ONE WINTER'S NIGHT 2016
The first One Winter’s Night charity concert took place at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Friday 8th January 2016. It was produced by GT Live Sessions and sponsored by LAB, Blue Tree Recruits, and Vivid Imaginations. The sound was directed by Joshua Robins and his team from Robins Audio, and the lighting was designed by the magical John Harris. The event raised £5,000 for the two chosen charities - Shooting Star Chase, and St Luke’s Cancer Unit at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. One Winter’s Night 2016 was hosted by Gavin Thomas.
The auditorium at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for One Winter’s Night 2016
Photo by Tom O’Donoghue
REBECCA JAYNE - by Philip J Mitchell
JIM COZENS - by Philip J Mitchell
BETSA COLLINS - by Tom O’Donoghue
GARETH HOWELLS - by Philip J Mitchell
THE HARRY BAKER BAND - by Philip J Mitchell
THE DIRTY CAROLS - by Philip J Mitchell
JOE WALLER - by Philip J Mitchell
JONAS & JANE - by Gavin Thomas
BEMIS - by Philip J Mitchell
Review of One Winter’s Night - 2016
“On a cold, wet Friday in the second week of January, it takes something special to blow away the post-panto blues. One Winter’s Night did exactly that. Organised by Guildford musician Gavin Thomas, this charity concert featured nine eclectic local acts (if we allow Portsmouth temporary Surrey status) playing acoustic songs to an appreciative audience in an atmosphere that was simply magical. On the strength of this first outing, it deserves to become a midwinter tradition in its own right.
Having hosted Guilfest’s second stage for many years, Gavin decided to partly plug the hole left by the festival’s demise by running a one-day outdoor event last July at the Tup on Chertsey Street. He called on his extensive network of musical contacts and collaborators, most of whom are regular performers at his Thursday night Open Mic sessions at the King’s Head on King’s Road. The result was One Summer’s Day and Guildford music fans turned up in droves. As the seasons changed, Gavin decided to repeat the dish but adjust the recipe – and One Winter’s Night was born.
On a perfectly lit stage, reminiscent of Jools Hollands’ best Hootenanny efforts, and with the help of superb sound, a range of performers each gave us a handful of songs, mostly originals and all delivered with skill and heart. In this short review it isn’t possible to do justice to every act, but it would be fair to say that the standard started high and never faltered.
20-year old Rebecca Jayne began with a faultless country set that was all sweet vocals and deft fingerpicking. She was followed by seasoned singer-songwriter Jim Cozens, whose finely crafted songs and soaring voice proved we were in safe hands.
Betsa Collins brought her mum, Jackie, along and their family harmonies added a bright pop sensibility. They were followed by Gareth Howells, whose emotional solo set was an aperitif to the later appearance of his band, Hampshire residents and regular Surrey visitors, Bemis.
Sophie and Vikki charmed the crowd with their stunning voices and big personalities. And the first half came to a gorgeous climax with the bluesy, rocky, downright funky guitar and brass of Harry Baker and his band.
Those who thought the second half would follow the same pattern soon had to reconsider. Special guests The Dirty Carols brought along their uniquely filthy take on popular songs and the audience were soon eagerly anticipating their most risqué rhymes. Under the circumstances, Joe Waller’s poised rendition of perhaps the evening’s most poignant songs was even more remarkable. He was followed by the returning Rebecca Jayne and Jim Cozens, whose treatment of Jim’s “I want more” is surely destined for greater success.
Jonas and Jayne, fresh from the Chris Evans Radio 2 breakfast show, treated us to a collection of perfectly pitched Americana, complete with dobro, banjo and achingly beautiful harmonies. And Bemis topped it off with their familiar folk-pop anthems that got everyone rocking in the aisles. It only remained for Gavin Thomas to lead the ensemble with the only slightly unseasonal “Here’s to the Spirit of Christmas”, also written by Jim Cozens. And with that we trooped out into the damp winter’s night feeling warm all over.
One Winter’s Night was sponsored by three local businesses: Lab, Blue Tree Recruits and Vivid Toys and Games. So far it has raised more than £5,000 for Shooting Star Chase and St Luke’s Cancer Centre.”
Photographers at this event included PHILIP J MITCHELL (Philm Photography), TOM O’DONOGHUE (Tomodo Photography), and ELIZABETH MOLINEUX.
All artwork was created for GT Live Sessions by Three Green Piglets Design Studio.