Stephan Eicher’s live concert at La Halle aux grains in Toulouse (France)

I attended on 3rd January 2020 Stephan Eicher‘ s live concert at La Halle aux grains in Toulouse (France). Although, I have listened to this singer and musician for many years now, it was the first time I went to his concert in this great theatre concert hall.

Stephan Eicher’s choice for concert place is spot on, a 2200-seater theater with a great acoustic sound and allowing an intimate connection with his public.

He obviously plays his old hit «Déjeuner quoi?» Stephan Eicher shouts and laughs during the concert. It’s the public who demands it. Stephan Eicher answers «Déjeuner en paix» doesn’t belong to me anymore. The music industry has got lots of money to pay for their lawyers, while I haven’t. So, I’m no longer allowed to sing it. However, you can sing it !» Approval screams. The band delivers a powerful Rock and the crowd sing it in chorus.

1. EXPLANATIONS for STEPHAN EICHER ‘S absence

We know the misfortunes of the Bernese (Swiss German) musician with his Universal Major label. Reason for which, he tells, his stage repertoire has been for 5 years stuck to the same hits with no new released records.  How can it sounds positive to us instead of the bitter experience he had. Since digitalisation, he said he didn’t like the way his contract was changed…but he didn’t ask for more money or music rights. However, he was lucky enough that his existing repertoire allowed him to tour with new shows rearranging his songs and offering new tracks.

2. ABOUT STEPHAN EICHER

Since more than 30 years, Stephan Eicher experiments and challenges himself musically. First, synthetic music with Grauzone and its techno-pop, then at the beginning of the 80s he tries out the rock experience. Then he goes for ballad songs, uses more classic or traditional instruments he associates with modern sounds and rhythms to offer a varied and rich discography.

3. His new album

This time, Stephan Eicher also comes back with new «Homeless songs» album (Polydor) composed of original tracks and of course a new show. He surrounds himself with a quartet to tell his new story, centered on acoustic and classic instrumental music.

In his own terms, this tour brings «not just 5 years of imposed ice skating figures but also introduce us to free skating.» Homeless songs do not have any place in the current music industry. They live elsewhere and sleep outside. This is in no way offensive , even the opposite ! These songs are like small stones children pick up along the river. For an adult, impossible to understand what guided the child’s choice. Was it the pleasant refreshing feeling of the stone ? A small pattern on the surface ? A weird or funny shape ? The fate ? These songs hope to create a relaxing, comfortable space, a dreaming pause.

4. His musicians during this 2020 tour

For this concert, he is accompanied by 4 independent musicians :

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• Reyn Ouwehand, pianist, film Composer and multi-instrumentalist from Netherlands, who is the opening act.
• Heidi Happy, Swiss singer and multi instrumentalist (vocals, guitars, cello, mandolin, xylophone).
• Baptiste Germser, French horn (cor en français) and bass player and music producer.
• Simon Bauman, German drummer.
• Ludovic Bruni, French guitarist, bassist and music producer.

3. Live recordings in audio tracks and videos

a) Reyn Ouwehand’s opening act

Reyn played several piano tracks for us and I recorded two of them. Although I do not know the song titles, feel free to add them in the comment section below this blog post!

Obviously, Reyn continued playing for Stephan Eicher throughout his concert!

b) Dominique Regeff

Then there was a special guest, Dominique Regeff, French improvisor, composer, and musician specialising in stringed instruments. He came to play the hurdy gurdy (vielle en français) on the ‘Rivière’ song from Stephan Eicher. In this audio recording, Stephan introduces him and how they collaborate together.

c) Stephan Eicher

Finally, amongst other songs, I recorded these songs in audio and video versions. Once again, if any of you know the track title for his Swiss German song, drop the info in the comment section! He sings in French, Swiss German as well as English.

Here, you will recognise his very first hit in France!

And other well known French tracks!

That is all from me! Enjoy the listening and subscribe!

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Femi Kuti’s afrobeat live concert at the Academy, Dublin (Ireland)

Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti (born 16 June 1962) is popularly known as Femi Kuti. He is a Nigerian musician born in London and raised in Lagos. He is the eldest son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

Femi’s musical career started when he began playing in his father’s band, Egypt 80.

