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Guitarist shares musical picks

Guitarist shares musical picks

Thursday 24 October 2019

Guitarist shares musical picks

Thursday 24 October 2019


A self-confessed 'bedroom guitarist', whose interest in music grew as he recovered from a skiing accident, has shared a selection of musical events he thinks might strike a chord with islanders.

Axon Bower (David Keenan) blends elements of folk, rock, pop and blues in his music, which also draws inspiration from his adventures.

This eclecticism is reflected in his selection of 'Culture Bites' he put together for Express, in the midst of performing, writing, exploring and recording between Nashville, L.A., Japan and Jersey...

1. Derek-Holzer: A soundbox workshop

Making things just has a great meditative effect I think, on par with creating music. So I’m really looking forward to making things that make sound, especially from someone as experienced as Derek Holzer at Jersey Museum until 25 October, from 10:00 to 16:00.

Video: Derek Holzer will be at Jersey Museum until Friday.

Derek is a sound and light artist based in Helsinki and Berlin. He has performed live, taught workshops and created scores of unique instruments and installations across Europe, North and South America, and New Zealand. 

SoundBoxes are small, primitive electro-acoustic instruments built from a wooden box, a speaker, a small audio amplifier and a contact microphone.

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Pictured: Sound artist Derek Holzer will show islanders how to make sound boxes.

They can create a variety of drone and reverb-type sounds through feedback between the speaker and microphone, or they can bring out the hidden sounds found within everyday objects. 

They also have small touch-points which can be used to produce a variety of “circuit bending” sounds. 

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Pictured: The workshops will take place at 'Make Space' at Jersey Museum.

This workshop does not require any previous knowledge of electronics, only an interest and a curiosity in both sound and instrument-building. 

The SoundBox workshops are part of the Handmade Jersey exhibition at the Jersey Museum, supported by the Association of Jersey Charities and the Channel Islands Lottery. 

2. Laid back Jazz with Nic Dinnie

With winter rolling in, there’s no better way to break up your week than with a cosy, live and intimate gig, at one of Jersey’s best music venues.

Nic Dinnie is a very diverse and accomplished musician who showcases his laid back Jazz repertoire every Wednesday at the Blue Note Bar, from 21:00.

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Pictured: Nic Dinnie is at the Blue Note bar every Wednesday.

Expect familiar melodies executed with an effortless but effective style.

If you have a taste for some tunes that get your feet from tapping to stomping, be sure to check out his two original projects Alex & Her’ and Hot Plastic

3. Krafty J's

This new venue has quickly attracted a solid fan base. It was to be expected really from the the team that brought us ‘Reasons’.

John O’Connell has carried his event hosting skills and knowledge to his new craft beer and gin bar.

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Pictured: Former DJ John O'Connell opened Krafty J's earlier this year

With unique events like Hip Hop & Coffee/Vibes/Northern Soul & Funky Fridays you can be sure they will have something for everyone.

Be sure to check out this friendly venue for top tunes and even better beer and gin.

Contact them for event details or to host your own event and get involved in being a part of the local scene.

4. Songwriters Society - Blue Note Sessions

This project has been a real labour of love.

Our first event was hosted at the Lido four years ago, since then we have had stages at local festivals such as Weekender, Reasons and Groove, as well as small secret gigs in private lounges.

Our monthly Blue Note Sessions have also gone from strength to strength with our seventh show coming up on Thursday 7 November.

Pictured: David at the Society's first event.

The format hosts a range of amazingly dynamic artists who perform two original tracks each. This keeps a nice flow of new sound and energy that leaves you wanting more.

We hope to satisfy this need with our longer 'featured artist' slot who will share around 25 min of original material. This allows both the performer and listener to really connect and showcase their style.

Pictured: The Songwriters Society's Christmas special will return soon.

I always look forward to being a part of these events both as a performer and an audience member. 

Our performers thrive in front of a packed room of open ears and open minds, which always gives the audience a great and different experience for each show.

Keep in the loop with future eclectic nights by following Songwriters Society on Facebook.

5. Wonky Factory

After collaborating with these guys at Jersey Live a few years ago I could tell they were on to a winner. Like the Songwriters Society they put a great effort into stage design.

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Pictured: The Wonky Factory's next event is less than two weeks away.

This has continued into their bigger events with multiple original props and installations like secret tunnels and bars keep a real buzz around their events.

If you miss their much anticipated ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween special at Rojo’s (2 November) be sure to keep an eye out for future events via their Facebook page.

This feature was compiled with the help of ArtHouse Jersey, which supports local creatives. Learn more about them by clicking here

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Bailiwick Express.

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