March 2009 Page 1 another batch of US and UK blues ‘names’ over the INTRODUCING TONIGHT’S ACT next few months which will be a great education for “The Debbie Giles Band” them and I suspect may be for one or two of the headline acts! Debbie Giles (vocals) As you have picked up from this, Hendry and I stepped down from the band as planned at Christmas, Phil Headsmith (lead and it gives us great pleasure to see this new version guitar/vocals) of the band taking over from us and displaying a Baz Payne (Bass/vocals) potential we could only have dreamed of! Peter Headley(Drums). All the best, Hugh The Debbie Giles Band’s We are very much looking forward to seeing drummer for tonight is what young Virgil can do given “free reign” so Peter Headley - Giles to speak! Put 4th April on your calendar, tickets Headley's son who played are sure to be in demand so to avoid a storming gig for Paul disappointment make sure you book yours Jones at Christmas with early! Eric Clapton! www.myspace.com/debbiegilesband FORTHCOMING GIG PROGRAMME Next Month at the BBC – 4th April “Virgil & The Dates for your Diary Accelerators” 4th April Virgil & The Accelerators 2nd May Built for Comfort Virgil and the Accelerators last played for us in 6th June Mick Pini the evening following the festival last June. In 4th July Jack the Biscuit front of a sell-out crowd the band where so 1st August Red Eyed Fly outstanding that we re-booked them 12th September Jay Tamkin Band immediately so as to ensure we got them 10th October Sherbet Mandao again before the 17-year-old Virgil made the 7th November tba big time! 12th December Ben Fletcher & Mojo A short time ago we received this email from Hand Hugh Morgan who played slide guitar & All Day Blues Festival date changed to July 11th harmonica that night: Gig Review - 7th February “Junior Dear Borough Blues Club, Hacksaw” Hope all is going well at the BBC. Just a quick note Review by Adrian Bold, pics by Marc Ackrill-Smith to check that you still want Virgil and the Acceleraters for 4th April and to let you know that there is a new and far younger line-up to the band. The crowd was amazing – Borough Blues had its The band is now a trio of young blues'ers led by: on biggest turnout in many guitar and vocals Virgil (17); on drums his brother gig nights for the return Gabby (15); and on bass and backing vocals to the Club of the very Tom Sansbury (18). Tom is the son of local Aberjazz talented band “Junior legend Brian Sansbury. Hacksaw”. It was the 18th Their set is still very much blues-based although as of February 2006, just perhaps to be expected Virgil has brought in a lot of about 3 years since their newer blues influences such as John Mayer and Joe last appearance, a night Bonamassa plus some of the own material. when lead guitar vocalist Their debut took place last night in Aberystwyth Pete Matheson was dying where they completely blew away an admittedly with ‘flu but in true partisan audience, and it was obvious to all that their showbiz tradition made the show go on in a standard of musicianship is excellent. I have them night which was much enjoyed. However, Pete booked into The Robin in Wolverhampton supporting was in good health and fine form in 2009 and, March 2009 Page 2 ably supported by Jon Hurley on drums and a new, nameless bass player in a sharp hat, Club News produced a very accomplished set of excellent blues and rock. Not our club this time but some sorry news Junior Hacksaw describe their sound as having that may be of relevance to some of our a “retro feel” and certainly their approach to members, again I shall reproduce an email we many shuffles and standards had the flavour of received: traditional blues. Lead man Pete Matheson is a To all customers, promoters, fans, bands and master of economy; a living example of the supporters of The Point, Cardiff Bay. maxim that “less is more”. His sweet and It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of apparently simple approach to the guitar belies th a very clever skill borne of years of playing the the venue today. On 27 February 2009 the Director blues/rock circuit. From slow and moving to of the Point Cardiff Bay Limited signed the hard and heavy the tight 3-piece band appropriate notices to call a meeting of creditors produced an evening of pleasurable pursuant to S98 Insolvency Act 1986. entertainment. A number of factors have contributed to this situation. Many of you will be aware that during 2008 we The band were not as loud began receiving noise complaints from one or two or as intrusive as many we neighbours that had moved into the new apartments see at the Borough Blues that have been built next to the venue. After some Club and during some difficult negotiations with the Cardiff City Council we numbers, particularly in undertook a huge amount of work to soundproof the the quieter first set, there venue in an attempt to secure its future. While that was a noticeable undertone has largely been successful, the burden of the debt of conversation. The that we took on, together with greater restrictions in atmosphere in the room our banking facilities and more difficult trading was good and people were conditions in the last few months, as well as the loss obviously enjoying themselves but the of revenue whilst the refurbishment works were background chat detracted from the enjoyment undertaken, has meant we are unable of some members, which To meet our current liabilities and have been left with resulted in a few comments. no option but to seek voluntary liquidation. It is very difficult to keep the Many people have put their heart and soul in turning balance, particularly when we the Point into the magical venue that it is and we have a more sensitively have received huge and loyal support over the years presented band, but out of from fans and bands alike. We would like to take this respect for the band, the music and other club members opportunity to thank you all for that support. It is a it would be great if very sad day for us and for the live music scene in conversation was more limited Cardiff. within the quieter parts of If you have bought tickets for shows in advance, we performances. must advise you to seek compensation from your credit card company. In the end Junior Hacksaw rock and rolled to a Please forward any enquiries to Lisa Alford at lively conclusion with many happy dancers and Purnells Insolvency Practitioners on 01633 214712. a well entertained audience who, once AGM is Monday 16th March. If you have any again, left contented ideas to contribute, this is the time and place. after a great Borough It would be good to see many of you there and Blues night. here your views!

Junior Hacksaw are a RESPECT FOR THE BANDS. We did have tight, 3 piece blues some feedback following the last gig-night, band who entertained asking if something could be done about the royally. We should constant chatter that went on during the time hope it will not be 3 the band were on stage, and I quote: more years before they “Several of us felt that last week things went come back and treat us too far and it almost became embarrassing for to their elegant brand of the band on stage. The chatter and laughter blues. was loud and relentless throughout the performance” March 2009 Page 3 Point taken; see the comments made in the gig review. Hopefully this will now resolve itself!

That’s all folks