Next Saturday, 21st October, The Salford Arms welcomes a live act with a difference. Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders will cram themselves onto the stage to deliver a vibrant life-affirming set. The band comprise of (as you might have guessed) an eight-strong team. They're a talented lot with a host of instruments at their disposal including accordions, trumpets, saxophones and well...you name it.
All of the above are used to their utmost to provide a rousing, boozy night of great live entertainment. Greg told the Salford Star about the acts that inspired the band's sound... "Irish bands like The Waterboys, Van Morrison, The Stunning, The Black Velvet Band, Hot House Flowers to name a few...and also more international artists like Bruce Springsteen and the E street band (more early days), Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, after spending a few years in America."
It's a heady mixture of rock, alternative and folk that creates a positive and effervescent vibe. In the vein of the traditional raucous pub act, their music is anthemic and folksy and they deliver it with full-force passion. The brass section gives a euphoric quality to their work; it's at its most evident in woozy stomps like Yeah Yeah...
Greg elaborates on the lively nature of his performance; "I think the material warrants it especially with a four piece brass section" he explains "I know I admire those live bands that put their all into their live shows, and I feel the material deserves it. It is a great thing to see the audience reacting to the music and show we put on.
"Nothing is as bad as going to see a band who put very little into their performance almost like the audience owes them their standard of living" he adds "Maybe we are just not as cool as some of these other bands...The audience can see that we are having a real blast and I think the positivity washes over everyone."
There are also lighter moments including the bittersweet You Could Have Tore My Heart Out, which has a subtle melodic touch that is reminiscent of Richard Hawley and the classic crooners. Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders are a truly unique act that never disappoint. A genuine must-see for fans of uplifting live music at its very best.
Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders
Saturday 21st October 10pm
Salford Arms
146 Chapel Street M3 6AF
Free
For further details see the Facebook page
www.facebook.com/gregmurrayandthesevenwonders
or the website www.gregmurray.co.uk
Words by Ian Leslie