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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
Scottish classical / world music guitarist, composer and creative visionary Simon Thacker has just embarked on an eleven date Scottish tour performing Songs of the Roma.
The Edinburgh Based Simon Thacker is joined by Polish cellist Justyna Jablonska (who features prominently on Thacker and Jablonska's Karmana album, cited as FabricationsHQ's best world music release of 2017) and Lublin based Roma singer / violinist Masha Natanson.
Building on one of the world's great song traditions as well as his own pioneering experiences across the world, Simon Thacker draws on and extends European, Indian and Balkan folk forms, as well as flamenco, on a mystic road to new soundworlds in music.
The results are a vivid re-imagining of powerful songs in Romani, Romanian, Serbian and Russian with wonderfully inventive new instrumental music.
Simon Thacker, Justyna Jablonska, Masha Natanson - Songs of the Roma Scottish tour dates:
25th April - Eyemouth Hippodrome, Harbour Road, Eyemouth
27th Apr - Ardross Hall, Ardross
28th Apr - Universal Hall Promotions, Findhorn
29th Apr - Summerhall, Edinburgh
1st May - Glad Café, 1006A Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow
2nd May - Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, Suie Rd, Alford
3rd May - Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (main Hall), nr Armadale, Isle of Skye
4th May - CatStrand , New Galloway
5th May - Kellie Castle, Pittenweem
6th May - Lyth Arts Centre, Wick
7th May- Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld
The Songs of the Roma tour is supported by Creative Scotland; Songs of the Roma has previously been selected for the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase.
The Edinburgh Based Simon Thacker is joined by Polish cellist Justyna Jablonska (who features prominently on Thacker and Jablonska's Karmana album, cited as FabricationsHQ's best world music release of 2017) and Lublin based Roma singer / violinist Masha Natanson.
Building on one of the world's great song traditions as well as his own pioneering experiences across the world, Simon Thacker draws on and extends European, Indian and Balkan folk forms, as well as flamenco, on a mystic road to new soundworlds in music.
The results are a vivid re-imagining of powerful songs in Romani, Romanian, Serbian and Russian with wonderfully inventive new instrumental music.
Simon Thacker, Justyna Jablonska, Masha Natanson - Songs of the Roma Scottish tour dates:
25th April - Eyemouth Hippodrome, Harbour Road, Eyemouth
27th Apr - Ardross Hall, Ardross
28th Apr - Universal Hall Promotions, Findhorn
29th Apr - Summerhall, Edinburgh
1st May - Glad Café, 1006A Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow
2nd May - Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, Suie Rd, Alford
3rd May - Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (main Hall), nr Armadale, Isle of Skye
4th May - CatStrand , New Galloway
5th May - Kellie Castle, Pittenweem
6th May - Lyth Arts Centre, Wick
7th May- Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld
The Songs of the Roma tour is supported by Creative Scotland; Songs of the Roma has previously been selected for the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase.
Simon Thacker has performed at major festivals around the world and most recently on the Indian continent, including for an audience of 60 000 in Dhaka and at one of India's biggest sacred music festivals, The Sacred Pushkar in Rajasthan.
Cellist Justyna Jablonska has studied with Eric-Maria Couturier (Ensemble Intercontemporain, Paris) and worked alongside luminaries such as Sir Simon Rattle and Isabelle Faust.
Masha Natanson is an outstanding Polish Roma singer and violinist who has acquired a huge repertoire of authentic Romani traditional song, gathered in the course of extensive travelling, collecting and performing.
"Simon Thacker hasn't re-interpreted world music (more accurately traditional music forms from Scotland to India and many points of Roma gypsy travels between). He's completely reinvented it."
FabricationsHQ
"The term 'world music' uttered in today's time and space has come to mean very little, but in Simon Thacker it has been reborn, in his epic sojourn that takes him, like an ancient Roma traveller, from India, through Spain and finally northwards to Scotland.
World Music Report (Canada)
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Cellist Justyna Jablonska has studied with Eric-Maria Couturier (Ensemble Intercontemporain, Paris) and worked alongside luminaries such as Sir Simon Rattle and Isabelle Faust.
Masha Natanson is an outstanding Polish Roma singer and violinist who has acquired a huge repertoire of authentic Romani traditional song, gathered in the course of extensive travelling, collecting and performing.
"Simon Thacker hasn't re-interpreted world music (more accurately traditional music forms from Scotland to India and many points of Roma gypsy travels between). He's completely reinvented it."
FabricationsHQ
"The term 'world music' uttered in today's time and space has come to mean very little, but in Simon Thacker it has been reborn, in his epic sojourn that takes him, like an ancient Roma traveller, from India, through Spain and finally northwards to Scotland.
World Music Report (Canada)
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Due to increasing demand Dizzy Reed will release his critically acclaimed solo album, Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy, on physical format worldwide on the 1st June via Golden Robot Records.
Initially the album was only set for release in Australia, New Zealand and Japan but the huge demand led to it being released digitally worldwide in February.
Now, the demand for a physical release has been so great that Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy is being made available in both CD and Purple Vinyl format.
Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy is a 12 track (13 on the digital version) rock album that sees Reed uniting with fellow members of Guns N' Roses along with players from the likes of W.A.S.P. (Mike Dupke and Mike Duda) and the Black Star Riders (Ricky Warwick).
The first single lifted from the album, 'This Don’t Look Like Vegas,' received rave reviews worldwide, prompting the decision to go global digitally with the solo record.
"This Don’t Look Like Vegas quickly settles into a swaggering slice of classic rock, led by big riffs and Reed’s touchstone lyrics of dark shades, flexibly applicable gambling metaphors and shotgun weddings… the stuff of Sunset Strip nights and beautifully filthy bar band blues."
Rolling Stone Australia
"Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy?
It is if you stick to your Guns (without the Roses), go with what you know and be true to yourself and where you came from, musically. In those regards Dizzy Reed most certainly succeeds."
FabricationsHQ
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Initially the album was only set for release in Australia, New Zealand and Japan but the huge demand led to it being released digitally worldwide in February.
Now, the demand for a physical release has been so great that Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy is being made available in both CD and Purple Vinyl format.
Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy is a 12 track (13 on the digital version) rock album that sees Reed uniting with fellow members of Guns N' Roses along with players from the likes of W.A.S.P. (Mike Dupke and Mike Duda) and the Black Star Riders (Ricky Warwick).
The first single lifted from the album, 'This Don’t Look Like Vegas,' received rave reviews worldwide, prompting the decision to go global digitally with the solo record.
"This Don’t Look Like Vegas quickly settles into a swaggering slice of classic rock, led by big riffs and Reed’s touchstone lyrics of dark shades, flexibly applicable gambling metaphors and shotgun weddings… the stuff of Sunset Strip nights and beautifully filthy bar band blues."
Rolling Stone Australia
"Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy?
It is if you stick to your Guns (without the Roses), go with what you know and be true to yourself and where you came from, musically. In those regards Dizzy Reed most certainly succeeds."
FabricationsHQ
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Wishbone Ash and Madfish Music have just put themselves forward as the deliverers of the the most lavish and comprehensive anthology box set of 2018.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991), available now, is a deluxe, strictly limited edition (2,500 copies) 30 CD set that comprehensively covers the original and classic era line-up/s of one of the most enduring British rock bands.
The CD’s in the set cover all sixteen studio albums released by the original & classic line ups of Wishbone Ash between 1970 and 1991 (with bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and twelve previously unreleased studio tracks), three original live albums and eight previously unreleased live albums:
Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD)
Southampton University 1973
Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976
Marquee Club 1977
Newcastle City Hall 1977
Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD)
Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD)
Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
The music featured in the set has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼" tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell's personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.
Authorised by all of the original band members (you can check out the unboxing video with Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield below), the set also includes a 156 page hardback book, 36-page poster book, reproductions of four original tour/ live show posters, a facsimile of the MCA debut album promo pack, a 7" flexi disc for the single 'Blind Eye' and individually signed photos of each band member: Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, Steve Upton and Laurie Wisefield.
The box itself features brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, reimagined from his award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991)
Release date: April 2018. 30 CDs featuring:
Wishbone Ash (1970); Pilgrimage (1971); Argus (1972); Wishbone Four (1973); Live Dates (1973); There's the Rub (1974); Locked In (1976); New England (1976); Front Page News (1977); No Smoke Without Fire (1978) Live in Tokyo (1979); Just Testing (1980); Live Dates 2 (1980); Nouveau Calls (1987); Here to Hear (1989) Strange Affair (1991) and the previously unreleased live albums Portsmouth Guildhall 1973; Southampton University 1973; Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976; Marquee Club 1977; Newcastle City Hall 1977; Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978; Guildford Civic Hall 1980; Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991), available now, is a deluxe, strictly limited edition (2,500 copies) 30 CD set that comprehensively covers the original and classic era line-up/s of one of the most enduring British rock bands.
The CD’s in the set cover all sixteen studio albums released by the original & classic line ups of Wishbone Ash between 1970 and 1991 (with bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and twelve previously unreleased studio tracks), three original live albums and eight previously unreleased live albums:
Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD)
Southampton University 1973
Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976
Marquee Club 1977
Newcastle City Hall 1977
Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD)
Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD)
Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
The music featured in the set has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼" tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell's personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.
Authorised by all of the original band members (you can check out the unboxing video with Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield below), the set also includes a 156 page hardback book, 36-page poster book, reproductions of four original tour/ live show posters, a facsimile of the MCA debut album promo pack, a 7" flexi disc for the single 'Blind Eye' and individually signed photos of each band member: Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, Steve Upton and Laurie Wisefield.
The box itself features brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, reimagined from his award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991)
Release date: April 2018. 30 CDs featuring:
Wishbone Ash (1970); Pilgrimage (1971); Argus (1972); Wishbone Four (1973); Live Dates (1973); There's the Rub (1974); Locked In (1976); New England (1976); Front Page News (1977); No Smoke Without Fire (1978) Live in Tokyo (1979); Just Testing (1980); Live Dates 2 (1980); Nouveau Calls (1987); Here to Hear (1989) Strange Affair (1991) and the previously unreleased live albums Portsmouth Guildhall 1973; Southampton University 1973; Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976; Marquee Club 1977; Newcastle City Hall 1977; Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978; Guildford Civic Hall 1980; Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
"I looked after most of these tape recordings for decades, wondering when they would ever see the light of day and I am very glad that they will at last be available for everyone to hear. Pete Reynolds has done a brilliant job of mixing and remastering a massive collection of work; it’s almost like having ones whole musical life in one box. It certainly represents the most comprehensive Wishbone collection that I know of."
