Liverpool Philharmonic reveals Music Room autumn programme featuring Mick Head, John Bramwell and more

The Music Room

Continuing its refurbishment programme, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall opens a new space in October, Getintothis’ Paul Riley takes a look at the line-up.

The Music Room brings a new element to the live music offering of the Philharmonic Hall. It will play host to intimate shows, workshops and master classes, and looks to build closer links with the grassroots music of the city.

Opening in October 2015, the Music Room will host over 40 events in the run-up to Christmas including Sugar Hill Records bluesmen Skip ‘Little Axe’ McDonald and King Size Slim. John Bramwell (I Am Kloot) shares songs and bizarre anecdotes while Manchester’s Edward II presents a unique blend of Caribbean rhythms and traditional Northern English storytelling.

There are chances to see some of the Philharmonic Orchestra performers up close, in smaller ensembles such as Music of the Travellers – a double bass, clarinet, violin and guitar performance of klezmer, tango and gypsy jazz music.

Workshops and education are a key part of the programme; October sees Catfish Keith lead a hands-on two hour session, teaching finger-picking and slide techniques for blues and country guitar.

The Music Room will also host artist residencies, beginning with Captain Beefheart and Jeff Buckley collaborator Gary Lucas, who will appear for four days of master classes, performances and discussions about his music and memories.

With a variable audience capacity of 160-250, the Phil hopes that this new space will deepen its relationships with city-based emerging artists, festivals and promoters, which can only be a good thing as far as we are concerned.

James Hanks, Liverpool Philharmonic Marketing Manager, spoke to GIT about the plans for greater collaboration with the wider Liverpool music community: “Great music is at the heart of what we do, whether it’s concerts by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, welcoming international artists or supporting Liverpool’s thriving music scene.”

“Music Room will complement our programme in the main Philharmonic Concert Hall and play an important part in enabling us to deepen our relationships with city-based emerging and established artists, festivals and promoters.” Hanks tells us.

“We wanted those relationships to be evident right from the start so in this first season, we’re co-promoting gigs by Thea Gilmore and John Bramwell with Ceremony Concerts. We’re working in partnership with Liverpool Acoustic Festival to present Rob Vincent and Gary Edward Jones; and Liverpool Irish Festival in another great double bill featuring the Liverpool debut of Róisín O, daughter of the great Mary Black, and Dallahan who are thrilling exponents of some of the most exciting Irish music.”

“A fantastic Liverpool line-up including Mick Head, Emily Portman, My Darling Clementine and Sense of Sound runs throughout the season. We’re keen to continue to build links and relationships with other Liverpool musicians as we establish Music Room as an exciting new addition to the city’s musical life and we want to hear from you!”

The Music Room opens for business on the October 10, with a performance from Steve Nieve, contemporary composer and pianist in Elvis Costello‘s band The Attractions.