Bell X1, De Barras. 4.11.12

OK, so we already have tickets for Bell X1 at Bush Hall in January, so why fly all the way to Ireland to see them again?

"It's a very special place" said Paul Noonan, as he stood on the friendly little stage of this Irish bar.

I would have to agree, and Bell X1 are certainly a special enough band worth travelling to see, in this very special place.

De Barras in Clonakilty is a unique, intimate music venue, and although sporting the word 'folk' in its title, it actually embraces a far broader cross-section of the music world than you might imagine. When we are around in West Cork, we make a point of trying to get to one of, any variety of gigs at De Barras, and for you regular blog-readers out there, you will already know that I have done a couple of shoots before in their cosy, well worn bar on a Monday night as part of my photo-documentary series on West Cork life.

Last Sunday night was a little different however, as tucked away beyond the bar where the trad-sessions are held, is a secret gem of venue. Unlike some of the scruffy, stinking, beer-stained venues that might be found in London, this is an unusual jumble of linked 'rooms' with lovely mis-matched seating and even more eclectic decor. Some spots in the venue provide a clear view of the under-stairs stage, whilst others provide an opportunity to hear, rather than see.

Due to our late arrival, it was a seat in the 'hear' area of the venue that we wound up with when Bell X1 last visited De Barras in November 2010. This time though, we were determined to arrive early enough at the 'doors' so as to pick our spot in this (unusually) all-seated venue.

Snug does not fully describe the seating arrangement but let's just say that the stage was within touching distance this time. Primarily though, I was there to enjoy the acoustic set which Bell X1 were to play. However, this static location would provide a challenge for trying to capture a few shots with my little G12, just for the record (as we all like to).

The audience were quietly attentive as the band opened but all too soon, were joining in with their own favourites.
I'll See Your Heart and I'll Raise You Mine had a special connection with De Barras as it was the recording which was made at the gig two years ago, that features on their current live acoustic album Field Recordings

(We were also all made privy to a fact about another De Barras track on the album but, shhh!!!)

By the second half, everyone was well under Bell X1s spell - how can you fail not to with Paul Noonans smooth voice and songs like Eve, The Apple of My Eye?

As two years ago, we were also treated to some new songs, which, often in Belly style, pick up on current issues.
1000 Lickle Downers made reference to the unpopular Property Tax recently levied on Irish home owners.



All warmed up nicely from the second half, everyone was just ready for a third...

...but all good things have to come to an end. (Happily though, we can enjoy them all over again in January!)

And, on another note guys, one day you might just return to Cambridge? (Please?)

Thanks for a brilliant evening in Clon - as always!

(Such lovely, normal yet talented guys. Check out their music if you haven't already.)

Bell X1 Gig Photography II

 

Bell X1 Bloodless Coup tour, Bush Hall, London.
5th December 2011

Paul Noonan
David Geraghty
Dominic Philips

Rory Doyle
Marc Aubele

Bell X1, London. 5.12.11

Paul Noonan, Bell X1
Bush Hall, London

Gigs seem to be becoming quite a regular photo opportunity for me recently, with the latest being my favourite Irish band, Bell X1. Once again we were treated to a fantastic performance by the guys on the first night of the UK leg of their tour, and I still can't understand why the UK hasn't fully picked up on them yet.

The venue, Bush Hall, was an impressive place, with chandeliers and ornate decor, and it also proved to be an easy place to photograph in. There were no awkward pillars this time, and the lighting levels allowed some great moments for shots. After its' impressive perfomance at the last gig, I decided to take my little G12 again, rather than my big DSLR so as not to shout out "photographer". Well, of course I am a photographer, but a photographer who happens to enjoy the music too. This probably helps when it comes to picking the right moment for a shot. When going cold to music gigs, it is hard to anticipate when things might happen, but by knowing the music the photographer knows who will be performing at any moment during a number and so shots can be planned. Unfortunately, unlike the last gig where I was able to move around, I did have to stay put in my front row vantage point this time. This appears not to have cramped my style, thankfully, and the rest of the images, are now in the next posting.

Once again, a big thank you to the guys from Bell X1 for

1. Putting up with me and my camera.
2. A brilliant evening

Until the next time...

Bell X1 Gig Photography

The challenges of low-light level photography.

1. Camera choice: DSLR or point and shoot?
    (Point and shoot as it is less bulky and I didn't want to be ejected as press)
2. Find something to use as a camera support.
    (Useful rails around auditorium staging)
3. Pixels- as many as possible.
    (Problem p&s is only 5mp)
4. ISO setting; fast enough for low light, but without causing too much grain.
    (Problem p&s automatic setting = grain)
5. No flash.
    (Were you one of those people who didn't know how to turn off your flash on your point and shoot when you had expressly been told NO flash photography? Result- one burned out head of the guy in front and a blackness somewhere where the stage should be!
I'm a photographer who would rather use techniques that didn't use flash, so no problem here. Thankfully these days, people use their mobile phones to record such events and this has appeared to stop 'the menace of the flasher')

Result
    (Not too bad but would love to use my DSLR really- unless I can achieve the G12 off my wish list)


Oh, and Bell X1?
Fantastic, as always.
   (Can't understand why the British haven't fully embraced their talents yet though!)

Bell X1
Scala, London
17.5.11

Paul Noonan "How are you are this Tuesday night?"

"The Queen is in Dublin, and we are here, so it's kind of exchange
programme, 'cos we're the closest thing to Royal at home...

...we did stay at Travel Lodge Carlisle, last night though.
I don't know where she was?!"