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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
From Gerry & The Pacemakers and the advent of Merseybeat to a pop quartet called the Beatles (you may have heard of ‘em; had a few hits in the 60s) through to Echo & The Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes, The Zutons and on to Indie rockers Circa Waves, Liverpool has made a significant impact on the musical landscape over the decades.
Must be something in the waters of the Mersey.
Last year FabricationsHQ featured the recorded emergence of classy melodic poppers The Hummingbirds who, with their Out of the Rain EP (their debut album Pieces Of You was released earlier this year), made it clear they are the latest in a long line of Liverpudlian bands with something to say.
Coming from a different musical angle, but no less effective, are Matchstickmen, a four piece rock outfit whose 2011 debut album Through Hell… And Kept Going showcased solid, 90s styled alternative rock in a contemporary setting (if you mixed a heavier R.E.M with Garage Band rock it wouldn’t be far removed from Through Hell…).
The debut album was an effective vehicle to put Matchstickmen on the map but more recent singles and video tracks such as the ZZ Top-ified rock of 'Cheap Little Thrill,' the grunge-fuelled 'Imperfection' and the lighter, almost cinematic 'Different Paths' (a departure for the band but one of their strongest offerings to date) point to a band that have developed and matured way beyond the debut and a forthcoming album, From Our Own Ashes, that could be very good indeed.
With the release date for the second album still to be confirmed – possibly towards the end of 2016 but moe likely January 2017 – Matchstickmen are keeping the pot boiling and the interest rising by releasing another single, the heavy melodic alt-rocker 'Not Knowing.'
The new song can be listened to in its entirety at the groups Bandcamp page:
https://holierthanthourecords.bandcamp.com/track/not-knowing
Yep, definitely something in the Mersey.
Matchstickmen:
Peter Donnelly – Guitar; Iain Forsyth – Bass, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele; Dave Hornby – Drums; Lewis Wright – Vocals, Piano
From Our Own Ashes will be released late in 2016 or early 2017 on Holier Than Thou Records.
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Must be something in the waters of the Mersey.
Last year FabricationsHQ featured the recorded emergence of classy melodic poppers The Hummingbirds who, with their Out of the Rain EP (their debut album Pieces Of You was released earlier this year), made it clear they are the latest in a long line of Liverpudlian bands with something to say.
Coming from a different musical angle, but no less effective, are Matchstickmen, a four piece rock outfit whose 2011 debut album Through Hell… And Kept Going showcased solid, 90s styled alternative rock in a contemporary setting (if you mixed a heavier R.E.M with Garage Band rock it wouldn’t be far removed from Through Hell…).
The debut album was an effective vehicle to put Matchstickmen on the map but more recent singles and video tracks such as the ZZ Top-ified rock of 'Cheap Little Thrill,' the grunge-fuelled 'Imperfection' and the lighter, almost cinematic 'Different Paths' (a departure for the band but one of their strongest offerings to date) point to a band that have developed and matured way beyond the debut and a forthcoming album, From Our Own Ashes, that could be very good indeed.
With the release date for the second album still to be confirmed – possibly towards the end of 2016 but moe likely January 2017 – Matchstickmen are keeping the pot boiling and the interest rising by releasing another single, the heavy melodic alt-rocker 'Not Knowing.'
The new song can be listened to in its entirety at the groups Bandcamp page:
https://holierthanthourecords.bandcamp.com/track/not-knowing
Yep, definitely something in the Mersey.
Matchstickmen:
Peter Donnelly – Guitar; Iain Forsyth – Bass, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele; Dave Hornby – Drums; Lewis Wright – Vocals, Piano
From Our Own Ashes will be released late in 2016 or early 2017 on Holier Than Thou Records.
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You know that feeling, when you've been to a show with an energy and emotion so high and a band so 'on' that you think it's one of those only-comes-around-every-so-often gigs, but that may have been the emotion of the event?
Having just listened through the Reviewers' Private Listening Link for King King's O2 ABC Glasgow gig (it's a dirty job, but... etc), FabricationsHQ can confirm it was one of those only-comes-around-every-so-often gigs, bolstered by an outstanding puts-you-slap-bang-in-the-centre-of-the-stage mix from Wayne Proctor (whose production and mixing skills with his House of Tone colleagues is fast becoming the equal of his outstanding and exemplary groove drumming).
For those that were there, prepare to relive a doozy of a show; for those that weren't, strap yourselves in for the October 21st release of King King Live, recorded at Glasgow (2CD) and filmed at the Holmfirth Picturedrome (DVD).
Having just listened through the Reviewers' Private Listening Link for King King's O2 ABC Glasgow gig (it's a dirty job, but... etc), FabricationsHQ can confirm it was one of those only-comes-around-every-so-often gigs, bolstered by an outstanding puts-you-slap-bang-in-the-centre-of-the-stage mix from Wayne Proctor (whose production and mixing skills with his House of Tone colleagues is fast becoming the equal of his outstanding and exemplary groove drumming).
For those that were there, prepare to relive a doozy of a show; for those that weren't, strap yourselves in for the October 21st release of King King Live, recorded at Glasgow (2CD) and filmed at the Holmfirth Picturedrome (DVD).
King King, who also pulled in a five trophy haul at the 2016 British Blues Awards (including Best Album for Reaching For the Light), will be back out on tour in the UK throughout November; special guests on the tour will be Broken Witt Rebels.
In the last eight months the buzz and subsequent critical acclaim for Birmingham based blues rock band Broken Witt Rebels has increased their own fan-base beyond even the band’s expectations, all the more remarkable considering the band have yet to release a full length album.
"We’re excited to have Broken Witt Rebels supporting us on our November tour" says Alan Nimmo, "they are a fine example of how a young rock group can connect to their rock and blues influences and still make it sound fresh and exciting!"
Waking Up, from the forthcoming King King DVD, can be viewed below.
In the last eight months the buzz and subsequent critical acclaim for Birmingham based blues rock band Broken Witt Rebels has increased their own fan-base beyond even the band’s expectations, all the more remarkable considering the band have yet to release a full length album.
"We’re excited to have Broken Witt Rebels supporting us on our November tour" says Alan Nimmo, "they are a fine example of how a young rock group can connect to their rock and blues influences and still make it sound fresh and exciting!"
Waking Up, from the forthcoming King King DVD, can be viewed below.
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Nine Miles South, who caught the attention of FabricationsHQ earlier in the year with their self-titled 3 track EP and crossover mix of grungy heavy rock, blues and country, release their new single 'Bones' on the 14th of October.
'The Reckoning,' the featured track of the EP, was a big, beefy blend of hard rock and countrified blues that came complete with a thundering finish. 'Bones' however takes a slower and more southern approach.
It’s also, courtesy of its darker chorus tone, slow-build intro and mix of grit, melody and slide guitar, the strongest song to date from a band who deserve some serious attention.
Nine Miles South, who caught the attention of FabricationsHQ earlier in the year with their self-titled 3 track EP and crossover mix of grungy heavy rock, blues and country, release their new single 'Bones' on the 14th of October.
'The Reckoning,' the featured track of the EP, was a big, beefy blend of hard rock and countrified blues that came complete with a thundering finish. 'Bones' however takes a slower and more southern approach.
It’s also, courtesy of its darker chorus tone, slow-build intro and mix of grit, melody and slide guitar, the strongest song to date from a band who deserve some serious attention.
Born and raised in Denmark, Nine Miles South frontman Seb Mikkelsen formed the band when he moved to the UK.
The Guildford based band's music and live shows, including some impressive festival slots, is starting to generate a groundswell of followers and ever-increasing fan-base.
Nine Miles South are:
Seb Mikkelsen – vocals, guitars; Jon Antony – guitar, backing vocals; Andy Sleigh – bass, backing vocals; David Wilson – drums
The Guildford based band's music and live shows, including some impressive festival slots, is starting to generate a groundswell of followers and ever-increasing fan-base.
Nine Miles South are:
Seb Mikkelsen – vocals, guitars; Jon Antony – guitar, backing vocals; Andy Sleigh – bass, backing vocals; David Wilson – drums
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The Henrik Freischlader Trio, currently in the midst of an extensive European tour in support of the German singer and multi-instrumentalist’s seventh studio album Openness, will showcase their rhythm and blues rockiness in the UK in September by way of five shows including a gig in Glasgow at the 02 ABC2 club room.
21st September – Borderline, London
22nd September – 02 ABC2, Glasgow
23rd September - The Flowerpot, Derby
24th September - Yardbirds Club, Grimsby
25th September - Komedia Studio, Brighton
Openness was released in April and features the new Henrik Freischlader line-up of Freischlader (guitars, vocals), Alex Grube (bass) and Carl-Michael Grabinger (drums) in a recorded-live-in-the-studio mix of old school blues and more contemporary blues rock.
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The Henrik Freischlader Trio, currently in the midst of an extensive European tour in support of the German singer and multi-instrumentalist’s seventh studio album Openness, will showcase their rhythm and blues rockiness in the UK in September by way of five shows including a gig in Glasgow at the 02 ABC2 club room.
21st September – Borderline, London
22nd September – 02 ABC2, Glasgow
23rd September - The Flowerpot, Derby
24th September - Yardbirds Club, Grimsby
25th September - Komedia Studio, Brighton
Openness was released in April and features the new Henrik Freischlader line-up of Freischlader (guitars, vocals), Alex Grube (bass) and Carl-Michael Grabinger (drums) in a recorded-live-in-the-studio mix of old school blues and more contemporary blues rock.
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Kansas has just released a second song, with lyric video, from their forthcoming studio album The Prelude Implicit (released September 23rd).
'Visibility Zero' was written by latest Kansas members, lead vocalist Ronnie Platt (who replaced the retiring Steve Walsh in 2014) and guitarist Zak Rizvi (who also co-produced the album); the song features the band’s violinist David Ragsdale.
'Visibility Zero' was written by latest Kansas members, lead vocalist Ronnie Platt (who replaced the retiring Steve Walsh in 2014) and guitarist Zak Rizvi (who also co-produced the album); the song features the band’s violinist David Ragsdale.
Pre-ordering The Prelude Implicit from iTunes & Amazon US MP3 allows the purchaser to get the songs 'Visibility Zero' and 'With This Heart' immediately.
UK & European fans can pre-order the album, including a limited silver double 180 gram vinyl, here: http://kansas.tmstor.es/
They can also pre-order the album from the InsideOut Shop including a mint coloured 2LP here: http://smarturl.it/Prelude_IOMShop
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UK & European fans can pre-order the album, including a limited silver double 180 gram vinyl, here: http://kansas.tmstor.es/
They can also pre-order the album from the InsideOut Shop including a mint coloured 2LP here: http://smarturl.it/Prelude_IOMShop
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The Answer will release Solas, the follow-up to last year’s Raise a Little Hell, on October the 28th through Napalm Records.
The recording of the album was done in a different way from the norm, certainly for The Answer, and followed a very difficult and emotional time for the band’s frontman Cormac Neeson, whose son Dabhog was born three months prematurely with multiple health issues:
"I look back at that time of my life as a darkness I didn't know existed. It felt like all the lights in the world had been dimmed and weren't ever coming back up again. I emerged from that whole experience a different man. Solas arrived at just the right time for me because I felt strongly that I had a lot to say and to get off my chest."
As regards the recording of the album, the band shut themselves away in their home recording studio; guitarist Paul Mahon doubles as recording engineer, sending files to producers Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh.
Solas is available to pre-order via Pledge Music; physical album pre-orders come with an instant download of new song 'Beautiful World.'
The recording of the album was done in a different way from the norm, certainly for The Answer, and followed a very difficult and emotional time for the band’s frontman Cormac Neeson, whose son Dabhog was born three months prematurely with multiple health issues:
"I look back at that time of my life as a darkness I didn't know existed. It felt like all the lights in the world had been dimmed and weren't ever coming back up again. I emerged from that whole experience a different man. Solas arrived at just the right time for me because I felt strongly that I had a lot to say and to get off my chest."
As regards the recording of the album, the band shut themselves away in their home recording studio; guitarist Paul Mahon doubles as recording engineer, sending files to producers Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh.
Solas is available to pre-order via Pledge Music; physical album pre-orders come with an instant download of new song 'Beautiful World.'
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The storied, progressively led musical journey of musician Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, Transatlantic, solo) has seen three decades of noted accomplishments, the latest being The Neal Morse Band.
The current line-up of the group – Morse, renowned drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Randy George, keyboardist Bill Hubauer and guitarist Eric Gillette – will release the concept album The Similitude of a Dream on the 11th of November on Radiant Records via Metal Blade Records/SONY.
This will be the eighth studio album to feature Morse, Portnoy and George, and the second as a true collaboration with this current line-up.
Clocking in at over 100 minutes, The Similitude of a Dream is loosely and sometimes directly based on the book, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
Explains Neal Morse: "The book’s original title was The Pilgrim’s Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream, and was originally published in 1678. The book chronicles the spiritual journey of a man from the City of Destruction to a place of Deliverance. Someone had suggested to me that I do a concept album based on this book, but I kind of forgot about it. Then when I began writing new songs last December, the suggestion came to my mind..."
The storied, progressively led musical journey of musician Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, Transatlantic, solo) has seen three decades of noted accomplishments, the latest being The Neal Morse Band.
The current line-up of the group – Morse, renowned drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Randy George, keyboardist Bill Hubauer and guitarist Eric Gillette – will release the concept album The Similitude of a Dream on the 11th of November on Radiant Records via Metal Blade Records/SONY.
This will be the eighth studio album to feature Morse, Portnoy and George, and the second as a true collaboration with this current line-up.
Clocking in at over 100 minutes, The Similitude of a Dream is loosely and sometimes directly based on the book, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.
Explains Neal Morse: "The book’s original title was The Pilgrim’s Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream, and was originally published in 1678. The book chronicles the spiritual journey of a man from the City of Destruction to a place of Deliverance. Someone had suggested to me that I do a concept album based on this book, but I kind of forgot about it. Then when I began writing new songs last December, the suggestion came to my mind..."
The Similitude of a Dream will be available in various formats: a two CD package, a Special Edition with the two CDs and "The Making of a Dream" DVD, or as three vinyl records along with two CD's.
Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy have launched four bands but the one that has endured the longest, with the most musical output, has been The Neal Morse Band.
Over the years Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George assembled musicians as needed to support Morse’s solo music; in 2012 they held auditions to find the musicians needed to fill out the band as a permanent line-up that would write music collectively.
Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette were chosen and the quintet released The Grand Experiment in 2014, and Alive Again (Live DVD/2 CD) in 2015.