In 1986, Femi started his own band, Positive Force. He began establishing himself as an artist independent of his father’s massive legacy.  🎷🎺🎸🎹🎤

Since then, he has continued playing the music style his father was famous for, i.e afrobeat. Afrobeat can be defined as ‘a complex fusion of:

•  jazz,
• funk,
• Ghanaian/Nigerian
• highlife,
• psychedelic rock
• traditional West African chants and rhythms.

Femi also follows his father’s legacy with his strong commitments to social and political causes.  You can notice this in his songs’ lyrics on his website:

https://femikuti.com/home

In this article you can see how engaged he is with the issues Nigerian people are currently facing: 😭😡

Nigerian musician Femi Kuti urges stars, fans to focus on Boko Haram victims

Do you like his music? Why not download a few songs or buy some of his CDs on Amazon: 💿💰

Femi Kuti’s music on Amazon

Now, let me share with you few videos from his live concert at The Academy, Dublin (Ireland) on Saturday 8th July 2017!!🔥

Since these videos were originally Facebook Live Streams, the quality may not be optimum for YouTube. 😳😓

I would recommend you to watch them on your mobile phone, as they have been filmed with my iPhone! 😉

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with upcoming videos!👍

‘Oldskool’ hip-hop cover band live recording at The Sugar Club, Dublin

During the 2017 Saint Patrick’s weekend, we had the pleasure to be entertained by a 7 piece oldskool hip-hop cover band playing live in Dublin. The band joined the dots from The Sugar Hill to Dr Dre to Eminem.

For the old school hip-hop music nostalgic who couldn’t attend, you’ll be able to catch up with these oh so lovely oldskool tunes in videos!🎶✌

If you’d like to follow them, give them a like on Facebook! 👍

https://www.facebook.com/thisisoldskool/?fref=ts

WHAT DOES OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP MUSIC MEAN?

If you don’t quite know what defines old school hip-hop music, check this article:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old-school_hip_hop

UPCOMING OLD SKOOL HIP-HOP COVER BAND CONCERTS

If you are in Ireland for 2018 St Patrick’s weekend, you are lucky! The band will be performing again this Saturday at The Sugar Club, Dublin! You can book your tickets here or on their website mentioned below.

PAST LIVE CONCERT RECORDINGS

Want to know more how they sound? Then watch these videos below. They were recorded live on Periscope on @emelinej1 (Twitter live streaming service) and Facebook live.

But I have edited them a bit and uploaded them to YouTube just for you!😎😉

Liked this blog? Hit the ‘join/subscribe’ button!🙏👉It’s free!👌

Don’t miss the Varekai’s Cirque du Soleil show in Dublin!

VAREKAI – CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S SHOW

If you have missed the Varekai show (Friday 10th February 2017), do not worry because Le Cirque du Soleil is having several touring dates in pretty much each city! Right now, they are touring in Europe, so if you’d like to watch their live performance, book your tickets on Ticketmaster:

http://listings.ticketmaster.co.uk/cirquedusoleil

I took these two pictures at the show start to show you a bit the decor, lighting and costumes!👏🎭🎪

If you have already missed the shows in your city, I am happy to share with you beautiful pictures of their programme as well as the full show in a video!😉

VAREKAI SHOW PROGRAMME AND STORY PLOT

First, let me share with you a slideshow of the programme explaining you a little bit more the Varekai’s story plot! Please note that not all pictures from the programme are included. I sampled the most important ones to understand the story!

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And now, although I wasn’t allowed to film or take further pictures, I have some good news for you!✨👍 I have found on YouTube the complete show filmed!😍🎁

VAREKAI FULL SHOW IN VIDEO

You will be able to enjoy as well their live music bringing an additional touch to the already incredible show!🎤🎻🎷🎸

And you, did you go and watch the live show? What did you think about it? Share with us your impressions!

‘Early House’ cover band live concert playing funk and soul (Dublin, 2016)

EARLY HOUSE COVER BAND

Thanks to the Dublin Event Guide, I heard about this amazing Irish ‘Early House’ cover band live concert taking place at the Whelan’s, Dublin 2 (Ireland) on Saturday 16th April 2016.

FUNK AND SOUL MUSIC COVERS

I didn’t regret attending it! Great musicians and singers. They played hits from famous singers such as James Brown, Amy Winehouse, Doobie Brothers, Etta James, Sly and Family Stone, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and so much more.

