50 Word Gig Reviews November & December 2026

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A little project to end 2026. Each gig attended gets a short 50 word review posted in the aftermath on Instagram and collated here for posterity. 

Alice Howe and Freebo - Thimblemill Library, Smethwick. Friday 30th October 2026


A legendary bassist and accomplished singer-songwriter reached deep into the heart of a community, sharing prized traits of American music. Freebo and Howe played, sang, educated and entertained. Exchanging,  combining and never short changing a Thimblemill gathering witnessing something special. Awe and excellence filled the art deco designed atmospheric library.

Luke Jackson - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Sunday 1st November 2026


Jackson buoyed by his regular Kitchen audience increasing to near capacity powerfully moved onto a new plane sharing songs through a soul, blues and folk spectrum even a touch country when duetting with new partner Kyanna. New songs warmed up; old songs still inspired. Seasoned yet youthful his calling card. 

Dom Glynn and His Sunday Best - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Wednesday 4th November 2026


Part parody - part craftsman, Glynn uses wit and guile to recreate the honky tonk entity. Originals make you smile; covers make you sing, all delivered by an effectively led band coaxing Kingston’s dynamic Telecaster to the fore. A dual for the ages turned the Kitchen into a foot stomping saloon. 

Ashley Campbell - Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Sunday 8th November 2026


Ashley Campbell succinctly blends heritage with a refreshed songwriting outlook. This modern custodian of the past used her band,  driven by the dynamic Thor Jensen on guitar, to maximum effect. Originals possessed a spark; covers reworked to effect. Country music lineage was in fine hands during a hugely enjoyable evening. 

More to come.


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