The Similitude of a Dream, track listing:
Disc 1:
1. Long Day; 2. Overture; 3. The Dream; 4. City of Destruction; 5. We Have Got To Go; 6. Makes No Sense; 7. Draw the Line; 8. The Slough; 9. Back to the City; 10. The Ways of a Fool; 11. So Far Gone; 12. Breath of Angels
Disc 2:
1. Slave to Your Mind; 2. Shortcut to Salvation; 3. The Man in the Iron Cage; 4. The Road Called Home; 5. Sloth; 6. Freedom Song; 7. I'm Running; 8. The Mask; 9. Confrontation; 10. The Battle
11. Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)
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Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy have launched four bands but the one that has endured the longest, with the most musical output, has been The Neal Morse Band.
Over the years Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George assembled musicians as needed to support Morse’s solo music; in 2012 they held auditions to find the musicians needed to fill out the band as a permanent line-up that would write music collectively.
Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette were chosen and the quintet released The Grand Experiment in 2014, and Alive Again (Live DVD/2 CD) in 2015.
The Similitude of a Dream, track listing:
Disc 1:
1. Long Day; 2. Overture; 3. The Dream; 4. City of Destruction; 5. We Have Got To Go; 6. Makes No Sense; 7. Draw the Line; 8. The Slough; 9. Back to the City; 10. The Ways of a Fool; 11. So Far Gone; 12. Breath of Angels
Disc 2:
1. Slave to Your Mind; 2. Shortcut to Salvation; 3. The Man in the Iron Cage; 4. The Road Called Home; 5. Sloth; 6. Freedom Song; 7. I'm Running; 8. The Mask; 9. Confrontation; 10. The Battle
11. Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise)
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Glenn Hughes will release his new solo album Resonate on Friday the 4th of November 2016.
The album, on Frontiers Music srl, dovetails with the Winter UK and European tour dates.
Resonate is one of the heaviest ever recorded by Glenn Hughes; from the appropriately titled opener 'Heavy' to album closer 'Long Time Gone' it's also an album that's already been touted as a contender for rock album of the year.
The album also features Glen Hughes’ live solo band members Soren Andersen (guitars and co-producer), Pontus Engborg (drums) and new recruit Lachy Doley (keyboards).
In addition Resonate has contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who features on the aforementioned opening and closing tracks.
Resonate will be available as both a regular CD release and in Deluxe Edition format; the latter will include a bonus track 'Nothing’s the Same' while the DVD features the Making Of documentary and two song videos.
A Vinyl edition will be made available via Frontiers’ label partners Soulfood Music.
Resonate track listing:
Heavy; My Town; Flow; Let it Shine; Steady; God of Money; How Long; When I Fall; Landmines; Stumble & Go; Long Time Gone.
UK Tour Dates, November 2016 (with Special Guests Living Colour):
The Assembly, Leamington Spa - Tuesday 8th November
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton - Wednesday 9th November
Riverside, Newcastle - Friday 11th November
Hard Rock Hell, Camp HRH, North Wales - Saturday 12th November
Rescue Rooms, Nottingham - Monday 14th November
02 ABC, Glasgow - Tuesday 15th November
O2 Ritz, Manchester - Thursday 17th November
The Junction, Cambridge - Saturday 19th November
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Sunday 20th November
European Dates 2016
November:
22nd – LKA, Stuttgart, GERMANY
23rd - Meet Factory, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
25th – Kofmehl, Solothurn, SWITZERLAND
26th - Zona Roveri, Bologna, ITALY
28th – Orion, Rome, ITALY
29th – Live Club, Milan, ITALY
December:
1st – Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, GERMANY
2nd – Metropool, Hengelo, NETHERLANDS
4th – Patronaat, Haarlem, NETHERLANDS
5th – Essigfabrik, Cologne, GERMANY
7th – Garage, Saarbrucken, GERMANY
8th - Le Forum, Vaureal, FRANCE
10th – Totem, Pamplona, SPAIN
11th - Razz 2, Barcelona, SPAIN
13th – Custom, Seville, SPAIN
14th - Sala Vistalegre, Madrid, SPAIN
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The album, on Frontiers Music srl, dovetails with the Winter UK and European tour dates.
Resonate is one of the heaviest ever recorded by Glenn Hughes; from the appropriately titled opener 'Heavy' to album closer 'Long Time Gone' it's also an album that's already been touted as a contender for rock album of the year.
The album also features Glen Hughes’ live solo band members Soren Andersen (guitars and co-producer), Pontus Engborg (drums) and new recruit Lachy Doley (keyboards).
In addition Resonate has contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who features on the aforementioned opening and closing tracks.
Resonate will be available as both a regular CD release and in Deluxe Edition format; the latter will include a bonus track 'Nothing’s the Same' while the DVD features the Making Of documentary and two song videos.
A Vinyl edition will be made available via Frontiers’ label partners Soulfood Music.
Resonate track listing:
Heavy; My Town; Flow; Let it Shine; Steady; God of Money; How Long; When I Fall; Landmines; Stumble & Go; Long Time Gone.
UK Tour Dates, November 2016 (with Special Guests Living Colour):
The Assembly, Leamington Spa - Tuesday 8th November
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton - Wednesday 9th November
Riverside, Newcastle - Friday 11th November
Hard Rock Hell, Camp HRH, North Wales - Saturday 12th November
Rescue Rooms, Nottingham - Monday 14th November
02 ABC, Glasgow - Tuesday 15th November
O2 Ritz, Manchester - Thursday 17th November
The Junction, Cambridge - Saturday 19th November
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire - Sunday 20th November
European Dates 2016
November:
22nd – LKA, Stuttgart, GERMANY
23rd - Meet Factory, Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC
25th – Kofmehl, Solothurn, SWITZERLAND
26th - Zona Roveri, Bologna, ITALY
28th – Orion, Rome, ITALY
29th – Live Club, Milan, ITALY
December:
1st – Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, GERMANY
2nd – Metropool, Hengelo, NETHERLANDS
4th – Patronaat, Haarlem, NETHERLANDS
5th – Essigfabrik, Cologne, GERMANY
7th – Garage, Saarbrucken, GERMANY
8th - Le Forum, Vaureal, FRANCE
10th – Totem, Pamplona, SPAIN
11th - Razz 2, Barcelona, SPAIN
13th – Custom, Seville, SPAIN
14th - Sala Vistalegre, Madrid, SPAIN
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If Carling made best blues rock years they would probably… well they would probably still come second quite frankly because King King refuse to let go of their hard earned but deserved British blues rock crown.
The outstanding quartet hauled in five trophies at the 2016 British Blues Awards including Songwriter(s) of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Alan Nimmo; who also received an award with brother Stevie for Band of the Year, The Nimmo Brothers), Bass Player of the Year (Lindsay Coulson), Song of the Year (Rush Hour) and most prestigious of all Album of the Year (Reaching For the Light).
I’m personally delighted for Lindsay Coulson and his Bass Player award; deserved recognition for an unassuming musician whose mid-range notes and tone add the sonic punctuation to King King’s musical vocabulary.
There were of course notable and deserved awards for many others who play or ply their trade in the British Blues Rock world; FabricationsHQ found itself nodding in sage agreement with, among others, the Lifetime Achievement Award for promoter, broadcaster and writer Pete Feenstra and the double wins for Rebecca Downes (Female Vocalist & Emerging Talent of the Year) and Laurence Jones (Guitarist of the Year, Young Artist of the Year). The Young Artist award also put Laurence Jones in the British Blues Hall of Fame, having won in the category three years in a row.
Full List of winners can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/BBAWARDS/?fref=ts
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The outstanding quartet hauled in five trophies at the 2016 British Blues Awards including Songwriter(s) of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Alan Nimmo; who also received an award with brother Stevie for Band of the Year, The Nimmo Brothers), Bass Player of the Year (Lindsay Coulson), Song of the Year (Rush Hour) and most prestigious of all Album of the Year (Reaching For the Light).
I’m personally delighted for Lindsay Coulson and his Bass Player award; deserved recognition for an unassuming musician whose mid-range notes and tone add the sonic punctuation to King King’s musical vocabulary.
There were of course notable and deserved awards for many others who play or ply their trade in the British Blues Rock world; FabricationsHQ found itself nodding in sage agreement with, among others, the Lifetime Achievement Award for promoter, broadcaster and writer Pete Feenstra and the double wins for Rebecca Downes (Female Vocalist & Emerging Talent of the Year) and Laurence Jones (Guitarist of the Year, Young Artist of the Year). The Young Artist award also put Laurence Jones in the British Blues Hall of Fame, having won in the category three years in a row.
Full List of winners can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/BBAWARDS/?fref=ts
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Martin Taylor is not just one of the finest jazz-styled guitarists on the planet but one of the most intelligent and creative.
On the subject of the latter Taylor is looking at new and innovative ways to get interactive with, and deliver product more directly to, his fans and followers without going through the more established industry standards or, as he says in his promotional video for his Patreon site below a "record industry that is, quite frankly, broken."
On the subject of the latter Taylor is looking at new and innovative ways to get interactive with, and deliver product more directly to, his fans and followers without going through the more established industry standards or, as he says in his promotional video for his Patreon site below a "record industry that is, quite frankly, broken."
Pledging to Patreon and becoming a donator to Martin Taylor’s site – with monthly pledged donations starting as low as a dollar, allows you to access to updates, studio sessions, music, live webcasts, and exclusive Patron posts from Martin Taylor.
Count me in Martin and for those also interested, click on the following link below to head to the site and find out more: https://www.patreon.com/martintaylormusic
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Count me in Martin and for those also interested, click on the following link below to head to the site and find out more: https://www.patreon.com/martintaylormusic
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The historic first-ever concert by Jimi Hendrix’s short-lived Band of Gypsys will see full show release for the first time when it sees the light of unabridged day on the 30th of September.
Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 features the entire seventy-five minute set of the 1969 New Year’s Eve performance, the first of four shows the band played at the famous New York venue over two consecutive days.
The album is released on CD, double vinyl and digital formats via Legacy Recordings.
Of the historic Fillmore East shows, Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox said: "We decided that we couldn’t do any songs that had already been released. We wanted to give them something different. So we went at the project in a joyous, creative posture and ultimately developed the repertoire of the Band of Gypsys. We didn’t know what to expect from the audience and the audience didn’t know what to expect from us, but from the time we hit that first note, they were in awe. You had Jimi Hendrix, a drummer (Buddy Miles) who had been with the Electric Flag and Wilson Pickett, and I was the new kid on the block."
Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 track listing:
1. Power of Soul 2. Lover Man 3. Hear My Train a Comin’ 4. Changes 5. Izabella 6. Machine Gun
7. Stop 8. Ezy Ryder 9. Bleeding Heart 10. Earth Blues 11. Burning Desire
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Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 features the entire seventy-five minute set of the 1969 New Year’s Eve performance, the first of four shows the band played at the famous New York venue over two consecutive days.
The album is released on CD, double vinyl and digital formats via Legacy Recordings.
Of the historic Fillmore East shows, Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox said: "We decided that we couldn’t do any songs that had already been released. We wanted to give them something different. So we went at the project in a joyous, creative posture and ultimately developed the repertoire of the Band of Gypsys. We didn’t know what to expect from the audience and the audience didn’t know what to expect from us, but from the time we hit that first note, they were in awe. You had Jimi Hendrix, a drummer (Buddy Miles) who had been with the Electric Flag and Wilson Pickett, and I was the new kid on the block."
Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 track listing:
1. Power of Soul 2. Lover Man 3. Hear My Train a Comin’ 4. Changes 5. Izabella 6. Machine Gun
7. Stop 8. Ezy Ryder 9. Bleeding Heart 10. Earth Blues 11. Burning Desire
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Metallica recently announced details of their first studio album in eight years.
Entitled Hardwired… To Self-Destruct the album will be internationally released on Friday the 18th of November and was produced by Greg Fidelman with Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield
As part of the album’s announcement, the band has released the opening number 'Hardwired' with accompanying video (anyone pre-ordering the record through Metallica’s website will receive 'Hardwired' as a free download.
Entitled Hardwired… To Self-Destruct the album will be internationally released on Friday the 18th of November and was produced by Greg Fidelman with Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield
As part of the album’s announcement, the band has released the opening number 'Hardwired' with accompanying video (anyone pre-ordering the record through Metallica’s website will receive 'Hardwired' as a free download.
Hardwired… To Self-Destruct will be available as a double CD, double vinyl, digital download and a deluxe edition complete with a third disc described as the embryonic riffs that formed the basis of the album.
The full track-listing is as follows:
Disc One:
Hardwired; Atlas, Rise!; Now That We’re Dead; Moth Into Flame; Am I Savage?; Halo On Fire
Disc Two:
Confusion; Dream No More; ManUNkind; Here Comes Revenge; Murder One; Spit Out The Bone
Disc Three (Deluxe Edition Only):
Lords Of Summer; Riff Charge (Riff Origins); N.W.O.B.H.M. A.T.M. (Riff Origins); Tin Shot (Riff Origins); Plow (Riff Origins); Sawblade (Riff Origins); RIP (Riff Origins); Lima (Riff Origins); 91 (Riff Origins); MTO (Riff Origins); RL72 (Riff Origins); Frankenstein (Riff Origins); CHI (Riff Origins); X Dust (Riff Origins)
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The full track-listing is as follows:
Disc One:
Hardwired; Atlas, Rise!; Now That We’re Dead; Moth Into Flame; Am I Savage?; Halo On Fire
Disc Two:
Confusion; Dream No More; ManUNkind; Here Comes Revenge; Murder One; Spit Out The Bone
Disc Three (Deluxe Edition Only):
Lords Of Summer; Riff Charge (Riff Origins); N.W.O.B.H.M. A.T.M. (Riff Origins); Tin Shot (Riff Origins); Plow (Riff Origins); Sawblade (Riff Origins); RIP (Riff Origins); Lima (Riff Origins); 91 (Riff Origins); MTO (Riff Origins); RL72 (Riff Origins); Frankenstein (Riff Origins); CHI (Riff Origins); X Dust (Riff Origins)
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Black Star Riders will be touring through March 2017 in support of their third studio album Heavy Fire.
The band, featuring Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Jimmy DeGrasso, will play sixteen shows in the UK and Ireland.
Support on the opening five shows will come from the Scottish hard rock brace of Gun and The Amorettes; Swedish rockers the Backyard Babies will join Gun on the other eleven dates.
Black Star Riders are currently putting the finishing touches to Heavy Fire with Grammy-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains) in Nashville.