- Martin Turner
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- Martin Turner
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Canadian entertainer and country influenced singer Rober Larrabee has just written and recorded a song that is not just close to his heart, it was written from, and through, it.
'Sticks Out for Humboldt,' a tribute to the April 6th bus crash that killed sixteen people affiliated with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team the Humboldt Broncos, was doubly affecting for Larrabee as he has lost his own son at only 16 years of age.
The Vancouver born entertainer, whose 2013 album Middle of Something was the first true country album to be featured on FabricationsHQ, says: "I saw the Humboldt bus crash story and it affected me deeply; then when I saw all the fund raising, like Jerseys for Humboldt, I knew I had to do something.
This song came deep from within me I hope this Humboldt Broncos tribute will help even if in a small way. I see allot of Humboldt Broncos tributes on line and it makes me feel good to see the outpouring of love for the ‘Humboldt Strong’ "
'Sticks Out for Humboldt,' a tribute to the April 6th bus crash that killed sixteen people affiliated with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team the Humboldt Broncos, was doubly affecting for Larrabee as he has lost his own son at only 16 years of age.
The Vancouver born entertainer, whose 2013 album Middle of Something was the first true country album to be featured on FabricationsHQ, says: "I saw the Humboldt bus crash story and it affected me deeply; then when I saw all the fund raising, like Jerseys for Humboldt, I knew I had to do something.
This song came deep from within me I hope this Humboldt Broncos tribute will help even if in a small way. I see allot of Humboldt Broncos tributes on line and it makes me feel good to see the outpouring of love for the ‘Humboldt Strong’ "
The Humboldt bus crash, a collision with a semi-truck, happened as the team were heading to play their fifth SJHL semi-final game with the Nipawin Hawks.
It resulted in sixteen fatalities (ten players, two coaches, a statistician, a broadcaster, the bus driver and an athletic therapist). The remaining passengers, thirteen players, all received injuries, most of them serious.
Canadian musician Tom Cochrane has re-released his song 'Big League' as a tribute to the Humboldt Broncos.
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It resulted in sixteen fatalities (ten players, two coaches, a statistician, a broadcaster, the bus driver and an athletic therapist). The remaining passengers, thirteen players, all received injuries, most of them serious.
Canadian musician Tom Cochrane has re-released his song 'Big League' as a tribute to the Humboldt Broncos.
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It's a testament to the hard work and tireless non-profit making efforts of the Darvel Music Company (effectively a continuation of what was the Darvel Music Festival, a successful sometimes multiple weekend event that ran in the small Ayrshire town for fifteen years) that such high quality shows are still being put on at the Town Hall along with smaller, but no less entertaining gigs at the Darvel Bowling Club (which help fund the larger shows) also part of the Darvel Music Company bill.
Following the successful King King show which took place on the 21st of April, is a gig at the Darvel Bowling Club on the 5th of May featuring Edinburgh's Black Cat Bone, who bring swampy swagger and soul-groove to their blues rock, supported by local musicians grouped as Kevin’s Black Bull Blues All-Stars.
That event will be followed three months later by a welcome return to Darvel, on August 25th, for Texan blues-soul-funk musician Hamilton Loomis and his band.
Loomis, a regular fixture at the Darvel Music Festival and who performed in Darvel last year while promoting his latest album Basics (his most personal and stripped back work to date), is a must-see artist who puts the capital E in Entertainment.
Following the successful King King show which took place on the 21st of April, is a gig at the Darvel Bowling Club on the 5th of May featuring Edinburgh's Black Cat Bone, who bring swampy swagger and soul-groove to their blues rock, supported by local musicians grouped as Kevin’s Black Bull Blues All-Stars.
That event will be followed three months later by a welcome return to Darvel, on August 25th, for Texan blues-soul-funk musician Hamilton Loomis and his band.
Loomis, a regular fixture at the Darvel Music Festival and who performed in Darvel last year while promoting his latest album Basics (his most personal and stripped back work to date), is a must-see artist who puts the capital E in Entertainment.
The August 25th show is a triple bill event.
Legendary British producer and singer Mike Vernon – who is having so much fun with his good time crooner-swing band The Mighty Combo it should be illegal – will ably support the Hamilton Loomis Band in the soul-funk company of Fife based eight-piece, Lights Out By Nine.
Tickets for the May 5th Bowling Club concert are only £7.
The Town Hall show on the 25th August costs £22.50, unless you live in the Irvine Valley – if you are local to the area you can visit any of the local sales outlets and get your ticket for £20 (please present evidence of your address when purchasing).
All ticket outlet information can be located at: www.darvelmusiccompany.com
The Darvel Music Company organisers would like to thank all of their current 2018 sponsors and advertisers.
Special thanks to the Miss Bessie C. Roxburgh Bequest, Skipton Building Society, Grassroots Giving Scheme, Tesco Bags for Help, Scot-Mid, West Siphonics Limited, The Loudoun Valley Trust and the Darvel Improvement Group for their generous financial support.
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Legendary British producer and singer Mike Vernon – who is having so much fun with his good time crooner-swing band The Mighty Combo it should be illegal – will ably support the Hamilton Loomis Band in the soul-funk company of Fife based eight-piece, Lights Out By Nine.
Tickets for the May 5th Bowling Club concert are only £7.
The Town Hall show on the 25th August costs £22.50, unless you live in the Irvine Valley – if you are local to the area you can visit any of the local sales outlets and get your ticket for £20 (please present evidence of your address when purchasing).
All ticket outlet information can be located at: www.darvelmusiccompany.com
The Darvel Music Company organisers would like to thank all of their current 2018 sponsors and advertisers.
Special thanks to the Miss Bessie C. Roxburgh Bequest, Skipton Building Society, Grassroots Giving Scheme, Tesco Bags for Help, Scot-Mid, West Siphonics Limited, The Loudoun Valley Trust and the Darvel Improvement Group for their generous financial support.
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Edinburgh heavy soul-blues outfit The Rising Souls have just released a new song entitled 'Escape.'
The contemporary soul-blues meets spacious, Zeppelin-esque sound of the song also acts as a precursor to a full album that the band are currently working towards.
The contemporary soul-blues meets spacious, Zeppelin-esque sound of the song also acts as a precursor to a full album that the band are currently working towards.
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Joe Bonamassa will release British Blues Explosion Live on the 18th of May on CD/DVD/Blu-Ray and 3LP (Black/ Red, White & Blue) via Mascot Label Group in Europe and J&R Adventures in North America.
The DVD and Blu-ray versions will include bonus content such as JOe Bonamassa and his band performing 'Taxman' live at the Cavern Club and the celebrated guitarist being honoured with a Brick In The Wall, the British Blues Explosion Explained by Mick Wall and a photo gallery of Bonamassa’s British Blues Explosion UK Tour.
A salute to the British Blues Explosion, featuring the music of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, Joe Bonamassa paid tribute to his British Blues heroes during a five performance tour of the UK; British Blues Explosion Live was recorded and filmed at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London on July 7th, 2016.
From a young age, the musically inclined Joe Bonamassa fell in love with the hard-rocking and edgy blues sound that emanated from mid-1960’s Britain. This is especially true of the highly innovative and evocative guitar music produced by three of the field’s greatest heavyweights, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
With the deepest reverence for what those true giants accomplished and with a true love of their music, Joe Bonamassa delivered unforgettable performances of some of their most famous and memorable songs in the company of his stellar band: Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (keyboards), Anton Fig (drums) and Russ Irwin (rhythm guitar, backing vocals).
Joe Bonamassa – British Blues Explosion Live
Disc 1: Beck's Bolero / Rice Pudding; Mainline Florida; Boogie With Stu; Let Me Love You Baby; Plynth (Water Down The Drain); Spanish Boots; Double Crossing Time; Motherless
Disc 2: SWLABR; Tea For One / I Can't Quit You Baby; Little Girl; Pretending; Black Winter/ Django; How Many More Times
The DVD and Blu-ray versions will include bonus content such as JOe Bonamassa and his band performing 'Taxman' live at the Cavern Club and the celebrated guitarist being honoured with a Brick In The Wall, the British Blues Explosion Explained by Mick Wall and a photo gallery of Bonamassa’s British Blues Explosion UK Tour.
A salute to the British Blues Explosion, featuring the music of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, Joe Bonamassa paid tribute to his British Blues heroes during a five performance tour of the UK; British Blues Explosion Live was recorded and filmed at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London on July 7th, 2016.
From a young age, the musically inclined Joe Bonamassa fell in love with the hard-rocking and edgy blues sound that emanated from mid-1960’s Britain. This is especially true of the highly innovative and evocative guitar music produced by three of the field’s greatest heavyweights, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
With the deepest reverence for what those true giants accomplished and with a true love of their music, Joe Bonamassa delivered unforgettable performances of some of their most famous and memorable songs in the company of his stellar band: Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (keyboards), Anton Fig (drums) and Russ Irwin (rhythm guitar, backing vocals).
Joe Bonamassa – British Blues Explosion Live
Disc 1: Beck's Bolero / Rice Pudding; Mainline Florida; Boogie With Stu; Let Me Love You Baby; Plynth (Water Down The Drain); Spanish Boots; Double Crossing Time; Motherless
Disc 2: SWLABR; Tea For One / I Can't Quit You Baby; Little Girl; Pretending; Black Winter/ Django; How Many More Times
Joe Bonamassa will return to the UK in October to perform three arena shows in England.
Prior to the October dates, Bonamassa will play the prestigious Hampton Court Palace Festival on Tuesday 12th June.
A 48-hour ticket pre-sale for the arena shows will start at www.planetrock.com from Wednesday 18th April.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 20th April from www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Tickets for the Hampton Court Festival are available from https://hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/artists/joe-bonamassa.
The October dates will feature Joe Bonamassa and band playing material from Bonamassa’s forthcoming studio album (scheduled for release in September), his 2016 milestone album Blues of Desperation and a selection of Bonamassa fan favourites.
Joe Bonamassa – October UK dates:
Plymouth Pavilions - Thursday 11th October
Nottingham Motorpoint Arena - Friday 12th October
Bournemouth International Centre - Saturday 13th October
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Prior to the October dates, Bonamassa will play the prestigious Hampton Court Palace Festival on Tuesday 12th June.
A 48-hour ticket pre-sale for the arena shows will start at www.planetrock.com from Wednesday 18th April.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 20th April from www.jbonamassa.com/tour-dates and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Tickets for the Hampton Court Festival are available from https://hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/artists/joe-bonamassa.
The October dates will feature Joe Bonamassa and band playing material from Bonamassa’s forthcoming studio album (scheduled for release in September), his 2016 milestone album Blues of Desperation and a selection of Bonamassa fan favourites.
