Listening to internet radio for at least an hour occurs at least 5 days out of 7 for me.  I enjoy an eclectic mix of music, most of it through Pandora or my iTunes catalogue and IPod, as I can easily match my mood and get a full playlist to match what I want.

Pandora,  as an internet radio, has taken part in the "Day of Silence" for internet radio stations, highlighting what it may be like in the near future.  The case seems to be that in the US, where most of these stations are based, the costs of playing a track over the internet will be so great (due to extra royalties and alike) that it will put them out of business.  

I am not against the artists getting a fair amount of royalties but I know for a fact there are more than a few albums I have bought having heard some tracks on Pandora.  A degree of fairness and compromise should be agreed. 

As I am not in the US there is little I can do about supporting the save net radio campaign except spread the word…

While this is great, it has one slight drawback: you end up reaching for the deadly bit of plastic and buying music which you love.  My iPod is going to love it, especially as it links directly to iTunes!

Note to self: I must write a post summarising my Internet entertainment suite!!

I must say they had amazing voices for such a range of women and with a very tight band were superb.  To be honest though their attempts at humour and chit-chat were not up to scratch.  They were touted as being comediennes but there brand of comedy really didn't wash.  They could quite easily of made it a full blown singing show, a proper feast of the standards but instead they chose to utilise their underdeveloped comic talents.  It would have been fabulous in a venue that wasn't rows of seats and was informal.  A good jazz bar or somewhere with table service and the areas for a chat.  Make it less of a cabaret and more of a understated show and it would be one of the best shows to see. 

If you get the chance do go and see them somewhere, they are great singers.

An interesting mix of players, as with many fringe music events they were using session players to cover for those with real jobs!! However the core seemed to be there.  It was an unusual makeup with the down on their luck Russian Mafia Groovy Head Nodders on guitar and base, the "too cool for my jeans and flip-flops" band leader and trumpeter and the jiving Duracell bunny on Speed leading the way with some admittedly fabulous organ riffs.

The honest use of session players meant that, while individually the many of the players were great, together they were a bit slack.  At times they managed to hit it off though and if you are into a real jiving funky tunes they might just do it for you.  Their interpretation of some soul classics was good fun, and they did get the crowd going, with some amazing individual solos.  

One big find was a local saxophonist that apparently came into the mix at the very last moment. He slotted in well and his improvisation and soloing was phenomenal.  As was the Duracell Bunny's sleek hand speed along an organ which at times carried the performance.  Obviously enjoying his work, he jived and boogied to every song, the coolest of Duracell Bunnys!!

The performance was let down by two things.  Firstly the venue was not the greatest.  The converted chapel has a cavernous ceiling and at times it felt like much of the sound was being lost into the room.  This is a band that shouldn't be doing gigs in venues like this.  They are good for a dark enclosed space with a good vibe for those wanting to dance.  

Second was the band leaders penchant for his own voice.  They could of played two more funky hits had he not mumbled and grumbled along between every song!  Most probably because they weren't as slick as they could be and he was covering for it but more funky tunes and less mutterings would go down better.

 All in all a funky band and would be great for a bit of fun.  Too be honest I haven;t decided on whether their album is worth it.  A bit funky for the times you need it, and the soul hits went down really well.  The jury is still out on this lot.  I would probably like to get a shot at the full lineup next time and see how it goes, unless someone was to send a free CD!!

There is Bill Bailey to start with.  I have already booked tickets for his stand up show and this will be the third Festival in a row that I have seen his show.  First it was his stand-up Part  Troll and last year it was his comedy theatre.  I really enjoy his sense of humour so am really looking forward to that.

While I have been to Fringe shows before this is the first year that I am planning things I want to see in advance.  I haven't figured everything out as such but I am looking through the guide and online reviews starting with the Music stuff. I enjoy a bit of Jazz and the Fringe festival has its Fair share of Jazz events.  There are a few shows in particular that I am interested in:

• Filthy Six @ The Lot, in the Grassmarket
  Having read good things I took a look at their MySpace site and was able to listen to a few tracks.  Their soul/jazz/funk blend is appealing.
• The Jazz Centre – Colin Steele Quintet
  A great Jazz quintet that I enjoy!

These are two that I think would be good but I am acutely aware of the venues that have surprisingly good acts that are not advertised, particularly during the festival.  I Will be checking these out a little.

I may be back with some more once I get sat down and go through the guide a bit further.