Villagers of Ioannina City - The Garage London 'Through Space & Time Tour'

 

 

 

 An all to rare trip down to the capital for the Villagers of Ioannina City gig in the evening. Lots of time time to kill in between. A little wander from Euston Station up to Camden is a good start. Passing a couple of goo music venues in the process; Koko and The Underworld. We drop down onto the Regents Canal to get to Camden Lock and the thriving bustle of cafe culture. A chap in a second hand bookshop spotted my Marillion and we got chatting. Turned out he lives on the canal at Earls Barton close to me. He was down here for the 'Terrorvision' gig at The Electric Ballroom. The first pint of the day was enjoyed at the Ice Wharf, it went down very well too. Named after the adjacent Ice Wharf – which was built in 1837 for ice imported from Norway.

Continuing on the canal path we head towards Regents Park. In the process we pass London Zoo with  the Aviary and Elephant House visible. It's quite amazing just how much you can cover on foot walking in London. The bonus being that you see so many places of interest compared to taking the tube. It's a nice Autumn day to be walking through Regents Park. The trees are starting to take on their seasonal colours and look spectacular.

We pick up the tube at Great Portland Street to move a bit nearer to the gig destination. We arrive at Finsbury Park, there seems to be an awful lot of dress shops. Thankfully we find an area which is very much the food quarter. We choose a Lebanese Restaurant that we can sit inside. I opt for the mixed 'Lamb and Chicken Shawarma', accompanied by a bottle of Beirut Beer. Which pretty much tastes like any other Lager I've tried. The food was absolutely fantastic! I had asked for chips but the very helpful lady had also given me a large portion of rice and salad. A walk to Highbury is just what is needed to help the food go down. It's dark now of course as we get our first view of  'The Garage' our venue tonight. Time first though for a beer or two

There are about 100 or so people already in the queue as we arrive , an hour before doors open. Tonight is a sellout, there a few people looking for tickets with little success.   

The Garage was originally a Temperance Billiard Hall.It was also a haunt for some dodgy local characters back in the sixties. The notorious Highbury Mob often used the Billiard Hall as a meeting place. The building was officially reopened as the Garage with 'Pulp' headlining in 1993. The capacity is 600and not as big as I expected. On a par with The Roadmender where I am in Northampton I suspect. Surprisingly most of those already in are in the bar area. We are able to get right down the front on the barriers, which is a result.

I have to confess to only recently discovering 'City of Ioannina City' quite recently. A good friend of mine was raving about them and I felt duty bound to check them out. They are from the Greek area of Epirus and very much influenced by the landscape of the area. They are defined as a Psychedelic, Post Stoner Folk/Metal band. The sound is a fusion of guitar and traditional Greek instruments. 

Drummer Aris (Aris Giannopoulos)

The band formed in 2007 and have released their debut album, 'Riza' in 2014. The big break followed with the release of' Age of Aquarius' in 2019 though. The live album 'Through Space & Time' came out in 2021 which comes from the legendary performance in Athens in 2020. Current band members are as follows,

• Alex (Alex Karametis) – Guitar, vocals
• Akis (Akis Zois) – Bass
• Aris (Aris Giannopoulos) – Drums
• Konstantis (Konstantis Pistiolis) – Clarinet, backing vocals
• Kostas (Konstantinos Lazos) – Pipes 
  

We also had additional keyboards. This was the first of three British tour dates. The others being Manchester and Glasgow. The crowd has swelled as the band take to the stage with the epic 'Age of Aquarius'. As you would expect there is a large Greek following which adds to the atmosphere. 

Myself and Bob

The music is powerful, stirring and pulsating, totally captivating. I wished that I was more up to speed with the songs. It doesn't really matter though as the sound is so good. Things are really hotting up behind us too with some rather large swarthy Greek looking characters  are crowd surfing! Not seen that for a while. It's all the fun of the fair though, and nobody seems to mind.

An enthusiastic crowd

Things are getting even more wilder, there are some high velocity headbangers down at the front. Of course I would be joining in with the best of them if it wasn't for my recent whiplash injury. I have a Doctors not prohibiting me from any such activity. Suddenly something akin to a mosh circle combined with traditional Greek dancing breaks out. Arms linked around the shoulders, spinning like a wheel, taking out anything that gets in the way. Don't know if it has a name? I'm going with 'Storm Circle' unless I hear differently. I notice that a lot of the Greek men have dispensed with their shirts too.