Joe Bonamassa – October UK dates:
Plymouth Pavilions - Thursday 11th October
Nottingham Motorpoint Arena - Friday 12th October
Bournemouth International Centre - Saturday 13th October
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Greig Taylor has been cited many times as not just one of Scotland’s hardest working musicians but one of the UK’s finest blues-based vocalists.
Although Taylor's various musical projects in the blues scene over the last five years or so have been both noteworthy and deserving of their critical acclaim – two albums with GT’s Boos Band featuring guitarist John Boos (gaining further recognition via an appearance on the BBC Four Television documentary UK’s Best Part Time Band), a short but successful tenure with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band and more lately acoustic blues project The Blind Lemon Gators – his forthcoming solo album, musical association with former Blues 'N Trouble and Maggie Bell guitarist Sandy Tweeddale and new band project, The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, are all shaping up to be the vehicles that deliver his best and strongest work to date.
Acting as a taster of things to come is the single 'God’s Problem Child.'
The song, a cover of a lesser known Willie Nelson track, is deceptive in its seeming simplicity; while the accompanying video helps frame the bluesy pathos of the song’s lyric, the subtle musical depths of the number are as impacting as Greig Taylor’s soulful and sincere blues voice, as the singer explained to FabricationsHQ shortly after the single was recorded:
"The song features Sandy Tweeddale on lead guitar, Jim Chadwin on nylon acoustic, Gill Hunter on keys, Al Jones on bass, former John Martyn drummer Dave Cantwell and Jim Harcus on blues harp; we also have backing vocals from Stacey Bell and some little moments of four-piece harmonies.
I’m loving this track. This is the best work, and best set of musicians, I’ve been involved with."
Although Taylor's various musical projects in the blues scene over the last five years or so have been both noteworthy and deserving of their critical acclaim – two albums with GT’s Boos Band featuring guitarist John Boos (gaining further recognition via an appearance on the BBC Four Television documentary UK’s Best Part Time Band), a short but successful tenure with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band and more lately acoustic blues project The Blind Lemon Gators – his forthcoming solo album, musical association with former Blues 'N Trouble and Maggie Bell guitarist Sandy Tweeddale and new band project, The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, are all shaping up to be the vehicles that deliver his best and strongest work to date.
Acting as a taster of things to come is the single 'God’s Problem Child.'
The song, a cover of a lesser known Willie Nelson track, is deceptive in its seeming simplicity; while the accompanying video helps frame the bluesy pathos of the song’s lyric, the subtle musical depths of the number are as impacting as Greig Taylor’s soulful and sincere blues voice, as the singer explained to FabricationsHQ shortly after the single was recorded:
"The song features Sandy Tweeddale on lead guitar, Jim Chadwin on nylon acoustic, Gill Hunter on keys, Al Jones on bass, former John Martyn drummer Dave Cantwell and Jim Harcus on blues harp; we also have backing vocals from Stacey Bell and some little moments of four-piece harmonies.
I’m loving this track. This is the best work, and best set of musicians, I’ve been involved with."
'God’s Problem Child' bodes well for not just the future of The Greig Taylor Blues Combo but the quality of songs to come, as Greig confirmed: "The new single is a cover, of course, but Sandy and I are currently writing an originals album; the first song we wrote together was just gorgeous."
The Greig Taylor Blues Combo will play their official band launch show at the famous Dreadnoughtrock, Scotland's longest running rock club, on Saturday 28th April.
Tickets are only £8.00, providing fantastic value for the calibre of musicians performing.
Doors 7pm; Stage Time TBC (approx. 8.45pm to 11pm). Tickets can be purchased by clicking here
"Greig Taylor channeling the Howlin Wolf!"
– Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
"Smouldering, yet penetrating, vocals from Greig Taylor."
– www.music-news.com
"Greig Taylor has a great voice, reminiscent of Paul Rodgers of Free."
– Rosy Greer, www.bluesinthenorthwest.com
"A great voice, a rock/soul singer with roots in his blues."
– www.bluesmagazine.nl
"Greig Taylor sings with tremendous flair, his voice seems to know no bounds."
– Walter Vanheuckelom, Concert Monkey, Netherlands
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The Greig Taylor Blues Combo will play their official band launch show at the famous Dreadnoughtrock, Scotland's longest running rock club, on Saturday 28th April.
Tickets are only £8.00, providing fantastic value for the calibre of musicians performing.
Doors 7pm; Stage Time TBC (approx. 8.45pm to 11pm). Tickets can be purchased by clicking here
"Greig Taylor channeling the Howlin Wolf!"
– Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
"Smouldering, yet penetrating, vocals from Greig Taylor."
– www.music-news.com
"Greig Taylor has a great voice, reminiscent of Paul Rodgers of Free."
– Rosy Greer, www.bluesinthenorthwest.com
"A great voice, a rock/soul singer with roots in his blues."
– www.bluesmagazine.nl
"Greig Taylor sings with tremendous flair, his voice seems to know no bounds."
– Walter Vanheuckelom, Concert Monkey, Netherlands
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Terry Reid, one of the greatest and most respected rock vocalists the UK has ever produced, has confirmed a live show at Nell’s Jazz & Blues in London on Thursday, 26th April.
Reid will joined on stage by Neil Hubbard on guitar, Jennifer Maidman on bass guitar and Ash Soan on drums; the singer will perform a set that spans his five decade-long career including from albums such as Bang, Bang You're Terry Reid (1968), Terry Reid (1969), River (1973), Seed of Memory (1976), Rogue Waves (1979) and all the way through to some of the songs Reid co-wrote and sang on for Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s latest solo album, Sweetzerland Manifesto.
Affectionately known as "Superlungs," Terry Reid famously turned down Jimmy Page’s offer to become the front man for the band that would become Led Zeppelin, instead recommending and introducing Page to his friends Robert Plant and John Bonham.
Due to contractual obligations, Reid also turned down a similar offer to front Deep Purple after being courted by the band’s guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Terry Reid’s credentials were further consolidated on two world tours with The Rolling Stones, US tours with Cream and UK tours with Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac.
Reid also performed at The Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 and the inaugural Glastonbury Festival in 1970.
Terry Reid’s musical story also includes numerous collaborations with Graham Nash (who produced Reid’s fourth album Seed of Memory) and having his songs covered by the likes of The Hollies, Marianne Faithfull and The Raconteurs.
Following a return to the Glastonbury Festival in 2009, Terry Reid played a three night residency at Ronnie Scott’s in London (one of only a handful of non-Jazz artists invited to help mark the legendary venue’s 50th Anniversary). Reid returned in 2010 and again in 2011 to sell out three consecutive nights.
In 2011 Terry Reid toured England and released Live In London, which included several previously unreleased tracks. Uncut Magazine then presented a show featuring Reid at The Jazz Café with the singer also playing Glastonbury once more, headlining the Spirit of ‘71 stage.
In 2012, Rumer introduced Terry Reid to a new generation when she featured his song 'Brave Awakening' on her 2012 album Boys Don’t Cry, before Reid returned to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival for the first time since 1971.
Later that year, DJ Shadow invited Terry Reid to write the lyrics to a new track for his forthcoming Reconstructed album, which became the song 'Listen.' The song’s official video has since been played on YouTube over 570,000 times.
Looking ahead to the upcoming London show, Reid said, "It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to play with my great band at Nell’s Jazz & Blues, so I’m really looking forward it. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to catch up with friends both old and new. Come on down and we’ll see you there!"
Opening the show will be Kaleb McKane, the London based singer-songwriter-guitarist whose rock influences range from David Bowie to Jeff Buckley and Soundgarden to Pink Floyd. https://www.kalebmckane.com/b2bpromo
Tickets for the show can be purchased by clicking here
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Reid will joined on stage by Neil Hubbard on guitar, Jennifer Maidman on bass guitar and Ash Soan on drums; the singer will perform a set that spans his five decade-long career including from albums such as Bang, Bang You're Terry Reid (1968), Terry Reid (1969), River (1973), Seed of Memory (1976), Rogue Waves (1979) and all the way through to some of the songs Reid co-wrote and sang on for Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s latest solo album, Sweetzerland Manifesto.
Affectionately known as "Superlungs," Terry Reid famously turned down Jimmy Page’s offer to become the front man for the band that would become Led Zeppelin, instead recommending and introducing Page to his friends Robert Plant and John Bonham.
Due to contractual obligations, Reid also turned down a similar offer to front Deep Purple after being courted by the band’s guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Terry Reid’s credentials were further consolidated on two world tours with The Rolling Stones, US tours with Cream and UK tours with Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac.
Reid also performed at The Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 and the inaugural Glastonbury Festival in 1970.
Terry Reid’s musical story also includes numerous collaborations with Graham Nash (who produced Reid’s fourth album Seed of Memory) and having his songs covered by the likes of The Hollies, Marianne Faithfull and The Raconteurs.
Following a return to the Glastonbury Festival in 2009, Terry Reid played a three night residency at Ronnie Scott’s in London (one of only a handful of non-Jazz artists invited to help mark the legendary venue’s 50th Anniversary). Reid returned in 2010 and again in 2011 to sell out three consecutive nights.
In 2011 Terry Reid toured England and released Live In London, which included several previously unreleased tracks. Uncut Magazine then presented a show featuring Reid at The Jazz Café with the singer also playing Glastonbury once more, headlining the Spirit of ‘71 stage.
In 2012, Rumer introduced Terry Reid to a new generation when she featured his song 'Brave Awakening' on her 2012 album Boys Don’t Cry, before Reid returned to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival for the first time since 1971.
Later that year, DJ Shadow invited Terry Reid to write the lyrics to a new track for his forthcoming Reconstructed album, which became the song 'Listen.' The song’s official video has since been played on YouTube over 570,000 times.
Looking ahead to the upcoming London show, Reid said, "It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to play with my great band at Nell’s Jazz & Blues, so I’m really looking forward it. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to catch up with friends both old and new. Come on down and we’ll see you there!"
Opening the show will be Kaleb McKane, the London based singer-songwriter-guitarist whose rock influences range from David Bowie to Jeff Buckley and Soundgarden to Pink Floyd. https://www.kalebmckane.com/b2bpromo
Tickets for the show can be purchased by clicking here
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World-renowned guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani’s 2018 G3 Tour, with Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth, hits the UK later this month.
The six dates kick off with a show at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday 24th April before continuing on to London, Bristol, Manchester, Portsmouth and Birmingham.
Each of the three guitarists will perform their own set, followed by a massive three-way jam at the end of the show; fans will also have the chance to meet the musicians when purchasing one of the VIP Meet & Greet Packages that will be available at all shows.
