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Huge thanks to SYgigs for bringing something different to the town. All of the artists have been interesting and the acoustics in both churches have complemented their sound. I have appreciated, not just the talent and originality of the artists SY gigs have brought to us but the small details that make the experience complete. Having a bar available, selling quality wines and other drinks, toilets on site and a warm welcome all add to the enjoyment of the evening. Personally I like to take a cushion and blanket along for added comfort but that isn’t really a necessity. I look forward to attending more gigs in the future

Anon - Don't forget the cushion!

Atmospheric setting in the church, with Innerkey DJing the ethereal mood. Kit Grill sat at a table and pressed buttons, making sounds, often in the mode of Eno’s Music for Airports, Track 2/2 (the synth one), sometimes Nadia Struiwigh’s ‘Dreams of Rollercoasters’. Hinako Omori’s set was stunningly beautiful, sometimes achingly forlorn, romantic and joyous. Initially the audience didn’t know whether to clap, as there was a short silence between pieces. Overall, an elevating experience.

Robert Price - Hinako Omori + Kit Grill + Innerkey

Seeming To’s music was ethereally beautiful; she has a pure voice. She reminded me a little of Laurie Anderson and Imogen Heap. Electric piano and voices, helped by her two children on drums and voice. Tengger reminded me of the bands Synesthesia, Neuronium and ’74/75 Tangerine Dream. The music evolves rather than switches gear and the pulsating rhythms are more suggestive of gentle waves lapping the shore rather than a nightclub, simple three and four notes patterns under synth strings and Itta’s haunting voice. I’ve never seen a harmonium (Indian?) played so dramatically. A magical evening of two harmonizing performances. The only negative was two toilets for about 100 people.

Robert Harris - Movement in Sound - Tengger + Seaming To

Matters Unknown gave us a very enjoyable musical evening. I loved the way they fused so many cultural influences into their playing and compositions. I think that sometimes the electrical aspect can get in the way of musicality but I they struck the right balance whereby the tracking added to the orchestral feeling in away that they couldn’t otherwise have achieved. I also enjoyed the story telling and personal aspects which , again, can sometimes get in the way but here were relevant and empowering. I felt that their music was heavily influenced by place and a desire to create a fusion which crossed traditional forms. I thought this was a bit like Tim Garland’s ‘Weather Walking’ ,although the music is quite different but both have a soaring feeling which I oved. I hope they come back and wish them every success.

Jan Westwood - Matters Unknown

‘Having now processed last Saturdays gig, I think that was a moment. The sheer quality and passion on display was a wonderful sensory overload, taking multiple days to unpack the emotions it triggered. We’ve been to all but 2 of this year’s season, only missing when we were out of the country. We live near Newcastle under Lyme, and love the whole Shrewsbury experience. I wanted to say that we wouldn’t have been exposed to this rich vein of music if it wasn’t for your events. There has been some sort of rewiring of my brain and I’m increasingly tuning into the various musical branches you offer up’.

Anoymous - Scrimshire + Irini Arabatzi

When we drove back last night, my wife told me that even though she doesn’t really listen to much music by herself usually, she really enjoyed the gig and she loved seeing Adam creating music on the go with all his instruments. It was honest, vulnerable and deeply emotional. She had a really good time at the church. It’s a testament to the important value of what you’re doing with SY.gigs, bringing something special to a growing community of people near and far and I feel blessed to be part of this community.

Anonymous - Scrimshire + Irini Arabatzi

A very memorable evening. It was great to hear Tiny Leaves performing with an expanded line-up in a larger venue. I enjoyed the unusual blend of instruments and the mixing of these with field recordings (shades of Jan Garbarek with the sax on the last song). Shida Shahabi’s set was sublime and very moving, and will stay with me for a long time. Beautifully subtle piano compositions played with a remarkably warm tone, accompanied by brilliantly executed glissandi from the cellist. The sound and venue was perfect, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly.

David Fitzpatrick - Shida Shahabi