good guitar! Chasing Miracles
is their latest track and miracles are happening as they are supporting T’pau
next month.
Musical Theatre analogy: Tommy. Cause it sounds rock but has a heart at its
core.
The Bullfrogs
The Bullfrogs are perfect
for festivals. They are very
professional in their delivery and give a great range of country style songs
where a lot of the lyrics are about drinking. Well it went down a storm, along with the real
ale from the barn!
Musical Theatre analogy: Oklahoma! Because there is no escaping that country vibe
with its twangy guitar and violin. Totally
fabulous!
As I was there on an early
shift – I was exhausted and unfortunately couldn’t find the energy to stay for
the end of the festival. I am sorry I didn’t
have time to review all the artists as each one brings something different to
the festival. It is such a fabulous event
that brings a real diversity of music to the people of Milton Keynes and
beyond.
I hope to see you there
next year.