The European leg of the G3 2018 Tour includes shows in Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and more.
"I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way I’m not," says Joe Satriani of his ever-popular guitar shows. "I think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show!"
Joe Satriani released his 16th solo album, What Happens Next, in January on Sony/Legacy Recordings.
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The six dates kick off with a show at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion on Tuesday 24th April before continuing on to London, Bristol, Manchester, Portsmouth and Birmingham.
Each of the three guitarists will perform their own set, followed by a massive three-way jam at the end of the show; fans will also have the chance to meet the musicians when purchasing one of the VIP Meet & Greet Packages that will be available at all shows.
The European leg of the G3 2018 Tour includes shows in Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and more.
"I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way I’m not," says Joe Satriani of his ever-popular guitar shows. "I think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show!"
Joe Satriani released his 16th solo album, What Happens Next, in January on Sony/Legacy Recordings.
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Diamond Black, the London based dark-rock quartet founded by Sisters of Mercy guitarist Ben Christo have just released a new single entitled 'Ghost in the Glass.'
The new song and debut single 'Sorrow,' released in October of last year, help define and describe what Diamond Black are all about musically and lyrically - intense riffs, electronica and cinematic choruses; powerful and muscular musicality that can also be fragile and haunting, with lyrical themes that are often nuanced, introspective and emotive with vocals ranging from brooding whispers to venomous screams.
The band’s influences are as musically diverse as Katatonia, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative and The Cult but with Finnish singer J.I. Turunen’s distinctly Scandinavian melancholy, backed by Ben Christo’s thick riffs and emotive lead-lines and a powerful rhythm section in the shape of drummer Jan-Vincent Velazco and bassist Adam Lightspeed (all encased within the darkwave/electro-rock production of noted Finnish musician and producer Jaani Peuhu) the results are definitively, and dynamically, Diamond Black.
The new song and debut single 'Sorrow,' released in October of last year, help define and describe what Diamond Black are all about musically and lyrically - intense riffs, electronica and cinematic choruses; powerful and muscular musicality that can also be fragile and haunting, with lyrical themes that are often nuanced, introspective and emotive with vocals ranging from brooding whispers to venomous screams.
The band’s influences are as musically diverse as Katatonia, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative and The Cult but with Finnish singer J.I. Turunen’s distinctly Scandinavian melancholy, backed by Ben Christo’s thick riffs and emotive lead-lines and a powerful rhythm section in the shape of drummer Jan-Vincent Velazco and bassist Adam Lightspeed (all encased within the darkwave/electro-rock production of noted Finnish musician and producer Jaani Peuhu) the results are definitively, and dynamically, Diamond Black.
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Due to popular demand Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous will play five dates in the UK in September and October as part of their ongoing performance tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Thin Lizzy’s iconic live album Live and Dangerous.
Tickets are on sale now, direct from the venues.
Original Thin Lizzy member and one of the great rock drummers, Brian Downey, says of the shows:
"We will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Live and Dangerous by performing the album in its entirety when we tour it in the UK in September and October. Thin Lizzy fans have been asking us when we will embark on a UK tour. The time has finally arrived!"
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), plus former Low Rider band members Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass), and Phil Edgar (lead guitar).
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous - September/October UK Dates
South Shields, Queen Vic - Tuesday 25th September
Stoke, Eleven - Thursday 27th September
London, Camden Underworld - Friday 28th September
Wolverhampton, The Robin 2 - Saturday 29th September
Glasgow, Classic Grand - Monday 1st October
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Tickets are on sale now, direct from the venues.
Original Thin Lizzy member and one of the great rock drummers, Brian Downey, says of the shows:
"We will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Live and Dangerous by performing the album in its entirety when we tour it in the UK in September and October. Thin Lizzy fans have been asking us when we will embark on a UK tour. The time has finally arrived!"
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), plus former Low Rider band members Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass), and Phil Edgar (lead guitar).
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous - September/October UK Dates
South Shields, Queen Vic - Tuesday 25th September
Stoke, Eleven - Thursday 27th September
London, Camden Underworld - Friday 28th September
Wolverhampton, The Robin 2 - Saturday 29th September
Glasgow, Classic Grand - Monday 1st October
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Glasgow based modern melodic country duo, Raintown, built around the husband and wife songwriting and vocal team of Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain, have just released a new single Run with the night.
The song is also their first collaboration with producer John McLaughlin who has written and produced seven UK No.1’s and more than twenty-five Top Ten hits worldwide.
The song is an upbeat and up-tempo modern country meets pop-rock crossover number with a take-a-chance lyric, as Paul Bain explains:
"Myself and Claire got talking about taking chances one night and whether in uncertain times are people more or less inclined to take a leap of faith, see dreams through to fruition or is everything disposable. Somewhere in there the phrase you have to just 'run with the night' was used and an idea was born."
The song is also their first collaboration with producer John McLaughlin who has written and produced seven UK No.1’s and more than twenty-five Top Ten hits worldwide.
The song is an upbeat and up-tempo modern country meets pop-rock crossover number with a take-a-chance lyric, as Paul Bain explains:
"Myself and Claire got talking about taking chances one night and whether in uncertain times are people more or less inclined to take a leap of faith, see dreams through to fruition or is everything disposable. Somewhere in there the phrase you have to just 'run with the night' was used and an idea was born."
With sixteen awards in five years and two critically acclaimed albums under their contemporary country belts, Raintown are an act that can deliver infectious hooks and harmonies within their melodic and at times Celtic tinged country-rooted framework.
Full-length interview feature with Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain will be published on FabricationsHQ later this month.
"Raintown are all about the blend of not just the smooth and warm voices of husband and wife singer-songwriter team Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain but the blend of the individual band members and top-notch songs that range from romantic storytelling to melodic country pop and roll with splashes of Celtic rock and bright lead guitar tones."
- FabricationsHQ
Run With the Night Tour
(tickets link: https://www.raintownmusic.com/tour)
Thursday 19th April – RBL, Thurso
Friday 20th April - The Ironworks, Inverness
Sunday 22nd April - The Cluny 2, Newcastle
Monday 23rd April – The Fruit, Hull
Wednesday 24th April - Studio 2, Parr St, Liverpool
Saturday 28th April - Oran Mor, Glasgow
Monday 11th June - The 100 Club, London
Tuesday 12th June - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Wednesday 13th June - Night People, Manchester
Raintown will also be performing at the Millport Country Festival on Cumbrae on September 8th
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Full-length interview feature with Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain will be published on FabricationsHQ later this month.
"Raintown are all about the blend of not just the smooth and warm voices of husband and wife singer-songwriter team Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain but the blend of the individual band members and top-notch songs that range from romantic storytelling to melodic country pop and roll with splashes of Celtic rock and bright lead guitar tones."
- FabricationsHQ
Run With the Night Tour
(tickets link: https://www.raintownmusic.com/tour)
Thursday 19th April – RBL, Thurso
Friday 20th April - The Ironworks, Inverness
Sunday 22nd April - The Cluny 2, Newcastle
Monday 23rd April – The Fruit, Hull
Wednesday 24th April - Studio 2, Parr St, Liverpool
Saturday 28th April - Oran Mor, Glasgow
Monday 11th June - The 100 Club, London
Tuesday 12th June - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Wednesday 13th June - Night People, Manchester
Raintown will also be performing at the Millport Country Festival on Cumbrae on September 8th
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Solo blues rock artist Steve Hill will release a fourteen track live album The One-Man Blues Rock Band on Manhaton Records in the UK on Friday 11h May 2018.
To support the release, the award winning Canadian musician (Juno Award winner for Blues Album of the Year; 2016 Maple Blues Award winner for Electric Act of the Year, Guitarist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year) will tour the UK in May supporting King King and Danny Bryant.
When it comes to one-man bands, guitarist and singer extraordinaire Steve Hill has no limits; anything goes. He is the true exponent of a one-man band, performing standing up while singing and playing guitar, his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and a drum stick fused to the head of his guitar to hit any other percussion within reach.
The One-Man Blues Rock Band (recorded at La Chapelle in Quebec in November 2017) features outright rockin’ originals such as 'Damned,' 'Dangerous' and 'Rhythm All Over,' an acoustic-based track ('Emily') and three re-imagined and rearranged covers including 'Voodoo Child.'
The live album shows an artist at the top of his game - "I wanted to capture a live album that featured all the energy of my live shows. There are no overdubs on this live album… I play everything myself in real time. There are no tapes or loops. What you hear is what you get."
– Steve Hill
To support the release, the award winning Canadian musician (Juno Award winner for Blues Album of the Year; 2016 Maple Blues Award winner for Electric Act of the Year, Guitarist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year) will tour the UK in May supporting King King and Danny Bryant.
When it comes to one-man bands, guitarist and singer extraordinaire Steve Hill has no limits; anything goes. He is the true exponent of a one-man band, performing standing up while singing and playing guitar, his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and a drum stick fused to the head of his guitar to hit any other percussion within reach.
The One-Man Blues Rock Band (recorded at La Chapelle in Quebec in November 2017) features outright rockin’ originals such as 'Damned,' 'Dangerous' and 'Rhythm All Over,' an acoustic-based track ('Emily') and three re-imagined and rearranged covers including 'Voodoo Child.'
The live album shows an artist at the top of his game - "I wanted to capture a live album that featured all the energy of my live shows. There are no overdubs on this live album… I play everything myself in real time. There are no tapes or loops. What you hear is what you get."
– Steve Hill
"An unbelievable cacophony of predominantly blasting rock blues that bursts to life."
– Blues in Britain
"Steve Hill’s earlier musical adventures included blues infused hard rock (check out the Damage Done album by Steve Hill & The Majestiks) but since going solo with his one-man recordings and live shows, Steve Hill has found his true blues calling."
– FabricationsHQ
"We’ve seen some multi-tasking set-ups in our time but one-man Canadian Blues rock band, Steve Hill, raised even Total Guitar’s eyebrows."
– Total Guitar Magazine
"The one-man band style has made Steve Hill the top star in the Canadian blues scene right now."
– Bob Mersereau, The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Steve Hill – The One-Man Blues Rock Band, released May 11th 2018 on Manhaton Records.
