The George Hotel February is a bit of a slow month, with many of us still in hibernation mode, so what better to shock us from our winter torpor, that a shot of Wild Willy Barrett’s Sleeping Dogz?

Wild Willy is experimental musician and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his collaborations with John Otway in the 1980s.

Although you need to be warned - multi-instrumentalist Willy Barrett says he isn’t ‘Wild’ anymore: just ‘Livid’! For anyone thinking of turning out to see his cabaret Live@ The George, and who frankly hasn’t a clue what to expect, be prepared for a thoroughly entertaining and highly original performance from three seriously talented musicians, including John Devine and fabulous young vocalist Gina Ellen.

Willy’s musical style has included folk, blues, psychadelia, pop and punk rock and his live performances are punctuated with dry humour and wit. He is known for virtuoso fiddle playing, his ability with a great number of stringed instruments.  His specialty though, is playing slide guitar with a whole raw egg (known as egg-necking). During recent Otway/Barrett performances, he has also introduced the 'wah wah wheelie bin'... don’t ask!

Willy is credited with supporting guitar, fiddle and vocals on a number of other albums, from Rolf Harris' version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" to George Hamilton IV. He has also played pedal steel guitar on the influential Keith Hudson reggae album entitled Rasta Communication, along with Sly and Robbie.

Band member Gina Ellen also has an impressive pedigree, having worked with musicians, producers and composers from as far afield as America, Africa, Germany and Bali.  Her warm rich vocals, natural style and engaging personality fit in perfectly with the slightly alternative approach of this unusual and addictive band.

Together their style is foot stomping fiddle, banjo and uillean pipes, interspersed with the haunting cello and backing vocals of Gina and the lyrical flute of John Devine.  This makes for an evening of entertainment difficult to ‘put into a box’ but equally difficult to forget. Crossing the boundaries of acoustic blues, traditional Irish, bluegrass and folk with their innovative songs and arrangements, it would be hard not to smile at the dry humour and onstage banter of this truly inspirational ensemble.

Cathy Doel, proprietor of The George simply says:

“When you come to a Wild Woolly show, expect an evening of good fun, laughter and most of all great music!”

Tickets £11.50
www.wegottickets.com/240196