Features

FOZ'S TOP 5 LOCAL GIGS OF 2006

1. Foo Fighters - Ipswich Regent Monday 12th June

An unforgettable evening in the company of a rock band at the height of its powers. If anything the group's material sounded even stronger in an acoustic setting and front man Dave Grohl clearly enjoyed every minute.

2. The Wah - Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich Thursday 12th October

One of the best performances I've ever seen by a local band. This was part of the town's John Peel Day celebrations and The Wah's energy and musicianship would, I'm sure, have met with the great man's approval.

3. Buena Vista Social Club - Ipswich Regent Thursday 20th April

The ultimate Peppery production. A gig made in Havana and featuring quite possibly the best pianist ever seen on an Ipswich stage - Roberto Fonseca.

4. Ian Shaw - Boxford Fleece Friday 7th July

Without a shadow of a doubt the UK's best male jazz vocalist with wonderful interpretations of well-known and not-so-well-known songs. He was accompanied by young guitarist David Preston who found himself on the receiving end of some good natured Ian Shaw humour.

5. Sherman Robertson and BluesMove - Manor Ballroom Ipswich Friday 23rd June

Sadly the place was only half full for the Texas blues great's Suffolk debut but Sherman didn't let that spoil the occasion. He played a full-on set of rocking and soulful blues. It was good to see one of the modern day masters at work.

Bubbling under….

The Red Hot Chili Peppers packing Portman Road and playing in front of the noisiest audience ever heard in Ipswich (with the possible exception of the Beatles in 1964), Sarah Jane Morris's marvellous show at the Boxford Fleece and a unique night of jazz and blues Barcodes style at the Manor Ballroom in Ipswich, the highlights of which will soon be coming out on CD.