Steve Hill on tour in the UK, May - June (tickets: www.stevehillmusic.com/shows)
* Supporting King King ** Supporting Danny Bryant
*St. Mary in The Castle, Hastings - Thursday 3rd May
*Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd - Friday 4th May
* The 1865, Southampton - Saturday 5th May
**The Robin 2, Bilston - Monday 7th May
**The Junction 2, Cambridge - Tuesday 8th May
**Islington O2 Academy 2, London - Wednesday 9th May
*Epstein Theatre, Liverpool - Thursday 10th May
**The Flowerpot, Derby - Friday 11th May
**The Citadel, St Helens - Saturday 12th May
**Tithe Barn, Bishops Cleeve - Sunday 13th May
*The Live Rooms, Chester - Thursday 17th May
*Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - Friday 18th May
*The Picturedome, Holmfirth - Saturday 19th May
*Cheese & Grain, Frome - Saturday 26th May
*Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter - Sunday 27th May
*Robin 2, Bilston - Thursday 31st May
*The Apex, Bury St Edmunds - Friday 1st June
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– Blues in Britain
"Steve Hill’s earlier musical adventures included blues infused hard rock (check out the Damage Done album by Steve Hill & The Majestiks) but since going solo with his one-man recordings and live shows, Steve Hill has found his true blues calling."
– FabricationsHQ
"We’ve seen some multi-tasking set-ups in our time but one-man Canadian Blues rock band, Steve Hill, raised even Total Guitar’s eyebrows."
– Total Guitar Magazine
"The one-man band style has made Steve Hill the top star in the Canadian blues scene right now."
– Bob Mersereau, The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Steve Hill – The One-Man Blues Rock Band, released May 11th 2018 on Manhaton Records.
Steve Hill on tour in the UK, May - June (tickets: www.stevehillmusic.com/shows)
* Supporting King King ** Supporting Danny Bryant
*St. Mary in The Castle, Hastings - Thursday 3rd May
*Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd - Friday 4th May
* The 1865, Southampton - Saturday 5th May
**The Robin 2, Bilston - Monday 7th May
**The Junction 2, Cambridge - Tuesday 8th May
**Islington O2 Academy 2, London - Wednesday 9th May
*Epstein Theatre, Liverpool - Thursday 10th May
**The Flowerpot, Derby - Friday 11th May
**The Citadel, St Helens - Saturday 12th May
**Tithe Barn, Bishops Cleeve - Sunday 13th May
*The Live Rooms, Chester - Thursday 17th May
*Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - Friday 18th May
*The Picturedome, Holmfirth - Saturday 19th May
*Cheese & Grain, Frome - Saturday 26th May
*Phoenix Arts Centre, Exeter - Sunday 27th May
*Robin 2, Bilston - Thursday 31st May
*The Apex, Bury St Edmunds - Friday 1st June
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Following the reissue of Saxon’s first three albums in Deluxe 24 page media book CD and coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions, BMG have announced the re-issue of the British heavy metal stalwart’s fourth, fifth and sixth albums, Denim and Leather, Power & the Glory and Crusader, all in the same formats.
The albums will be released on the 25th of May.
As with the first three Saxon albums in BMG’s re-release series (Saxon, Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, all of which broke into the UK Top 40), these editions will include original lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia; the CD versions will also feature bonus tracks including early demos (some of which didn't make final track listings), Single B-sides and live recordings.
The coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions will contain only the original albums (no bonus tracks).
The albums will be released on the 25th of May.
As with the first three Saxon albums in BMG’s re-release series (Saxon, Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, all of which broke into the UK Top 40), these editions will include original lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia; the CD versions will also feature bonus tracks including early demos (some of which didn't make final track listings), Single B-sides and live recordings.
The coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions will contain only the original albums (no bonus tracks).
Saxon’s fourth album Denim And Leather was originally released on 5th October 1981.
Recorded at Aquarius Studios in Geneva it was one of their most successful ever records and spawned the classic singles 'Princess Of The Night' and festival inspired 'And The Bands Played On,' written about their appearance at the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival in 1980.
This edition also contains seven live tracks recorded on the 1981 Denim And Leather Tour.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Denim_Leather
Saxon’s fifth album, Power & The Glory, was originally released on 21st March 1983 and was produced by Jeff Glixman at Axis Sound Studios in Atlanta; the album spawned two singles, 'Nightmare' and the title track.
Power & The Glory and also marked the replacement of drummer Pete Gill with Nigel Glockler, who remains a member of Saxon to this day.
This version of the album includes early working demos of songs from the album, recorded in 1982, including tracks that didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Power_Glory
Originally released on 16th April 1984, Saxon’s sixth album Crusader was produced by Kevin Beamish at the legendary Sound City Studios, in Los Angeles. It featured the band’s first recorded cover song, a version of the Sweet’s hard rock classic 'Set Me Free,' as well as the singles 'Sailing To America,' 'Just Let Me Rock' and 'Do It All For You.'
This version includes early working versions of some of the songs featured on the album as well as the songs 'Borderline' and 'Helter Skelter,' which didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/_Crusader
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Recorded at Aquarius Studios in Geneva it was one of their most successful ever records and spawned the classic singles 'Princess Of The Night' and festival inspired 'And The Bands Played On,' written about their appearance at the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival in 1980.
This edition also contains seven live tracks recorded on the 1981 Denim And Leather Tour.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Denim_Leather
Saxon’s fifth album, Power & The Glory, was originally released on 21st March 1983 and was produced by Jeff Glixman at Axis Sound Studios in Atlanta; the album spawned two singles, 'Nightmare' and the title track.
Power & The Glory and also marked the replacement of drummer Pete Gill with Nigel Glockler, who remains a member of Saxon to this day.
This version of the album includes early working demos of songs from the album, recorded in 1982, including tracks that didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Power_Glory
Originally released on 16th April 1984, Saxon’s sixth album Crusader was produced by Kevin Beamish at the legendary Sound City Studios, in Los Angeles. It featured the band’s first recorded cover song, a version of the Sweet’s hard rock classic 'Set Me Free,' as well as the singles 'Sailing To America,' 'Just Let Me Rock' and 'Do It All For You.'
This version includes early working versions of some of the songs featured on the album as well as the songs 'Borderline' and 'Helter Skelter,' which didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/_Crusader
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Britain’s No. 1 blues rock band King King kick off their Spring 2018 UK Tour – including shows at the HRH Festival in Sheffield and the Rock & Blues Festival in Newport – at the Worcester Huntingdon Hall on Saturday 14th April.
Xander and the Peace Pirates, Steve Hill and Austin Gold will support the band on selected dates throughout April, May and June as listed below; Rising Souls and will be special guests at their Darvel Music Festival date on April 21st.
King King released their fourth studio album Exile & Grace in October 2017 via Manhaton Records.
The album features the band’s singles 'Broken,' '(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’' and 'Long Time Running,' all of which have been airplay hits on Planet Rock Radio in the UK.
The album was recorded at Superfly Studios and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder and Therapy?).
Exile & Grace is the follow up to 2015’s multi-award winning Reaching For The Light and follows King King’s across-the-board win of five awards at 2016’s British Blues Awards including Best Male Vocal (Alan Nimmo), Best Bass Player (Lindsay Coulson), Best Song (Rush Hour), Best Album (Reaching for the Light) and Best Songwriter.
King King – April-June 2018 UK Tour
^ With Special Guests Xander and the Peace Pirates * With Special Guest Steve Hill
+ With Special Guest Austin Gold ~ With special guests Main Street Blues and The Rising Souls
Book Tickets at: www.kingking.co.uk/tour
^ Worcester, Huntingdon Hall - Saturday 14th April
Sheffield, HRH Festival - Sunday 15th April
^ Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree - Friday 20th April
~ Darvel, Darvel Festival - Saturday 21st April
* Hastings, St. Mary in The Castle - Thursday 3rd May
* Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre - Friday 4th May
* Southampton, The 1865 - Saturday 5th May
* Liverpool, Epstein Theatre - Thursday 10th May
+ Whitley Bay, The Playhouse - Friday 11th May
+ Clitheroe, The Grand - Saturday 12th May
* Chester, The Live Rooms - Thursday 17th May
* Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 18th May
* Holmfirth, The Picturedome - Saturday 19th May
* Frome, Cheese & Grain - Saturday 26th May
* Exeter, The Phoenix Arts Centre - Sunday 27th May
* Bilston,The Robin 2 - Thursday 31st May
* Bury St. Edmunds, The Apex - Friday 1st June
Newport, Rock & Blues Festival - Saturday 2nd June
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Xander and the Peace Pirates, Steve Hill and Austin Gold will support the band on selected dates throughout April, May and June as listed below; Rising Souls and will be special guests at their Darvel Music Festival date on April 21st.
King King released their fourth studio album Exile & Grace in October 2017 via Manhaton Records.
The album features the band’s singles 'Broken,' '(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’' and 'Long Time Running,' all of which have been airplay hits on Planet Rock Radio in the UK.
The album was recorded at Superfly Studios and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder and Therapy?).
Exile & Grace is the follow up to 2015’s multi-award winning Reaching For The Light and follows King King’s across-the-board win of five awards at 2016’s British Blues Awards including Best Male Vocal (Alan Nimmo), Best Bass Player (Lindsay Coulson), Best Song (Rush Hour), Best Album (Reaching for the Light) and Best Songwriter.
King King – April-June 2018 UK Tour
^ With Special Guests Xander and the Peace Pirates * With Special Guest Steve Hill
+ With Special Guest Austin Gold ~ With special guests Main Street Blues and The Rising Souls
Book Tickets at: www.kingking.co.uk/tour
^ Worcester, Huntingdon Hall - Saturday 14th April
Sheffield, HRH Festival - Sunday 15th April
^ Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree - Friday 20th April
~ Darvel, Darvel Festival - Saturday 21st April
* Hastings, St. Mary in The Castle - Thursday 3rd May
* Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre - Friday 4th May
* Southampton, The 1865 - Saturday 5th May
* Liverpool, Epstein Theatre - Thursday 10th May
+ Whitley Bay, The Playhouse - Friday 11th May
+ Clitheroe, The Grand - Saturday 12th May
* Chester, The Live Rooms - Thursday 17th May
* Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 18th May
* Holmfirth, The Picturedome - Saturday 19th May
* Frome, Cheese & Grain - Saturday 26th May
* Exeter, The Phoenix Arts Centre - Sunday 27th May
* Bilston,The Robin 2 - Thursday 31st May
* Bury St. Edmunds, The Apex - Friday 1st June
Newport, Rock & Blues Festival - Saturday 2nd June
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Photo by Laurence Harvey
Following his sold-out Perfection Kills March 2018 UK Tour, South African singer-songwriter and blues rock guitarist Dan Patlansky will return to the UK in November for a further nine dates.
Patlansky’s latest album Perfection Kills is the follow up to 2016’s Introvertigo which was met with universal critical acclaim and voted #1 Blues Rock Album 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Perfection Kills was recorded at Scherzo Productions, a recording studio in Dan Patlansky’s home town of Pretoria, South Africa. The musician chose Scherzo because he wanted to make a different sounding record and he felt it was the right studio for his vision.
