first compilation release to come from a Liverpool Acoustic event and when you hear the talent you can't help but wonder why it hasn't been done before, but that is what Catacoustic is about... great music, no hidden agendas and leave your ego at the door.

The CD has received great support and praise from local press and radio and with the Catacoustic My Space site it is reaching a worldwide audience with great feedback, so well done and thank you to all involved.

You can read a couple of the revews below and watch out for news of the next WhiteBridge release.

The article on the left appeared in the Merseymart. A special thanks to Kevin Core for his support

ARTICLE READS: Unsigned artists should make a date in their diaries - Chillies is the place to be on Wednesdays.

The venue hosts Catacoustic, and attracts talent from all over Merseyside who perform a 10 minute slot of 2 or 3 songs.
Organiser Tony Elliott of Catapult Enterprises said: "It's always a high standard of artists - the night has been so good it led me to produce a compilation CD of the best acts to provide a platform for their music and celebrate the success of the night. "it promotes live music and people are encouraged to have a go.

Some of the musicians are established performers but it's also about up and coming talent - so you're sure of a welcome"
The wednesday events usually start around 9pm instruments are available at the venue.

For more details contact info@catacoustic.co.uk or visit www.catacoustic.co.uk

Back to top

Extracts from a review written by Amanda De Angeles
(music press and websites)

The purpose of tonight is to launch a compilation album “CATACOUSTIC OVERTONES”.

It is early and friends and friends of music men gather with rare presence of their women, who relax in this, outside of the city-centre, vulture radius.

Tony Elliott, well known in this arena, is musical impresario every Wednesday night at Chillies Bar. He kicks off the entertainment with, “There is no time”, answered with raucous applause by the still filtering close audience. Following a strong opener and pantomime- heckled interval, Tony sings an ol’ “Tambourine” song, “April” the cruellest month. Maybe, but there have been some bitchin’ days this December so far too. He sings straight and husky and looks good up there. He exudes a Paul Weller-like stance.

Jeff Jepson politely congratulates his predecessor then belts out a vibrato, overpowering a beautiful lyrical ballad. A beautiful, emotional chorus of a love “In a desolate world”. A song I will hum to myself later, but not as capably."Easily You" “Cruel is what you want to believe is his second, another ballad which creeps beneath the skin on the nape of my neck. I feel a shiver of warmth. “Turn off the sky and pull down the stars” is almost W H Auden poetic. “More than a favour, you will lay your life down”, refrains. Nimble with guitar Jeff has a voice, which perhaps searches for a drumbeat to rock it up. A third ballad soulfully delivered with excellence and appreciation. I hope he appears again later.

Alister “Moves” -and he certainly does find himself here, there and everywhere. Talented, confident, musician- and one of my favourites on the local, new wave of underground Merseybeats
providing a breath of fresh air. His rhythmic style perfectly balances his voice and guitar- an equal accompaniment. Still sings to the ceiling but has excellent rapport with the audience during intervals.“Mellow, Mellow gets better every time I hear it. My pen and my heart races, in spite of the title. I feel a rumble of foot tapping and he gets a great response. “Better Day” His save the world song. This has a slow, steady pace but he has already commandeered attention. A popular title and theme in the music industry but he does it justice. I think this is a
special ballad, which communicates hope. A good combination of songs, which suited the ambience. See him soon.

Dominic Kearne loves Liverpool and who can blame him. He moved here from Hereford for University and stayed. He has a good, masculine, and deep voice. He opened with a slow ballad I never felt was particularly special. His second pricked my ears up. The first finger-picker of the evening, he starts slow, almost as though he’s sitting at home playing it for himself, but he lets it fly from the second. “Gone”-but she won’t ask why. “Don’t look in that box for my destiny.” Fantastic lyrics. This song is noticeably, crafted with care. “When did you steal my sun? When did you fly away?” I liked this and he got a great response. “Hallelujah” unreligious-he played with this prayer of praise in a downbeat fashion.

Kato The mature duo to follow was fun. A happy country twanging sound, but two guitars never strayed from an identical melody. These men were good, I am sure they have supported some of the younger and not so wise musicians by feeding them the benefit of their years on the scene. It was interesting to see these two experienced musicians, with their own style, play in an uncompetitive manner with lesser experienced.

Martin McGuffie I enjoyed Treading Water on the CD. He has a typical moody style. Popular. A ballad he played live, “I won’t lie to you”. Struck a chord with me- he makes me weep for the other 200 or so local guitar-vocalists who seem to be singing and playing this song. He needs a good tickle. But then, so does Morrissey, so why do I care?

Colin Garvey 26 years old- going on 40. Just kidding. He looks Mediterranean. I imagined other people singing his songs. Maybe it would be different with some drums behind him. Arresting ballads. Colin is a great songwriter. I would have liked to hear something fast and loud. Maybe next time.

Davis & Tony Elliott performed live. “If you believe in something, anything can change.” Wanted to drag them to Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM and gatecrash the airwaves. AMAZING! I want this in the charts now.

Hector I was getting tired so please excuse my not knowing this little devil’s name. “The half-cut remix”, he announces laughing. I fancy this man! Ha! Full of stage antics; a complete soft-ollie. Devilish delivery, he makes love to the mic stand, still clothed of course, he’s mad but not
stupid. Great song backed by two guitars (one of which is Tony Elliott) and a tambourine.
“Since you went away everything is wonderful” refreshing lyric. He’s either bonkers or half-cut, maybe both. Ooo, a cover-U2 “One” This was fun for a cover of a miserable song.
I’ve gone off him now, he’s more full of himself than Bono, (Ha, I wrote that as he sang: “Did I disappoint you”). Too cocky for his own good. SLAP! Is my verdict.

Ryan Middleton Good looking with long dark hair, Ryan opened with a long slow ballad I could not hear too well. I was hoping he would let it rip on the second ballad. I think the audience is well oiled now, and a bit tired. He was background music in a bad time-slot. He has a relaxing sound. Ryan finished with a jazzy number: “Take the trip” I like the cello on the CD to “Hangin’ Around”.

I had to fly home before I saw all of the show. Sorry to those I missed.

Congratulations to Tony Elliott and Chillies and all of the musicians/contributors to the CD “CATACOUSTIC OVERTONES” I would like to promote some of my new ear candy at my future cabaret nights in Liverpool City Centre. Thank you all for a great night.
Meanwhile, if you want to know more or buy this fantastic quality engineered and produced CD
Email: tony@catacoustic.co.uk
Warmest and best blesses.
Amanda De Angeles Copyright © December 2005

Back to top