The Sheffield Scenester

We thought it would be nice to take a night off from Sheffield for a change and so headed out to Doncaster with a couple of mates to see Jon Windle and Section 60 playing live at The Social Bar.

Section 60 were up first and played an outstanding set crammed with a good cross section of their music, from the storming anthem of ‘Reputation’ to the more technically accomplished outpourings of ‘Oracle’. With a quite a crowd behind them it was good to see people singing along and swaggering around the floor to every song. Luckily the sound system was set up enough so the crowd could pick up on the more delicate and intricate aspects of their music, even lead singer, Chris Perkin’s vocals came through perfectly!

Jon Windle was up next and for the first time since he said he was going solo, it was literally just him on stage, just him and his guitar. Playing a selection of tracks from his first solo album as well as a few LMT classics, the set went the way any Jon Windle experience does. He had his faithful fans chanting everything from “Windle” to “LMT” and songs like ‘Step Out The Man’ blended seamlessly with ‘Sexy In Latin’. With a good story about how ‘Buskers Carol’ came about, you could easily be wondering how he never got into stand up comedy – maybe An Audience With…. could be a future project? Prior to the song ‘You And Me Might Be Alright’ Jon plugged ex-LMT bassist Ben’s charity gig in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Of course Jon finished with the song ‘House Party At Boothy’s’ but not before he managed to coax half the audience up on stage, but that’s always the way!

Two top acts in a good venue, well worth the trip down the M18!

Wandering through the town centre on a relaxing Saturday afternoon, we decided to grab a late lunch and so stopped off in Leopold Square only to find they had a band playing in front of the fountain. The band in question was Feelix, today playing under the name Badge (their professional covers band), who were just about to start a cover of the Mark Ronson/Amy Whinehouse song ‘Valerie’.

We settled into one of the restaurants (sitting outside….of course!) and over a glass of pinot grigio, a risotto and a pizza sat back and enjoyed a good soul and funk set. Admittedly we just soaked up the cosmopolitan atmosphere that this seemed to evoke, but our daughter was kind enough to keep track of a few covers they did; Cee Lo Green’s ‘Forget You’, Beyonce’s ‘Déjà vu’ and Kylie’s ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’

Kat Eaton’s voice was still as seductive as ever and Nick Atkinson’s guitar worked wonders, in fact the whole band were the perfect accompaniment to a light summery meal. We did manage a quick chat about their future plans….but that will have to wait till another day! This afternoon we just chilled to some good tunes!

Brezza's at Wellington Street (the new Italian Bristo/Coffee House) Is still gradually evolving into a potential goldmine for Sheffield music lovers. Every Saturday (from the 17th September) Michael Breeze will be putting on a Northern Soul Night from 9.00pm. So makesure you nip down to enjoy new and old classics from resident DJ Lofty as well as live music.

Last night was the launch with plenty for everyone to enjoy....however due to the fact that The Sheffield Scenester had a night on at the O2 (Fret Death), I arrived late at Brezza’s for the first night of their Northern Soul nights, with a lively atmosphere and a DJ, unfortunately this time we missed This Party Kills. But on the plus side I was in plenty of time to see Resonate, a newly formed band comprising of Alex Piearcey (ex North Of Watford) on vocals and guitar, and Mark Pereira (ex Reform) on drums and laptop.

This was their first ever gig since forming and although Alex seemed a bit apprehensive at first he soon relaxed into the set. Comprising of a programmed backing track with quite a haunting guitar…what you ended up with was a style of music that at first seems to be dance laced with edgy indie. The icing on the cake though for this is without a shadow of a doubt was Alex’s vocals, sounding rather like a mature and reflective version of Alex Turner! Mind you he did have a sense of humour as well, when it came to the song ‘The Game’ he announced it with the line “This is a brand new one, well they’re all new…but this one was written last week!”

They had a quite a crowd watching them and deservedly so, as they had quite a lot to offer from the dancey ‘Three’s A Crowd’ to the quieter but still rhythmic ‘Trouble’, definitely a group to watch out for in the future. Apparently they used to be a foursome, but the other two left and so Mark and Alex just decided to go it as a duo – works for me!

Club60 Studio is a special place; in the early sixties it was a vibrant jazz and blues venue, with performances from such legends as John Lee Hooker & Joe Cocker. Now it's been transformed into a beautiful studio complex built around a classic analogue design. And the studio is launching a series of limited edition, double 7"vinyl singles.

Paul Blakeman (studio proprietor & man obsessed with analogue and hi-fidelity), ably assisted by Michael Eden from Ward 57 Design (a man obsessed with type), Sarah Cotton (Paul's wife) and long-term friend & collaborator, Jonny Dean, bring you…Club60 Singles Club. In an era of low record sales and less people paying for even digital copies we are attempting to revive the idea of a quality musical product. Ours is not faceless branded music, neither is it thoughtless and cheap. A lot of time and effort has gone into the making of our product and simply to hold it in one's hands is a breathtaking experience. To hear and appreciate the music takes the listener on an eclectic journey—this isn't about pigeonholing into genres and styles, it's simply about enjoying and promoting good music.

Simon Stafford, co-writer & drummer with Black Cat White Cat, whose previous bands include Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros, Jarvis Cocker and The Longpigs said,"It was a great opportunity to become involved in this first release from such a great project with such a groovy bunch of people."

Music we love by people we love.

The first release features one song from each of four new artists. All recorded to tape in the studio, it's a celebration of the best Sheffield has to offer.

The Don Genes - June July/obLONG - In Remission/Black Cat White Cat - Fridge/Michael Eden - Doors
The vinyl comes in beautiful hand made packs. Designed in the city & even letterpressed using some of Sheffield's own Stephenson Blake type, they look set to become true collectors' items. The vinyl is available from Club60 online & the Rough Trade shop.

The digital download is available on & comes with an exclusive bonus track, Lucille by Black Cat White Cat, to whet your appetite.

A preview of the songs is available on