Dan Patlansky was nominated as one of Classic Rock magazine’s hotly tipped new artists of 2015 when his Dear Silence Thieves album received numerous accolades and praise from the British blues and rock press. He’s been voted Most Promising Male Blues Artist by Blues & Soul Magazine and was also nominated as Best International Solo Artist at the Planet Rock Radio ‘Rocks’ Awards.
Dan Patlansky – November 2018 UK Dates
(Tickets - thegigcartel.com, danpatlansky.com )
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - Wednesday 21st November
Norwich, The Waterfront - Thursday 22nd November
Newbury, Arlington Arts Centre - Friday 23rd November
Chester, The Live Rooms - Saturday 24th November
Bury, The Met - Sunday 25th November
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Tuesday 27th November
Bromsgrove, Artrix - Wednesday 28th November
London, O2 Academy Islington - Thursday 29th November
Bristol, The Tunnels - Friday 30th November
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Patlansky’s latest album Perfection Kills is the follow up to 2016’s Introvertigo which was met with universal critical acclaim and voted #1 Blues Rock Album 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Perfection Kills was recorded at Scherzo Productions, a recording studio in Dan Patlansky’s home town of Pretoria, South Africa. The musician chose Scherzo because he wanted to make a different sounding record and he felt it was the right studio for his vision.
Dan Patlansky was nominated as one of Classic Rock magazine’s hotly tipped new artists of 2015 when his Dear Silence Thieves album received numerous accolades and praise from the British blues and rock press. He’s been voted Most Promising Male Blues Artist by Blues & Soul Magazine and was also nominated as Best International Solo Artist at the Planet Rock Radio ‘Rocks’ Awards.
Dan Patlansky – November 2018 UK Dates
(Tickets - thegigcartel.com, danpatlansky.com )
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - Wednesday 21st November
Norwich, The Waterfront - Thursday 22nd November
Newbury, Arlington Arts Centre - Friday 23rd November
Chester, The Live Rooms - Saturday 24th November
Bury, The Met - Sunday 25th November
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Tuesday 27th November
Bromsgrove, Artrix - Wednesday 28th November
London, O2 Academy Islington - Thursday 29th November
Bristol, The Tunnels - Friday 30th November
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Noted blues rock songstress Beth Hart has confirmed the Kris Barras Band as special guest on her UK tour on all dates excluding London.
As regards the London date, Beth Hart’s biggest UK concert to date at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Friday 4th May is now sold out; the acclaimed vocalist has also sold out her concert at the Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday 14th April.
A few tickets remain for all other dates, available from www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets.
In October 2016, Beth Hart released her current studio album, Fire on the Floor, to critical acclaim; she then performed a sold-out UK tour in November which garnered rave reviews.
On March 7th 2017 Beth Hart performed a very special, intimate concert at New York City’s Iridium Jazz Club, which featured songs from Fire on the Floor and from throughout her career.
Now, thirteen years after the release of her Live at Paradiso album, Beth Hart is treating fans to a release of the Iridium Jazz Club performance in the DVD/CD shape of Live From New York - Front & Center, released on April 13th via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group.
As regards the London date, Beth Hart’s biggest UK concert to date at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Friday 4th May is now sold out; the acclaimed vocalist has also sold out her concert at the Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday 14th April.
A few tickets remain for all other dates, available from www.alttickets.com/beth-hart-tickets.
In October 2016, Beth Hart released her current studio album, Fire on the Floor, to critical acclaim; she then performed a sold-out UK tour in November which garnered rave reviews.
On March 7th 2017 Beth Hart performed a very special, intimate concert at New York City’s Iridium Jazz Club, which featured songs from Fire on the Floor and from throughout her career.
Now, thirteen years after the release of her Live at Paradiso album, Beth Hart is treating fans to a release of the Iridium Jazz Club performance in the DVD/CD shape of Live From New York - Front & Center, released on April 13th via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group.
The Kris Barras Band are a compelling live act who also deliver in the studio.
Talented singer songwriter guitarist Kris Barras’s previous release, Lucky 13, which saw the band augmented to a four-piece, garnered many deserved positive reviews; the more recent and excellent The Divine and Dirty, the first release for the Mascot Label Group, along with the special guest slot on Beth Hart’s tour, will hopefully elevate the career of Kris Barras to a wider and larger audience.
"In a day and age where it can be a crapshoot for even the most talented or hardest working of bands Kris Barras, having had his number come up with Lucky 13 and now the Mascot Label Group backed The Divine and Dirty, is clearly rolling sevens."
- FabricationsHQ
Talented singer songwriter guitarist Kris Barras’s previous release, Lucky 13, which saw the band augmented to a four-piece, garnered many deserved positive reviews; the more recent and excellent The Divine and Dirty, the first release for the Mascot Label Group, along with the special guest slot on Beth Hart’s tour, will hopefully elevate the career of Kris Barras to a wider and larger audience.
"In a day and age where it can be a crapshoot for even the most talented or hardest working of bands Kris Barras, having had his number come up with Lucky 13 and now the Mascot Label Group backed The Divine and Dirty, is clearly rolling sevens."
- FabricationsHQ
Beth Hart - April & May 2018 UK Tour
(Special Guest the Kris Barras Band on all dates except the Royal Albert Hall).
Dublin, Vicar Street - Tuesday 10th April
Ipswich, Regent Theatre - Thursday 12th April
Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion - Saturday 14th April (Sold Out)
Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall - Sunday 15th April
Oxford, New Theatre - Wednesday 18th April
Folkestone, Leas Hall - Thursday 19th April
Cardiff, St David Hall - Saturday 21st April
Cambridge, Corn Exchange - Tuesday 24th April
Blackpool, Opera House - Thursday 26th April
Hull City, Hall - Friday 27th April
Reading, Hexagon - Monday 30th April
Portsmouth, Guildhall - Tuesday 1st May
London, Royal Albert Hall - Friday 4th May (Sold Out)
Beth Hart will also perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival - Saturday 5th May
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(Special Guest the Kris Barras Band on all dates except the Royal Albert Hall).
Dublin, Vicar Street - Tuesday 10th April
Ipswich, Regent Theatre - Thursday 12th April
Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion - Saturday 14th April (Sold Out)
Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall - Sunday 15th April
Oxford, New Theatre - Wednesday 18th April
Folkestone, Leas Hall - Thursday 19th April
Cardiff, St David Hall - Saturday 21st April
Cambridge, Corn Exchange - Tuesday 24th April
Blackpool, Opera House - Thursday 26th April
Hull City, Hall - Friday 27th April
Reading, Hexagon - Monday 30th April
Portsmouth, Guildhall - Tuesday 1st May
London, Royal Albert Hall - Friday 4th May (Sold Out)
Beth Hart will also perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival - Saturday 5th May
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Finnish singer-songwriter and outstanding slide guitarist Erja Lyytinen, currently touring the UK through March as part of the Ladies of The Blues triple bill with and Connie Lush and Kyla Brox, has released a brand new single, 'Without You.'
The song, a bluesy rock number with a funky undertone (an Erja Lyytinen strength and trait), lyrically deals with having to live with something or someone now out of reach. It will also feature on what will be Lyytinen's next studio album, due for release in the autumn.
'Without You' was written by Erja Lyytinen and recorded with her new band, which features Kasperi Kallio (keyboards), Tatu Back (bass) and Iiro Laitinen (drums).
Says Erja Lyytinen of the song "I started writing Without You a few years back, but never found the right moment to finish it. I brought the song into the rehearsal studio at the beginning of 2018 and the band and I started to work on it. The arrangement was completely different at first, with some R&B elements, but it turned out to be something that I´m keen doing on stage nowadays – it’s loud, rocky and frank!"
The song, a bluesy rock number with a funky undertone (an Erja Lyytinen strength and trait), lyrically deals with having to live with something or someone now out of reach. It will also feature on what will be Lyytinen's next studio album, due for release in the autumn.
'Without You' was written by Erja Lyytinen and recorded with her new band, which features Kasperi Kallio (keyboards), Tatu Back (bass) and Iiro Laitinen (drums).
Says Erja Lyytinen of the song "I started writing Without You a few years back, but never found the right moment to finish it. I brought the song into the rehearsal studio at the beginning of 2018 and the band and I started to work on it. The arrangement was completely different at first, with some R&B elements, but it turned out to be something that I´m keen doing on stage nowadays – it’s loud, rocky and frank!"
Erja Lyytinen has also confirmed a clutch of headlining UK tour shows for November 2018 to support the release of the forthcoming album:
London, Borderline - Tuesday 6th November
Bridgwater, Bar Brunel - Wednesday 7th November
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Thursday 8th November
Darlington, R&B Club - Friday 9th November
Bude, Blues Festival - Sunday 11th November
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London, Borderline - Tuesday 6th November
Bridgwater, Bar Brunel - Wednesday 7th November
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Thursday 8th November
Darlington, R&B Club - Friday 9th November
Bude, Blues Festival - Sunday 11th November
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DBA (Downes Braide Association) have released a second track from Skyscraper Souls, the duo’s third album released towards the end of last year.
'Skin Deep,' featuring Marc Almond, is available to purchase as a single from iTunes; it also features with its own lyric video on YouTube.
'Skin Deep,' featuring Marc Almond, is available to purchase as a single from iTunes; it also features with its own lyric video on YouTube.
Skyscraper Souls, led by its 18 minute title track, is a progressive and conceptually based melodic pop work of repeating motifs and lyrical themes; it also features a number of guest musicians and singers including Marc Almond, Andy Partridge (XTC), David Longdon (Big Big Train), Kate Pierson (the B52s) Matthew Koma and Tim Bowness, the album and Kate Pierson.
The album is available in CD and digital formats as well as Transparent Blue vinyl, which you can order by clicking here.
"Sit back and simply allow its contents to work their magic."
Dave Ling - Prog Mag
"This outstanding album is all about the exquisite songs."
Dave Crompton - Fireworks
"A wonderful, widescreen suite of songs, brilliantly conceived and delivered; a modern progressive pop album to savour."
Andy Rawll - Metal Talk
"Pop, prog and rock melded together in one wonderful album."
Jason Ritchie - Get Ready to Rock!
"Skyscraper Souls, in terms of melodic flow and sophisticated pop progressions, melodically soars as high as its title suggests."
Ross Muir - FabricationsHQ
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The album is available in CD and digital formats as well as Transparent Blue vinyl, which you can order by clicking here.
"Sit back and simply allow its contents to work their magic."
Dave Ling - Prog Mag
"This outstanding album is all about the exquisite songs."