Black Star Riders, March 2017 tour dates:
(With Gun and The Amorettes):
Cardiff Tramshed – Thursday 2nd
Wrexham William Aston Hall – Friday 3rd
Dublin Academy – Saturday 4th
Belfast Limelight – Sunday 5th
Inverness Ironworks – Tuesday 7th
(With Gun and Backyard Babies):
Glasgow O2 ABC – Wednesday 8th (co-headline with Gun)
Glasgow O2 ABC – Thursday 9th (co-headline with Gun)
Newcastle O2 Academy – Friday 10th
Leeds O2 Academy – Saturday 11th
Manchester O2 Ritz – Sunday 12th
Nottingham Rock City – Tuesday 14th
Norwich UEA – Wednesday 15th
Bristol O2 Academy – Thursday 16th
London O2 Kentish Town Forum – Friday 17th
Birmingham O2 Institute – Saturday 18th
Bournemouth O2 Academy – Sunday 19th
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The band, featuring Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Jimmy DeGrasso, will play sixteen shows in the UK and Ireland.
Support on the opening five shows will come from the Scottish hard rock brace of Gun and The Amorettes; Swedish rockers the Backyard Babies will join Gun on the other eleven dates.
Black Star Riders are currently putting the finishing touches to Heavy Fire with Grammy-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains) in Nashville.
Black Star Riders, March 2017 tour dates:
(With Gun and The Amorettes):
Cardiff Tramshed – Thursday 2nd
Wrexham William Aston Hall – Friday 3rd
Dublin Academy – Saturday 4th
Belfast Limelight – Sunday 5th
Inverness Ironworks – Tuesday 7th
(With Gun and Backyard Babies):
Glasgow O2 ABC – Wednesday 8th (co-headline with Gun)
Glasgow O2 ABC – Thursday 9th (co-headline with Gun)
Newcastle O2 Academy – Friday 10th
Leeds O2 Academy – Saturday 11th
Manchester O2 Ritz – Sunday 12th
Nottingham Rock City – Tuesday 14th
Norwich UEA – Wednesday 15th
Bristol O2 Academy – Thursday 16th
London O2 Kentish Town Forum – Friday 17th
Birmingham O2 Institute – Saturday 18th
Bournemouth O2 Academy – Sunday 19th
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British heavy metal stalwarts Saxon will have four of their later era live recordings released on vinyl for the first time when Demon Records issue The Vinyl Hoard deluxe box set on the 28th of October.
The collection is presented as four double LP sets on 180 gram Gold vinyl; each will come in a specially designed gatefold sleeve with the set presented in a slipcase box showcasing a cover painting by legendary Saxon artist-in-residence, Paul Gregory.
An exclusive limited edition of 500 copies will be available via Amazon, with a frame-able print of the cover painting signed by Saxon frontman Biff Byford.
Each double vinyl album has been renamed after the tour during which the featured shows took place; the recordings were previously released as The Eagle Has Landed II and III CDs and the To Hell and Back Again DVD.
The Vinyl Hoard, four double LP set:
The Dogs Of War Tour 1995 (recorded on tour in Germany)
Featuring: Dogs Of War, Denim And Leather, Wheels Of Steel
The Lionheart Tour 2004 (recorded on tour in France, England and Germany)
Featuring: Lionheart, Court Of The Crimson King, Are We Travellers In Time
A Night Out With The Boys 2005: The 25th Anniversary of the NWOBHM
(recorded on tour in Germany and Sweden)
Featuring: And The Bands Played On, Suzie Hold On, Stand Up And Be Counted
Rocksound Festival 2006 (recorded in Switzerland)
Featuring: Backs To The Wall, Princess Of The Night, Crusader
Catalogue Number: SAXONBOX02X
Barcode: 5014797895034
Format: 8 LPs in gatefold sleeves, in rigid slipcase
Category: Rock/Heavy Metal
Release date: 28th October 2016
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The collection is presented as four double LP sets on 180 gram Gold vinyl; each will come in a specially designed gatefold sleeve with the set presented in a slipcase box showcasing a cover painting by legendary Saxon artist-in-residence, Paul Gregory.
An exclusive limited edition of 500 copies will be available via Amazon, with a frame-able print of the cover painting signed by Saxon frontman Biff Byford.
Each double vinyl album has been renamed after the tour during which the featured shows took place; the recordings were previously released as The Eagle Has Landed II and III CDs and the To Hell and Back Again DVD.
The Vinyl Hoard, four double LP set:
The Dogs Of War Tour 1995 (recorded on tour in Germany)
Featuring: Dogs Of War, Denim And Leather, Wheels Of Steel
The Lionheart Tour 2004 (recorded on tour in France, England and Germany)
Featuring: Lionheart, Court Of The Crimson King, Are We Travellers In Time
A Night Out With The Boys 2005: The 25th Anniversary of the NWOBHM
(recorded on tour in Germany and Sweden)
Featuring: And The Bands Played On, Suzie Hold On, Stand Up And Be Counted
Rocksound Festival 2006 (recorded in Switzerland)
Featuring: Backs To The Wall, Princess Of The Night, Crusader
Catalogue Number: SAXONBOX02X
Barcode: 5014797895034
Format: 8 LPs in gatefold sleeves, in rigid slipcase
Category: Rock/Heavy Metal
Release date: 28th October 2016
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Makes Me Think Of Home, the sixth solo studio album from former Stiltskin and Genesis frontman Ray Wilson, will be released on the 7th of October.
The album follows in quick succession from Song For a Friend, Ray Wilson’s acoustic album released earlier in the year.
Makes Me Think Of Home is a mix of pop, rock and progressive with a title track that sees the Scottish born singer reflecting on his days living in Scotland (he left after finding love with a Polish dancer and moved to Poznan eight years ago).
The album also contains subtle humour; particularly in the lead-off single 'Amen To That,' which is accompanied by a multi-layered video production that features Ray Wilson playing multiple characters in a range of unusual professions...
The album follows in quick succession from Song For a Friend, Ray Wilson’s acoustic album released earlier in the year.
Makes Me Think Of Home is a mix of pop, rock and progressive with a title track that sees the Scottish born singer reflecting on his days living in Scotland (he left after finding love with a Polish dancer and moved to Poznan eight years ago).
The album also contains subtle humour; particularly in the lead-off single 'Amen To That,' which is accompanied by a multi-layered video production that features Ray Wilson playing multiple characters in a range of unusual professions...
The album also touches on contemporary issues such as alcoholism ('The Next Life') and a homage to one of the best loved and most famous cartoon strips of recent times 'Calvin and Hobbes.'
"Makes Me Think of Home encompasses the joy of freedom we have all come to enjoy and perhaps take for granted as well as the fear of solitude. It highlights the many imperfections that make us special and reminds us not to fear them, but to embrace them. In the words of Leonard Cohen, ‘There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in’.”
Ray Wilson
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"Makes Me Think of Home encompasses the joy of freedom we have all come to enjoy and perhaps take for granted as well as the fear of solitude. It highlights the many imperfections that make us special and reminds us not to fear them, but to embrace them. In the words of Leonard Cohen, ‘There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in’.”
Ray Wilson
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Kalle Wallner, guitarist of excellent German progressives RPWL, will release a third album under his Blind Ego solo project name on October the 21st.
Liquid, Wallner’s first solo release in seven years, is preceded by the brand new single 'Blackened.'
Liquid, Wallner’s first solo release in seven years, is preceded by the brand new single 'Blackened.'
Liquid is a well-suited title for Kalle Wallner’s third solo work; it describes the different flows and streams that propel the nine new songs forward, ranging from aggressive and heavy to moments that exude a sense of clearness and cleansing freshness.
Liquid also fuses the two earlier approaches of 2007’s Mirror (smooth and melancholic) and 2009’s Numb (metal influenced hard rock).
For Liquid Kalle Wallner assembled an illustrious international supergroup of musicians:
Michael Schwager (formerly of Dreamscape) – drums; Sebastian Harnack (Sylvan), Ralf Schwager (Subsignal) and Heiko Jung (Panzerballett) – bass guitars; Erik Blomkvist, Arno Menses (Subsignal), Aaron Brooks (Simeon Soul Charger) – vocals; Yogi Lang (RPWL) - producer.
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Liquid also fuses the two earlier approaches of 2007’s Mirror (smooth and melancholic) and 2009’s Numb (metal influenced hard rock).
For Liquid Kalle Wallner assembled an illustrious international supergroup of musicians:
Michael Schwager (formerly of Dreamscape) – drums; Sebastian Harnack (Sylvan), Ralf Schwager (Subsignal) and Heiko Jung (Panzerballett) – bass guitars; Erik Blomkvist, Arno Menses (Subsignal), Aaron Brooks (Simeon Soul Charger) – vocals; Yogi Lang (RPWL) - producer.
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British Blues Award-winning singer guitarist Aynsley Lister will release his eighth studio album, Eyes Wide Open, on the 7th October on Straight Talkin’ Records.
Lister's previous album, 2013’s Home, delivered both Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year trophies at the British Blues Awards and Eyes Wide Open is another record that should see award nomination, recognition, critical acclaim and positive fan review for the noted British blues rock musician.
Of the album Aynsley Lister says "I wanted to keep the raw edginess and energy of a band, so that meant minimal takes and going with the ones that had the most spirit and passion over those with technical perfection. To me, music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to grab you and move you both emotionally and physically; it’s supposed to connect with you."
Lister's previous album, 2013’s Home, delivered both Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year trophies at the British Blues Awards and Eyes Wide Open is another record that should see award nomination, recognition, critical acclaim and positive fan review for the noted British blues rock musician.
Of the album Aynsley Lister says "I wanted to keep the raw edginess and energy of a band, so that meant minimal takes and going with the ones that had the most spirit and passion over those with technical perfection. To me, music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to grab you and move you both emotionally and physically; it’s supposed to connect with you."
Eyes Wide Open will be available on CD, mastered for iTunes Digital and Standard Digital Download.
Aynsley Lister and his band will undertake a UK & European tour covering 41 dates across seven countries in support of the album September through to December.
Eyes Wide Open – Track Listing
1. All Of Your Love 2. Everything I Have To Give 3. Il Grande Mafioso 4. Won’t Be Taken Down 5. Time
6. Dishevelled 7. Troubled Soul (Intro) 8. Kalina 9. Handful of Doubt 10. Right As Rain 11. Other Part Of Me
12. Stay 13. Hold You To It (Bonus Track)
Aynsley Lister Eyes Wide Open UK tour dates:
Sep 22nd: Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club
Sep 23rd: Sutton, Boom Boom Club
Sep 24th: Burton, Constable Hall Cornucopia Festival
Sep 28th: Milton Keynes, The Stables
Sep 29th: Chester, Telfords Warehouse
Sep 30th: Burnley, Mechanics
Oct 1st: Guisborough, Rhythm & Blues Club
Nov 4th: Blakeney, Harbour Room
Dec 1st: Putney, Half Moon
Dec 2nd: St Helens, Citadel
Dec 3rd: Derby, The Flowerpot
Dec 4th: Newcastle, The Cluny
Dec 8th: Kendal, Bootleggers
Dec 9th: Darlington, Rhythm & Blues Club
Dec 10th: Norwich, The Waterfront
Dec 11th: Leicester, The Musician
Dec 12th: Farnham, Maltings
Dec 15th: Southampton, The Brook
Dec 16th: Sheffield, The Greystones
Dec 17th: Manchester, Academy 3
Dec 18th: Edinburgh, The Caves
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Aynsley Lister and his band will undertake a UK & European tour covering 41 dates across seven countries in support of the album September through to December.
Eyes Wide Open – Track Listing
1. All Of Your Love 2. Everything I Have To Give 3. Il Grande Mafioso 4. Won’t Be Taken Down 5. Time
6. Dishevelled 7. Troubled Soul (Intro) 8. Kalina 9. Handful of Doubt 10. Right As Rain 11. Other Part Of Me
12. Stay 13. Hold You To It (Bonus Track)
Aynsley Lister Eyes Wide Open UK tour dates:
Sep 22nd: Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club
Sep 23rd: Sutton, Boom Boom Club
Sep 24th: Burton, Constable Hall Cornucopia Festival
Sep 28th: Milton Keynes, The Stables
Sep 29th: Chester, Telfords Warehouse
Sep 30th: Burnley, Mechanics
Oct 1st: Guisborough, Rhythm & Blues Club
Nov 4th: Blakeney, Harbour Room
Dec 1st: Putney, Half Moon
Dec 2nd: St Helens, Citadel
Dec 3rd: Derby, The Flowerpot
Dec 4th: Newcastle, The Cluny
Dec 8th: Kendal, Bootleggers
Dec 9th: Darlington, Rhythm & Blues Club
Dec 10th: Norwich, The Waterfront
Dec 11th: Leicester, The Musician
Dec 12th: Farnham, Maltings
Dec 15th: Southampton, The Brook
Dec 16th: Sheffield, The Greystones
Dec 17th: Manchester, Academy 3
Dec 18th: Edinburgh, The Caves
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Multi National Blues Sisters’ Tasha Taylor (USA), Layla Zoe (Canada) and Ina Forsman (Finland) will make a short three-gig visit to the UK in September as part of the 2016 edition of the Blues Caravan tour.
Now in its twelfth year, the Blues Caravan is a touring showcase for the hottest young acts on the Ruf Records label; past tours have helped promote and launch the careers of artists such as Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bart Walker and Samantha Fish.
Tasha Taylor has the blues in her blood.
Daughter of R&B trailblazer and Stax icon Johnnie Taylor, she inherited his musical talent but walked her own path, studying drama at Boston University before lighting up hit TV shows including Ugly Betty and House. The pull of music proved too strong, however, and Tasha broke through with Taylormade: the album whose self-penned, sharply observed material pinballed from early soul single ‘Queen’ to the redemptive gospel of ‘I Got Love.’
Like her early influences – from Bob Dylan to Muddy Waters – Layla Zoe is a fearless writer, earning victory in 2006’s auspicious Blues Compo songwriting competition and critical acclaim for albums including 2013’s The Lily.
For the Blues Caravan 2016, Layla Zoe will be drawing on the best of her catalogue, previewing this year’s new release, and leaving it all on the stage.
When Ina Forsman steps up to the microphone you’ll believe every word.
The Finnish vocalist hit the radar aged 17 with a show-stopping rendition of Etta James’s ‘All I Could Do Was Cry’ on a TV talent show. Since then, she’s achieved international recognition, guesting with blues heavyweights Helge Tallqvist and Guy Verlinde on the road, touring mainland Europe and proving her own songwriting chops with her self-penned and fiercely personal material.
Individually talented, but when they get together?
Well, see and hear for yourselves…
Now in its twelfth year, the Blues Caravan is a touring showcase for the hottest young acts on the Ruf Records label; past tours have helped promote and launch the careers of artists such as Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bart Walker and Samantha Fish.
