So the setting of UCan Studios just keeps getting better & better with more artwork to adorn the walls and the seating set out to give the space an almost front room type feel(Albeit a very large front room). So we were comfortable but excited to see the first artist of the night.
Liam McClair hails from Manchester and we were lucky enough to catch Liam earlier this year at Sound Control in the rainy city. But how would he transfer to an unplugged venue with a totally attentive audience? Amazingly well as it turned out, Liam's relaxed manner charmed the audience onto his side right from the off. There was never any doubt that everyone was going to clap or become the nights backing choir at Liam's request.Put simply we were all captivated from the first song Alchemy right through to Honest the final song of Liam's set. We can't recommend going to see Liam live highly enough, with his distinctive vocal tones and addictive melodies which edge into a bluesy feel at times. So an amazing start to the final Shop Session of the year & we hope we get to welcome Liam back in the future...
Liam McClair - Honest
And so it was... we had reached the final Shop Session artist of 2015 and what a treat we had in store. We had already managed to catch performances by Anna Pancaldi twice this year and were definitely blown away by the amazing vocals so we were eagerly anticipating a third evening of awesomeness. As soon as we heard Anna kick into Runaway we knew we wouldn't be disappointed. Runaway is a great way to start as it really does highlight the range of Anna's vocals from the smokey lows to the attention grabbing highs, a beautifully contrasting song and voice. The great thing about seeing Anna in this intimate setting is you really warm to her infectious personality as well as her wonderful performances as she chats about anything and everything in between songs which keeps you engaged during a re-tune or natural break. 'Come On Love' really brought out the emotion & power of Anna's performance a real spine tingling experience as the title is sung in an almost pleading fashion.
Also a massive thankyou to Liam McClair for coming down from Manchester. Jonathan & Jason at UCan Studios for allowing us to continue the Shop Sessions in a wonderful venue. All the artists that have been part of our magical music filled year. But especially to our audience for coming out and supporting Live music and musicians we can't have one without the other...
To keep supporting Anna Pancaldi head to
http://www.annapancaldi.com/You can find out all about Liam McClair here
http://liammcclair.com/
UCan Studios have great facilities so check out what is available
http://ucanstudios.co.uk/
Finally keep your eyes peeled for 2016 at the Shop Sessions
http://www.thecyclejunction.com/shopsessions/
