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Gig Reviews

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending the F32 Records sold out showcase gig at Irvine’s Harbour Art Centre. The gig itself was run by the fantastic guys at Freckfest.
The gig fell on a night when I was lucky enough not to be gigging myself so I decided to pop along and see if the acts would transfer to live gigs as well as they sound recorded. I was in for a shock, a huge shock, the kind of shock that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end kinda shock…. I know that’s plenty….. you know what I mean.
First on stage was Linwood Singer/songwriter Jordan Stewart.
From the second Jordan strode on stage you knew this was going to be a special night.  Initial gremlins didnt hold her back as she ran through a set of her own compositions each one sung beautifully and accompanied by some great guitar work.
I was highly impressed with the professionalism she showed for a performer quite new to her musical journey. Highlight of the set for me was Another Girl.
I’m really looking forward to some new music from Jordan coming soon from F32. If you get the chance go and see this fantastic artist grab it.
Next to the stage came Katie Palmer accompanied by the F32 band.  Katie’s enthusiasm shined through from the stage albeit with a few nerves to start with.  Those initial nerves quickly abated and a huge smile lit up her face.  As her smile broadened her star quality shone through the initmate venue.
As the set progressed Katie grew more and more in to role as the focal point of the performance. Her country pop tracks had the audience in raptures of applause and huge cheers and whistles. This only fuelled her performance as she captivated the audience for track after track
Unbelievably this was Katie’s first gig and also the first time she played with a backing band which made her performance even more remarkable.
Forget Carrie Underwood, Forget Taylor Swift. Country pop has a new princess and her name is Katie Palmer.
Headlining the event was Mackenzie Fox who’s debut album Lost Souls was released recently. Mackenzie strolled on stage like a seasoned professional with a smile beaming across his face. Cheeky nods and winks to friends in the crowd before smashing song after song.  His soulful voice defying his years. Voices this smooth are usually only heard from performers who have spent years perfecting their acts.
As the set progressed you could feel the confidence grow within him. At points in the set (as i described earlier) I could feel goosebumps across my body and I turned to Ronnie exclaiming this is one of those ‘remember where you were’ moments. When he proclaimed this is going to be our last song a huge groan echoed through the room.
Recently I have been secretly worrying about the dirth of good new music coming from Ayrshire but its alive and kicking thanks to the hard work of Alyson & Stewart at F32 records and of course their artists.
On my school report cards I used to have comments like Tommy is easily distracted and must try harder but if i had to write a report card for F32 it would be top of the class and keep up the good work.
​- Tommy Clark - The Third Class Ticket Radio Show

The F32 band were fantastic, all of these guys could be playing with the top big name bands, I already knew they were going to be good because I had heard them on Mackenzie Fox's debut album 'Lost Souls' and Katie Palmer's debut single 'Out Of Luck' Both 'Lost Souls' & 'out Of Luck' are available now on iTunes!
Jordan Stewart was first on stage. Her voice was so much better than I had heard on the music she had sent me for airplay a little while ago. This young Lady seemed full of confidence, even though there was a small technical problem Jordan kept the audience entertained while one of the technicians went to get a new guitar cable. I felt this young singer had grown since she had recorded the music I have been playing on my shows.
Next up was the lovely Katie Palmer. I was actually surprised to learn that Katie does actually play the guitar. Even though Katie was still recovering from a throat infection, and I knew she was very nervous, as soon as she began to sing I looked around at the audience and saw they felt the same as I did, excited to be there listening to Katie sing with the full band for the very first time. Katie sang 2 of the songs I already know and love 'Out Of Luck' & 'Maybe Later' the latter of which will be her 2nd single and will be released on iTunes soon! But when she sang 'Photograph' I had tears in my eyes. You could really feel the passion in her voice.

This young Man, the wonderful Mackenzie Fox did not disappoint, from the very second he opened his mouth and sang I was enthralled. He has a way of captivating his audience! And he can even dance :)
I absolutely love all of Mackenzie's album 'Lost Souls' but if I am honest, my most favourite song on the album is 'There You Go' Mackenzie really upped his game when he started to sing this song last night, you felt the passion in his every word, and if I am totally honest, it was this song that he really blew me away with.
All 3 of these wonderfully talented singer/songwriters are People you need to keep an eye on, in my opinion, they are all going to be names that People will be talking about... Some already are!
- Elaine Lamb - Heat Fm New York & Sparkle FM Amsterdam
F32 Records are based at Greenwood Academy in Irvine. The work they are doing at nurturing musical talent is amazing.
Last night the Harbour Arts Centre was rammed to capacity with people queuing outside hoping to get in.
We witnessed the future generation of musical talent.
Mackenzie Fox & Katie Palmer Music with a full band, you were both amazing. Jordan Stewart Music was amazing as support.
-Ronnie McGhie - Pulse FM / Offgrid Sounds
From last Saturdays F32 Records Show Case Harbour Art Centre Irvine:
Live gig's are like fine food -  you eat with your eyes first, the excitement of what's to come.. Jordan Stewart, Fantastic ! I've stolen her Disney joke, Katie Palmer who looked like she had done 1000's of live gigs in her time, and Mackenzie Fox who took his performance to another level with ease proving that with guidance dedication and vision new music is alive and well ...
​Gordon Covey - Sparkle Fm Amsterdam
Full marks to Freckfest for putting this showcase on. The band that supplied the music to the 3 singers was superb, the 3 singers Jordan, Katie and MacKenzie you were simply outstanding.
Alistair Mulhearn Photography
THANK YOU to F32 for a awesome night of flawless talent from right here in Scotland!!
Also WELL DONE on being SOLD OUT!!!
​Cameron & Juvan - The 45 Show

F32 Records.   Remember the name.        Check them out.
Based in Dreghorn, it was the dream of two music teachers who basically created a label to give their young talent a chance to record for free.
The branches are baring fruit now, as tonight's showcase gig so wonderfully demonstrated.
The capacity crowd in the Harbour Arts Centre Irvine were left in no doubt of the talent signed to F32.
Many young schoolfriends of the artists mingled with proud parents and family members; radio presenters from several stations who have supported the artists including Elaine Lamb of Heat FM, Gordon Covey of Heat FM and Ronnie McGhieof Pulse FM; and music lovers who had heard some of the artists in support slots to the likes of James Grant!
With that mix, I was expecting a noisy crowd... But they were noisy in all the right ways and in all the right places, giving all three artists total respect.
17 year old Jordan Stewart kicked the night off with a wonderful set of her own material. This artist impresses me every time I see her, and had grown beyond belief in the year since I first saw this shy wee thing on stage.
Tonight, whilst technicians buzzed around her trying to fix a sound problem, she carried on like a seasoned professional and didn't so much as blink far less break stride.
Katie Palmer was up next and the local lass was hugely popular with the crowd. Backed by a very good band she belied her tender years with a confident performance.
Headline artist Mackenzie Fox is one to watch out for... He has what it takes to go far!
I first heard him on Elaine Lambs show and downloaded his album Lost Souls that night!
A few days later I went to see James Grant and was delighted when Mackenzie Fox came on stage to support him. He didn't disappoint.
Tonight... HE was the headline artist and I reckon he is going to very quickly have to get used to headlining to sold out gigs full of adoring fans!
Growing in confidence and developing a fine stage, presence, this likeable local lad has a quite superb voice and a great range of songs to let him showcase it.
Brian Doig - Supporter of Local Music