Tasha Taylor has the blues in her blood.
Daughter of R&B trailblazer and Stax icon Johnnie Taylor, she inherited his musical talent but walked her own path, studying drama at Boston University before lighting up hit TV shows including Ugly Betty and House. The pull of music proved too strong, however, and Tasha broke through with Taylormade: the album whose self-penned, sharply observed material pinballed from early soul single ‘Queen’ to the redemptive gospel of ‘I Got Love.’
Like her early influences – from Bob Dylan to Muddy Waters – Layla Zoe is a fearless writer, earning victory in 2006’s auspicious Blues Compo songwriting competition and critical acclaim for albums including 2013’s The Lily.
For the Blues Caravan 2016, Layla Zoe will be drawing on the best of her catalogue, previewing this year’s new release, and leaving it all on the stage.
When Ina Forsman steps up to the microphone you’ll believe every word.
The Finnish vocalist hit the radar aged 17 with a show-stopping rendition of Etta James’s ‘All I Could Do Was Cry’ on a TV talent show. Since then, she’s achieved international recognition, guesting with blues heavyweights Helge Tallqvist and Guy Verlinde on the road, touring mainland Europe and proving her own songwriting chops with her self-penned and fiercely personal material.
Individually talented, but when they get together?
Well, see and hear for yourselves…
Blues Caravan 2016 - Tasha Taylor, Layla Zoe, Ina Forsman – UK dates:
16th September - The Flowerpot, Derby
17th September - The Iron Road, Evesham
18th September - The Boom Boom Club, Sutton
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16th September - The Flowerpot, Derby
17th September - The Iron Road, Evesham
18th September - The Boom Boom Club, Sutton
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American blues singer songwriter guitarists' Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia will play nine dates (plus a Private Party event) in the UK as part of their In Your Face UK Tour.
Mike Zito’s backstory is a travelogue that starts in Missouri and finds salvation in Texas, pinballs from solo career to Royal Southern Brotherhood supergroup (and back) and dices with both death and glory.
And yet, wherever his career leads him, Mike Zito always returns to his founding values of honest, original songs, drawn from the emotional depths – "Keep Coming Back is all in the title," explains the musician and producer of his latest release on Ruf Records. "I love the blues, I love rock ‘n’ roll and I love country music. It’s what I do and who I am."
After five acclaimed albums on the back of two self-released records and decades of blazing blues-rock shows, you might argue that you’ve already made Albert Castiglia’s acquaintance, but this year’s album Big Dog, produced by Mike Zito, is his strongest and most complete album to date.
"I have no illusions about what kind of guitar player and singer I am," states Castiglia. "My style is raw, unadulterated, crude and heavy. I don’t have the technical proficiency of other players, but I play what’s in my heart and what I feel at that moment. When I write songs, they have to mean something."
Britain’s outstanding blues harmonica player and singer Will Wilde will be special guest on the tour.
Weaned on the likes of Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Buddy Guy, Will Wilde grew up steeped in traditional Chicago Blues, yet his focus as an artist remains resolutely on the future.
His latest album, Live in Hamburg, was released in 2015.
Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia (with special guest Will Wilde), UK dates, through September:
20th – Worthing, Southern Pier Pavilion
21st – Swansea, The Scene
22nd – Southampton, The Brook
23rd – Basingstoke, The Stage
24th – Lockerbie, Jazz Festival
26th – Sutton, Boom Boom Club
27th – Chislehurst, Beaverwood
29th – Derby, Flower Pot
30th – Evesham, Iron Door
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Mike Zito’s backstory is a travelogue that starts in Missouri and finds salvation in Texas, pinballs from solo career to Royal Southern Brotherhood supergroup (and back) and dices with both death and glory.
And yet, wherever his career leads him, Mike Zito always returns to his founding values of honest, original songs, drawn from the emotional depths – "Keep Coming Back is all in the title," explains the musician and producer of his latest release on Ruf Records. "I love the blues, I love rock ‘n’ roll and I love country music. It’s what I do and who I am."
After five acclaimed albums on the back of two self-released records and decades of blazing blues-rock shows, you might argue that you’ve already made Albert Castiglia’s acquaintance, but this year’s album Big Dog, produced by Mike Zito, is his strongest and most complete album to date.
"I have no illusions about what kind of guitar player and singer I am," states Castiglia. "My style is raw, unadulterated, crude and heavy. I don’t have the technical proficiency of other players, but I play what’s in my heart and what I feel at that moment. When I write songs, they have to mean something."
Britain’s outstanding blues harmonica player and singer Will Wilde will be special guest on the tour.
Weaned on the likes of Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Buddy Guy, Will Wilde grew up steeped in traditional Chicago Blues, yet his focus as an artist remains resolutely on the future.
His latest album, Live in Hamburg, was released in 2015.
Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia (with special guest Will Wilde), UK dates, through September:
20th – Worthing, Southern Pier Pavilion
21st – Swansea, The Scene
22nd – Southampton, The Brook
23rd – Basingstoke, The Stage
24th – Lockerbie, Jazz Festival
26th – Sutton, Boom Boom Club
27th – Chislehurst, Beaverwood
29th – Derby, Flower Pot
30th – Evesham, Iron Door
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British hard rock stalwarts Stray, led by the band’s ever-present singer and guitarist Del Bromham, are in their 50th year of performing.
By way of celebration the band, whose line-up currently includes mid-70s to early 80s Stray staple guitarist/ vocalist Pete Dyer, have been performing various dates in England; they have a clutch of dates, including some Festival appearances, scheduled for the remainder of the year.
The highlight show is expected to be the gig at The Borderline in London on the 18th of November when the original line-up of Del Bromham, Steve Gadd, Ritchie Cole and Gary Giles are expected to perform a part of the set.
Del Bromham’s Blues Devils, featuring vocalist Cherry Mee Lewis and current Stray members Stuart Uren and Karl Randall, are also performing a number of dates and festivals.
Stray and Del Bromham’s Blues Devils; remaining live dates 2016:
11th September – Newark Blues Festival, Newark (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
16th September – The Bear, Luton (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
30th September – Hartlepool Supporters Blues Club, Hartlepool (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
1st October – Cornmarket Blues, Raven Hall, Corby (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
2nd October – Whitby Blues Festival, Whitby (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
5th November – Malt Shovel Beer Festival, Northampton (Stray)
11th November – Ilfracombe Rock and Blues Festival, Ilfracombe, Devon (Stray)
18th November – The Borderline, London (Stray w/guest appearance from the original line-up)
24th November – The Stables, Milton Keynes (Stray)
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By way of celebration the band, whose line-up currently includes mid-70s to early 80s Stray staple guitarist/ vocalist Pete Dyer, have been performing various dates in England; they have a clutch of dates, including some Festival appearances, scheduled for the remainder of the year.
The highlight show is expected to be the gig at The Borderline in London on the 18th of November when the original line-up of Del Bromham, Steve Gadd, Ritchie Cole and Gary Giles are expected to perform a part of the set.
Del Bromham’s Blues Devils, featuring vocalist Cherry Mee Lewis and current Stray members Stuart Uren and Karl Randall, are also performing a number of dates and festivals.
Stray and Del Bromham’s Blues Devils; remaining live dates 2016:
11th September – Newark Blues Festival, Newark (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
16th September – The Bear, Luton (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
30th September – Hartlepool Supporters Blues Club, Hartlepool (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
1st October – Cornmarket Blues, Raven Hall, Corby (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
2nd October – Whitby Blues Festival, Whitby (Del Bromham's Blues Devils)
5th November – Malt Shovel Beer Festival, Northampton (Stray)
11th November – Ilfracombe Rock and Blues Festival, Ilfracombe, Devon (Stray)
18th November – The Borderline, London (Stray w/guest appearance from the original line-up)
24th November – The Stables, Milton Keynes (Stray)
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Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman and nephew of the late Duane Allman, will bring his consummate Southern soul-rock blues to the UK late August and early September when he plays six dates with his band as part of his Ride of Die tour.
Leader of the three piece Honeytribe and a member of the Royal Southern Brotherhood for four years (recording and releasing three albums with the supergroup outfit), Devon Allman has more lately been forging a solo career; his debut album Turquoise, was released in 2013 with Ragged & Dirty following in 2014.
Devon Allman's new album, Ride or Die, will be released on the 16th of September.
The Devon Allman Band, Ride or Die UK dates:
29h August – Colne, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
30th August – Swansea, The Scene
31st August – London, Borderline
1st September – Basingstoke, The Stage
6th September – Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club
7th September – Worthing, Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion
http://www.devonallmanband.com/
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Leader of the three piece Honeytribe and a member of the Royal Southern Brotherhood for four years (recording and releasing three albums with the supergroup outfit), Devon Allman has more lately been forging a solo career; his debut album Turquoise, was released in 2013 with Ragged & Dirty following in 2014.
Devon Allman's new album, Ride or Die, will be released on the 16th of September.
The Devon Allman Band, Ride or Die UK dates:
29h August – Colne, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
30th August – Swansea, The Scene
31st August – London, Borderline
1st September – Basingstoke, The Stage
6th September – Chislehurst, Beaverwood Club
7th September – Worthing, Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion
http://www.devonallmanband.com/
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Not content with picking up multiple awards at the 2016 UK National Tribute Music Awards as part of Talon, the premier Eagles tribute and the UK’s No.1 tribute band, multi-instrumentalist and consummate musician Jonny Miller is now offering his studio, recording, session and tuition services (guitar, bass, keyboard and piano) via Jonny Miller Music.
With more than twenty years’ experience as a professional musician and with a flexible and outstanding talent that would be comfortable in any genre or band situation (Talon’s gain is everyone else’s loss) those in need of recording or production time, some tuition or looking for session assistance should consider heading to Redditch in Worcestershire and Jonny Miller Music.
With more than twenty years’ experience as a professional musician and with a flexible and outstanding talent that would be comfortable in any genre or band situation (Talon’s gain is everyone else’s loss) those in need of recording or production time, some tuition or looking for session assistance should consider heading to Redditch in Worcestershire and Jonny Miller Music.
For more information, details of services and pricing head to the Jonny Miller Music page:
https://www.facebook.com/jonnymillermusicuk/services
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https://www.facebook.com/jonnymillermusicuk/services
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-Sigh-
Actually, make that -Sia-
Earlier in August the face-covered popster Sia performed at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, but it was a show that had some of her fans feeling first aggrieved then filing grievances.
It seems a bunch of fans grouped together to file a class action suit against Sia for, wait for it, providing "absolutely no stage banter" at a concert that is more performance art than it is a pop show.
I'm almost (just almost, mind) at a loss for words.
You pays yer money, kids, you take what's given to you.
And quite frankly if you're going to pay $91 for 65 minutes of theatrically staged synth washed pop-art from an artist who hides her face with a wig then you get what you deserve -- which is $91 for 65 minutes of theatrically staged synth washed pop-art from an artist who hides her face with a wig.
While performing an intentionally banter free show.
I loved the New York Daily News take on it -- that the fans were clearly "wigging out" in class action suit horror.
I See what you did there boys; nice one.
More on the story here via The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/18/sia-lawsuit-israel-banter-concerts-stage-live-music?CMP=fb_gu
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Actually, make that -Sia-
Earlier in August the face-covered popster Sia performed at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park, but it was a show that had some of her fans feeling first aggrieved then filing grievances.
It seems a bunch of fans grouped together to file a class action suit against Sia for, wait for it, providing "absolutely no stage banter" at a concert that is more performance art than it is a pop show.
I'm almost (just almost, mind) at a loss for words.
You pays yer money, kids, you take what's given to you.
And quite frankly if you're going to pay $91 for 65 minutes of theatrically staged synth washed pop-art from an artist who hides her face with a wig then you get what you deserve -- which is $91 for 65 minutes of theatrically staged synth washed pop-art from an artist who hides her face with a wig.
While performing an intentionally banter free show.
I loved the New York Daily News take on it -- that the fans were clearly "wigging out" in class action suit horror.
I See what you did there boys; nice one.
More on the story here via The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/18/sia-lawsuit-israel-banter-concerts-stage-live-music?CMP=fb_gu
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Frontiers Music have just announced that Resurrection, the new album from Operation: Mindcrime featuring Geoff Tate, will be released on September the 23rd.
Three songs from the album have been made available – audio of 'The Fight' and 'Left For Dead' via Youtube video and 'A Smear Campaign – Radio Single.'
The latter, a progressive dark rock meets jazz six minute number, is, as the suffix suggests, only currently available to Press and for Radio broadcast.
Resurrection is the second part of a musical trilogy from rock and metal vocalist Geoff Tate and his band Operation: Mindcrime; it follows exactly a year after the release of the group's debut The Key.
Says Geoff Tate of the second album in the trilogy: "It continues the story that began on The Key with the near death experience of the lead character known as 'H' and his subsequent recovery of the missing encryption key. With the Key finally in his possession, 'H' has everything he needs to finally launch his long awaited project called ‘The New Reality'. Or does he…?
"I’m excited for people to hear and experience Resurrection because I think it answers some of the questions that were posed in the first album. Musically, it also offers some of the most diverse and challenging material that I’ve ever written."
Three songs from the album have been made available – audio of 'The Fight' and 'Left For Dead' via Youtube video and 'A Smear Campaign – Radio Single.'
The latter, a progressive dark rock meets jazz six minute number, is, as the suffix suggests, only currently available to Press and for Radio broadcast.
Resurrection is the second part of a musical trilogy from rock and metal vocalist Geoff Tate and his band Operation: Mindcrime; it follows exactly a year after the release of the group's debut The Key.
Says Geoff Tate of the second album in the trilogy: "It continues the story that began on The Key with the near death experience of the lead character known as 'H' and his subsequent recovery of the missing encryption key. With the Key finally in his possession, 'H' has everything he needs to finally launch his long awaited project called ‘The New Reality'. Or does he…?
"I’m excited for people to hear and experience Resurrection because I think it answers some of the questions that were posed in the first album. Musically, it also offers some of the most diverse and challenging material that I’ve ever written."
Geoff Tate has sold more than 25 million records at the helm of Queensrÿche, the band he fronted for thirty years from their inception until 2012.
The landmark concept album Operation: Mindcrime thrust Tate's unique social consciousness, style
and expertly crafted lyrics into the national spotlight in 1988; it was followed by Empire in 1990.
Empire delivered Queensryche to arena-headlining status and sold more than three million albums on the back of the hit singles and radio staples 'Silent Lucidity' and 'Jet City Woman.’
