In preparation for his support slot for The Holloways (myspace) last night at Leeds University Union, Mr Turner Esq wowed a largely impromptu audience with a short but oh so sweet set on the grass outside the venue during a fire alarm incident.

Belting out three numbers from his albums, with a much appreciated and spine-tingling (but hardly necessary given his vocal talents) helping hand from his devoted Leeds following, he finished up with an acoustic rendition of Abba’s Dancing Queen; much to the delight of all.

Considering an extremely large, very busy Student Union building had emptied in a matter of minutes, it’s fair to say that many of the audience had no idea just what the hell was going on. Of course, everyone sang along to Dancing Queen. Just as the sun went down on a crisp and sunny Yorkshire evening. So I’d like to take this opportunity to doff my cap to Mr Frank Turner and Co; moments like these are gold dust.

Once the all clear was given, Frank and the rest of the band finished the set indoors, ripping the roof off as they finished a cracking set, such great songs, such a great band. However, personally, I’d have paid just to see the grassy knoll incident!

Video footage after the jump.

I should also mention that the Holloways were also pretty damn good, and props to them as headliners and gracious hosts for giving due credit to Frank as the hero of the evening. Also, they introduced the audience to an 11 year old crowd surfer! You may be shocked, but I can assure ‘Health and Safety’ that this was surely the most gingerly handled crowd surfer in rock history, passed like a precious stone from hand to hand and set down on two feet with all limbs intact; while the band watched over affairs intently… another smile raised on my face; and no doubt a young mans birthday dreams made!

Who are these others I speak of?

So while I’m on the music subject, I thought I’d throw in a few other links to some perhaps less well known but equally impressive artists that have rocked my world over the last few weeks while frequenting the regions smaller live music venues in search of good ale, pub food and good tunes.

First up would be Rory McVicar (myspace), who I saw at the Angel Share in a small Leeds suburb called Chapel Allerton a few weeks ago. I haven’t had his CD off my iPod since, awesome stuff. Shades of all sorts in here, fantastic song-writing, a captivating and distinctive voice and great production on the CD.

Second (and, I hasten to add; in no particular order) would be a two-piece from Manchester who I caught at the Grapes in Sheffield last week, Stereo Horizon are a brother and sister combo with obvious comparisons to the White Stripes in that she plays drums (apparently self taught and mentored by her brother to amazing effect!) and he plays everything else (Piano on this occasion). However that’s pretty much where the Stripes comparisons stop. I could hear Radiohead, The Smiths, Muse in their songwriting and compositional influence and with serious skills seemingly pouring out of these two I’d be willing to wager a fiver on this being a duo to keep your eye on.

Lastly, and of course by no means least would be a lady I’ve rather luckily caught twice now, at both of the above events. On a solo adventure from Monkey Swallows the Universe (a band on hiatus apparently). Nat Johnson always seems to charm the pants off her audiences! Great songs. With at times; a smidgen dark lyrics that bely the sweet and often surprising melodies conjured up on-stage with her guitar, glockenspiel, loop machine and beautiful voice; not unlike Beth Orton’s – a long time favourite of mine. Creating her own samples, loops, backings and harmonies as she goes. I’ve never seen anything quite like it; on both occasions I’ve been utterly stunned by how simple and effective it is. For me and my trusty gig companion, Nat Johnson and all of the artists mentioned here come highly recommended.