Here are two pictures from the band:

Early House band (pic 1)

I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I did their performances. If you want to be updated on their next gig, check their Facebook  fan page here:

https://www.facebook.com/earlyhouseband/?fref=ts

EARLY HOUSE LIVE RECORDINGS

There are 5 videos in total for this band, so don’t forget to view them all in my channel! Subscribe to have all newly uploaded videos appearing on your Youtube newsfeeds for FREE! The direct link to my channel is the following:

https://www.youtube.com/user/emelinej1/videos

 

Live jazz concert in Edinburgh, Scotland (April, 2016)

JAZZ EDINBURGH

As part a holiday trip to Scotland, I happened to attend a live jazz concert at ‘thejazzbar’, Chambers Street in Edinburgh city centre.

I wanted to share with you pictures and videos I took at this event. Apologises for the last video, my digital camera’s battery ran out. 😞

In any cases, enjoy!

Duckstein Open-Air Festival Hamburg Hafen City 2015

Duckstein Festival

The summer has been filled so far with lots of open-air festivals in Hamburg (Germany), even if the weather hasn’t always been perfect! I attended the Duckstein festival at Magdeburg Harbour (in front of and next to the International Maritime Museum).

As you may have already guessed, Duckstein, the main festival sponsor, is a brewery. This brewery sells beers such as the Bavarian classic Hefeweiss, Pilsner, Dunkel and Altbier.

MAINLY ADULT AUDIENCE 

The festival, due to its sponsor, was more adult-oriented. Shows during week time took place only in the evenings.

Furthermore, as you would probably be figuring out when visiting the festival website, you must be over 16 years of age to view its content. 16 years old is the minimum age to drink beers in Germany.

However, some of the shows were also open to families, in particular the circus shows.

For more information about this festival running in different cities of Germany during summertime, check their website.

DUCKSTEIN FESTIVAL PICTURES

Please find below few pictures of the festival (slideshow):

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DUCKSTEIN FESTIVAL LIVE SHOW RECORDINGS

BIG DADDY WILSON

I watched the wonderful and witty Big Daddy Wilson acoustic blues band with soul and gospel influences from Southern United States.

Big Daddy Wilson is originally from Edenton, North Carolina, where he sang in church. Then, he lived pretty much a country boy’s life. He didn’t know nor breakthrough with blues music back then.

Other artists such as Champion Jack Dupree, Louisiana Red, Eddie Boyd made Europe their home. They brought the blues with them and succeeded here better than in the U.S. And now there´s Big Daddy Wilson, an American singer and songwriter who found his home in Northern Germany.

But something is different regarding Big Daddy Wilson. When he came over from the U.S. there was no blues music in his baggage. He truly discovered his love for blues coming to Germany, where he has been awarded ‘Best Acoustic Artist’ in the Blues category.

His music is a fusion of gipsy queen from New Orleans, beats Jamaica-style as well as swing.

If you would like to buy his music or merchandise, check his website. You can also follow him on Facebook and Youtube.

KATAY SANTOS CIRCUS STREET SHOW

Later on, I had a good laugh watching the funny and interactive acrobatic Santos Circus street show, coming all the way from Venezuela.

Katay Santos street circus artist started learning Capoeira in 1998, where he began to develop strong skills in:

• music,
• fight,
• dance
• Acrobatics. 

In 2003, he studied at the National Circus School in Havana, Cuba. Then he studied at the Acrobatics Art School in Wuqiao, China (2007-2008) where he learned:

• Handstand in High Chairs,
• Pot Balancing
• Chinese Pole.

In 2006, he became a part of the regular staff at many professional circus and theatre companies in Venezuela.  Back then, he created his own shows as “Santos y Bigotes”, “A Chinese Tale” and “Santos Circus Show”.

Since then, he has been touring extensively over 100 cities worldwide, entertaining a variety of audiences.

For more information about him and his travelling circus, check his website. You can also follow him on Facebook and Youtube.

Ilanga Festival from South Africa (Hamburg, Germany)

Ilanga Festival

Here is another fact about Hamburg: the city has lots of parks spread out in different quarters! I attended Ilanga Festival at ‘Planten un Blomen’ Park!

The weather wasn’t great on that day, so the turn out wasn’t as good as it should have been. Yet, it was a truly enjoyable event! Enjoy these few pictures and videos!

If you want to know more about the ‘Dube‘ band, please check their website here: www.dube-music.com

Want to catch up with 2pac Shakur’s band ‘The Outlawz’ concert (2015)?

