Various Artists
Razed Voices Two
Thursday 16 October
A fairly well attended evening of poetry and song. Opening with 'Joe Burn' a melodic pop duo doing two of their own songs, remarkable for being so young and so talented. Opening poet Adam Fish was restrained and relaxed which made a pleasant change from his normal vitriolic delivery. Next up before the break Darlington based poet Jo Colley with her very clever poems, laid back delivery too. The First set closed with another duo a bit older than the first but both with remarkable voices (although the guitar playing wasn't up to spec). We don't know what their real names are but they asked to be introduced as Penny Lane and Lucy Jordan.
Second half and the poet laureate of Middlesbrough Andy Willoughby gave a spirited rant or two before leaning back comfortably into his repertoire for some more thoughtful pieces. Angel (not Angela!) Readman finished off the evening with her usual great poetry and idiosyncratic delivery and Penny Lane and Lucy Jordan (with Bob) finished off the evening with some more cover versions plus one original song. The final song was one too many and all hopes of the guitar being in tune were lost. Still an entertaining night, good humoured and relaxed. It's nice to find poetry not taking itself too seriously and kicking off its shoes for a dance.
Guest reviewer: Kevin Cadwallender
