The best all round roots music club in West Yorkshire
Tag: Americana
Oct 6 2026
Annie Keating Band & The Dreaming Spires
Sunday 27th September 2026
Photos by Keith Belcher & Richard Leach, video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
Another great evening out once again. The Dreaming Spires were a revelation, another great introduction. Listening to them made me think of the Byrds initially but as their set developed other influences were also clear but they have created their own British style of Americana. Hardly surprising given the artists that they play for or create with.
Annie was as exuberant and excited by the prospect of playing live in front of an appreciative audience as always. Lovely, thoughtful songs, ably supported by a great trio of musicians.
It was great to get back to live music in our wonderful, local venue. Thanks, as always, to Ron and Hilary and everyone who contributes to these amazing evenings.
videos by keith belcher
Atlantic City - The Dreaming Spires
Real Life - The Dreaming Spires
Comes A Time - Anne Keating & The Dreaming Spires
Put Me In Your Hands - Annie Keating & The Dreaming Spires
On The Loose - Annie Keating Band
Oct 6 2026
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Photos, video, review by Keith Belcher
With typical British understatement I will say that these are one of the very best groups around. Don’t take my word for it go and see them live. I would like to upload more videos but I’ll have to check with the band about that. Although the music is superb so are the lyrics. I’ve quoted lyrics some from the tracks I’ve chosen which are Enemies of Love, Tink (I Know It’s You ) and Holy Rollers, check them out, they’re pretty good (IMHO).
The Enemies of Love which really shows the energy of the band. Tink (I Know It’s You) , dedicated to the Tinkerbell spirit within us (read Peter Pan again as a grown up….) and Holy Rollers which speaks for itself. I will ask if we can use more in due course. For now: ENJOY
The walls go up, the walls come down
The acolytes of left and right all tumble to the ground
I hear a crazy trumpet sound
The indicator that they fought the final round
Now all the good that they have done be done to them as well
And all the heaven they have stole will now become their hell
(The Enemies of Love)
‘Cause hey Tink now that I can see
You’re still here with me
We can take the reins and beat this thing together
Hey Tink we can merge in time with the Great Divine
And we can build a world for all the lost and lonely
(Tink (I Know It’s You)
Holy rollers roll the dice
Let us build a great device
That can channel God into the world
Religions they all seem to suck
They had it once but they got it stuck
Still fighting over where it once came down
If it doesn’t come every day
Maybe we should stop and say
Well, maybe God don’t like this anymore
(Holy Rollers)
videos by keith belcher
Enemies of Love
Tink, I know It's You
Holy Rollers
Aug 17 2026
Martha Spencer Wonderland Trio
Thursday 6th August 2026
In memory of our friend Peter Mate
Photos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
As everyone attests, another great show last night. Such a pity that Peter was not there to savour what was clearly another show enjoyed by the performers and the audience.
It was great to hear the music of the Carter Family and Doc Watson and that of Martha herself and her contemporaries, some of whom have also been recently lost; a rather poignant occasion. The sadness of those events was countered by the sheer joy of the other tunes and tales that were shared with us. And then there was the dancing, not to mention the musicianship of the three performers.
Another fantastic event and a great conclusion to the current season. Many thanks to Ron and Hilary for a wonderful array of shows we have enjoyed over the last year. Next year’s programme gets off to a great start too. Thanks also to the Club and to the volunteers who ensure that we all enjoy our visits to the finest little roots venue in West Yorkshire.
Folk Yeah!
Aug 17 2026
Marty O’Reilly
Thursday 9th July 2026
Review & videos by Keith Belcher. Photos by Keith Belcher & Richard Leach
Thursday 9th July 2026. Part 1. The debut appearance of Marty O’Reilly from Sonoma, California. In 2025 he appeared on the American version of the Voice, earning a 4 chair turnaround for his version of Ray La Montagne’s Trouble. This was a classy performance from start to finish that many will be very pleased they witnessed (some new faces at TLR who had travelled far for this show!)
It’s not every day you get one word comments like “phenomenal”. Amazing voice, great guitar, wicked sense of humour and generally an all around entertainer whether it was his own songs or covers of Woody Guthrie, Otis Redding, Sister Rosetta and more. A lot of set 2 took place in the midst of the audience , no amplification needed. Photos at the end have been enhanced a little as it was quite dark in the audience. A well deserved standing ovation at the at start of his relatively short UK tour, I strongly advise seeing him if you can.
videos by keith belcher
The Captain's Daughter Pt1
Yonder Comes The Blues
Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay
Jul 2 2026
Sons of Town Hall 2026
Thursday 11th June 2026
Photos and videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
What an absolute pleasure it was to witness the return of the Sons of Town Hall to the Live Room last night.
