Inspiral intimacy

Nov 19 2008 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE Intimate Gigs team is set to welcome one of the finest voices to emerge from Manchester's 'Baggy' scene, Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley, for an acoustic show at the Georgian Hotel on Saturday, November 29.

Along with bands like The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays, the Inspiral Carpets were one of the biggest names of the 90s with a string of hits including 'This is how it feels', 'Caravan', 'Saturn 5' and 'Joe' to name but a few.

Tom still tours regularly with the Inspirals, who played a sell out show at the ABC in Glasgow earlier this year.

As well as touring with the Inspirals, Tom also tours constantly as a solo artist and with his other band, The Lovers, racking up over 150 shows a year.

He released his first solo record in 2000 called 'Keep Britain Untidy'. The album was totally acoustic, with no overdubs and was a bit of a departure from his work with the Inspirals.

His live shows are a mixture of classic Inspiral Carpets hits, his stunning solo material and some of his favourite covers.

Tom is one of the most popular artist to play at Intimate Gigs with a string of sell out shows at the popular venue and this one looks like being just as popular.

Joining Tom, will be London-based alt-blues guitarist Marcus Bonfanti. Marcus recently caught the attention of legendary jazz guitarist Martin Taylor who signed him to his P3 record label. Already established as one of the finest blues performers in the UK, Marcus is often invited to play at festivals throughout Europe and the States.

Tickets for the show are £8 from The Georgian Hotel or available online from www.acmusicclub.co.uk. Doors open at 8pm. For more info call 01236 421888.