Geoff Tate's thirteen album tenure with Queensrÿche was marked by exploration, intrigue, bold risks and gratifying results – the same can be said of the band Operation: Mindcrime, The Key and now Resurrection.
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The landmark concept album Operation: Mindcrime thrust Tate's unique social consciousness, style
and expertly crafted lyrics into the national spotlight in 1988; it was followed by Empire in 1990.
Empire delivered Queensryche to arena-headlining status and sold more than three million albums on the back of the hit singles and radio staples 'Silent Lucidity' and 'Jet City Woman.’
Geoff Tate's thirteen album tenure with Queensrÿche was marked by exploration, intrigue, bold risks and gratifying results – the same can be said of the band Operation: Mindcrime, The Key and now Resurrection.
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Joe Bonamassa, who must by now have more live DVDs than an entire HMV music store, will release Live at the Greek Theatre on September the 23rd.
The performance is lifted from Bonamassa’s "Three Kings" tour of 2015, a tribute to three of the of the greatest bluesmen to ever live – Albert King, B.B. King, and Freddie King.
Live at the Greek Theatre, which comes in two hour 22 tracks Double CD, Double DVD, Blu-ray, and 3-LP editions, includes a collector’s edition booklet and several bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray versions.
Songs featured range from blues standards to deep cuts, including 'Born Under a Bad Sign,' 'Lonesome Whistle Blues,' 'Hummingbird,' B.B. King’s famed 'The Thrill Is Gone' and 'Let The Good Times Roll'...
The performance is lifted from Bonamassa’s "Three Kings" tour of 2015, a tribute to three of the of the greatest bluesmen to ever live – Albert King, B.B. King, and Freddie King.
Live at the Greek Theatre, which comes in two hour 22 tracks Double CD, Double DVD, Blu-ray, and 3-LP editions, includes a collector’s edition booklet and several bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray versions.
Songs featured range from blues standards to deep cuts, including 'Born Under a Bad Sign,' 'Lonesome Whistle Blues,' 'Hummingbird,' B.B. King’s famed 'The Thrill Is Gone' and 'Let The Good Times Roll'...
The Three Kings tour was a continuation of the celebration of our blues heritage, which began with the 2014 production of Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks, a tribute to the music of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
Both tours gave a portion of proceeds to the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, a non-profit organisation Joe Bonamassa founded in 2011 promoting the heritage of the blues to the next generation through funds for music scholarships and supplementing the loss of music education in public schools.
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Both tours gave a portion of proceeds to the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, a non-profit organisation Joe Bonamassa founded in 2011 promoting the heritage of the blues to the next generation through funds for music scholarships and supplementing the loss of music education in public schools.
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Ex Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton has just released his latest album, simply entitled Solo.
Issued on the American label ATOM Records the new CD is only available in the US at this time (although Atom are looking at partners in Europe to carry the CD).
The new eleven track album is the most diverse of Manny Charlton’s extensive post-Nazareth career.
Produced by Charlton, the album features four originals, three reworked Nazareth classics ('Sunshine,' 'May the Sunshine' and a techno-rock take of 'Expect No Mercy'), two very different covers (Radiohead’s 'Black Star;' Abba’s 'S.O.S'), a Julie Miller ballad entitled 'All My Tears (Be Washed Away)' sung by Linton Osborne who had a short stint with Nazareth (and more recently of the Manny Charlton Band) and the Spanish affected number 'She Dances In Cordoba,' sung by Randy Lopez.
Manny Charlton spoke a little about the then just-completed album during his conversation with FabricationsHQ in 2015; meanwhile Atom Records President Scott Kinnison is delighted that SOLO is part of the label’s 2016 catalogue, as he confirmed to FabricationsHQ:
"Atom Records are excited to shed some light on Manny's solo efforts. Nazareth is one of my favorite artists and I really like what Manny has done with Solo, his new disc with us.
If things go well, I'm hoping we can re-issue some of the other titles he's self-released through the years."
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Issued on the American label ATOM Records the new CD is only available in the US at this time (although Atom are looking at partners in Europe to carry the CD).
The new eleven track album is the most diverse of Manny Charlton’s extensive post-Nazareth career.
Produced by Charlton, the album features four originals, three reworked Nazareth classics ('Sunshine,' 'May the Sunshine' and a techno-rock take of 'Expect No Mercy'), two very different covers (Radiohead’s 'Black Star;' Abba’s 'S.O.S'), a Julie Miller ballad entitled 'All My Tears (Be Washed Away)' sung by Linton Osborne who had a short stint with Nazareth (and more recently of the Manny Charlton Band) and the Spanish affected number 'She Dances In Cordoba,' sung by Randy Lopez.
Manny Charlton spoke a little about the then just-completed album during his conversation with FabricationsHQ in 2015; meanwhile Atom Records President Scott Kinnison is delighted that SOLO is part of the label’s 2016 catalogue, as he confirmed to FabricationsHQ:
"Atom Records are excited to shed some light on Manny's solo efforts. Nazareth is one of my favorite artists and I really like what Manny has done with Solo, his new disc with us.
If things go well, I'm hoping we can re-issue some of the other titles he's self-released through the years."
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1000 Rebels with a cause…
Rockin'1000, the volunteer-based rock band that, as you will have surmised, features (over) one thousand members, delivered their That’s Live, 17 song show (including a truly anthemic version of David Bowie's 'Rebel Rebel') over the 23rd/ 24th July weekend at Orogel Stadium in Cesena, Italy.
The group, who first performed the Foo Fighter’s 'Learn to Fly' in similar big sounding style in 2015, were split into sections of singers, bassists, drummers and guitarist (with smaller sections of keyboardists, violinists and bagpipe players).
Rockin'1000, the volunteer-based rock band that, as you will have surmised, features (over) one thousand members, delivered their That’s Live, 17 song show (including a truly anthemic version of David Bowie's 'Rebel Rebel') over the 23rd/ 24th July weekend at Orogel Stadium in Cesena, Italy.
The group, who first performed the Foo Fighter’s 'Learn to Fly' in similar big sounding style in 2015, were split into sections of singers, bassists, drummers and guitarist (with smaller sections of keyboardists, violinists and bagpipe players).
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No sooner has Joe Bonamassa left the UK after his successful Salute to the British Blues Explosion tour shows than he’s booking in another visit…
The blues rock guitar maestro returns to the UK in April 2017 to play two nights in London at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall (Thursday 20th April and Friday 21st April).
The dates will be the third and fourth time Joe Bonamassa has played the famous and landmark venue.
Bonamassa previously performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2013 on his Tour de Force Tour of London; prior to that he played there in May of 2009 when Eric Clapton joined him on stage (the latter was released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray as Joe Bonamassa – Live From The Royal Albert Hall).
Joe Bonamassa Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Thursday 20th April 2017
Friday 21st April 2017
Planet Rock 72-hour Ticket Pre-sale – from Tuesday 2nd August 2016 at www.planetrock.com
General Tickets – from Friday 5th August at
www.royalalberthall.com/tickets, www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
24 hour ticket hotline: 0844 844 0444.
Photo Credit: Gavin Lowery
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The blues rock guitar maestro returns to the UK in April 2017 to play two nights in London at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall (Thursday 20th April and Friday 21st April).
The dates will be the third and fourth time Joe Bonamassa has played the famous and landmark venue.
Bonamassa previously performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2013 on his Tour de Force Tour of London; prior to that he played there in May of 2009 when Eric Clapton joined him on stage (the latter was released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray as Joe Bonamassa – Live From The Royal Albert Hall).
Joe Bonamassa Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Thursday 20th April 2017
Friday 21st April 2017
Planet Rock 72-hour Ticket Pre-sale – from Tuesday 2nd August 2016 at www.planetrock.com
General Tickets – from Friday 5th August at
www.royalalberthall.com/tickets, www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
24 hour ticket hotline: 0844 844 0444.
Photo Credit: Gavin Lowery
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Little snippets of information on two anticipated albums with as yet unknown release dates have recently surfaced by way of Bruce Springsteen's manager Jon Landau and the Rolling Stones Keith Richards.
Little is known of Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming solo album other than it will be E Street free but in a recent Billboard interview The Boss’s manager Jon Landau disclosed that it’s "different," "wonderful" and "not an acoustic record," continuing that it’s "a very expansive record, a very rich record. It’s one of Bruce’s very creative efforts. Stay tuned, and we’ll see exactly how that shapes up next year."
Keith Richards has confirmed that Eric Clapton makes a guest appearance or two on what will be the Rolling Stones’ twenty-third studio album.
Confirmation that there was to be a new album, and the fact that much of it was recorded, was revealed at the launch of the Rolling Stones Exhibitionism at the Saatchi Gallery in April when Richards and band mate Ronnie Wood spoke of a Chicago blues inspired record that included covers of songs by Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf.
In a recent interview with the BBC Keith Richards mentioned that Eric Clapton "dropped by for a couple of numbers" on an album that is expected to have a release sometime in the autumn, with the band themselves hoping to announce European tour dates in 2017.
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Little is known of Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming solo album other than it will be E Street free but in a recent Billboard interview The Boss’s manager Jon Landau disclosed that it’s "different," "wonderful" and "not an acoustic record," continuing that it’s "a very expansive record, a very rich record. It’s one of Bruce’s very creative efforts. Stay tuned, and we’ll see exactly how that shapes up next year."
Keith Richards has confirmed that Eric Clapton makes a guest appearance or two on what will be the Rolling Stones’ twenty-third studio album.
Confirmation that there was to be a new album, and the fact that much of it was recorded, was revealed at the launch of the Rolling Stones Exhibitionism at the Saatchi Gallery in April when Richards and band mate Ronnie Wood spoke of a Chicago blues inspired record that included covers of songs by Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf.
In a recent interview with the BBC Keith Richards mentioned that Eric Clapton "dropped by for a couple of numbers" on an album that is expected to have a release sometime in the autumn, with the band themselves hoping to announce European tour dates in 2017.
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Australian hard riff rockers Airbourne have announced a winter UK tour.
The band will play ten shows in November starting at the Pyramids in Portsmouth on the 17th of November and ending with a brace of dates at the London Electric Ballroom on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th of November.
The dates are in support of Airbourne’s fourth studio album Breakin’ Outta Hell which will be released in September.
Tickets are on sale now.
The band will play ten shows in November starting at the Pyramids in Portsmouth on the 17th of November and ending with a brace of dates at the London Electric Ballroom on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th of November.
The dates are in support of Airbourne’s fourth studio album Breakin’ Outta Hell which will be released in September.
Tickets are on sale now.
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Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris will headline the 2016 edition of Planet Rockstock with his solo band British Lion; the band join The Dead Daisies and Black Stone Cherry as the Trecco Bay event’s three main acts.
In addition to the three headliners, five other acts have recently been confirmed - Australian hard rockers Tequila Mockingbyrd, Wolverhampton’s Under A Banner and the Planet Rock Roadstars triple blues co-headliners Simo, Aaron Keylock and Federal Charm.
The above acts join Tyketto, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash, Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, Phil Campbell's All Starr Band, The Amorettes, Inglorious, A Thousand Horses, Whiskey Myers and the Von Hertzen Brothers.
Planet Rockstock takes place from the 1st to the 4th of December 2016 at Trecco Bay in South Wales.
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Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris will headline the 2016 edition of Planet Rockstock with his solo band British Lion; the band join The Dead Daisies and Black Stone Cherry as the Trecco Bay event’s three main acts.
In addition to the three headliners, five other acts have recently been confirmed - Australian hard rockers Tequila Mockingbyrd, Wolverhampton’s Under A Banner and the Planet Rock Roadstars triple blues co-headliners Simo, Aaron Keylock and Federal Charm.
The above acts join Tyketto, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash, Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, Phil Campbell's All Starr Band, The Amorettes, Inglorious, A Thousand Horses, Whiskey Myers and the Von Hertzen Brothers.
Planet Rockstock takes place from the 1st to the 4th of December 2016 at Trecco Bay in South Wales.
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The Pink Floyd Collectables keep on coming...
The Early Years '65-'72 is an expansive and expensive (expect £350-£400) 27 disc, 7 book box set that will be released on the 11th of November.
The set is split into seven sections and contains TV recordings, BBC Sessions, unreleased tracks, outtakes and demos over twelve and a half hours of audio (made up of 130 tracks) and over fifteen hours of video.
As well as tracks that fans will be familiar with, there are over 20 unreleased songs including seven hours of previously unreleased live audio, plus more than five hours of rare concert footage.
The set also includes 7” singles in replica sleeves, collectable memorabilia, feature films and new sound mixes.
In addition to the deluxe set, a 2-CD highlights album The Early Years – CRE/ATION will also be available on 11th November.
Each individual book-style package within the box set will be released separately early in 2017, except BONUS CONTINU/ATION which is exclusive to the full box set.
The Early Years '65-'72 is an expansive and expensive (expect £350-£400) 27 disc, 7 book box set that will be released on the 11th of November.
The set is split into seven sections and contains TV recordings, BBC Sessions, unreleased tracks, outtakes and demos over twelve and a half hours of audio (made up of 130 tracks) and over fifteen hours of video.
As well as tracks that fans will be familiar with, there are over 20 unreleased songs including seven hours of previously unreleased live audio, plus more than five hours of rare concert footage.
The set also includes 7” singles in replica sleeves, collectable memorabilia, feature films and new sound mixes.
In addition to the deluxe set, a 2-CD highlights album The Early Years – CRE/ATION will also be available on 11th November.
Each individual book-style package within the box set will be released separately early in 2017, except BONUS CONTINU/ATION which is exclusive to the full box set.
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Metal, Baby!
No, sorry, Baby Metal!
Other than that I have no comment to make, introductory or otherwise; make your own metallic minds up as Rob Halford joins Babymetal on the Alternative Press Music Awards stage in Columbus Ohio to perform the Judas Priest numbers 'Painkiller' and 'Breaking The Law.'
Metal, Baby!
No, sorry, Baby Metal!
Other than that I have no comment to make, introductory or otherwise; make your own metallic minds up as Rob Halford joins Babymetal on the Alternative Press Music Awards stage in Columbus Ohio to perform the Judas Priest numbers 'Painkiller' and 'Breaking The Law.'
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Nice to hear that Raintown, the Glasgow based country pop-rockers featuring husband and wife singer-songwriter duo Paul Bain and Claire-McArthur-Bain, got a welcoming and full house reception for their Special Guest slot opening for Runrig at the 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the 21st of July.
It was such a special night that Paul, in conversation with FabricationsHQ, was inspired to comment:
"We had such an amazing experience at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Playing live is something we really love – we feel very at home on the stage playing our songs – but there is always a real sense of excited anticipation opening in front of another band’s fans.
