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Hakoustic Swansea @ The Hyst

On Friday 14th September I went along to an event that was taking place at The Hyst on Swansea's High Street. This event was put on by the Haka Entertainment Agency and titled Hakoustic Swansea, which featured a number of the best singers and musicians that South Wales has to offer.

(The Hyst)

The acts performing on the night included;

1. Marcus Gumms
2. Cory Baker
3. Three Legg'd Mare
4. Laura Benjamin
5. Gwi Jones
6. Natalie Jones
7. Kedma

Marcus Gumms started the evening off with his iconic country styled voice, that in m opinion sounds like a combination Willie Nelson and Tony Hadley. Even though he was against the clock with another booking elsewhere fast approaching, he remained ever the professional and delivered a perfect performance. This was the third opportunity I've been lucky enough to see Marcus perform, but even this time he still amazes me with his sets sounding like they've just come out of a Nashville recording studio. If anyone wishes to enjoy some live music in the South Wales region and you see Marcus Gumms is set to perform, you shouldn't hesitate to get a ticket. Because if you like country music like I do myself, then you won't be disappointed. 

(Marcus Gumms)

Cory Baker was next one stage and even I have to admit, that I wasn't expecting deal from a performer of such a young age. But my goodness I was wrong, he delivered a performance that now doubt hocked many in the room. His rendition of George Ezra's hit shotgun was really got the audience into the mood, with many in attendance singing and clapping along with him. I have no doubt that Cory caught a few eyes on the night and made a number of new fans on the night.

(Cory Baker)

Next up on stage was Three :egg's Mare a folk music trio, who performed a number of Welsh/ Celtic themed original songs. The slight downside to the groups set was the fact that each of the songs they sang, were rather depressing (which the band did apologise for). However they made up for this through their use of some traditional yet unusual instruments that makes their performances somewhat hypnotic. What was good to see, was how each member of Three Legg'd Mare had a great stage pressence and made an equal contribution to the groups performance.
(Three Legg'd Mare)


After the interval, Laura Benjamin took centre stage and I had eagerly awaited her performance after seeing her gig before. I was not to be disappointed, as Laura has a wonderful voice that really does compliments her repertoire to perfection. Laura has a voice is one that should feature on at the top of chilled music albums, the tone she has is simply melodic. Unfortunately, part way through one of her songs Laura lost her place and forgot the lyrics for just a moment. However, Laura showing just how good a performer she is, she kept going without so much as a flinch at the mishap. I will eagerly look forward to seeing her gigs in the future.

(Laura Benjamin)

Gwi Jones was the next performer on stage. This was the first time I've seen Gwi and I was certainly taken aback by his performance. He has an exceptional voice that could have stolen the show on its own. However only flaw to me was the over expressive movements he used whle on stage. Which made me think Gwi maybe a little inexperienced on stage, or was trying too hard on the day. I hope he can be inspired to have faith in his remarkable vocal abilities. Perhaps in the future with more time spent on stage Gwi will become a big name in the industry, watch out fo his rise.
(Gwi Jones)

Natalie Jones was next up into the spotlight. I have seen many of her past gigs around Swansea (In fact it was her appearance that sold me on this show) and I knew everyone was in for a real treat. Natalie has such a great country sound to her voice, when that is put alongside her original songs it makes for an amazing live gig experience. Like Laura Benjamin, Natalie had a minor slip up when she was in the middle of one of her own songs. But being the experienced professional she is, Natalie kept playing the guitar and had the confidence and charisma to ask the audience where she was. This gave the audience an interactive opportunity to join the performance and their amusement gave Natalie a chance to reassess her place in the song, which she finished with her usual Nat-Pack flair. Natalie has become one of my favourite local performers to follow, she has a fantastic personality that makes everyone at her gigs feel comfortable and values. 

(Natalie Jones)

Kedma closed the show. The artist was completely unknown to myself and was part of the Haka entertainment team. So I wasn't sure what to expect from her performance. Honestly the last thing I was expecting to see was a women with a very strong welsh accent, deliver such an astonishing Tina Turner style rock diva performance. I was blown awa by the sheer power of Kedma's vocal range, I thought it was a mistake not to finish the show with Natalie Jones but Kedma was just as good a finale. For me, the only thing that tainted the performance was the impersonation of Tina Turners moves which gave her performance more of a talent show vibe than the showstopping ending it deserved. But, having said that, Kedma is undeniably a very talented woman who and I'm sure that anyone who attends her gigs will thoroughly enjoy it.

(Kedma)

So overall the Haka entertainment agency's, Hakoustic Swansea event was a big success with a very fine line up of gifted performers. I will certainly be keeping a lookout for any future events that Haka host in the future, eager to be entertained again.

 If you want to know more news about the acts and great live entertainment then why not check out the Hyst & Haka Entertainment website's;
https://www.thehyst.co.uk/
http://hakaentertainment.co.uk/
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