International Festival of Rock Guitar, Lakeside 2002
With her ace band Shabbey Road, Zoe was due to appear at Frimley's Lakeside
Club (which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary) as part of Pat Terrett's
International Festival of Rock Guitar. Also on the bill were Ad-Venture (crack
Ventures style group from Holland), the fantastic Rapiers, the Tornados and
( for the first time ever in the UK) legendary Ventures' lead guitarist Nokie
Edwards.
Wow! How ould Zoe fare amongst such exalted company? She's no stranger to Lakeside
of course, having appeared there several times as part of various Shadowmania
events. Previously though, she'd always had a supporting cameo role (always
superbly accomplished) to other acts or artists. On October 27th she had the
unenviable task of opening the proceedings as well as holding centre stage
for well over an hour.
Compared to Shadowmania , the audience was on the small side, but neverthelesscomprised almost two hundred dedicated fans. Certainly it was a very knowledgeable audience consisting of many experts, collectors and fellow guitarists.
Shortly after 2pm, Zoe strode confidently into the spotlight wearing a stylish white blouse and fashionably - flared jeans discreetly bedecked with rhinestones. A tasteful necklace completed the image- down-home yet smart. If Zoe's nerves were jangling, she certainly didn't show it as she and the band immediately tore into a number from her 'Girls With Guitars' cd - namely the outstanding instrumental arrangement of 'Bat Out Of Hell'. This was an opening 'full on' number to immediately grab the listener's attention. Really fiery playing by all concerned with Zoe quickly unleashing some fast tricky runs.
'Bat Out Of Hell' is a difficult number to play, but it was despatched with great verve and made to look easy. The scene was already set for a great workout. The sound was powerfuland thrilling from both Zoe and the entire band. I wonder if initially, the sound guy had got the balance worked out because every instrument seemed to be on full power via the PA. It was fine by me (I'd been to several Led Zeppelin shows in my younger days!!) but one or two members of the audience immediately moved back a few rows.
Zoe and the band then worked their way through three more numbers from 'Girls With Guitars' - including the infectous country-rock titletrack with its little musical quotes. This was great funand was played with obvious enjoyment. Next up - 'Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad' and 'Even Now' - two more fast furious and bombastic intros.
Zoe's energetic lead playing was twanging out in fine style. Her confidence was visibly growing with each minute (not that she ever looked worried or inhibited - even from the outset).
Not only do Shabbey Road back Zoe up superbly but everyone also seems to be incredibly enthusiastic and enjoying themselves immensely. This certainly conveys itself to the audience. They are totally commited to the music.
Zoe began her embryonic career playing Shadows music and she kept her fans happy by cutting loose with a vibrant version of 'Jessica' (originally by the Allman Bros. - but later covered by Hank B Marvin and the boys). Again, this was classy playing as the difficult passages were delivered with consummate ease.
In similar vein, the poignant 'Sacha' is obviously one of Hank's favourite melodies. I love Hank's version. I also really love Zoe's interpretation - she is making the melody part of her. The quieter passages were tenderly and subtly played with gorgeous phrasing. Then in the louder sections, Zoe really let rip in uninhibited style with wild, aggressive soloing with loads of sustain, feedback and distortion. The dynamic contrasts were vividly realised.
I know that the tracklisting is already set for Zoe's next CD, but please Pat, could Zoe record 'Sacha' with Shabbey Road sometime in the near future?
'Born To Run' makes a great instrumental and this was another splendid and spirited performance from Zoe, urged along by Shabbey Roads' punchy powerful backing.
At this point Zoe switched to acoustic guitarand reverted to the role of accompanist, strumming along as part of the backing for Tina Booth's heartfelt vocals on 'Wade In The Water'.
Time to acknowledge the fantastic musicians who comprise Shabbey Road. Al Steele was outstanding on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. he is also Zoe's MD and he is responsible for the tremendous instrumental arrangements. Ian Sainsbury was equally impressive on electric piano and backing vocals. Robin Haimesis a top class bass player and Brent Keefe was absolutely superb on drums and percussion. Last but not least, Julian Tucker was simply brilliant on both keyboards/synths and saxaphone/clarinet! Finally Shabbey Road were augmented by Tina Booth on backing vocals and percussion as well as Zoe's younger sister, Heather - who fulfilled a similar role admirably!
Staying in acoustic mode, Zoe previewed the dreamy 'Everybody Knows' from her forthcoming CD, followed by the exquisite, elegaic 'Lough Erin Shore' with its Celtic overtones. Zoe reverted to her trusty Fender for the rest of the set, beginning with a dynamic 'Pinball Wizard'. These last two will also be on Zoe's new CD titled 'Never Give Up, Never Give In'.
'Read Em And Weep' is another number contrasting slower ballad-like sections with riffing walls of sound. Zoehas the technique to pull both styles off admirably. The good time feel of 'Dance The Night Away' was well realised and 'Livin' La Vida Loca' was brimming over with energy and vitality. 'Have I told You Lately' is another big guitar numberfrom Zoe's new CD (to be released in January, 2003). Phew!
Zoe and the band were building and building to towards a a powerful climax to the set. The numbers seemed to be getting faster, louder and even more frenzied. Thus it was, with the rumbustious, rip roaring 'Faster Than The Speed Of Light' being followed by the supercharged blitzkrieg of 'Holding Out For a Hero' with Zoe rocking towards the blistering finale in emphatic style.
Sensational stuff from our very own 'Sweet Little Sixteen'!! Proof enough then, of Zoe's burgeoning talent. The audience reaction was ecstatic. A short while later, Zoe joined our very own (and beloved) Rapiers, playing lead (on a Burns guitar this time) on a trio of numbers normally associated with Jet Harris and Tony Meehan. 'Scarlet O Hara', 'Theme From Something Really Important' and 'Diamonds' are well known enough to description superfluous.
But here's another testament to the skill of Zoe's playing. Several instrumental experts and aficionados made the same comment: "If you closed your eyes, you would swear it was Jet playing those numbers." Zoe has only just turned sixteen. Shee has already mastered the Shadows style of instrumental playing and she plays AOR style with aplomb. Her ballad technique is well advanced and she's already a fine acoustic, finger style player. She is already a gifted player and she will get even better.
The prospect is one to savour. Sharing stage with Al Steele, Colin Pryce-Jones, Derek Griffiths, David Harvey, Albert van Prehn, Roy Henninger and Nokie Edwards, Zoe did not look out of place. That I think says it all. Thanks Zoe (and Shabbey Roard) for a great set. Thanks Pat for giving Instrumental fans a real treatby staging the event. Fans who didn't come missed a memorable event and a real treat.
Rob Bradford