"However the truth is the Runrig crowd were amazing; they cheered, sang along and made us feel very welcome. We cannot thank Runrig enough for affording us such an amazing opportunity. We feel very grateful to have opened for them in such a fantastic auditorium."
The band were so bowled over by the reception they put a thank-you/ memories video together accompanied by the audio of 'Feel Much Better Now,' one of many highlights to be found on the band’s second and latest melodic country-pop release, Writing on the Wall.
Nice to hear that Raintown, the Glasgow based country pop-rockers featuring husband and wife singer-songwriter duo Paul Bain and Claire-McArthur-Bain, got a welcoming and full house reception for their Special Guest slot opening for Runrig at the 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the 21st of July.
It was such a special night that Paul, in conversation with FabricationsHQ, was inspired to comment:
"We had such an amazing experience at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Playing live is something we really love – we feel very at home on the stage playing our songs – but there is always a real sense of excited anticipation opening in front of another band’s fans.
"However the truth is the Runrig crowd were amazing; they cheered, sang along and made us feel very welcome. We cannot thank Runrig enough for affording us such an amazing opportunity. We feel very grateful to have opened for them in such a fantastic auditorium."
The band were so bowled over by the reception they put a thank-you/ memories video together accompanied by the audio of 'Feel Much Better Now,' one of many highlights to be found on the band’s second and latest melodic country-pop release, Writing on the Wall.
Wider and larger audience recognition such as evidenced at the Shepherd’s Bush gig is no more than the band's work ethic and quality of performance and material deserve.
And with a little luck, promotional pushing and the right venue/ gig routing Raintown (already a multi-award winning outfit at both the Scottish New Music Awards and the British Country Music Awards) could well be headlining venues such as the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in the years to come.
Review of Raintown’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire show in support of Runrig here: http://bit.ly/29wzmux
FabricationsHQ’s review of Writing on the Wall can be found on the 2015 Album Reviews page:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/2015-releases.html
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And with a little luck, promotional pushing and the right venue/ gig routing Raintown (already a multi-award winning outfit at both the Scottish New Music Awards and the British Country Music Awards) could well be headlining venues such as the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in the years to come.
Review of Raintown’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire show in support of Runrig here: http://bit.ly/29wzmux
FabricationsHQ’s review of Writing on the Wall can be found on the 2015 Album Reviews page:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/2015-releases.html
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Singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and mixer Mitch Malloy, who first made an impact with his self-titled AOR styled debut album in 1992 (and came close to being Van Halen’s singer in 1996) has just released his new single and video 'My Therapy.'
The track is taken from Malloy’s forthcoming CD Making Noise, an album that marks the first time the musician has undertaken an album truly solo, from song writing and instrumentation through to production, mixing and mastering:
"I have always brought in a few musicians or songwriters to work with me on projects in the past and have really enjoyed what they brought to the table. But this time, I was in a different place and really needed to work through everything musically by myself… thus, My Therapy!"
The track is taken from Malloy’s forthcoming CD Making Noise, an album that marks the first time the musician has undertaken an album truly solo, from song writing and instrumentation through to production, mixing and mastering:
"I have always brought in a few musicians or songwriters to work with me on projects in the past and have really enjoyed what they brought to the table. But this time, I was in a different place and really needed to work through everything musically by myself… thus, My Therapy!"
Mitch Malloy is scheduled to perform a number of UK dates in September as part of the international Making Noise Tour; the UK performances will be followed by a number of shows across Europe including gigs in Oslo, Malmo, Athens, Madrid and Lisbon.
Making Noise Tour dates, UK and Europe:
September 9th – The Barrington Theatre, Bournemouth, UK
September 10th - The Globe, Cardiff, UK
September 11th - The Robin 2, Workington, UK
September 13th – Yardbirds, Grimsby, UK
September 14th – Bannermans, Edinburgh, UK
September 16th – Fusion, Liverpool, UK
September 17th – Corporation, Sheffield, UK
September 18th - The Underworld, London, UK
September 20th - Hard Rock Café, Oslo, Norway
September 23rd - Rebel Live, Malmo, Sweden
September 24th – Portalen, Roskilde, Denmark
November 22nd – Moody, Athens, Greece
November 23rd - RCA Club, Lisbon, Portugal
November 25th - Moon dance, Madrid, Spain
November 26th – Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany
www.mitchmalloy.com
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Making Noise Tour dates, UK and Europe:
September 9th – The Barrington Theatre, Bournemouth, UK
September 10th - The Globe, Cardiff, UK
September 11th - The Robin 2, Workington, UK
September 13th – Yardbirds, Grimsby, UK
September 14th – Bannermans, Edinburgh, UK
September 16th – Fusion, Liverpool, UK
September 17th – Corporation, Sheffield, UK
September 18th - The Underworld, London, UK
September 20th - Hard Rock Café, Oslo, Norway
September 23rd - Rebel Live, Malmo, Sweden
September 24th – Portalen, Roskilde, Denmark
November 22nd – Moody, Athens, Greece
November 23rd - RCA Club, Lisbon, Portugal
November 25th - Moon dance, Madrid, Spain
November 26th – Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany
www.mitchmalloy.com
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Glasgow based singer songwriter Daryl Sperry will release his debut EP I Don’t Want To Be Everybody in September with a launch date at the Classic Grand in Glasgow on the 23rd of that month.
While Sperry has delivered a number of songs by way of YouTube video demoing, Facebook posting and live performance, the arrangement and production of 'Eyes On Me,' the second single to be lifted from the forthcoming EP, is the sound of a young and still raw musician starting to find his own voice...
While Sperry has delivered a number of songs by way of YouTube video demoing, Facebook posting and live performance, the arrangement and production of 'Eyes On Me,' the second single to be lifted from the forthcoming EP, is the sound of a young and still raw musician starting to find his own voice...
Nurturing or investing of a potential talent, especially for those in the Indie singer songwriter scene, is pretty much a thing of the past and for the unsigned or Independent artist it can be both a crapshoot and a rocky path.
But, based on 'Eyes On Me,' it's a path that may yet lead upward for Daryl Sperry.
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But, based on 'Eyes On Me,' it's a path that may yet lead upward for Daryl Sperry.
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"And the award for most awkward, off the scale cringe-factor Musical Moment goes to…"
Jon Bon should-have-stayed-in-my-seat Jovi, private wedding reception, murdering his own song in a key he wouldn’t be able to get cut at a locksmith ironmonger’s let alone sing, before it changes to another key that, clearly, even the band don’t recognise…
Jon Bon should-have-stayed-in-my-seat Jovi, private wedding reception, murdering his own song in a key he wouldn’t be able to get cut at a locksmith ironmonger’s let alone sing, before it changes to another key that, clearly, even the band don’t recognise…
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"And the award for cutest / 'awww' factor Musical Moment goes to…"
'Waitin’ for a Sunny Day' in Oslo, June 29th, with some bloke called Bruce Springsteen (whoever the hell he is) and his latest, and youngest, guest vocalist…
"And the award for cutest / 'awww' factor Musical Moment goes to…"
'Waitin’ for a Sunny Day' in Oslo, June 29th, with some bloke called Bruce Springsteen (whoever the hell he is) and his latest, and youngest, guest vocalist…
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Two of the biggest rock bands on the planet have confirmed that their upcoming shows or tours will be their last, as they start to wind down on two phenomenal careers…
Black Sabbath have confirmed what many expected; that their last set of shows will take place in the UK with their final ever concerts to be in their where-it-all-started home city of Birmingham
Featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s The Beginning of the End World Tour will bow out across arenas in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Birmingham in late January and early February 2017.
Tickets are on sale now.
Black Sabbath The Beginning of The End Final Shows, 2017:
Manchester Arena – Sunday 22nd January
Glasgow, SSE Hydro – Tuesday 24th January
Leeds Arena – Thursday 26th January
London O2 Arena – Sunday 29th January
London O2 Arena – Tuesday 31st January
Birmingham Genting Arena – Thursday 2nd February
Birmingham Genting Arena - Saturday 4th February
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has reconfirmed earlier comments that band will be embarking on a swansong tour in 2017; Tyler made the statement during his chat with US radio host Howard Stern while promoting his solo country album We're All Somebody from Somewhere:
"I love this band. I really do; I want to squash every thought that anybody might have about 'the band's over.' We're doing a farewell tour, but it's only because it's time. We've never done that."
But then how long is a farewell tour? And as Tyler continued / joked, Aerosmith's final tour will "probably be forever. And how about KISS? They did 19 farewell tours."
We're All Somebody from Somewhere is released on the 15th of July.
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Two of the biggest rock bands on the planet have confirmed that their upcoming shows or tours will be their last, as they start to wind down on two phenomenal careers…
Black Sabbath have confirmed what many expected; that their last set of shows will take place in the UK with their final ever concerts to be in their where-it-all-started home city of Birmingham
Featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s The Beginning of the End World Tour will bow out across arenas in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Birmingham in late January and early February 2017.
Tickets are on sale now.
Black Sabbath The Beginning of The End Final Shows, 2017:
Manchester Arena – Sunday 22nd January
Glasgow, SSE Hydro – Tuesday 24th January
Leeds Arena – Thursday 26th January
London O2 Arena – Sunday 29th January
London O2 Arena – Tuesday 31st January
Birmingham Genting Arena – Thursday 2nd February
Birmingham Genting Arena - Saturday 4th February
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has reconfirmed earlier comments that band will be embarking on a swansong tour in 2017; Tyler made the statement during his chat with US radio host Howard Stern while promoting his solo country album We're All Somebody from Somewhere:
"I love this band. I really do; I want to squash every thought that anybody might have about 'the band's over.' We're doing a farewell tour, but it's only because it's time. We've never done that."
But then how long is a farewell tour? And as Tyler continued / joked, Aerosmith's final tour will "probably be forever. And how about KISS? They did 19 farewell tours."
We're All Somebody from Somewhere is released on the 15th of July.
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Having announced her upcoming October/ November UK tour a few months ago, the on-the-rise Joanne Shaw Taylor has now confirmed a set of six, large venue dates around the UK for January 2017.
The highly impressive blues rocker will also release her new album Wild, produced in Nashville by Kevin Shirley on 30th September; Shirley has gone on record as saying if her fans are not "blown away" by the album he’ll personally refund them.
Based on the ever-building quality of her previous studio output it’s a fair bet the noted producer’s money is pretty safe.
Joanne Shaw Taylor, January 2017 UK dates:
Gateshead Sage – Thursday 19th
Glasgow ABC 1 – Friday 20th
Manchester Academy 2 – Saturday 21st
Sheffield City Hall – Thursday 26th
London Shepherds Bush Empire – Friday 27th
Birmingham Town Hall – Saturday 28th
Wild will be available in four formats:
Standard CD, Deluxe Edition CD, heavyweight black vinyl and Deluxe vinyl double LP.
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The highly impressive blues rocker will also release her new album Wild, produced in Nashville by Kevin Shirley on 30th September; Shirley has gone on record as saying if her fans are not "blown away" by the album he’ll personally refund them.
Based on the ever-building quality of her previous studio output it’s a fair bet the noted producer’s money is pretty safe.
Joanne Shaw Taylor, January 2017 UK dates:
Gateshead Sage – Thursday 19th
Glasgow ABC 1 – Friday 20th
Manchester Academy 2 – Saturday 21st
Sheffield City Hall – Thursday 26th
London Shepherds Bush Empire – Friday 27th
Birmingham Town Hall – Saturday 28th
Wild will be available in four formats:
Standard CD, Deluxe Edition CD, heavyweight black vinyl and Deluxe vinyl double LP.
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Solid Entertainments have announced Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 3 will take place at the John Fowler Holiday Park over the three days of Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of November.
Following the success of last year’s festival, this year’s list of attendees had to make for an even bigger and bolder blues rockin’ event and in that respect the festival has succeeded – and then some…
Nineteen acts will bring their blues, rhythm and rock credentials to Ilfracombe including a host of outstanding, renowned and notable outfits such as Dr Feelgood, Terry Reid, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Stray, Laurence Jones and the band leading the line in a resurgent and talent-crammed British blues rock scene, King King (who, by the time of the festival, will be celebrating the release of their hotly anticipated live album).
The full line-up over the three days is:
Friday 11th November
Stray – Terry Reid – Giles Robson – Husky Tones - The Voodoo Sheiks – The Black Circles
Saturday 12th November
Royal Southern Brotherhood - Laurence Jones – Edgar Broughton – The Kris Barras Band – Yoka And The Sugarbeats – Dr Blue
Sunday 13th November
King King – Dr Feelgood - Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado – The Tom Seals Band – Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective – Elles Bailey – Amy Eftekhari
Festival goers, blues rock aficionados and music fans in and around Ilfracombe can expect nothing less than top class live performances and a range of acts that will deliver blends of Blues, Rhythm & Rock and more.
Following the success of last year’s festival, this year’s list of attendees had to make for an even bigger and bolder blues rockin’ event and in that respect the festival has succeeded – and then some…
Nineteen acts will bring their blues, rhythm and rock credentials to Ilfracombe including a host of outstanding, renowned and notable outfits such as Dr Feelgood, Terry Reid, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Stray, Laurence Jones and the band leading the line in a resurgent and talent-crammed British blues rock scene, King King (who, by the time of the festival, will be celebrating the release of their hotly anticipated live album).
The full line-up over the three days is:
Friday 11th November
Stray – Terry Reid – Giles Robson – Husky Tones - The Voodoo Sheiks – The Black Circles
Saturday 12th November
Royal Southern Brotherhood - Laurence Jones – Edgar Broughton – The Kris Barras Band – Yoka And The Sugarbeats – Dr Blue
Sunday 13th November
King King – Dr Feelgood - Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado – The Tom Seals Band – Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective – Elles Bailey – Amy Eftekhari
Festival goers, blues rock aficionados and music fans in and around Ilfracombe can expect nothing less than top class live performances and a range of acts that will deliver blends of Blues, Rhythm & Rock and more.
Ilfracombe Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival 3 takes place over the 11th, 12th and 13th of November at North Devon’s largest entertainment venue, The Exmoor Club, at the John Fowler Holiday Park, Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
The music will start at 2pm and end at 11.30pm each day/ evening.
Advance three day Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
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The music will start at 2pm and end at 11.30pm each day/ evening.
Advance three day Early Bird tickets, including three nights accommodation, are only £119 per person.
To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.ilfracombebluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
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Good to see fellow music aficionado and FabricationsHQ contributor John Stout (who delivered a number of progressively themed album reviews to Fabbers over 2015 and the early part of 2016) getting his literary prog on over at his review site Moments in Transition.