Front man Alex Karametis is the star of the show though. He looks genuinely pleased to be here with his band mates that grew up together as youngsters.The latter part of the set list is more orientated to the traditional Greek sound. The lyrics sometimes in Greek, sometimes in English, and sometimes even in an unknown language. It has been a really enjoyable night and what an atmosphere. As the set draws to a close Alex slips into a bit of the Doors classic 'The End' as if to confirm a close to the proceedings is nigh.

Set List

• Welcome 
• Age of Aquarius
• Nova 
• Skaros
• Dance of Night
• Arrival
• Father Sun
• Millenium Blues
• Cosmic Soul
• Ti Kako
• For the Innocent

Encore

• Zvara
• Karakolia
• Outro

 

Murder Mystery Night

It is 1848, A number of invited guests are gathered for a dinner party at the stately home Withering Depths on the Torkshire Moors. 

May I be so bold as to introduce myself. I am Lord Selby Withering, 24 year old son of my dear Mummy The Dowager Lady Withering. I love the finer things in life like art and poetry. In fact I spend my spare time, which is most of the time actually, writing sonnets and watercolour painting. My best friend 'Sir Clifforde Heath-Clifforde' calls me a Dandy and a Fop which is bit rich. He is a frightful Rake with an eye for a pretty lady and a fast horse. Those also present tonight are; Suzanna Heath-Clifforde Emily Lloyd Bridges Lady Caroline Mouton Reverend Adam Brethren and Jane Eyrie.The hosts of the dinner party are  Suzanna Heath-Clifforde and Carlos Chickensi. Carlos is a Spanish Count, who dabbles in revolutionary journalism. Suzanna is the younger sister of Sir Clifforde and is half Spanish. There is a surprise too, as our hosts have acquired the services of a Waiter called 'Luigi'. He is from Ancona, Gerona or Verona or somewhere in Italy at least. A bit rough round the edges but tries hard I'm told.

Our Hosts

 

Lady Caroline Moutin is a noted society beauty and a very close friend of my Mother. Emily Lloyd-Bridges is a sweet girl aged just 18 and a Ward of mummy. She s very naive and inexperienced in the world. It's a good thing that her Governess Jane Eyrie is also present tonight. A very religious lady who will keep her on the straight and narrow I have no doubt.  She is a good friend of The Reverend Adam Brethren. A poor cousin of the Witherings, an austere Calvanist Minister. 

Sir Clifforde & Lady Caroline

 Before Dinner was served The Reverend Brethren gave Grace. Although it was more of a sermon really . I added my own recently penned verse celebrating the joys of the Autumn season. 

We had hardly started our 'Smoked Swan and Chamomile starter when failing to appear the Lady Dowager was found dead in her room. Penetrated by a sharp object , a terrible sight. But nobody apart from those gathered had been in the house. The murderer must be amongst us. The famed Detective 'Boycott McClue' was immediately summoned to resolve the mystery. Nobody must be allowed to leave until the Detective could conduct his investigation.  

Jane Eyrie & The Revd

Poor Young Emily was overcome with grief. I took it upon myself to provide comfort. A soothing verse helped provide calm to the situation. Sadly other participants were not quite so receptive. Even the Reverend was breathing fire and brimstone berating the evil that has come to the house. The fickle finger of suspicion is being pointed in all directions. There are those who see fit to try and put me in the frame ... Oh how awful. At the time of the horrific murder I was in the billiard room waiting for Sir Clifforde. Needless to say he failed to show, I wonder what that tells us? In fact everyone of us gathered around the table is not above suspicion. Each person has their own reason for perhaps wanting the Lady Dowager dead. That Cad Sir Clifforde has even raised the subject of my gambling debts.  I of course have my own suspicions, however for now I will keep my powder dry and see what the good Detective is able to establish. I do have my doubts about that Waiter though? He is an unknown quantity and who knows what he is capable of?   

