Showcases at Primavera 2011

One of the best things about Primavera is the sideshows. Like the Label showcases in this case at the Sala Apollo on the Monday and Tuesday nights.

May 23 - Acuarela Showcase
Nacho Umbert is in love I suspect with a girl. He sings heartfelt songs about it I think [speaking no Spanish]. I hope he gets her in the end because he puts a a lot of feeling into it. When I was very young I did much the same at the local folk club doing Leadbelly covers. Maybe he has better luck.
Nacho Umbert and La Compania - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

These guys sound like bad pub rock from the 70's. They look like they were doing it then as well. I have no idea why a record company paid for them to come to Spain. My son is having fun heckling them for their banter which unsurprisingly is an impression of a bunch of guys from a pub rock band on their first trip to Spain.
The Bitter Springs - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

This trip is starting to look like a mistake.

Wait, it's Darren Hayman ex of Hefner to save the evening. Nice guy, nice tunes and if you aren't in tears at the end of the song about the witch and her dog you obviously weren't there.
Darren Hayman & The Secondary Modern - Live @ Sala Apolo - 23 May 2011

May 24 - Heart of Gold Showcase

This is better. Girl harmony groups are fun. They are recording down the road with Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and do a set with a special guest appearance by the man.
The Pepper Pots - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

The mood is dulled somewhat by El Trons who are by the numbers beat pop. I am of two minds about groups that perform in a foreign language.
Els Trons - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

Never seen Eli before but I enjoyed his stuff. He connects with the audience unlike the Bitter Springs guys.
Eli Paperboy Reed - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

This was surprising. From Brazil and I was half expecting an hour of salsa which would have been 45 min too much. Instead it turns into a Brazilian funk groove thing which was very much fun.
Garotas Suecas - Live @ Sala Apolo - 24 May 2011

Best part of the two nights was being there with my son who has been teaching English in Bogota for the last two and a half years. This could be good after all.