Recent thumbs up and nods of critical approval have gone to the just released (Jon) Anderson & (Roine) Stolt collaborative album The Invention of Knowledge as well as the three-disc package reissues of the classic Steve Hackett trio Please Don’t Touch, Spectral Mornings and Defector.
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Recent thumbs up and nods of critical approval have gone to the just released (Jon) Anderson & (Roine) Stolt collaborative album The Invention of Knowledge as well as the three-disc package reissues of the classic Steve Hackett trio Please Don’t Touch, Spectral Mornings and Defector.
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Solid Entertainments has announced the Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 4; the event will take place at Whitby Pavilion on Sunday the 2nd of October 2016.
With a legendary name headlining and another five, very different acts performing, the festival should appeal to live/ blues music lovers in North Yorkshire.
Headliners the Climax Blues Band have had huge selling albums such as FM/Live and Gold Plated (which featured the 1976 hit single 'Couldn’t Get It Right') with a reputation that carried right through until the tragic death of founder member Colin Cooper in 2008.
Cooper’s death could have meant the end of the Climax Blues Band but his desire was for the group to continue creating the fine blues blend they had been associated with for some four decades.
Thus the band continued, flying the Climax flag with tremendous passion and style with a spring in their step as they take the band forward while pleasing crowds throughout Europe.
This year's full Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock festival line-up comprises of:
Climax Blues Band, an outfit that carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed in 1968.
With a legendary name headlining and another five, very different acts performing, the festival should appeal to live/ blues music lovers in North Yorkshire.
Headliners the Climax Blues Band have had huge selling albums such as FM/Live and Gold Plated (which featured the 1976 hit single 'Couldn’t Get It Right') with a reputation that carried right through until the tragic death of founder member Colin Cooper in 2008.
Cooper’s death could have meant the end of the Climax Blues Band but his desire was for the group to continue creating the fine blues blend they had been associated with for some four decades.
Thus the band continued, flying the Climax flag with tremendous passion and style with a spring in their step as they take the band forward while pleasing crowds throughout Europe.
This year's full Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock festival line-up comprises of:
Climax Blues Band, an outfit that carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed in 1968.
Paul Lamb And The King Snakes - Paul Lamb is known by aficionados and music press around the world as a foremost blues harmonica exponent and a true gentleman of the blues.
Kyla Brox – turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before unleashing emotional catharsis, Kyla Brox’s authentic voice remains a stunning example of the soul singer's art.
Del Bromham's Blues Devils - Del Bromham is best known for his work as the singer, guitarist and songwriter for the now legendary UK band Stray; expect a powerful show from this very special line-up.
Blue Swamp Band - Johnnie Williamson from The Animals and Mike Bowden from Dr Truth are two artists that gel so well together, creating a great sound peppered with trademark humour.
Mick Simpson – initially coming to public notice when playing with Elkie Brooks in the 1980s, Mick Simpson has written music with singer and songwriter John Parr, featuring in several Hollywood movies.
With this calibre of artist stepping on stage, festival goers can expect to see top class live performances and hear a range of sounds with sets that incorporate a creative mix of Blues, Rock and R&B, with a contemporary take on one or two classic songs.
The Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 4
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Sunday the 2nd of October 2016.
Doors will open at 1.30pm (the first performance will start at 2.00pm).
Early Bird tickets only £22; to book please call
01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-up and the festival, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html and https://www.facebook.com/events/157376177949319/
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Kyla Brox – turning up the heat by degrees, lulling and charming before unleashing emotional catharsis, Kyla Brox’s authentic voice remains a stunning example of the soul singer's art.
Del Bromham's Blues Devils - Del Bromham is best known for his work as the singer, guitarist and songwriter for the now legendary UK band Stray; expect a powerful show from this very special line-up.
Blue Swamp Band - Johnnie Williamson from The Animals and Mike Bowden from Dr Truth are two artists that gel so well together, creating a great sound peppered with trademark humour.
Mick Simpson – initially coming to public notice when playing with Elkie Brooks in the 1980s, Mick Simpson has written music with singer and songwriter John Parr, featuring in several Hollywood movies.
With this calibre of artist stepping on stage, festival goers can expect to see top class live performances and hear a range of sounds with sets that incorporate a creative mix of Blues, Rock and R&B, with a contemporary take on one or two classic songs.
The Whitby Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 4
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Sunday the 2nd of October 2016.
Doors will open at 1.30pm (the first performance will start at 2.00pm).
Early Bird tickets only £22; to book please call
01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-up and the festival, please visit: http://www.whitbybluesfestival.co.uk/index.html and https://www.facebook.com/events/157376177949319/
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Jon Anderson’s strong hints that he, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman were endeavouring to get together for some YESified dates once his live schedule with Jean-Luc Ponty became clear, have proven to be factual.
ARW are expected to play dates in America through October and November before playing nine dates in the UK during March 2017 – and with the tour billed as "An Evening of YES Music & More" (reminiscent of the similar Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe shows of the late 80s) it is hoped, much like those ABWH get-togethers, that some all new material will form part of the sets.
In other Jon Anderson related news, the ageless singer released his collaborative album with Swedish singer guitarist composer Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic), Invention of Knowledge, on the 24th of June.
A review of the album can be found here
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ARW are expected to play dates in America through October and November before playing nine dates in the UK during March 2017 – and with the tour billed as "An Evening of YES Music & More" (reminiscent of the similar Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe shows of the late 80s) it is hoped, much like those ABWH get-togethers, that some all new material will form part of the sets.
In other Jon Anderson related news, the ageless singer released his collaborative album with Swedish singer guitarist composer Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic), Invention of Knowledge, on the 24th of June.
A review of the album can be found here
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A trio of latest generation and exciting new blues rock prospects will be touring the UK together for the first time later in the year.
The Planet Rock Roadstars triple bill tour features Nashville blues rock power trio Simo, British blues rock teenage sensation Aaron Keylock and contemporary meets classic British blues rock quartet Federal Charm.
The tour dates will work on a "rotational headline" basis, where each night the headline spot will change; this will give each act an equal share of the main stage spotlight.
For full Press information on what promises to be one of the most exciting blues rock bills of the year, including full bios on each of the artists, click here.
The Planet Rock Roadstars triple bill tour features Nashville blues rock power trio Simo, British blues rock teenage sensation Aaron Keylock and contemporary meets classic British blues rock quartet Federal Charm.
The tour dates will work on a "rotational headline" basis, where each night the headline spot will change; this will give each act an equal share of the main stage spotlight.
For full Press information on what promises to be one of the most exciting blues rock bills of the year, including full bios on each of the artists, click here.
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Following the 2015 release of Jared James Nichols’s debut album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-up EP Highwayman, the Wisconsin-born blues rock singer guitarist recently returned to Europe for a series of live concerts supporting Zakk Wylde.
The European dates will be followed by an October UK tour in support of the legendary Walter Trout.
In June Jared James Nichols also digitally released a brand new single, 'Don’t You Try.'
The song opened the European shows set and the official music video (a homage-parody of the exploitation biker movies of the 60s and 70s) is out now.
Written by Nichols and producer / engineer Anthony Perry Jr., 'Don’t You Try' will appear on the guitarist’s next album, which is due on the spring of 2017.
Following the 2015 release of Jared James Nichols’s debut album Old Glory and the Wild Revival and follow-up EP Highwayman, the Wisconsin-born blues rock singer guitarist recently returned to Europe for a series of live concerts supporting Zakk Wylde.
The European dates will be followed by an October UK tour in support of the legendary Walter Trout.
In June Jared James Nichols also digitally released a brand new single, 'Don’t You Try.'
The song opened the European shows set and the official music video (a homage-parody of the exploitation biker movies of the 60s and 70s) is out now.
Written by Nichols and producer / engineer Anthony Perry Jr., 'Don’t You Try' will appear on the guitarist’s next album, which is due on the spring of 2017.
Jared James Nichols October UK Tour dates, supporting Walter Trout:
Oct 17th Rock City - Nottingham
Oct 18th Manchester Academy 2
Oct 19th Sage Gateshead – Newcastle
Oct 21st The Lemon Tree - Aberdeen
Oct 22nd The Queens Hall - Edinburgh
Oct 23rd Holmfirth Picturedrome - West Yorkshire
Oct 25th The Brook - Southampton
Oct 26th Exeter Phoenix
Oct 27th Tramshed – Cardiff
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Oct 17th Rock City - Nottingham
Oct 18th Manchester Academy 2
Oct 19th Sage Gateshead – Newcastle
Oct 21st The Lemon Tree - Aberdeen
Oct 22nd The Queens Hall - Edinburgh
Oct 23rd Holmfirth Picturedrome - West Yorkshire
Oct 25th The Brook - Southampton
Oct 26th Exeter Phoenix
Oct 27th Tramshed – Cardiff
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British heavy metal stalwarts Saxon have announced UK and Ireland dates for later in the year as part of their Battering Ram world tour; special guests on the dates are Girlschool with support from Fastway.
Battering Ram, Saxon’s 21st studio album, was released in October 2015; following the album’s release the band, accompanied by Girlschool, ventured to Europe with Motorhead for the legendary uber-heavy rock 'n' rollers 40th Anniversary tour.
Sadly, the tragic passing of Lemmy Kilmister in December put an early end to the tour and the planned UK leg was cancelled.
Joining Saxon and Girlschool on the new dates will be Fastway, formed by ex-Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and ex-UFO bassist Pete Way in 1983.
The current Fastway line-up features Clarke with Toby Jepson on vocals, Steve Strange on drums and Mama’s Boys John McManus on bass.
Saxon (with Girlschool and Fastway) – Battering Ram UK Tour dates:
28th October – Newcastle, O2 Academy
29th October – Glasgow, O2 ABC
30th October – Belfast, Limelight
1st November – Dublin, Academy
2nd November – Manchester, O2 Ritz
3rd November – Bristol, O2 Academy
5th November – London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
6th November – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
8th November – Sheffield, O2 Academy
9th November – Nottingham, Rock City
Tickets go on sale on Friday 3rd June via www.myticket.co.uk and seetickets.com
Saxon released their self-titled debut in 1979 followed by Wheels of Steel in 1980; the now classic and fan-favourite album reached #5 in the UK charts and helped establish the band as one of the icons of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal throughout the 80s.
Later that decade Saxon tried to make an impression on the US market by taking a more melodic direction with release of Destiny in 1988, before returning to their original sound with 1991’s Solid Balls of Rock, which reaffirmed their influence on the European metal scene.
Enjoying renewed success Saxon have continued to tour and record and in October 2015 released Battering Ram. Saxon also recently released the nine vinyl album box set Eagles and Dragons, containing the band’s nine studio albums recorded between 1991 and 2009.
To date Saxon have amassed 15 million worldwide album sales, including 8 UK Top 40 albums.
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Battering Ram, Saxon’s 21st studio album, was released in October 2015; following the album’s release the band, accompanied by Girlschool, ventured to Europe with Motorhead for the legendary uber-heavy rock 'n' rollers 40th Anniversary tour.
Sadly, the tragic passing of Lemmy Kilmister in December put an early end to the tour and the planned UK leg was cancelled.
Joining Saxon and Girlschool on the new dates will be Fastway, formed by ex-Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and ex-UFO bassist Pete Way in 1983.
The current Fastway line-up features Clarke with Toby Jepson on vocals, Steve Strange on drums and Mama’s Boys John McManus on bass.
Saxon (with Girlschool and Fastway) – Battering Ram UK Tour dates:
28th October – Newcastle, O2 Academy
29th October – Glasgow, O2 ABC
30th October – Belfast, Limelight
1st November – Dublin, Academy
2nd November – Manchester, O2 Ritz
3rd November – Bristol, O2 Academy
5th November – London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
6th November – Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
8th November – Sheffield, O2 Academy
9th November – Nottingham, Rock City
Tickets go on sale on Friday 3rd June via www.myticket.co.uk and seetickets.com
Saxon released their self-titled debut in 1979 followed by Wheels of Steel in 1980; the now classic and fan-favourite album reached #5 in the UK charts and helped establish the band as one of the icons of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal throughout the 80s.
Later that decade Saxon tried to make an impression on the US market by taking a more melodic direction with release of Destiny in 1988, before returning to their original sound with 1991’s Solid Balls of Rock, which reaffirmed their influence on the European metal scene.
Enjoying renewed success Saxon have continued to tour and record and in October 2015 released Battering Ram. Saxon also recently released the nine vinyl album box set Eagles and Dragons, containing the band’s nine studio albums recorded between 1991 and 2009.
To date Saxon have amassed 15 million worldwide album sales, including 8 UK Top 40 albums.
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The Tubes will return to the UK for their Mondo Pulp Tour in October; the band will play twelve dates including the great British Alt Music Festival.
"We’re thrilled to be coming back to the country that started it all for us," commented front man Fee Waybill. "he all-new Mondo Pulp Tour will be big fun."
The current line-up of The Tubes features four original members Fee Waybill (lead vocals), Roger Steen (guitar), Rick Anderson (bass) and Prairie Prince (drums); keyboard player David Medd has been with the band since 2006.
The Mondo Pulp Tour is a tribute to the Pulp Art era. The material will be different from previous outings but the hits and fan favourites will still be performed, including 'What Do You Want From Life?,' 'Mondo Bondage,' 'Don’t Wanna Wait Anymore,' 'Talk To Ya Later,' 'She’s a Beauty' and 'White Punks On Dope.'
The Tubes – Mondo Pulp October 2016 UK Tour:
London, Under The Bridge - Friday 7th October
Manchester, Club Academy - Saturday 8th October
Great British Alt Music Festival, Skegness - Sunday 9th October
Bristol, The Fleece - Tuesday 11th October
Plymouth, The Hub - Wednesday 12th October
Cardiff, The Globe - Friday 14th October
Brighton, Concorde 2 - Saturday 15th October
Southampton, The Brook - Sunday 16th October
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Tuesday 18th October
Holmfirth, Picturedrom - Thursday 20th October
Sage, Gateshead - Friday 21st October
Glasgow, The Art School - Saturday 22nd October
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"We’re thrilled to be coming back to the country that started it all for us," commented front man Fee Waybill. "he all-new Mondo Pulp Tour will be big fun."
The current line-up of The Tubes features four original members Fee Waybill (lead vocals), Roger Steen (guitar), Rick Anderson (bass) and Prairie Prince (drums); keyboard player David Medd has been with the band since 2006.
The Mondo Pulp Tour is a tribute to the Pulp Art era. The material will be different from previous outings but the hits and fan favourites will still be performed, including 'What Do You Want From Life?,' 'Mondo Bondage,' 'Don’t Wanna Wait Anymore,' 'Talk To Ya Later,' 'She’s a Beauty' and 'White Punks On Dope.'
