Mother Black Cap

Belle Vue Tavern
Gorleston

30 December 2006
It's not often I get the chance to go to a gig when I am staying at my parents house in Norfolk, So when I heard that Mother Black Cap, a Proggy band from that area, were playing live in Gorleston, it was a chance to get out have a few beers and listen to some live music. Apart from My Space I have never heard the band, but was impressed from what I had heard. They have gigged locally quite a lot and it was the night before New Years Eve, so I was not expecting a great turnout. The pub in Gorleston is right by the sea, with the wind and the rain it was a typical winters night in Norfolk. I got to the venue at 8pm to hear the band going through their soundcheck. Not many in the pub at that time, but still plenty of time, the band were not due on till 9pm.

It was nice to see John and Family there from Norwich, who like me just came to see some live Prog music over the Xmas period. What we witnessed was a local band who play Progressive Rock to a very high level. By 9pm the pub had filled up and there was a very good crowd in there. In fact I was shocked to see so many people in the pub to hear this band, I now know why.

Mother Black Cap started the gig with a track off their debut album, the track was called Friends, followed by a great version of Space Oddity. Throughout the set, the band played original material along with some great covers. This has to happen when you play pub crowds. I was impressed with the way the band kept everyone's attention during their set. They finished the first half of their set with Comfortably Numb to great applause. It was nice to have a short break before the second half. It was clear to see that this band are building a good local following, With plenty of CD's being bought at the break.

The second half was mixture again of original material and covers, Which ended in a fantastic Who Medley. They encored with Hocus Pocus and to keep the Xmas spirit alive I Believe In Father Christmas. To hear a pub crowd clapping and singing along was excellent.

This band are excellent live and I urge people if you get the chance, go and see them. Hopefully they will start doing gigs outside Norfolk and expanding their fanbase, I will try and get them to play London in 2007.

Set List, First Half: Friends, Space Oddity, Thirty Five, Echoes, Breydon Sunrise, Comfortably Numb
Second Half: Sylvia, Home, Circus, JCS ,Religon, Have Fun, Vino Veritas, Who Medley
Encores: Hocus Pocus, I Believe In Father Christmas,

Two and a half hours of great music!

by Croydon Mick.

Check the band at www.motherblackcap.co.uk and at www.myspace.com/themotherblackcap

Forthcoming Gigs

Friday 9th February - Queen Charlotte, Dereham Road, Norwich (Support from Gnasher)
Saturday 10th March - Lord Nelson, Gorleston
Friday 20th April - The Ship, Great Yarmouth
Saturday 21st April - King William, Gorleston
Saturday 16th June - Lord Nelson, Gorleston
Friday 20th July - The Ship, Gorleston
Saturday 21st July - King William, Gorleston
Saturday 8th September - Lord Nelson, Gorleston
Saturday 20th October - King William, Gorleston