Outlawz BAND

Do you like old-school hip-hop? Do you miss listening to 2Pac sounds? Well, even though Shakur died a while ago, his ‘The Outlawz band‘ is still pretty much alive and touring!

ABOUT THE BAND

The “Outlawz” band set up by “Tupac” in 1995 is a perfect blend of :

• seasoned lyricists,
• musical innovators 
• responsible storytellers.
  

The band members are:

“E.D.I. Mean”
His aggressive, no-frills style is perhaps the more Diplomatic, yet his delivery reveals a mastery of conveying complex messages, in an unmistakable straight to the point manner.

“Young Noble” 
The aptly named-rebellious perfectionist exudes integrity in life and throughout his lyrics. In both cases, he chooses his battles wisely, with an evident persona that silently confirms that he does not play!

“Hussein Fatal” 
The one who says what others won’t. A distinctive witty voice whose experimental mature, position him as the group’s mad scientist combining all elements, creating the perfect chemistry.

OPENING ACTS

They gave us a great concert on Saturday 11th April 2015 at the Tivoli Theatre, Dublin 8 (Ireland). They were preceded by equally good live opening acts with DJ Spaqz and ‘Trigger’ Irish hip-hop singer amongst others.

DJ SPAQZ

DJ Spaqz is a DJ, producer and artist based in Dublin, Ireland. He plays an eclectic mix of African pieces of music and Hip-Hop.

TRIGGER 

Trigger is a 23-year-old Cork city rapper. Although he is new to the scene, he is already stirring up some reaction on the underground circuit. He has appeared on such radio stations as RTE radio 1, 96FM, Red FM among various other pirate radio stations.

Raised in Cork city’s northside. He partly lived with his grandmother growing up in Gurranabraher. He talks about matters that have affected him and those around him. Poverty, neighbourhoods surrounded by drug abuse and rapid unemployment are key subjects in his songs, although some are humorous, upbeat and political.

Check out pictures (slideshow) from the event and listen to audio and video tracks below! Enjoy!

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The Outlaws BAND live concert videos and soundtrack:

Regular and occasional afrobeat events in Dublin, Ireland

DUBLIN AfroBEAT EVENTS 

Following a popular search for Dublin afrobeat events, please find below:

• few good DJ organisations
• live bands
• festivals/carnivals happening in and around Dublin.

1) DJs Weekly events with occasional guest singers from abroad:

• Every Saturday at Break for the Border with Rap Ireland. It’s 10 Euros. You can be on the cheap list if you get in touch with them. They will play a mix of:
  •  Hip-Hop
  • Afro-beats
  • RnB
  • Dancehall.

Give them a like on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/officialrapireland

• Every Sunday at River Bar (Passion nightclub) with Boom Entz. The venue is located at O’Connell House Bridge. It’s 5 Euros in. They will play a mix of:
  • Hip-Hop
  • Afrobeats
  • Rn’B
  • Reggae.

You can follow them or add them as a friend on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BoomEntz/

• Further events in and around Dublin are advertised in these public Facebook group pages:

https://www.facebook.com/afrobeat.segun?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/groups/afroclubent/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/africanmusicnetwork/?fref=ts

2) Live band concerts (you can listen to some of them on my Youtube Channel):

• Tig Linn with female and male singers (blessed with powerful voices). For their planned concerts, check their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tig-Linn/211049728918708?fref=ts

• Dublin Afrobeat Ensemble with a male singer (blessed with a lot of charisma and energy).

For more information, check their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/DublinAfrobeat?fref=ts

• Manden Express with a female singer. For more information, check their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/mandenexpress?fref=ts

• You can also catch a few Afrobeat/Afrojazz live concerts at ‘National Concert Hall’.

Go to their website for more details:

https://www.nch.ie/Online/

3) Yearly Festivals and carnivals:

• Event organised generally at the end of May by ‘Africa Day’ about:
  • African music
  • fashion
  • arts and crafts
  • clothing
  • culture.

For more information, check their Facebook page and/or website:

https://www.facebook.com/africadayireland?fref=ts

• Event organised generally around mid/end August by ‘Nigerian Carnival Ireland’. The themes are on:
  • Nigerian music
  • comedy
  • food
  • fashion.

For more information, check their Facebook page and/or website:

https://www.facebook.com/nigeriancarnivalireland?fref=ts

Have you heard of any other nights worth mentioning? If so, drop a comment and we’ll add them to the list!