By Glen Screeton
As Christmas approaches it can only mean one thing for Warrington band The Ambersons, and that’s another ‘Winter Songs’ show!
Back by popular demand, the lads are performing an intimate electro- acoustic gig and live album launch at Peggy McCools bar /live music venue on the 7th December but hurry, tickets are selling very fast! I caught up with my podcast sidekick- bass player Andy Fairnington, for a quick chat about their forthcoming event but if you need reminding about The Ambersons C.V then here is a short extract from my review of the band last year.
‘The original 4 piece band formed in 2006 and had a very successful run up till 2013 and were signed by Manchester Independent label ‘Spiral Scope’. Taking their musical influences from the likes of Super Furry Animals, Blur and the Beatles they proved very popular all over the country and drew the attention of Chrysalis Records USA, but sadly they didn’t manage to clinch the deal. This would have been deflating for any band and having chased the dream so hard they decided to take a break from performing in 2014, although the creative songwriting and studio sessions continued.’
Roll forward to 2018 and after a few changes to the line up they came back re-charged as a six piece and are no longer ‘chasing the dream’ but enjoying the journey instead. They are:
Andy Fairnington – Bass and Songwriter.
Ben Ashton – Lead Guitar and Songwriter.
Phil Bond – Rhythm Guitar.
Richard Dowling – Keyboards.
Rick McLaughlin – Drums.
Midge Fairnington – Lead Vocals.
The band are currently in rehearsals for their one night show and although Peggy McCools is not the size of the Pyramid like last year, it’s an up and coming venue that positively encourages live and original music with a great vibe so you will still get that ‘Winter Songs’ feel, and I have no doubt that Andy will produce another trademark stage set that we have become used to. With solo support from their good friend Ben Ashton (Ben and the Believers) and new Warrington band – Sunzoo , this should be a great show to put you in the mood for a traditional Musical Christmas once again. Tickets are available from the following link: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/60xrp9yz/the-ambersons-winter-songs-album-launch-acoustic-band-show?fbclid=IwY2xjawGpMs5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVI-xXqntZ4RlW-0T41QvJ_rVW6qsvMnXZSr954OTEj0QU1GcWBlJM0DmA_aem_WbAg9xyUCJwj64dZ-RZbzQ
On a separate note the hugely popular band Starsailor have kicked off their new album tour ‘Where the Wild Things Grow’ , and have included a % share of support acts throughout . A % share is quite unique and gives a number of acts the chance to perform their own material to a big crowd so well done to them, on the share there is a great opportunity for a trio from The Ambersons and for local musician Greg Dixon! Many will know Greg from his own Psychedelic Rock band Pray for Mojo and the host of his very well attended open-mic night at Hideout bar every Thursday in Warrington , so kudos to them both for clinching the slots and more success for Warrington musicians.