Dave Crompton - Fireworks
"A wonderful, widescreen suite of songs, brilliantly conceived and delivered; a modern progressive pop album to savour."
Andy Rawll - Metal Talk
"Pop, prog and rock melded together in one wonderful album."
Jason Ritchie - Get Ready to Rock!
"Skyscraper Souls, in terms of melodic flow and sophisticated pop progressions, melodically soars as high as its title suggests."
Ross Muir - FabricationsHQ
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Derbyshire’s hard 'n' heavy blues rock outfit Doomsday Outlaw have released a new song, 'Over and Over.'
It will feature on the band’s forthcoming album Hard Times.
Coupling huge riffs and killer grooves with soaring, soulful vocals to deliver tales of heartbreak and redemption, the group is set to show off its distinctive sound to both the hard rock faithful and a wider rock audience when Hard Times is released worldwide via Frontiers Records on May the 11th.
It will feature on the band’s forthcoming album Hard Times.
Coupling huge riffs and killer grooves with soaring, soulful vocals to deliver tales of heartbreak and redemption, the group is set to show off its distinctive sound to both the hard rock faithful and a wider rock audience when Hard Times is released worldwide via Frontiers Records on May the 11th.
Black River, the debut album from Doomsday Outlaw, was met by a heavy note of approval by east midlands and further afield metal-heads in 2015.
Suffer More had a riff-based core and a heavy blues edge but on album number two Doomsday Outlaw expanded their sound and struck a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal.
Self-released in May 2016, Suffer More received glowing notices from UK music press and critics.
“I doubt you will hear a better album this year. 10 out of 10”
Powerplay
“Now THIS is a find!“
Fireworks
“Suffer More is a release that both heavy metal and heavy blues aficionados should dive right into."
FabricationsHQ
Such mounting acclaim, plus a burgeoning reputation as a killer live act brought the band to the attention of Frontiers Music srl, a company that is already home to rising UK stars such as Inglorious, Wayward Sons and Bigfoot.
With the new album and a large number of live gigs already locked in, including a string of summer festival appearances, 2018 could well be the year of the Outlaw…
Doomsday Outlaw – confirmed UK dates for 2018:
26th April – LONDON, Black Heart
28th April – BARNSLEY, Old School House
2nd May – EDINBURGH, Bannermans *
3rd May – NEWCASTLE, Think Tank *
4th May - CHESTERFIELD, Real Time Live *
5th May - WOLVERHAMPTON, Slade Rooms *
6th May - CARDIFF, Fuel *
9th May - OXFORD, Bullingdon *
10th May - EVESHAM, Iron Road *
11th May - BUCKLEY, Tivoli *
12th May - SHEFFIELD, Corporation
13th May – LONDON, Underworld *
16th May – READING, Face Bar *
17th May – NORWICH, Waterfront *
18th May – CARLISLE, Embers *
19th May – GLASGOW, Audio *
20th May – BLACKPOOL, Waterloo *
26th May - BROMSGROVE, Stoke Prior Country Club **
1st June - SHEFFIELD, Corporation ***
* supporting Jizzy Pearl
** Breaking Bands Festival
*** supporting Hardline
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Suffer More had a riff-based core and a heavy blues edge but on album number two Doomsday Outlaw expanded their sound and struck a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal.
Self-released in May 2016, Suffer More received glowing notices from UK music press and critics.
“I doubt you will hear a better album this year. 10 out of 10”
Powerplay
“Now THIS is a find!“
Fireworks
“Suffer More is a release that both heavy metal and heavy blues aficionados should dive right into."
FabricationsHQ
Such mounting acclaim, plus a burgeoning reputation as a killer live act brought the band to the attention of Frontiers Music srl, a company that is already home to rising UK stars such as Inglorious, Wayward Sons and Bigfoot.
With the new album and a large number of live gigs already locked in, including a string of summer festival appearances, 2018 could well be the year of the Outlaw…
Doomsday Outlaw – confirmed UK dates for 2018:
26th April – LONDON, Black Heart
28th April – BARNSLEY, Old School House
2nd May – EDINBURGH, Bannermans *
3rd May – NEWCASTLE, Think Tank *
4th May - CHESTERFIELD, Real Time Live *
5th May - WOLVERHAMPTON, Slade Rooms *
6th May - CARDIFF, Fuel *
9th May - OXFORD, Bullingdon *
10th May - EVESHAM, Iron Road *
11th May - BUCKLEY, Tivoli *
12th May - SHEFFIELD, Corporation
13th May – LONDON, Underworld *
16th May – READING, Face Bar *
17th May – NORWICH, Waterfront *
18th May – CARLISLE, Embers *
19th May – GLASGOW, Audio *
20th May – BLACKPOOL, Waterloo *
26th May - BROMSGROVE, Stoke Prior Country Club **
1st June - SHEFFIELD, Corporation ***
* supporting Jizzy Pearl
** Breaking Bands Festival
*** supporting Hardline
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British melodic rockers VEGA will release their fifth studio album ‘Only Human' on Frontiers Records on the 11th May 2018; the album will be available on CD, Vinyl and in Digital format.
The band self-produced Only Human but teamed up with renowned Canadian musician and producer Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) for the mixing and mastering to give the album a melodically rockin’ sonic to match the songs, which, as typified by new single 'Worth Dying For,' unashamedly and intentionally take their influence from the 80s but stamped with that VEGA sound and identity:
"We wear our love of 80's rock music on our sleeves, but we also have injected our love of modern
rock music to it” says VEGA front man Nick Workman “We aren't trying to rehash anything: the sound we have achieved is 100% VEGA; we didn't want to try and guess what people expect and get it wrong!”
The band self-produced Only Human but teamed up with renowned Canadian musician and producer Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) for the mixing and mastering to give the album a melodically rockin’ sonic to match the songs, which, as typified by new single 'Worth Dying For,' unashamedly and intentionally take their influence from the 80s but stamped with that VEGA sound and identity:
"We wear our love of 80's rock music on our sleeves, but we also have injected our love of modern
rock music to it” says VEGA front man Nick Workman “We aren't trying to rehash anything: the sound we have achieved is 100% VEGA; we didn't want to try and guess what people expect and get it wrong!”
Following the release of previous album, 2016’s Who We Are, VEGA remained busy on the road promoting it until returning to the studio to record Only Human.
The band toured with Magnum and Dan Reed Network, undertook their own UK and European tours, appeared at a number of festivals (including Steelhouse, Planet Rock’s Winter’s End, Hard Rock Heaven AOR5, Nordic Noise, Amplified and Rockingham) and performed a headlining slot at the Melodic Rock Night in Padova (Italy).
To promote Only Human VEGA will play a number of dates in the UK in June and July (confirmed dates below), preceded by an appearance at the Wildfire Festival in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
VEGA – Only Human, Frontiers Records, 11th May 2018
Album pre-order link: http://radi.al/OnlyHuman
Track listing: Let’s Have Fun Tonight; Worth Dying For; Last Man Standing; Come Back Again; All Over Now; Mess You Made; Only Human; Standing Still; Gravity; Turning Pages; Fade Away; Go To War
Confirmed UK Summer Dates:
23rd June – Wildfire Festival, Wiston, Lanarkshire
28th June – Manchester, Ruby Lounge
29th June – Newcastle, Riverside
30th June – Glasgow, Stereo
5th June – Cardiff, Fuel
6th June – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms
7th June – London, Underworld
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The band toured with Magnum and Dan Reed Network, undertook their own UK and European tours, appeared at a number of festivals (including Steelhouse, Planet Rock’s Winter’s End, Hard Rock Heaven AOR5, Nordic Noise, Amplified and Rockingham) and performed a headlining slot at the Melodic Rock Night in Padova (Italy).
To promote Only Human VEGA will play a number of dates in the UK in June and July (confirmed dates below), preceded by an appearance at the Wildfire Festival in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
VEGA – Only Human, Frontiers Records, 11th May 2018
Album pre-order link: http://radi.al/OnlyHuman
Track listing: Let’s Have Fun Tonight; Worth Dying For; Last Man Standing; Come Back Again; All Over Now; Mess You Made; Only Human; Standing Still; Gravity; Turning Pages; Fade Away; Go To War
Confirmed UK Summer Dates:
23rd June – Wildfire Festival, Wiston, Lanarkshire
28th June – Manchester, Ruby Lounge
29th June – Newcastle, Riverside
30th June – Glasgow, Stereo
5th June – Cardiff, Fuel
6th June – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms
7th June – London, Underworld
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Young British bluesman Laurence Jones, who has just released his fifth studio album The Truth, an AOR-pop blues crossover album recorded at the old Sony Studios in Miami with producer Gregory Elias, has released the official lyric video for 'What Would You Do,' the second single to be lifted from the album.
The Laurence Jones Band – featuring Laurence Jons (vocals, guitar), Bennett Holland (keyboards), Greg Smith (bass) and Phil Wilson (drums), will play seven dates in the UK in support of The Truth.
Manchester, Band on the Wall - Thursday 3rd May
Leamington Spa, Zephyr Lounge - Friday 4th May
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 5th May
Birmingham, Hare & Hounds - Thursday 10th May
Nottingham, The Bodega - Friday 11th May
York, Fulford Arms - Saturday 12th May
Newcastle, The Cluny - Sunday 13th May
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
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Manchester, Band on the Wall - Thursday 3rd May
Leamington Spa, Zephyr Lounge - Friday 4th May
Southampton, Talking Heads - Saturday 5th May
Birmingham, Hare & Hounds - Thursday 10th May
Nottingham, The Bodega - Friday 11th May
York, Fulford Arms - Saturday 12th May
Newcastle, The Cluny - Sunday 13th May
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
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Solid Entertainments fittingly solid list of Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals taking place across the summer has just had another confirmed, their inaugural show in Leicester, on Sunday the 3rd June.
The first Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 will take place as The Leicester Arena, which provides the largest and most flexible space in the city (the £4.5 million arena hosts a wide range of events with access to excellent catering facilities and on-site, complimentary car parking.
In close proximity to the city centre, the Arena is also easily accessible for by public transport.
For their first outing in Leicester, and wanting to capitalise on superb facilities available, Solid Entertainments have delivered what is their most ambitious one day live music event to date.
With an international flavour, ten artists performing (including perennial festival favourites Dr Feelgood and the Climax Blues Band), and featuring one of the greatest names in blues rock, Walter Trout, Leicester and its surrounding area will be playing host to one of the one-day music events of the summer.
Having survived a near-death bout with liver disease and, thankfully, a successful 11th hour liver transplant in 2014, Walter Trout is now full of blues rocking energy and the very definition of joie de vivre; this is a man and musician who makes every note, gig and day count.
