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The Top Spot By Leon Hersnip
On
Sunday 16th October I had the pleasure to witness an astonishing
example of musical talent. A performance that quite literally blew me
and everyone else in the room away. As what was supposed to be a
traditionally British all day Sunday booze bender, was transformed into
one of the greatest
examples of musical talent witnessed within the contemporary music
scene. The combination of Simon Vallee and Angelo Bernardo is quite
frankly a sight that must be seen.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Simon Vallee was recently touring the UK
to promote his second EP So Unclear. Accompanied by the quite majestic
Bernardo, Vallee wooed the locals with a selection of finely structured
acoustic numbers, moving effortlessly between rock genres such as
traditional rock and roll, indie and the blues. Such an eclectic mix
not
only kept the set fresh, but went some way in uniting an audience of
all ages and generic tastes together under once blanket of musical
pleasure.
Brimming with an obvious passion for his art, Vallee attacked every
track with unreserved passion and as the end of the set approached,
Vallee didn't need a second invitation to join forces with the nights
other superb acoustic performer, Stephen Barrand. Joined by Bernardo,
Vallee and Barrand
then began wonderful renditions of the Oasis monster, Wonderwall, and
the Bob Dylan/Guns & Roses classic, Knocking on Heavens Door. The
combination of both acts was the end of a truly enjoyable night,
maintaining an intimacy that only the familiar unfamiliarity of a
jamming session between skilled
pros can bring.
Nights such as this one can now be regularly seen within the confines
of Hindley's Top Spot, as the venue continues to prove committed to the
promotion and performance of live local talent. With the help of Scott
Howarth and Matthew Nutter's Scutter Promotions, the Top Spot can
continue to be seen as one of Wigan's leading protagonists in our
emerging music
scene and culture.
I urge all who are interested in music to get down and enjoy an
enjoyable night and an eclectic mix of music, music that more than
often will present a potential star like Simon Vallee.
