Just back from Society’s Wednesday Jam Session, and lemme tell ya, it was smoking tonight! Three groups played, all guitar-based lyrically strong tunes with consciousness and upliftment as themes.

Chris Letcher did not disappoint. His set was tight, inventive and melodically rocking! Backed by Dave, Andrew and Ross, Chris delivered some infectious tunes from his latest ‘Frieze’ album. The sound is new and edgy, his performance often seemingly from behind a straitjacket. There are some real gems on this disc, enough beat and wit to keep toes and neurons happy.

The real treat was the middle performance by Victoria Hume. Featured on the ‘Frieze’ recording and part of the touring band (vox, keyboards), Victoria’s performance with Chris’ manic-strung accompaniment was a breath of saturnine air. Think Beth Gibbons onna shiny, happy day, ‘Mad about You’ inna Hooverphonic sort-of way. The songs were intense retrospective pieces, delving further into the soul of the singer, drawing you into her world, before spinning you out on sweet melodious breakdowns.

They were those sad songs that make you feel kinda happy. Almost as though, it feels really cool to know that there are others like you, who feel things and believe and take life on. It’s the most romantically warm feeling.

Tonight’s gig was a round-up of last nights performance at the Glass Magic Castle in Hillcrest. A quieter affair than this one, it also featured the band in a more laid-back environment, with more space for acoustical magic. This weekend, the Castle also hosts Sibling Rivalry AND Electric Church’s EBM gig (if you don’t know what EBM is already, don’t ask...) AND wait for it...

Drum roll>>INSERT SOUNDS HERE>>

Napalma, the original Brazilian Green brigade, are performing at the Castle on Sunday! It’s a one off gig and they’re shooting a music video! So if you wanna be an extra, or listen to these drummers-of-soul, track to 24A Main road Hillcrest Sunday afternoon.

So here’s to a great weekend with loved ones and friends. And Music. Ole’