Our September entertainment comes from the intriguingly named 60% Angels – a marvellous group made up of top-notch local talent. The music is melodic blues-influenced – but is by no means limited to that. Expect soulful ballads, country rock, boogie-woogie piano, and a bit of soul. Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Marcia Ball, Delbert McClinton, and Lucinda Williams.
What’s in a name? Well, this name is derived from the full band name, Montgomery’s Angels, in turn a play on the name of the lead vocalist Mandy Montgomery and the song “Angel From Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt. Montgomery’s Angels is a five-piece band, but on occasions just three of them get together to play smaller or more intimate venues when a full-on band just isn’t appropriate.
Those three are: Mandy Montgomery on lead vocals and harmonica, Paul Minshull on piano and backing vocals, and Andy Burns on bass and backing vocals.
All three have had a lifetime in live music in and around Stockport and further afield.
Mandy started singing professionally at 17 recording for Rocket Records in Strawberry Studios, with her long-time friend Paul Young of Sad Café singing backing vocals for her. She also sang with Dougie James Soul Train in the late 70s when they supported The Jacksons on their British tour, including The Apollo Theatre in Manchester. She’s a great advocate of encouraging local talent and has been an integral member of the team organising the annual Stockport Blues and Roots Festival held at the Garrick Theatre and the Spinning Top music venue for the last three years. She also co-hosts the monthly Blues Jam night at The Spinning Top. Mandy is a warm, vibrant and energetic performer who loves nothing more than getting the audience engaged.
Paul Minshull is a virtuoso piano player who has toured with Chuck Berry, Louisiana Red, and Lowell Fulsom, and has been a member of several long-standing local bands including the Blues Blasters.
Andy Burns was a founding member of the Jackson Burns Band, a respected local outfit writing and recording original material, and the new wave band Stress which recorded at the much-lamented Hologram Studios on Park Street in Stockport. He became a regular member of Manchester writer and performer George Borowski’s band in 2007 and more recently has regularly featured on bass with the legendary blues guitarist Norman Beaker at the Stockport Blues and Roots festival each September. He is scheduled to play with Norman at the Colne Blues Festival in late August.
The chapel will be open for people to visit. The kiosk inside the chapel will be selling refreshments such as hot and cold drinks, cakes and biscuits (cash only). Why not pop down for a break, a chat and to explore this lovely, listed building, the walled garden and perhaps take a walk around the Chadkirk Trail? All funds raised are used for the benefit of Chadkirk, the chapel, the walled garden and the country estate.
If you’re new to the chapel, and driving to reach us, the car park is on Vale Road, just on the left as you turn off the main road. The chapel can then be reached on foot via the road and path.