A gig in the Ulster Sports Club on a Tuesday? Say no more, I’m there.
It’s the first Tuesday of the month and I’m on a mission to find new music. The Ulster Sports Club has fashioned itself into quite the hotspot for new music. The venue still has the retro feel of the old Sports Club it once was only now it seems to be at the heart of the Belfast music scene. When you step inside the door you get hit with what can only be described as the USC’s own brand of unique perfume and a friendly hello from the bar staff.
Making my way upstairs I’m greeted by familiar Songbook regulars, we’ve all become one big Songbook family over the last few gigs. The lights reflect off of the shimmering gold streamers that dress the stage, with the addition of the pride flag this month. The house band are on stage and eagerly awaiting for host Nathan O’Regan to get the party going. The crowd is cheerful and there seems to be an exciting buzz as the suspense builds to see Laytha and Rory Nellis perform.
Nathan O’Regan’s wit and humour win the crowd over straight away, as he opens the show with a few songs with the house band; playing some well known O’Regan classics. You could even hear some of the Songbook veterans singing along in the crowd. Indie Folk duo Laytha leave the crowd speechless as they perform. This is my first time catching them with a live band, and I’m obsessed! Their voices blend so beautifully it gives you goosebumps. Their upcoming single ‘Strawberry Moon’ is really infectious and the crowd are taking it all in like kids on the first day of school. Laytha are performers that leave you wanting more - I can’t wait to hear the debut album they’ve been working on.
Rory Nellis, guest number 2 hops onto stage. Straight away he has a stage presence that is undeniable. There’s something really warm and reassuring about him, gaining him a lot of fans in the audience. His performance is enjoyable and it’s evident he is a seasoned performer as he plays with ease. Playing tracks from his ‘Written & Underlined’ album it’s really interesting to hear them with a different arrangement, he comments on this himself, getting a chuckle from the crowd. I really love how his vocals are super strong and soar through the venue, you can really hear the grit and emotion in the words he’s singing.
After a short interval, a few more songs from Laytha and Rory Nellis, Nathan O’Regan (the host with the most) hops back on stage to close the night. It’s warm, the crowd are merry and it’s time for one more song. The infamous ‘Crazy For You’. A song when recorded sits at 4minutes and 14 seconds but at Songbook we get the extended version. Each band member beams with their colourful introduction from Nathan as they take the spotlight in turns to showcase just why they’re masters of their instruments. It’s such an amazing moment to watch. And just like that, another Songbook is over. A Tuesday night well spent.
