Wednesday 1st of July saw a great turn out at the Acorn pub on Erdington High street for the "Totally Different" music showcase. On a sweltering evening we were treated to an eclectic mix of music kicking off with award winning Indie rock band Jackpike with their catchy tunes and energetic performance. A short set from vocalist Shakti followed leading up to what for me was the highlight of the show, Lizzie Dean and her band.
Lizzie has been touring with Boy George to great acclaim and her soulful voice has been favouably compared to BG stalwart Helen Terry. Her own music leans towards jazz with pop and soul inflections and her strong stage prescence carried through some minor technical difficulties to deliver an energetic and thoroughly entertaining set. Melodious acoustic guitar playing was pinned down by some rock solid drumming along with her percussionist playing a storm on his Djembe.
The evening finished off in style with ex Steel Pulse member Basil Gavidon delivering a collection of self penned and classic reggae tunes which suited the athmosphere perfectly. His band, featuring guitar, bass, drums and keyboards augmented by a trio of backing singers and a trombonist (who also contributed vox), were right on the money and the overheating audience of locals and first time visitors to Erdington showed their appreciation in no uncertain measure.
In between sets many of us hit the street to cool off and the tone of conversation showed a great deal of appreciation for a return of live music to the town as well as thanks to the landlord and staff at The Acorn for hosting the show.
Totally Different are describing their endeavours as the return of Mothers and while there's some way to go in reaching the heights and perhaps infamy of Erdo's No1 rock venue we applaud their commitment and look forward to more of the same as soon as possible.