George Ulysses Brown and Josiah Chester Jones did us the honour of tying up their craft on the local waterway and bringing us up to date with their new adventures. They were as pleased to see us, knowing that here in Saltaire was a safe harbour with an appreciative audience and a very warm welcome. Newcomers were reminded of how our intrepid seafarers met and their early adventures. George always reminding us of the delights of making sausages in Germany. We were also regaled with their endeavours to win the heart of Louise which can often impact their own, close relationship.
New adventures, there have been many, the most adventurous being their recent accompaniment of Mr. Ernest Shackleton to the region of Antarctica. They regaled us with examples of a new aid to supporting their adventures through the concept of sponsorship. How the world moves forward, and they with it.
Their skills as fearless explorers of the high seas are matched by their skills as musicians, songwriters and wonderful harmonies. They truly embrace the skills of those who have come before them.
Sail on safely, gentlemen. And, as they say further to the north from here, haste ye back.
Acknowledgement of introducing this wonderful duo to us goes to the Master of Sound, Ron and the Mistress of Ceremonies, Hilary. Thanks to them and the club and volunteers for yet another wonderful evening.
videos by keith belcher
Boss Man
Morning Fields
Leaving London Town
Jul 2 2026
Bob Malone
Sunday 7th June 2026
Photos by Richard Leach, review by Eric Fairchild
The return of Bob Malone after 12 years!
We had a treat last night with Bob Malone and his band. It is rare to see a band fronted by a keyboard player. Bob put all ten of his fingers to good use and the pressure never faltered throughout his lengthy set. As well as his playing his singing was great too and the material was a good mix of original and covers. His band featured great bass and guitar too. Maybe we should not wait another 12 years for a return visit?
Jul 2 2026
Over The Moon
Sunday 24th May 2026
Photos and videos by Keith Belcher
videos by keith belcher
Chinook Waltz
Sea of Heartbreak
May 16 2026
Stephen Fearing & The Sentimentals
TLR 14th Anniversary Show!
Sunday 10th May 2026
Photos & videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
14 years! And what a fantastic, enlightening period it has been. We have been exposed to artists we have loved for a long time but, more importantly, we have been introduced to artists we never knew existed but have grown to love and admire. And it’s all due to the tenacity of Ron and Hilary who have created this wonderful opportunity for us all to enjoy such a variety of artistry.
As always, and as Hilary highlighted last night, there are others to show our appreciation to. The Caroline Street Club has established itself as a wonderful place for us all to enjoy these riches and we should also celebrate the dedication of the volunteers, photographers and everyone else who has been involved in sustaining The Live Room.
And the concert itself? Another great event, this time from Stephen Fearing and The Sentimentals. They gave us a much appreciated performance. Great songs, fabulous musicians, music with a kick and the apposite advice of not chatting too much when tuning.
What a wonderful way to celebrate 14 years of the best all round roots music club in West Yorkshire.
Don’t forget your t-shirt!
Videos by Keith Belcher
As The Crow Flies
The Empathist
If I Could Only Fly
May 12 2026
Joe Martin Band 2026
Sunday 26th April 2026
Photos and videos by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
What a fantastic fortnight we have experienced with the Americana themed group of concerts. Each event brought a slightly different emphasis from each performer in terms of style but every evening highlighted a group of great songwriters ably supported by a fantastic collective of musicians.
Last night completed the fortnight with a great set from the returning Joe Martin. It is very clear what styles of music Joe was listening to as he was growing up. He has finely honed his craft to join a wide pantheon of writers and musicians and we were regaled with tales of how his trips to America and his observations of life have inspired his writing.
I was particularly impressed by his description of the willingness of others to reach out and offer support to the younger group of writers coming through. It’s so heartwarming to hear these tales reminding us of the positivity of human connections in these current times.
Joe’s connection with Cal Campbell and Cornelius Webb highlighted this for us and also allowed Joe to bring his own admiration for their respective parents in his versions of many classic and well loved songs.
Another great set at The Live Room and the close to a great themed fortnight. Great sound too.
Videos by Keith Belcher
Alone In Valentine
Brown Paper Bag
Hand Me Down Heart
Apr 26 2026
Robbie Cavanagh & The Whole Family
Friday 17th April 2026
Photos, video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
A case of ‘And now for something completely different’. A showcase for Robbie with a full band, he impressed the audience when he played solo but, having a great trio of musicians behind him his music and songs took on an extra dimension.
The evening started with great energy and that carried on throughout with a few lulls in the energy created by the introspection and empathy of some of his thoughtful tales of love and loss. And what a lyricist he has become.
Those songs were ably supported by Dan, Thomas and Roberto who provided great support to Robbie and, as the man himself said, all had a wonderful time. As did we in the audience. Thanks, as always to Ron, Hilary and the volunteers.
