Music Gigs 'n' Festivals: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Showing posts with label Benjamin Francis Leftwich. Show all posts

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Jacko Hooper

Although I stumbled by this singer by mistake, I am glad I did.

Clearly still stuck in my 'deep and meaningful' ' acoustic guitar performance phase, this guy filfulls the quota perfectly! Jacko Hooper is a singer/songwriter from Brighton that reminds me a great deal of Athlete, Aqualung, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and James Vincent McMorrow.

Although Jacko Hooper is not hugely known (yet), he shows great potential and is already growing a steady stream of fans. In March of last year, Jacko released an EP "From Home," consisting of five beautiful folk tracks - my favorite being River.

So if wistful folk music is your calling, than this is an artist you must certainly check out.

Tour Dates:
12th Feb. The Marlborough Theatre - Brighton, UK (supporting Rae Morris)
11th April. The brunswick - Hove, UK

For tickets and/or further info, check out; http://www.songkick.com/artists/5423688-jacko-hooper/calendar

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Ben Howard

I am a huge fan of this guy.

If you like artists benjamin francis leftwich or Ed Sheeran than Ben Howard is someone you should definitely check out.

Ben Howard is a folk singer from Devon, UK who released his debut album "Every Kingdom" last year. The album includes the hit singles; The Wolves, The Fear, and Keep Your Head Up. More recently, Ben Howard released the fantastic new EP "The Burgh Island," which includes the singles "Oats In the Water," "Burgh Island,"and "Esmerelda."

Being from Devon and a keen surfer himself, Ben Howard has certainly built himself a large and devoted fan base (especially within the circle of UK surfers). His gigs have received many great reviews, and as someone who last year was labeled as the "one to watch next year," it would definitely be worthwhile to check him out. Ben Howard has great stage presence, which combined with his ability to sing acoustically on his guitar, makes it the perfect choice for a chilled out evening listening to live music.

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to see Ben Howard live in NYC. For my GIG REVIEW check out: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/ben-howard-review_04.html

Tour dates:

11th Feb. Terminal 5 - NYC

17th Feb. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ

18th Feb. Terminal 5 - NYC

13th June. Isle of Wight Festival 2013 - Newport, UK

For information regarding tickets, and (UK & USA) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1212276-ben-howard/calendar

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

I first posted about this guy in March when he was a complete newcomer to the music scene.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich is a singer-songwriter from York, UK who has, in the last six months, really began to make a name for himself. Benjamin released his debut album "The Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm" in July and has since gone on to receive a great deal of support and positive reviews.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has particularly earned respect for his songwriting abilities and it is partly because of this that in my eyes Benjamin falls into the same category as Ben Howard and Ed Sheeran.

I first came across this artist when his video popped up as an advertisement on Google. Since then I have become quite the fan of his music - his soothing and gentle voice singing combined with his beautiful and meaningful lyrics makes him the perfect playlist choice for chilled out session of music. Although he is a solo artist, Benjamin Francis Leftwich not only relies upon his voice, but also on the accompaniment of a guitar.

Due to Leftwich being such a newcomer his shows are going to be nothing on performances by bands like Mumford & Sons or Ray Lamontagne, but I don't think that should be a reason to skip it. This quiet kid has confidence and a back bone - not many performers are willing/or able to stray from the mic and give an equally strong vocal performance without it than with it. Although his songs are soulful and he has a no fuss style - no gizmos or stunts - his vocal performance will certainly hold you captive and attentive. With this in mind it is clear why you shouldn't expect a raucous night of music, but rather allow yourself to be lost in the peaceful trance which he emits through his songs.

I would give this guy a chance. His sounds offer that perfect ingredient for that downtown music session when all you want to do is relax and chill out. Give him a try - I did!