Friday 24th April 2026
Photos by Richard Leach
Dean Owens & The Sinners (2026)
Tag: Americana
Julian Taylor
Sunday 19th April 2026
Photos and video by Keith Belcher, review by Mike Latham
What a stupendous show, once again confirming the magic that live music brings to our lives.
An impressive opening performance from Michele Stodart both in her playing and in her stunning observations of life.
There was a theme from both sections of the evening and that was the artistry of both writers portraying the hardships faced in life, whether mental health issues, racism or sexism and showing the strengths in working together. An issue addressed by Julian in the second half.
And what a second half that proved to be. He mirrored a lot of the themes that Michele had addressed in her set but, as the session progressed and the glances exchanged among the front line were observed, it suddenly became ‘Party Time’. Julian’s vocals revealed a beautiful soulfulness and the sounds alternate between soul, funk and rock.
As stated previously, his accompanying musicians completed a well appreciated performance. I’m certain it will be in ‘the end of year lists’ of those who witnessed this event.
Thanks, as always, to Hilary, Ron and the volunteers. Great sound too.
Videos by Keith Belcher
Michele Stodart: Dismiss Me
Michele Stodart: Promise
Julian Taylor: Ain't Life Strange
Julian Taylor: Bobbi Champagne/Sweeter
Minor Gold
Sunday 15th March 7pm at The Kirkgate Centre, Shipley
Photos by Richard Leach
The Live Room partnered with Kirkgate Community Centre for this one off special show by Australian duo, Minor Gold to help them complete the UK leg of their tour after the show booked for The Hullabaloo fell through. We’re really glad we managed to pull it together thanks to Kirkgate, as they delivered a really wonderful evening of brilliant songwriting and harmonies, together with some sparkling guitar work. We will definitely be working on a return visit by them, this time to our home at Caroline Street Social Club. Thank you to everyone who came along and made such a lovely night for them.
Jeff Cohen Writers Round 2026
Sunday 1st March 2026
Photos and video by Keith Belcher, comments from the TLR WhatsApp group and Facebook
The return of one of the nicest men in the business, Nashville songwriter and publisher, Jeff Cohen, this time with a new cohort of guests: Laura Oakes from the UK and Stevie Woodward from Nashville. They were also joined for a couple of numbers by Jim Duguid, co-writer of many Paolo Nutini hits, including New Shoes, which he performed, and Steve Chrisanthou, who co-wrote many songs for Corinne Bailey Rae, including Put Your Records On, which he performed for us.
‘Hope that there’ll be another Writers’ Round next year. They’ve both been excellent and really varied’ – Susan Kirkham on Facebook
videos by keith belcher
Jeff Cohen: Boat On A River
Laura Oakes: Good Guy
Stevie Woodward: Nobody But You
Ashley Campbell
Friday 20th February 2026
Photos by Richard Leach, video by Keith Belcher
Ashley Campbell made her return visit to TLR after last year’s Writers Round with Jeff Cohen. This time she had her own band with her, comprising Thor Jensen, guitar and vocals; Mark Lewis, bass and vocals; and Jack Amblin, drums, washboard and vocals. They were also joined by Andrew Cox, from Post Modern Jukebox on sax.
videos by keith belcher
I See You
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Robert Vincent
Plus support Amy Jo Clough
Friday 16th January 2026
Photos by Richard Leach
The TLR debut of Robert Vincent and his trio was completely sold out and he gave us a stunning performance. What a voice! He received a standing ovation and we’ve rarely had so many rapturous comments from an audience as they were leaving. It was such a great show that we did that rare thing ourselves and immediately rebooked him, this time with his full band for January next year! Tickets on sale soon. We had a great opening spot from Amy Jo Clough too!
Thanks to Richard Leach for the photos.
Homegrown Bluegrass
Sunday 14th December 2025
Photos by Nigel Plant
We closed of our 2025 programme with a celebration of all things bluegrass (with more than a dash of country, jazz and contemporary songs) from across Yorkshire. Featuring around twenty musicians, six bands, a tableful of cheese sandwiches and mince pies, and a packed house, it was a great way to bring our musical year to a close!
Many thanks go to Kevin Garratt and John Bennett, who brought all the musicians together ad also performed on the day, and also to Peter Mate, who first launched the idea and with Adrian Gallagher spent several hours preparing all those cheese savouries!
Alice Howe & Freebo
Sunday 2nd November 2025
Photos, review and videos by Keith Belcher
Sunday 2nd November 2025. The debut appearance of Alice Howe and Freebo at The Live Room, Saltaire. There was a good crowd but I think if we’re lucky enough for a second appearance it will be a sell out on word of mouth alone. “We’re so glad to be at The Live Room, it has the best wallpaper of everywhere”, they announced at the start of the show. The semi antique, post diluvian Workingmen’s Club décor at the Live Room attracts a lot of attention from our musical guests. Amazement or incredulity rather than admiration possibly.
