In this round-up I can mention only a few of the very talented local bands and musicians that have graced the pages of the 麻豆约拍 Birmingham and 麻豆约拍 Black Country websites. Apologies to those I鈥檝e left out.
 | | Small Heath Unity Choir |
But before we get to my choices of the year, I interrupt this article to bring you the views of my colleagues. 麻豆约拍 WM presenter Marverine Cole says: 鈥淩obert Carvalho (comes from Moseley, I think) was wicked on my show - he did an acoustic set with his backing singer and guitarist.鈥 His urban soul can be found at: www.versifymusic.com. 麻豆约拍 WM presenter Loyd Williams writes: 鈥淐urrently in negotiations with labels both here in the UK and in America, I predict big things in 2007 for Roy Linton, aka 'Mr Allure' with his brand of funky house. Deliciously, smooth vocals over an infectious, funky house baseline make the track 鈥業 Want You鈥 a guaranteed floor filler!鈥
 | | Undefined at Rock City |
Loyd also wrote: 鈥淟ook out for soulful house diva Diane Hazel, who鈥檚 been grabbing column inches in the music press. She鈥檚 teamed up with Birmingham based, international DJ/producer, Jim Shaft Ryan (Miss Moneypenny's) for her debut single 鈥楲et's Get It On鈥 鈥 it鈥檚 due to be released in the new year.鈥 Sarah Loat (麻豆约拍 Birmingham and Black Country websites) recommended the Ulfah Collective, 鈥渢hey're Britain's first Muslim female band and are amazing audiences with performances of rock, gospel and even rap鈥. Sarah also mentioned Soweto Kinch, Mobo winners Nu Life, Einstellung with their 28 minute debut single, and Tess Langley鈥檚 feature on the Digbeth punk scene. CLICK THE LINKS ON THE SIDE OF THIS PAGE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS MENTIONED>> Murdoch, Shady Bard, Dempsey鈥檚 Lot...
 | | Ulfah Collective |
Ciar谩n Ryan: In January 2006, Birmingham based indie rock band Murdoch released their debut mini-album Factory 13. When Birmingham Council put together a glossy short film 鈥楤rilliance鈥 to promote the city, they chose the very catchy Behind These Trojan Walls from the album as its soundtrack. Cue attention from an international audience, and a sold-out CD for Murdoch. The demo version of the gentle Bobby by indie band Shady Bard was played on Radio 2 back in October 2004. It was officially released on their Treeology EP in February 2006 and is worth a listen. The band are on a national tour and their debut single 鈥楶enguins鈥 is receiving national airplay at time of writing.
 | | At Soundstation |
For St Patrick鈥檚 Day in March, traditional Irish music band Dempsey鈥檚 Lot entertained the crowds in Victoria Square with their lively jigs and reels. My favourite gig of 2006 - jazz legend Andy Hamilton's 88th birthday, 23rd March at the Bearwood Corks Club in Smethwick. Music flows out of the man. My Alamo, Sid Peacock and Undefined... In May, melodic rockers My Alamo got good reviews when they opened Soundstation - Birmingham鈥檚 first city centre music festival, held on Eastside Park.
 | | Andy Hamilton, 88th birthday |
Also in May, 麻豆约拍 WM brought together some of the region鈥檚 best musicians for their听 'Mad About Music' event. Of all the acts, I remember most clearly the warmth and power of the Small Heath Unity Choir鈥檚 performance, and the experimental jazz of Sid Peacock and his band. Lots of gigging in 2006 by nu-metal band Undefined won them new fans. Their crunching guitar riffs, catchy guitar hooks and growling vocals took them to the national final of the Amicus 'Band of Britain鈥 competition in July. Additional Moog, Das Fringe, The Lines... Thousands of country music fans turned out for the annual Wolvestock festival in July, too. It鈥檚 the UK's largest free entry country music festival. I heard favourable reviews of Additional Moog鈥檚 alt-country performance.
 | | Robert Carvalho |
August transfer news: Das Fringe split up! Two members join the Nightingales, and guitarist Pete Greenway joined (Mark E. Smith鈥檚) Fall. Our gig guide for unsigned bands on the Black Country site was very busy in 2006. Throughout the year, Steve, The Lines鈥 鈥淣o 1 Fan鈥 kept us up to date with the band鈥檚 progress by posting their latest news on the page. The Lines could be a band to watch in 2007 鈥 they鈥檙e filling venues across the Midlands. The mysterious experimental electronic musician Tyronix posted links to his videos on the guide, too. He鈥檚 from Wolverhampton and creates interesting techno music, which sounds like: 鈥渁uditory communication with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs鈥, he says. Augustine, Summer Solace, Gojo Music...
 | | Erotic Volvo - Misty's Big Adventure |
Another band to look out for are Augustine 鈥 they should have a hit with their very catchy synth-rock Emergency Song. August 2006 saw Summer Solace - Nick Jackson (of The Southern Cradle) and Carl Watchorn (of The Arcane Parade) put together a showcase of local bands that they feel deserve attention. They鈥檙e demonstrating that there鈥檚 still a vibrant Stourbridge scene. Their Winter Solace in December featured The E-Go's, Round 10, Spittroast, Cellar Door, Amite, Timothy Parkes & The Long Halloween as well as their own bands. GOJO' MUSIC's debut CD 'Twenty years of love and pain 鈥 they hurt the same' won them an appearance on the Janice Long show in September. The CD was produced by the acclaimed singer/songwriter Martin Stephenson, who travelled to Tipton for the recordings. It鈥檚 worth a listen 鈥 the final track Time Out is lovely, featuring birdsong from the band's garden.
 | | Vincent Gould and John Napier (right) |
Also in September I had the privilege to hear John Napier perform his song Annie, at his and Vincent Gould鈥檚 art exhibition in Birmingham Central Library. John has got the songs, presence and talent - he's one to watch. Misty's, Scott Matthews, Vijay Kishore... Released in November 2006, the track Fashion Parade by eccentric Birmingham band Misty's Big Adventure featuring Noddy Holder (and The Teats in the video, who were not amused 鈥 see their websites for details) was described as "One of the greatest songs ever written!" by Huw Stephens on 麻豆约拍 Radio 1. Their entertaining videos can be seen at: Fortmarkfilms.com. And finally, Wolverhampton singer songwriter Scott Matthews found a national audience in 2006, after lots of radio-play, near constant gigging and TV appearances. His latest single Dream Song, the second to be lifted from his album Passing Stranger was released in December. Scott goes back on tour in January.
 | | Scott at the Glee Club |
P.S. If you like Scott Matthews, you may also want to hear Birmingham singer-songwriter Vijay Kishore (Scott鈥檚 a big fan, apparently). Thanks to all the musicians who鈥檝e been in touch, and don鈥檛 forget to add your upcoming gigs to our gig guide in 2007: | 
