We are delighted to welcome Robert Vincent for our first ‘Gig in the Garden. Rob Halligan has a reputation for his passionate live performance and his maverick approach to life. Considered by many as ‘one of the finest unsigned performers on the scene’, Rob’s song writing looks at life from an alternative perspective. 2009 will see the launch of Rob’s fourth CD, ‘Christians Brother’ recorded with Graeme Duffin (Wet Wet Wet) and produced by Sandy Jones (Wet Wet Wet) and featuring guest performances from Yvonne Lyon and Gareth Davies-Jones.

In the late 1990’s Rob started playing the local pub circuit with his band, Goldsmiths, delivering their own brand of indie-pop-rock. Their CD, IknowYouknow released in October 1999 won some excellent reviews. The band played some noteworthy venues including the Sanctuary in Milton Keynes and the Coventry Colloseum.

Rob’s life took a new direction after the death of his father in the terrorist events of 9/11 and this would be evident in his writing. His songs challenge faith, politics and complacency and are delivered with a rough spirituality, brutal honesty and tested to be true.

‘Dancing With Seagulls’ Rob’s first solo project, produced by Simon Goodall (Cliff Richard) and featuring Dan Wheeler on guitar and Paul Evans (Delirious?) on drums, received praise from the folk and rock press. “An excellent album” raved CrossRhythms while the Phantom Tollbooth called it “…a pleasant and welcome musical treat!” Radio 2 presenter, Paul Gambaccini, commented, “These are some of the strongest songs I’ve heard for a while”. The album had airplay on BBC1 TV, BBC Radio 2, and a host of local TV and radio stations.

Rob has now played at some of the finest acoustic venues and festivals in the UK including the MAC in Birmingham, The Norwich Arts Centre and The Lot in Edinburgh. He has twice headlined at the Godiva Festival (the largest free festival in the midlands) and  played the Acoustic Festival of Britain. He also sings with 1980’s hit makers After The Fire.  … “If Rob Halligan gets the recognition he so richly deserves, I advise to book him now, because I predict that very shortly, this extremely talented singer songwriter is going to become very ‘big-time’!!” Chris Tobin – Covfol

Rob will be bringing along with him his namesake Bob Halligan, an American singer/songwriter.  Bob is is a member of Ceili Rain and is well known for writing hit songs for other artists, such as ‘Love Travels for Kathy Mattea and ‘Some Heads are Gonna Roll’ for Judas Priest amongst others.

There are sure to be a winning combination.

Numbers are limited so be sure to book your tickets by contacting Paul on 01277 658055 or paul@billericaychurches.org or by sending a SAE to: The Rectory, 40, Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LD, with cheques made payable to Emmanuel DCC (all proceeds to ‘Just Care’ working with Orphans in Uganda).