KT Tunstall - Ritz, Manchester - 21/10/10

Occasionally I arrive at a gig in good time, get to meet my fellow photographers who are there, find out who's shooting for what publications/agencies. I can guage the lighting during the support acts and get a feel for what settings I may have to use.

I wasn't able to do any of these for KT Tunstall's gig in Manchester last week. Some city centre roadworks and a lack of nearby parking meant I arrived at the Ritz with about 4 seconds to spare before KT took to the stage. Ms Tunstall has had a bit of a sabbatical recently. After releasing two acclaimed albums, she literally took the money and ran, taking a trip round the world and generally enjoying the life that fame and fortune grants. In fact, her third song was one written while travelling on a boat in the Arctic with "a load of scientists and a load of musicians" (sounds like a cool trip!), showing that her time away wasn't totally squandered.

Luckily for me following my late arrival, the lighting was excellent and I didn't have to worry too much. The main problem was the 3 other photographers in the pit, getting in each others way- all part of the job though! And once again my photo-pass got me thrown out of the building after the allocated first 3 songs- I'm none to happy about the frequency of this happening!

Plan B - Manchester Academy - 15/10/10

Its when I get to shoot the biggest selling UK artist of 2010 that I know I must be doing something right. Plan B's 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' has received great reviews from all quarters and he's sold out the Manchester Academy tonight on the back of it. The crowd is quite the mix of demographics and a suitable demonstration of his new material's mainstream appeal, and why some of my friends now hate him. Either way its a far cry from the first time I saw him perform; in this very building supporting Roots Manuva, just one young man and an acoustic guitar on stage.

As far as the performance goes, it's flawless. The stage is mocked up to the theme of the album and the star and his band are suited and booted. Plan B rattles through his new album, the audience loving every minute and the excellent decor and lighting means I got some excellent shots. Shame I had to leave before the end to get to another gig.

Professor Green - Manchester Academy 2 - 14/10/10

Like the Example concert I covered a couple of weeks ago, I thought this was probably too small a venue for Professor Green. 2010 has been quite a year for the artist, his INXS sampling 'Need You Tonight' propelled him into the limelight and follow up singles have gained him further success and mainstream appeal. He's rightfully sold out this venue with ease and the crowd are rightfully excited in anticipation of the show.

A warm-up DJ takes to the stage before the band and starts spinning some big tunes to get the crowd excited. 'Katy on a Mission', 'Pon De Floor' and 'One' are well received and set the mood so that, as Professor Green finally takes the stage, he gets a rapturous reception. The crowd sing along to every song and appreciate every hit. He closes a great performance with 'Need You Tonight', which everybody has been waiting for, a flawless crescendo which means everyone leaves happy.

Jaguar Jones - Jabez Clegg - 10/10/10

After my foray into the woods with Jaguar Jones a few sundays ago (see earlier post), I finally got the chance to see them perform live at Jabez Clegg in Manchester. Not disappointing, they draw on a wide range of influences, new and old, to create their own blend of guitar based tunes, including a few cameos from a wonderfully beefy vintage synth of Lewis'- My kind of instrument!

With the photos, I decided to give the images a vintage film colour treatment, to add to the grittiness of the lighting and venue- I think they came out fantastically well and luckily the band agreed. Heres to many more gigs and pics of the guys!

Tim Robbins - A-Lister in Salford - 01/10/10

Its not very often that you see Oscar winners knocking about in the middle of Salford, but thats exactly the sight I was greeted with as I pulled up at St. Phillips Church for my latest gig. I closed the boot of my car and look to my right to see Hollywood star Tim Robbins strolling alone around the front of the venue with casual nonchalance. He seemed to be taking in the ambience and history of this venue, admittedly one of the strangest, and most beautiful gig venues I have ever seen.

"Hello." I said to Tim. He smiled and reciprocated and I ventured inside, not wanting to intrude too much as he prepared to perform.

The venue, as I just said, was beautiful. I was expecting an old church, disused and refitted as a gig venue but that was very wrong. The church is still in commission complete with pews, alter, ornaments and a congregation, albeit a different congregation from the average Sunday, I'd wager. It also had a kitted out bar in the corner (nice touch) complete with draught ale, they don't mess about in Salford!

With the audience politely seated, security informed my fellow photographers and I not to intrude too much on their view. We had the first 3 songs with no flash (standard) and then we had to leave the venue. A little harsh as I'd have liked to watch more of the performance, especially as its difficult to fully enjoy whilst taking pictures as my brain is fully committed to getting the right shot.

Thankfully the lighting wasnt too bad and I managed some great shots. Tim's performance seemed to be going down well- straight up American rock with a twist of folk, blues and country- and it was a shame I couldn't watch the rest really.

Example- Manchester Academy 2- 29/09/10

I arrived at the Student Union with just a few minutes to spare before Examples performance, to be greeted by the most packed out Academy 2 that I have ever witnessed. Fair play really as tonights headline act has had all his singles A-listed on Radio 1 and, if anywhere, I would have expected him to be playing the main Academy venue.

Making my way to the front (made easier while waving a large and heavy camera in peoples faces!), I arrive in the pit just in time as the crowd erupts and Example takes to the stage to his smash hit 'Won't Go Quietly'. After my 3 song photo allowance, I watched the rest of his set from the side and was quite impressed. For somebody  I wouldn't note down as my cup of tea, his stage show was lively and energetic and kept the crowd buzzing throughout- even though it became apparent a decent proportion of them only knew the radio singles.

After a pretty long set for an artist with just one album, Example encored with his debut hit 'Watch the Sun Come Up' and the crowd left happy. I got home to find the following gems amongst the shots I took...

Kano & Ghetts - UK Hip Hop Superstars

Tuesday 28th September 2010. I walk into Club Academy in the basement of the Student Union to be greeted by a more varied crowd than I initially expected to see. This is testament to tonights headliner Kano, a UK rapper who, despite living in the shadow of a certain Mr Rascal, has transcended the underground to have a string of hits with mainstream appeal.

Supporting for Kano is another East London MC by the name of Ghetts. A man who raps with incredible force and aggression, well suited to the dark beats he spits over. He warms the crowd up nicely for his long-time friend and once he finishes, everybody is ready for the main event.

Now on his third album, Kano has built up an impressive catalogue, with his latest offering featuring collaborations with Chase & Status, Boys Noize and Hot Chip. All pointing to the fact that this is one MC not to be pigeonholed as a one trick pony. His performance keeps the crowd bouncing from start to finish, save for a  breather during the slow-paced Nite Nite. From early hits like Ps & Qs through to his latest big single Rock n Rollerand, every song is met with a rapturous reception.

All in all, a great show from a very underrated MC. In these times, when US Hip Hop has reached pathetic new lows, maybe we should look closer to home to remind ourselves of true hip hop talent.