The opening song “Twilight” with Alice taking lead vocals gave us an indication of the musicianship and vocals we about to be entertained by for the rest of the evening. It set quite a benchmark. Freebo has a great back story and so much experience and stories from playing with some of the legends of Americana. His bass playing is legendary and it was easy to see why. His vocals backed Alice on the first song along with the inspired bass playing.
Alice took lead on the first 3 songs before we had a blues from Freebo “She’s My Personal GPS”, another of his songs followed “Everything To Do With Love”. The harmonies were superb as was Freebo’s acoustic guitarwork. Alice took over bass duties occasionally throughout the show while Freebo played guitar as well as bass. Another Freebo song for the dog lovers out there was next , “She Loves Me More Than My Dog”.
“Standing Ovation” was next, Freebo taking the lead again. The next song was from Alice, about her Dad, he passed when she was 18, “ a fine chap” she called him, “Forever Is A Long Time”, a very moving song. Alice taking lead guitar and vocals with Freebo’s bass meandering gently through the song. Very rapidly we were at the last song of the set. Another Alice song, “What About You”. The Merch desk was very busy at the interval.
Set Two opened with “Your Love Is The Flame”, a co write , as yet unrecorded, Alice taking lead vocals. Set 2 featured some cover songs. They were all excellent , the first had Alice singing the classic Dylan song “Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right. There were also covers from Little Steven, Lowell George , Stephen Bruton , John Prine and an immaculately arranged and performed version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You”.
Those who know me know that generally I regard Joni covers as sacrilege but this was superb. We’ve had some great Joni covers at TLR, The Shook Twins version of “Blue” was immense also. Another new song followed “Daddy’s Car”, Alice taking the lead , some great bass runs throughout. There was some great rapport with the audience throughout the show. Freebo took the lead vocals and guitar on the late Stephen Bruton’s “Too Many Memories”, a truly beautiful song that forced you to listen to the lyrics.
The harmonies were divine. Another cover followed “Sailing Shoes” from Little Feat, in many people’s opinion the best live band ever. Freebo sang his first ever song “If Not Now When”, it’s about doing something you’re not sure of or wondering whether to do . It reminded me a little of the sentiments of the late Guy Clarke’s “The Cape”, both mentioning a leap of faith. John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery” preceded the encore “A Case Of You”. We were lucky enough to get a second encore , another co write “Sometimes It’s For Nothing”. This up-tempo song allowed the Live Room choir to join in. It was , without doubt, a really good night. The room was buzzing. The audiences line was “I Feel Good!!!”, they certainly did!
videos by keith belcher
She Loves My Dog More Than Me
Daddy's Car
A Case Of You
Cua 2025
Friday 31st October 2025
Photos, review and videos by Keith Belcher
Friday 31st October 2025. The return visit of CUA, just a few days short of 3 years since their debut at TLR (13th November 2022). CUA are: John Davidson (fiddle, percussion, vocals) Shane Booth (guitar, vocals) and Ros O’Meara (bouzouki, guitar, percussion, vocals).
Usually bands progress from standing during a gig to sitting as the years pass. CUA seem to have gone the other way, 2022 found them all seated but 2025 was definitely all standing (the band, not the audience). The penultimate gig of their tour, they certainly gave an inspired performance.
The conversations I heard (and read) were all praise. Praise for their musicianship, praise for the quality of their songs, praise for their adaptation and interpretation of musical genres and especial praise for their outstanding harmony work.
Acapella songs opened and closed the evening. The first , one of their own compositions , “The Other Man”, a very hard hitting and political song. I imagine it would have been greatly approved of by the author of their final song , another acapella ,“The Tunnel Tigers”, a Ewan MacColl song about the dangerous and difficult work of constructing tunnels, specifically in the tough clay soil found beneath London.
The delivery of the show was really well paced mingling quiet reflective songs like “Sail Home With Me” with the very fast “The Guisers Fancy”, very apt for Halloween. It featured some extremely interesting and quite unusual time signatures. To my old ears leaning very heavily towards Eastern European music. I’m biased, I saw them twice last week . They are very good.
Many songs tonight were from the new EP “WILL YOU BE OK” .All songs were CUA compositions with the exception of “The Tunnel Tigers” and a really superb version of “The Auld Triangle” I’m sure they’ll be welcome back for a 3rd visit in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
videos by keith belcher
Wildflower
The Auld Triangle
Hot Blooded
Courtney Marie Andrews
Thursday 26th October 2025
Photos Richard Leach, review Mike Latham, video courtesy CMA fans Facebook group
It was magical.
An intimate show with Courtney and her guitarist, Jerry Bernhardt.
Her tales of events and experiences were also very intimate in feel, the revelation of some very private feelings or observations, underscored with the great meshing of voices and music.
It was clear that there was a lot of expectation in the room and we were not disappointed.
The evening began with another excellent, albeit short, session from Chris Helme.
