“I’m proud where I am from” beams angelic Welsh songstress Laura Evans, furthering “Even though I moved away so young.

Just 20 miles down the road from her Cynon Valley roots it’s so clearly evident that this talented lass will never let her keen sense of identity slip. So much so that, whilst out in Nashville, she penned “Take Me Back Home”, beautiful words and notes of tribute to her birthplace. Smiling so very broadly as “Aberdare” passes her lips, during the track, the hugely appreciative crowd cheer loudly; seemingly there’s a good few in from the former iron and coal town.

This evening’s venue, Acapela, is a new one to us but with acts as diverse as established outfits like The Christians and Fairport Convention through to emerging talents Morganway and Adwaith playing here it’s one to clearly keep an eye upon. Housed in a grade II listed former Horeb Presbyterian Chapel this is a venue that has, simultaneously, a spacious feel yet with an intimate vibrancy. Nearing its 200^th anniversary inside there’s ample room with a three-sided gallery, complete with panelled pews, overlooking the ground floor. Which this evening is tastefully appointed with seating and tables.

To read the full review visit MPM – click here 

Some places are just special, and that magic often seeps through into the performances that take place in them.

One such place is Acapela Studio, a converted chapel in the village of Pentyrch, kind of in Cardiff but not, lying as it does in the countryside on the other side of the M4. I’ve been here many times and it’s a lovely space – that also serves delicious pizza to hungry audients, so what’s not to like? The table area downstairs is relaxed and open, the pews upstairs are much more comfortable than they used to be, the ale is delicious and there’s always a warm welcome.

Read the rest of this review from The Progressive Aspect website – click here

Photo courtesy of Nick Baker

A great night of wonderful songs from the pen of Clifford T Ward performed by Robinson Stone.

Check out Nick Baker’s (AKA Meetwood Flac) full review on his latest blog. Click here

Nick Baker AKA Macwood Fleet reviews the Yourthymics.

I love ALL types of Music. My 63 years has opened me up to decades of fabulous music as it happened. From The Beatles & Beach Boys through to The Carpenters, John Denver, Glam Rock, The Philly Sound, Disco, Punk, Ska, The New Romantics, Electronic Music, The West Coast Sound, ECM Jazz etc etc etc.

As time marches forward, our heroes start to fall away and leave us, either to go to The Great Gig In The Sky or just retirement or perceived lack of an audience. I was never affluent enough to go to gigs until the late 80s. But by God I’ve made up for it now, although for domestic circumstances I’m now limited to Wales. Which is why I’m so grateful to have a venue like Acapela within travelling distance.

I see a lot of artists at what is my favourite venue. It works out over the year that I’m there every week.

And I go to ALL types of gigs. Solo Artists, Groups, Singer Songwriters and various Tribute acts too. Indeed, it is left to the tribute acts to play the songs of our ‘lost heroes’, otherwise we would never hear these songs played live again. Tonight, I witnessed a Tribute ‘Experience’ which is probably THE Best tribute act I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen quite a few I can tell you.

For the full review – CLICK HERE