Emily Lloyd Bridges

Things were taking a very unsavory air, unlike the roast Wild Boar which was most palatable indeed. The Inspector had been sifting through the clues and was getting close to naming in the culprit. He was confident that an arrest would be made before the cheese an biscuits would be served. As the accusations continued to fly I had some strong ideas of my own. However I shall keep these thoughts private. I shall spare the blushes of the killer of poor dear mummy. Not for their sake but for those who might also find themselves around the table at Withering Depths. 

 

Dom Martin - The Stables Wavendon

Back at The Stables MK but with a difference. What may that be I hear you ask? We I shall tell you, for the first time ever we are going in to Stage 2. The smaller option away from the main 'Marshall Auditorium'. That is being occupied by the mighty Syd Lawrence Orchestra tonight, all thirty of them. They seem to have a very large following too. By the time they have all filed in to find their seats there aren't too many of us left...

We take our place in 'Stage 2' , that doesn't sound right somehow. The very small stage is set ready to go . It's a narrow room with some a few tables and chairs set out close to the stage These all have reserved signs on them.So we wont be getting too close t o the stage tonight. I had a word with Dom's management and merch team. I told then that I would love to hear 'A million Miles Away, 'Shadow Play' and ' Bad Penny' Rory Gallagher covers in the set. They explained that Dom prefers the earlier stuff. I also told them that the T shirts were extremely good value (cheap) at just £20.

I was very much looking forward to seeing the support act 'Delta Fuse'. Sadly some issues have arisen that have prevented them playing tonight. At very short notice 'Musician and Songwriter' 'Alex Lleo' has filled in. He went down pretty well to an appreciative gathering. Soulful would probably best describe his style. The highlight of the short set probably being the Del Amitri cover ' Always the last to Know'. 'Anybody recognise that he asks'?  'That's a shame I was going to claim it as my own'. It has noticeably got much busier as people are turning up to see Dom at 9 PM.  

A casual entrance to the stage, slightly disheveled, shirt undone this is Dom Martin. He starts with a couple of acoustic numbers from the new album 'Buried in the Hail'. Drummer Aaron McLaughlin and Bassist Ben Graham take to the stage.There is clear affinity and affection between the three of them. More than just band members Do tells us. One of the highlights of the evening would have to be the 'Rory' classic 'Messin with the Kid'. Although it was originally recorded by Junior Wells in 1960. A natural storyteller as well as a brilliant musician, some of his tales you get the feeling he wish he hadn't started telling. Those he does finish should be taken with a small pinch of salt perhaps? As you would expect the lions share of the songs tonight are from the new album. You get a real sense of pride in what he has achieved with his latest output.

We get a rendition of 'Crazy' the Willie Nelson song, that Patsy Cline had a huge hit with in 1961. Dom tells us that he does like to include an obscure cover track on his albums. He sought permission from Mr Nelson and paid him in weed??? Maybe?

There is no pretense of an encore, although he would love to leave the stage and come back on one day. It seems a premature end until he tells us that the next song has seventeen verses! We maybe not quite , but we are treated to a Blues medley that lasts for well over 20 minutes. One thing that isn't vague or uncertain is his playing. Some slight of hand for sure, how he does it remains a mystery. A master of his craft but don't call him Rory.     

 

Imperial Age - The Black Prince Northampton

 

It always gladdens the heart to see Northampton on the list of any Rock/Metal band tour. Sadly, it is all to rare, and has been for a long time. Not too sure quite what to expect at the ' Black Prince' in the town centre tonight? The band in question tonight are 'Imperial Age'. Originally from Russia,' leaving when the conflict with Ukraine began for Turkey. They now find themselves residing in the rural countryside of Northamptonshire.  The venue wasn't too busy which was surprising? Perhaps the awful wet and windy weather had put a few off? From the photos I've seen they've played some large venues, with big crowds in Europe. Maybe others have decided to go to the London or Birmingham gigs?  The numbers gradually started to build though as the band take to the stage. I'm not over familiar with their work in all truth. Anything that is labelled as 'Symphonic Metal' and local is well worthy of support.  