The Tubes – Mondo Pulp October 2016 UK Tour:
London, Under The Bridge - Friday 7th October
Manchester, Club Academy - Saturday 8th October
Great British Alt Music Festival, Skegness - Sunday 9th October
Bristol, The Fleece - Tuesday 11th October
Plymouth, The Hub - Wednesday 12th October
Cardiff, The Globe - Friday 14th October
Brighton, Concorde 2 - Saturday 15th October
Southampton, The Brook - Sunday 16th October
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Tuesday 18th October
Holmfirth, Picturedrom - Thursday 20th October
Sage, Gateshead - Friday 21st October
Glasgow, The Art School - Saturday 22nd October
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Not content with the recently completed UK spring tour (review of the Flowerpot gig in Derby can be found by clicking here) the ever-busy and exceptional talent Laurence Jones has announced a set of November UK dates, presented by Solid Entertainments.
For those who want to know more about Laurence Jones or are just discovering one of the hottest young properties on the British blues rock block, there's also a Feature Interview Article with the musician on site.
Laurence Jones' fourth album, Take Me High (produced by the legendary Mike Vernon) will be released on the 22nd July on Ruf Records.
For those who want to know more about Laurence Jones or are just discovering one of the hottest young properties on the British blues rock block, there's also a Feature Interview Article with the musician on site.
Laurence Jones' fourth album, Take Me High (produced by the legendary Mike Vernon) will be released on the 22nd July on Ruf Records.
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The Scottish county of Ayrshire continues to fight well above its musical weight.
A whole range of acts and artists, from the traditional-meets-contemporary singer songwriter stylings of Little Fire (aka Jamie McGeechan) through to the hard pop and melodic indie-rock of Less Than Sober, are making a name for themselves both within the famous county’s borders and beyond.
Next Ayrshire based band on the block, hopefully destined for bigger things, are Brownbear, led by front man Matthew Hickman.
The band released their latest single 'Stop The World' in May; lifted from the forthcoming debut album it can be listened to via the band's Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/brownbearofficialuk/stop-the-world
In 2014 Brownbear grabbed some deserved attention with debut single 'Dead or Alive;' that led to further exposure by way of support to The Libertines at their Glasgow Barrowland show (Brownbear joined up with The Libertines again for their BST Summertime show and their European tour dates).
Brownbear have also played T in The Park, the Belladrum Festival, performed a sold-out headline show in London (gaining a positive review from the NME) and more recently supported The View on the Scottish dates of their UK tour.
Meanwhile the alt-pop charm of previous single 'Wandering Eyes,' along with 'Stop The World,' bodes well for the forthcoming album.
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A whole range of acts and artists, from the traditional-meets-contemporary singer songwriter stylings of Little Fire (aka Jamie McGeechan) through to the hard pop and melodic indie-rock of Less Than Sober, are making a name for themselves both within the famous county’s borders and beyond.
Next Ayrshire based band on the block, hopefully destined for bigger things, are Brownbear, led by front man Matthew Hickman.
The band released their latest single 'Stop The World' in May; lifted from the forthcoming debut album it can be listened to via the band's Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/brownbearofficialuk/stop-the-world
In 2014 Brownbear grabbed some deserved attention with debut single 'Dead or Alive;' that led to further exposure by way of support to The Libertines at their Glasgow Barrowland show (Brownbear joined up with The Libertines again for their BST Summertime show and their European tour dates).
Brownbear have also played T in The Park, the Belladrum Festival, performed a sold-out headline show in London (gaining a positive review from the NME) and more recently supported The View on the Scottish dates of their UK tour.
Meanwhile the alt-pop charm of previous single 'Wandering Eyes,' along with 'Stop The World,' bodes well for the forthcoming album.
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Following the success of the UK leg of his recent 2015 Euro dates Glenn Hughes has announced a co-headline UK tour with Living Colour.
The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (as part of Deep Purple) will play eight dates in the UK through November, starting at Leamington Spa Assembly on the 8th.
Glenn Hughes and Living Colour co-headline UK dates, November 2016:
Leamington Spa, Assembly – Tuesday 8th
Wolverhampton, Wulfrun – Wednesday 9th
Newcastle, Riverside – Friday 11th
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms – Monday 14th
Glasgow, O2 ABC – Tuesday 15th
Manchester, O2 Ritz – Thursday 17th
Cambridge, The Junction – Saturday 19th
London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Sunday 20th
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Another recent announcement from Glenn Hughes carried far more surprise than expectancy when Hughes, Jason Bonham and producer Kevin Shirley all confirmed Black Country Communion would be back in action in 2017.
The three album supergroup featuring Hughes, Bonham, Derek Sherinian and Joe Bonamassa disbanded in 2012 in what was seen as acrimonious circumstances, or at least an impasse between Hughes and Bonamassa (the former wanted to commit to more BCC touring; the latter wanted to return to his successful solo recording and performing career).
However it seems Bonamassa is ready to "break out the big bats again" while Glen Hughes, Kevin Shirley and Jason Bonham have all made comments or photo uploads on their Facebook pages that confirm 2017 will see Black Country Communion reunite to record a fourth album.
However whether any tour comes with the reunion remains to be seen, and will probably depend on how busy Joe Bonamassa’s diary is...
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The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (as part of Deep Purple) will play eight dates in the UK through November, starting at Leamington Spa Assembly on the 8th.
Glenn Hughes and Living Colour co-headline UK dates, November 2016:
Leamington Spa, Assembly – Tuesday 8th
Wolverhampton, Wulfrun – Wednesday 9th
Newcastle, Riverside – Friday 11th
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms – Monday 14th
Glasgow, O2 ABC – Tuesday 15th
Manchester, O2 Ritz – Thursday 17th
Cambridge, The Junction – Saturday 19th
London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Sunday 20th
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Another recent announcement from Glenn Hughes carried far more surprise than expectancy when Hughes, Jason Bonham and producer Kevin Shirley all confirmed Black Country Communion would be back in action in 2017.
The three album supergroup featuring Hughes, Bonham, Derek Sherinian and Joe Bonamassa disbanded in 2012 in what was seen as acrimonious circumstances, or at least an impasse between Hughes and Bonamassa (the former wanted to commit to more BCC touring; the latter wanted to return to his successful solo recording and performing career).
However it seems Bonamassa is ready to "break out the big bats again" while Glen Hughes, Kevin Shirley and Jason Bonham have all made comments or photo uploads on their Facebook pages that confirm 2017 will see Black Country Communion reunite to record a fourth album.
However whether any tour comes with the reunion remains to be seen, and will probably depend on how busy Joe Bonamassa’s diary is...
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Following his recent run of dates with Joanne Shaw Taylor, Wilko Johnson has just announced a further string of UK dates for October.
October 6th - Parr Hall, Warrington
October 7th - City Hall, Sheffield
October 8th - Queens Hall, Edinburgh
October 13th - City Hall, Salisbury
October 14th - Corn Exchange, Cambridge
October 15th - Town Hall, Birmingham
Despite being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 2012, Wilko Johnson underwent life-saving surgery in 2014, declared himself free of cancer in October of that year and subsequently recorded a critically acclaimed album with Roger Daltrey.
The ex Dr. Feelgood guitarist will be supported in October by teenager Aaron Keylock.
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October 6th - Parr Hall, Warrington
October 7th - City Hall, Sheffield
October 8th - Queens Hall, Edinburgh
October 13th - City Hall, Salisbury
October 14th - Corn Exchange, Cambridge
October 15th - Town Hall, Birmingham
Despite being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 2012, Wilko Johnson underwent life-saving surgery in 2014, declared himself free of cancer in October of that year and subsequently recorded a critically acclaimed album with Roger Daltrey.
The ex Dr. Feelgood guitarist will be supported in October by teenager Aaron Keylock.
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Blues fusion legend Robin Trower will undertake a full UK tour in support of current studio album, Where You Are Going To, in October.
Where You Are Going To expands beyond the slow blues groove of 2014’s excellent Something’s About To Change to incorporate a broader musical palette, as Robin Trower explains:
"It ranges from rock to funky soul, with some epic blues grooves. In terms of influences I felt I was channeling a combination of James Brown and John Lee Hooker on the funky 'The Fruits Of Your Desire' and album closer 'Delusion Sweet Delusion.' I’m really looking forward to playing those on tour."
Where You Are Going To, which is reviewed on FabricationsHQ, features Robin Trower on guitars, vocals and bass, with Chris Taggart on drums. The album was produced by Livingstone Brown.
The UK Tour, which will feature Stevie Nimmo as Special Guest (the Scottish blues rock musician recently released his excellent second solo album Sky Won't Fall) kicks off at the Norwich Waterfront on September the 30th, culminating at the Brighton Concorde 2 on October the 19th.
Robin Trower - UK spring tour 2016:
Norwich Waterfront - Friday 30th September
Holmfirth Picturedrome - Saturday 1st October
Manchester Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall -
Thursday 6th October
Kendal Brewery Arts - Friday 7th October
Chester Live Rooms - Saturday 8th October
Gateshead Sage - Monday 10th October
Glasgow 02 ABC - Tuesday 11th October
Stockton ARC - Wednesday 12th October
Frome Cheese And Grain - Friday 14th October
Leamington Assembly - Saturday 15th October
Exeter Phoenix - Sunday 16th October
London Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 18th October
Brighton Concorde 2 - Wednesday 19 October
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Where You Are Going To expands beyond the slow blues groove of 2014’s excellent Something’s About To Change to incorporate a broader musical palette, as Robin Trower explains:
"It ranges from rock to funky soul, with some epic blues grooves. In terms of influences I felt I was channeling a combination of James Brown and John Lee Hooker on the funky 'The Fruits Of Your Desire' and album closer 'Delusion Sweet Delusion.' I’m really looking forward to playing those on tour."
Where You Are Going To, which is reviewed on FabricationsHQ, features Robin Trower on guitars, vocals and bass, with Chris Taggart on drums. The album was produced by Livingstone Brown.
The UK Tour, which will feature Stevie Nimmo as Special Guest (the Scottish blues rock musician recently released his excellent second solo album Sky Won't Fall) kicks off at the Norwich Waterfront on September the 30th, culminating at the Brighton Concorde 2 on October the 19th.
Robin Trower - UK spring tour 2016:
Norwich Waterfront - Friday 30th September
Holmfirth Picturedrome - Saturday 1st October
Manchester Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall -
Thursday 6th October
Kendal Brewery Arts - Friday 7th October
Chester Live Rooms - Saturday 8th October
Gateshead Sage - Monday 10th October
Glasgow 02 ABC - Tuesday 11th October
Stockton ARC - Wednesday 12th October
Frome Cheese And Grain - Friday 14th October
Leamington Assembly - Saturday 15th October
Exeter Phoenix - Sunday 16th October
London Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 18th October
Brighton Concorde 2 - Wednesday 19 October
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Following her critically acclaimed May UK tour in 2015 and the response to her latest studio album, Better Than Home, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Beth Hart will embark on a nationwide 7-date UK tour in November 2016.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 18th December from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 and from www.alt-tickets.co.uk
BETH HART - NOVEMBER 2016 UK TOUR
Birmingham, Symphony Hall - Friday 11th November
Gateshead, Sage - Sunday 13th November
Glasgow, O2 Academy - Monday 14th November
Bristol, Colston Hall - Thursday 17th November
Bournemouth, Solent Hall - Saturday 19th November
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall - Monday 21st November
London, Royal Festival Hall - Wednesday 23rd November
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Tickets go on sale on Friday 18th December from the 24 hour ticket box office: 0844 871 8819 and from www.alt-tickets.co.uk
BETH HART - NOVEMBER 2016 UK TOUR
Birmingham, Symphony Hall - Friday 11th November
Gateshead, Sage - Sunday 13th November
Glasgow, O2 Academy - Monday 14th November
Bristol, Colston Hall - Thursday 17th November
Bournemouth, Solent Hall - Saturday 19th November
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall - Monday 21st November
London, Royal Festival Hall - Wednesday 23rd November
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The full-length debut from Mantra Vega, the band co-formed by singer Heather Findlay and producer, vocalist and keyboard player Dave Kerzner, was released earlier in the year.
Findlay, who fronted Mostly Autumn for 13 years and featured on the band’s first 8 studio albums, released her debut solo offering The Phoenix Suite EP in 2011.
The quite striking and edgier rock of the EP was expected to be the first in a series of EP based releases but "best laid musical plans" and all that entails saw the noted singer get involved in a number of other projects including the home session recording Songs From The Old Kitchen (acoustic performances of Phoenix Suite and Mostly Autumn material), various offshoot projects with former Mostly Autumn bandmates Angela Gordon and Chris Johnson and guest vocal performances on other musicians' works including guitarist John Mitchell’s latest album / band project Lonely Robot.
In 2014 Heather Findlay started to collaborate with American musician Dave Kerzner (co-founder of progressive outfit Sound of Contact); the results are Mantra Vega and a songwriting partnership that has led to a collection of songs that are not so much soundscapes as "moodscapes."
Those songs now form The Illusion’s Reckoning, the debut album from Mantra Vega and a band who also feature guitarists Dave Kilminster and Chris Johnson, bassist Stu Fletcher and drummer Alex Cromarty.
The album features 'Island,' a beautifully drifting slice of melodic pop that was also the lead song from Mantra Vega's 2015 EP.
Findlay, who fronted Mostly Autumn for 13 years and featured on the band’s first 8 studio albums, released her debut solo offering The Phoenix Suite EP in 2011.
The quite striking and edgier rock of the EP was expected to be the first in a series of EP based releases but "best laid musical plans" and all that entails saw the noted singer get involved in a number of other projects including the home session recording Songs From The Old Kitchen (acoustic performances of Phoenix Suite and Mostly Autumn material), various offshoot projects with former Mostly Autumn bandmates Angela Gordon and Chris Johnson and guest vocal performances on other musicians' works including guitarist John Mitchell’s latest album / band project Lonely Robot.
In 2014 Heather Findlay started to collaborate with American musician Dave Kerzner (co-founder of progressive outfit Sound of Contact); the results are Mantra Vega and a songwriting partnership that has led to a collection of songs that are not so much soundscapes as "moodscapes."
Those songs now form The Illusion’s Reckoning, the debut album from Mantra Vega and a band who also feature guitarists Dave Kilminster and Chris Johnson, bassist Stu Fletcher and drummer Alex Cromarty.
The album features 'Island,' a beautifully drifting slice of melodic pop that was also the lead song from Mantra Vega's 2015 EP.
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Indeed, Victor; indeed.
"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Indeed, Victor; indeed.
