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6 Day Riot, Gideon Conn + The Real Raj @ The Joiners 20th April 2009

Kazoo’s, Rapping and a good old fashioned Ho-Down.

I arrived at the Joiners in Southampton a tad late, after being in a foul mood from work that day and feeling guilty for making Rob wait as I demanded that I wash my hair first and drink an ‘essential’ glass of wine before we left my flat, I walked straight into a surreal scene, that scene being The Real Raj performing on stage in front of no more than twelve people, playing the kazoo, the tambourine (with his foot I might add!) the guitar and he was singing…I kid not.

This guy is talented, or perhaps a little mad? He moved from instrument to instrument conjuring up musical treats as I started to wonder when the didgeridoo or perhaps the spoons may make an appearance, I mean he had just played the kazoo!

Fortunately, or unfortunately (I have not yet decided) neither made an appearance but the small audience were treated to the banjo and the harmonica as ‘The Real Raj’ played us some musical loveliness and a fine voice to accompany all songs not to mention some complex picking and strumming on his guitar.

If I was listening to this guy on the radio I would think that his voice was being accompanied by a backing band, playing an array of instruments behind him, but no…its all him. Fair play to the fella.

The Joiners had begun to fill up by 8.30pm and for the late comers, they had made it perfect timing as Mr Gideon Conn took to the stage. I truly cannot think of a few select words to depict him and the music he performs, this is your singled out geek from school, a guy that you would never imagine would know how to hold a guitar let alone play one, but indeed he can…he can also sing, rap and entertain anybody.

I don’t think anyone could put this wonderfully weird man’s music into any sort of category, I could steal my fellow Mintsouth colleague of his perfectly descriptive words of ‘Geek-Hop’ but I wouldn’t do that, (although that’s exactly what it is, it’s a perfect portrayal)

His lyrics read like poetry, each time containing a story, a musical journey which you want to listen intently to. One of his songs actually comes with actions, that yes, we did join willingly in.

Every song came with its fabulously bizarre eccentricity and right now I am talking about the music played, not Gideon, although playing the ‘air trombone’ made me question his mental health for a minute or two, but this guy made me smile so much throughout his set that I had jaw ache, my previously foul mood was lifted to a state of cheerfulness and even now, I am smiling thinking about him.

The audience were treated to a song about a man who sells fish in his van to a song with multiplication in it. Gideon ended his set by delving into the depths of the audience and covered Outkast’s ‘Ms Jackson’ we surrounded him like campers around a fire, tapped our feet along and clapped are hands. He injected laughter and smiles to all in the room and left us reflecting. This guy is weird, funny, and I think…very clever. I loved him.

After a surreal thirty minutes from Gideon, London based 6 Day Riot took to the stage armed with a double bass, a set of drums, guitars, a trumpet and a sweet and powerful voice fronted by Tamara Schlesinger. This band provokes spirit and enthusiasm in every song, their collection of melodies is combined with clapping, lots of stomping of the feet and plenty of smiles.

I found myself lost in their world and thrilled that I had been given the pleasure to discover them in mine. They are a blend of folk and pop with infectious beats that make you clap your hands and want to sing along to, and it was not until I started listening attentively to the words that I realised that although the music is colourful and flamboyant there is a hidden sadness in some lyrics, a deeper meaning to this folk pop frenzy.

Their new single ‘Run for life’ won over the room full of strangers and the queue for their album that is released in July consisted of the majority that had stood to watched their set.

I got lost in the smiles of Tamara and the confidence that oozed from the other band members, and when they all play this good together their confidence is completely justified. I felt I was at a good old fashioned ho down, it was fun.

I experienced an array of musical talent, and I left happy, up lifted and thinking about how hard those men who sell fish actually work.

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Photos © Robin Ball Photography - http://www.robinballphotography.co.uk