The band were originally founded by Alexander 'Aor' and Jane Odintsova in Russia.  Not surprisingly it is very much about the three singers; Alexander, Jane and Anna Kiara.They describe their music as being inspired by 'Ancient Atlantian lore'. Dutch guitarist Jeremy de Boer has also joined up for the Lost Worlds Unleashed Tour 2023. The band is completed by Dimitri 'Belf' Safronov on Bass and Manuele Di Ascenzo on drums. 

There is lots of arm waving and 'Hey-Hey-Heys' being chanted. It's infectious and almost everyone in the crowd is part of it. Alexander talks to the crowd describing the meaning of some of the songs. 'Distant shores' has poignant and prophetic meaning as to how things have evolved. It's an eclectic mix of power and subtlety. I feel like I know all the songs already. Typical of the genre there are backing tracks. But this takes nothing away from the music. 

It felt as though the band ere really enjoying themselves. Alexander mentioned it being a warm and  cosy atmosphere. In turn the Northampton crowd accepted them as one of their own. A night full of passion and energy packed into a two and a half hour performance. 

It was a great pleasure to meet the band afterwards. Seems as they are enjoying life in the County. Alexander keeping fit with his runs through the countryside. Not much of a football fan though so don't expect to see him at 'The Cobblers' anytime soon though. 

What a great night,lots of happy faces around. The sort of gig that you leave with a warm glow. Imperial Age are a band you feel are destined for bigger and better things. There will be many there tonight who will be following their progress closely. I certainly look forward to seeing them again.

Lower Benefield and Lyveden New Build Walk

A friend of mine recently told me that she would like to see the church at Lower Benefield. She also mentioned that she would love to see Lyveden New build too. Throw in a wander through Fermyn Woods and we have a walk on our hands. Of course we won't be walking on our hands , that would be just ridiculous, not to mention exhausting. We will make do with the conventional method. An appropriate time to mention that my new walking boots are making their long awaited debut.I can put it off no longer, they have served their apprenticeship pounding the lounge carpet. Now for a stiffer test. 

There is a Lower and Upper Benefield. Both part of the civil parish of Benefield. Lower Benefield is a village on the A427in the North of our County, close to Oundle.

St Mary the Virgin Church

We park by the lane that leads up to the beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin. This Tractarian church was erected in 1848 and covers both villages. Sadly the church is all locked up securely so we can't have a look inside. We have a wander around the gravestones instead and admire the excellent collection of Gargoyles carved all round the church.

There is a lot of flexibility with the route today.We start off in an anti-clockwise direction along the road. It is a long straight walk down the Byway and footpath to the road. We actually emerge almost opposite the Lyveden Car Park.The odd Glider circles overhead standing out in the blue skies overhead. We continue past the Glider Club to the entrance to Fermyn Woods. 

I like Fermyn Woods and always enjoy a walk here. This is the place I search, usually in vain for the Elusive Purple Emperor Butterfly. I follow the same route as on a previous blog that follows the 'Lyveden Way' footpath all the way to the ' new Build'.   

I've taken numerous photos previously of this beautiful unfinished Elizabethan Summer house. So will limit myself this time , a few of the interiors instead I think. As well as some very old graffiti engraved into the brickwork. 

I'm interested in the mounds in the garden of lyveden Manor. Sir Thomas Tresham designed the garden at Lyveden as a journey of discovery. Starting in the valley bottom at Lyveden Manor House (the Old Bield), guests would have made the half-mile walk up through the garden, culminating on the ridge at the garden lodge (the New Bield). Lyveden's garden is among the oldest in the country. You can climb the spiral mounds, stroll the banks of the moat and visit the orchard.

A slight change of plan as we head back through Bearshank Wood. In the shade of the wood are some great examples of Funghi thriving in the damp and humid conditions. We cross back over the road and pick up the Byway on the other side. The tree lined avenue makes it's way uphill until views of Lower Benefield can be seen in the distance. 

We cross over a footbridge, the first of the walk I do believe? It wouldn't be the same without one. The footpath is nicely marked out back to the church. After a little detour around a rather large field. We walk back through the churchyard and the circle is complete. Although it isn't really a circle, more of a figure of eight that is falling over.  A really enjoyable and easy walk coming in at a touch over 9 miles. It didn't really feel like that though as so much to see. The boots were great too, no blisters or wet feet either.