Feel good night from folk band

Photo: mickmacpix

LAST RACE HOME Picture courtesy of mickmacpix (Facebook)

WHAT a top night ­- a real 'feel-good' night that won't be forgotten by this journalist for quite some considerable time.

Last Race Home­ - the (relatively) new six-piece high octane folk inspired tunesters with plenty of Oldham links ­- rocked Manchester's quaint Three Minute Theatre, announcing themselves onto the city scene with a first single launch event that will surely leave anyone who was there, dead keen for more.

As previously reported on these very pages, Last Race Home - guitar/vocalist Denis Ferrige, guitarist Steven O'Toole, drummer Jim Correy, bassist Phil McArdle, trumpet player Stephen Greenhalgh and backing vocalist Donna Jevens ­- haven't been a collective for a year yet, but they proved beyond doubt at this show that they belong at the unsigned scene's top table having hauled in the many years of musical experience between them to create a sound that's vibrant and new.

Of course both of the double 'A' side singles got an airing, with the crystal clear 'Cornbrook Station' and dead on the money 'How Close' going down a storm with the 100-strong sold-out audience, but there was more than that to get the feet stomping, hands clapping and arms waving.

Raucously

'Whisky and Roses', 'One track mind', 'Dub be good', 'Don't need words' and 'The Wake' were also joyful offerings which helped lift the party atmosphere raucously towards the new day.

A success in every sense, Last Race Home's own primary night is one which will hopefully help light the blue touch paper.

However, such was the terrific work done by manager and promoter Paul Owen ­- of That's Manchester TV's 'Big Slice Music Show' ­- the punters weren't just treated to LRH.

Chief support was provided by one of my favourite bands on the current scene ­- the Transmitters ­- while Dave Broomhead also threw in a great set, playing for the first time with a backing band, as did ace singer/songwriter Daz McKenna.

The excellent Three Minute Theatre ­- tucked away neatly as it is in a tiny corner of the famous Affleck's Arcade in town ­- staged a real treat this night, but it has go down as Last Race Home's night, they are now ready to rock much bigger venues than this.