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The guitarist in the photos is Glen Fuller, guitarist for Connett
and he used our Mod Target Carnaby last night in London at the O2
Academy Islington for the 12th Annual Small Faces Convention!
Connett on MySpace.
 "At exactly 7.45pm, onto the stage bound the London based band Connett.
They are stalwarts of the UK gig scene and take to the stage at The O2
Islington like ducks to water. Collectively dressed in what I would describe
as 'Grown out Mod', there's an element of the late 1960's about them, shaggy
longish hair, all paisley scarves and desert Boots.
As ever, there's plenty of on-stage banter between the band, all of them
'characters' with plenty to say for themselves. All smiling as they take the
piss out of each other, these boys are a gang, and obviously enjoy each
other's company.
Accompanying them today is Mel Danya, who is making her way in the game as a
vocalist and who has worked with the Connett boy's before. Mel will be
providing backing vocal's on the tunes and taking the lead on a couple
herself.
Lead singer Darron cracks straight into the crowd, talking to them like he
is in the pub, instead of standing in front of 800 punters. "Alright are
ya?, ready for a good time eh?". He then looks round and see's the rest of
the band are plugged in and settled and then says "Right, off we go..." and
guitarist Glen starts the opening bars of the Ronnie Lane tune 'How Come'.
Darron is on Lead vocal duty and his voice eases in on the opening line "How
come when I cut the ace of hearts"
Before long, the crowd are singing along and tapping their feet. This mob
have an infectious way about them, you can't help liking them.
Next up, Steve the Bass player takes the lead vocal and guitar duties on the
Humble Pie track 'Shakey Jake'. The opening guitar intro. is picked up by
few old heads in the crowd and they erupt into applause as the song carries
on it's merry way. It's a sing-a-long fest, as old and young belt out the
chorus.
The tempo slow down and Mel Dayna steps up to the microphone. She sweetly
starts to sing "She said I'll see you in the morning". 'April Fool' has
started and the crowds heart is slowly melting. Beautiful stuff .
The virtuosity of the band is being tested and they are passing that test
with flying colours. It was, of course, never in doubt.
'Red Baloon' next with drummer Danny Maidens stepping from behind his kit to
play the Harmonica, adding that distinctive sound to a great song. These
boys love music. It's in their soul.
Mel once again walks forward and gets all PP Arnold on the tune 'If You
Think You're Groovy', a great riff and some lung busting singing from the
young Woman, as the band all smile around her.
The classic Ronnie Lane tune 'Debris' is the next cab on the rank, with
guitarist Stu giving it plenty, this lefty can play, yes boy. Darron puts in
a fine vocal performance, despite suffering from a heavy cold. He makes the
mistake of mentioning this to the crowd. Sympathy is lacking as he is
playfully barracked by his band mates and those down the front. The lines
"Sorting through the odds and ends" and "I went there and back just to see?
for myself..." make me smile, great lyrics.
To round off this excellent set, the band start off on a loyal rendition of
The Faces anthem 'Ooh La La', but within a minute, they have picked up the
pace and giving it the full Boogaloo treatment, and it's blasting out to an
ecstatic crowd who are lapping it up.
Connett have proved they can hold their on with anyone here today, and they
are ready for whatever the music 'biz' throws at them in the future. And you
know what?...they'll do it with a smile on their face.
Dave Sainsbury
September 2009, London
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