What new managers Fiona and Neil have achieved in a few short months they have been on board is astounding.
This live music loving duo have got a great vibe going at the venue, a new PA up and running, the stage back where it belongs and an awesome line up of local and national artist coming up.
Now the gig, Benjalu kicked things off with a stripped back acoustic set to the packed house, with Ben Gumbleton – Vocals /Guitar, Luke Elsley- Guitar and Anthony Morris- Bass. Their set was tight and polished as always, Watching and listening to this band you get the feeling that there are big things ahead for these Newcastle boys, high lights for me from a fantastic set were ‘Way To The Coast’and ‘Little Darling’, two of my favourites. The big news was that there are plans for a full album later this year. I, for one, am really looking forward to that. Keep an eye out for Benjaluwell ,worth catching live.
Then the head liner Ash Grunwald hit the stage and the crowd went into dance and party mode, this one man show certainly knows how to get the crowd pumped, at one stage there was 20 people dancing on stage with him, just a brilliant set, Ash’s cover of ‘Crossroads’ was fantastic and the real highlight for me was Ben Gumbleton and Ash’s haunting cover of Bill Withers’,‘Ain’t No Sunshine’. Ash is touring the east coast extensively at the moment so check his web page for a gig near you.
Drop in to The Great Northern and check it out, great vibe, good food and plenty of live music. Introduce yourself and say hi to Neil and Fiona while you’re there.
Story & Photos Craig Wilson, Swamp House Photography.
