Photo contributed by Carol Zhang

 
It was at a night of ‘unplugged’ live music on Monday 18th Feburary at Newcastle’s Barney and Jude’s Cafe that the Peter Caisley Band made their debut, headlining a performance with many other musicians.

And tonight, two weeks on from their first gig, the group play again as part of the line up for a charity gig at Nancy’s Bordello in Newcastle. The proceeds from the performance will go to ReVive International, a charity that helps young girls in Brazil who have been forced into prostitution or have suffered abuse.

JesmondLocal visited their first performance at Barney and Jude’s, the cafe space at St Barnabas and St Jude Church in Sandyford, and talked to the group an hour before they took to the stage.

The band brings together experienced Jesmond-based musicians, fronted by 22 year old guitarist and singer-songwriter, Peter Caisley. Its members jokingly revealed that rather than an ego boost for Caisley, the name was chosen out of practicality. Peter, on lead guitar and vocals, explained he “often had many different musicians performing in the band depending on who was free,” whilst he remained the one constant.

Photo contributed by Ben Parkins

During the last year the band has spent most of their time in the studio, writing and recording an album for Peter’s Music Masters degree at Newcastle University. The 18th February gig was their first live performance outside of the recording studio – and it proved a success.

Listen to ‘Peter Caisley Band Live’ on Audioboo

The night began with supporting acoustic performances from Rachael Farnworth, Michelle De Matt and Ben Rogerson, whilst the audience chatted quietly and bought refreshments on sale at the cafe.  The venue was packed, with some standing by 9:30pm when the Peter Caisley Band took to the stage. Though the band struggled to put themselves into a specific genre when talking before the show, drummer Ben Pryke drew comparisons to Noah and the Whale’s folk-rock sound.

The band performed a number of their own original tracks, showing impressive self-assurance to steer clear of covers whilst demonstrating their unique and memorable sound. One audience member, Jessie Ji , described how she was impressed by the band “because I didn’t know they wrote their own songs – that’s so cool!”

Another concert-goer, Northumbria University student Alan Edwards, felt it was a “really good night” with a “great atmosphere.”

The Peter Caisley Band’s next charity gig will be on the 6th March with tickets priced at £4.  To find out more visit the band’s Facebook event.