The modern blues great delivered what may well be his best ever back to back brace of albums with The Blues Came Callin’ (2014) and Battle Scars (2015), before releasing the celebratory blues of We’re All in This Together in 2017 (each song features a different blues buddy including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, John Mayall and Joe Bonamassa).
At a creative peak, Walter Trout is currently writing material for further, future releases.
Joining Walter Trout at the Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 are:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remain one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts on the UK and festival circuit.
Climax Blues Band – it’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, the Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole – The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
Mark Pontin Group – never happier than when they are on the stage utilising both their individual talents and great interplay and improvisation, no two Mark Pontin Group shows are ever the same.
Jimmy Regal And The Royals – a howlin’ harmonica, guitar & drums blues trio, modelled after acts such as RL Burnside and T Model Ford and in the tradition of Hound Dog Taylor.
Cheri Lyn – loyal to the spirit of 70s and 80s blues, rock and soul, the powerful vocalist evokes the legends of old while retaining a contemporary cutting edge.
Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival : Sunday 3rd June
Leicester Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 3UD
Early Bird tickets are only £28. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/index.html
Doors open at 12.30pm; music starts at 1.00pm; festival ends at 10.30pm.
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The first Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 will take place as The Leicester Arena, which provides the largest and most flexible space in the city (the £4.5 million arena hosts a wide range of events with access to excellent catering facilities and on-site, complimentary car parking.
In close proximity to the city centre, the Arena is also easily accessible for by public transport.
For their first outing in Leicester, and wanting to capitalise on superb facilities available, Solid Entertainments have delivered what is their most ambitious one day live music event to date.
With an international flavour, ten artists performing (including perennial festival favourites Dr Feelgood and the Climax Blues Band), and featuring one of the greatest names in blues rock, Walter Trout, Leicester and its surrounding area will be playing host to one of the one-day music events of the summer.
Having survived a near-death bout with liver disease and, thankfully, a successful 11th hour liver transplant in 2014, Walter Trout is now full of blues rocking energy and the very definition of joie de vivre; this is a man and musician who makes every note, gig and day count.
The modern blues great delivered what may well be his best ever back to back brace of albums with The Blues Came Callin’ (2014) and Battle Scars (2015), before releasing the celebratory blues of We’re All in This Together in 2017 (each song features a different blues buddy including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, John Mayall and Joe Bonamassa).
At a creative peak, Walter Trout is currently writing material for further, future releases.
Joining Walter Trout at the Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 are:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remain one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts on the UK and festival circuit.
Climax Blues Band – it’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, the Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole – The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
Mark Pontin Group – never happier than when they are on the stage utilising both their individual talents and great interplay and improvisation, no two Mark Pontin Group shows are ever the same.
Jimmy Regal And The Royals – a howlin’ harmonica, guitar & drums blues trio, modelled after acts such as RL Burnside and T Model Ford and in the tradition of Hound Dog Taylor.
Cheri Lyn – loyal to the spirit of 70s and 80s blues, rock and soul, the powerful vocalist evokes the legends of old while retaining a contemporary cutting edge.
Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival : Sunday 3rd June
Leicester Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 3UD
Early Bird tickets are only £28. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/index.html
Doors open at 12.30pm; music starts at 1.00pm; festival ends at 10.30pm.
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There’s a varied and highly entertaining triple header line-up on Ruf Record’s Blues Caravan 2018 European Tour, which rolls in to the UK for nine dates in April (and a trip to Edinburgh in September.
Blues fans who have followed or caught any of Ruf’s rolling revues, which have been featuring the label’s artist-pool since 2005, will be aware that the shows usually showcase Ruf’s breaking talent (previous Caravaners’ include Aynsley Lister, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Samantha Fish).
For the 2018 edition however there’s a mix of one young talent that should have a solid career ahead of her and two artists who come with already established and must-see reputations.
Ruf Records pride themselves in searching, finding and mining for blues talent far and wide, and may just have struck gold with Croatian blues-slinger Vanja Sky.
Channelling the bluesy fire of such artists as Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher (and opening with a cover of 'Bad Penny' on her recently released debut album of the same name), the 23 year old has already broken out in her home country and bordering Balkan States – now Vanja Sky is planting her flag in Europe and North America as the junior partner on the Blues Caravan.
"I’m very excited to play on the Blues Caravan 2018 and looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and sharing my music with them. My shows are filled with great energy and I always give everything when I’m on stage – so people can definitely expect some great music and fun!"
As the son of the mighty Luther Allison – the late Chicago blues titan who was Ruf Record's first signing back in 1994 – Bernard Allison has added to the family legend and carved out his own mythology as a world-class songwriter and performer.
For this year’s Blues Caravan, he’ll be drawing on an acclaimed back catalogue that includes 1997’s US debut Keepin’ The Blues Alive and 2000’s Born With The Blues.
"I’m looking forward to being a part of the Caravan. My show is all about sharing my musical talent and presenting different styles like blues, rock and funk. There’ll be lots of energy, because I feed off of my fans and love interacting with them on and off stage. Expect a fun time – the Allison way!"
If you’re serious about your modern blues, you’ll have followed the twists and turns of Mike Zito’s fascinating career.
The Missouri-born bandleader overcame crippling early addictions to become one of modern America’s sharpest songwriters – few artists have written with such stark eloquence as he did on 2011’s Greyhound.
In 2012 Mike Zito lined up alongside Devon Allman and Cyril Neville as a key member of Royal Southern Brotherhood, going on to stay with the supergroup for two critically acclaimed albums.
But the call of his own muse was strong and in 2014 he returned to his solo career with Keep Coming Back and Make Blues Not War.
"I have long wanted to join the Blues Caravan and run away, so I’m excited. My shows are energetic and passionate; I try hard to give everything I’ve got and make every note count. You can expect rocking blues guitar with a dose of soul vocals, and a mix of my best songs."
For more about Blues Caravan 2018 and the international tour, click here.
Blues Caravan 2018 – Mike Zito, Bernard Allison; Vanja Sky – UK Tour Dates:
Wednesday 18th April - The Brook, Southampton
Thursday 19th April - Robin 2, Wolverhampton
Friday 20th April – Borderline, London
Sunday 22nd April - Arts Centre, Exeter
Monday 23rd April - Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion, Worthing
Tuesday 24th April - Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst
Thursday 26th April - Iron Road, Evesham
Saturday 28th April - Supporters Club, Hartlepool
Sunday 29th April - Long Street Blues Club, Devizes
Wednesday 26th September - Stramash, Edinburgh
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Blues fans who have followed or caught any of Ruf’s rolling revues, which have been featuring the label’s artist-pool since 2005, will be aware that the shows usually showcase Ruf’s breaking talent (previous Caravaners’ include Aynsley Lister, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Samantha Fish).
For the 2018 edition however there’s a mix of one young talent that should have a solid career ahead of her and two artists who come with already established and must-see reputations.
Ruf Records pride themselves in searching, finding and mining for blues talent far and wide, and may just have struck gold with Croatian blues-slinger Vanja Sky.
Channelling the bluesy fire of such artists as Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher (and opening with a cover of 'Bad Penny' on her recently released debut album of the same name), the 23 year old has already broken out in her home country and bordering Balkan States – now Vanja Sky is planting her flag in Europe and North America as the junior partner on the Blues Caravan.
"I’m very excited to play on the Blues Caravan 2018 and looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and sharing my music with them. My shows are filled with great energy and I always give everything when I’m on stage – so people can definitely expect some great music and fun!"
As the son of the mighty Luther Allison – the late Chicago blues titan who was Ruf Record's first signing back in 1994 – Bernard Allison has added to the family legend and carved out his own mythology as a world-class songwriter and performer.
For this year’s Blues Caravan, he’ll be drawing on an acclaimed back catalogue that includes 1997’s US debut Keepin’ The Blues Alive and 2000’s Born With The Blues.
"I’m looking forward to being a part of the Caravan. My show is all about sharing my musical talent and presenting different styles like blues, rock and funk. There’ll be lots of energy, because I feed off of my fans and love interacting with them on and off stage. Expect a fun time – the Allison way!"
If you’re serious about your modern blues, you’ll have followed the twists and turns of Mike Zito’s fascinating career.
The Missouri-born bandleader overcame crippling early addictions to become one of modern America’s sharpest songwriters – few artists have written with such stark eloquence as he did on 2011’s Greyhound.
In 2012 Mike Zito lined up alongside Devon Allman and Cyril Neville as a key member of Royal Southern Brotherhood, going on to stay with the supergroup for two critically acclaimed albums.
But the call of his own muse was strong and in 2014 he returned to his solo career with Keep Coming Back and Make Blues Not War.
"I have long wanted to join the Blues Caravan and run away, so I’m excited. My shows are energetic and passionate; I try hard to give everything I’ve got and make every note count. You can expect rocking blues guitar with a dose of soul vocals, and a mix of my best songs."
For more about Blues Caravan 2018 and the international tour, click here.
Blues Caravan 2018 – Mike Zito, Bernard Allison; Vanja Sky – UK Tour Dates:
Wednesday 18th April - The Brook, Southampton
Thursday 19th April - Robin 2, Wolverhampton
Friday 20th April – Borderline, London
Sunday 22nd April - Arts Centre, Exeter
Monday 23rd April - Worthing Pier Southern Pavilion, Worthing
Tuesday 24th April - Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst
Thursday 26th April - Iron Road, Evesham
Saturday 28th April - Supporters Club, Hartlepool
Sunday 29th April - Long Street Blues Club, Devizes
Wednesday 26th September - Stramash, Edinburgh
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Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow have just released the first Rainbow single since 1996.
Entitled 'Waiting For a Sign' and featuring vocalist Ronnie Romero, you can play the stream of the Radio Edit version of the song below.
Entitled 'Waiting For a Sign' and featuring vocalist Ronnie Romero, you can play the stream of the Radio Edit version of the song below.
Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow have also recently released Memories In Rock II, a live 2 CD/DVD package.
The album is also be available on vinyl and digital format.
Memories In Rock II is a double CD set of songs recorded from the June 2017 UK Rainbow concerts; it also contains the full-length version of 'Waiting For a Sign.'
The DVD contains over 80 minutes of interview footage with the band and crew, an additional backstage clip and a video for the 2017 studio version of 'I Surrender.'
For the 2017 shows Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow weighted the set list with more Rainbow than Deep Purple songs, giving the fans exactly what they wanted and requested; Memories in Rock II also becomes the perfect companion piece to Memories in Rock : Live in Germany, which was recorded at the band’s two German shows in 2016 and featured a set-list split between Rainbow and Deep Purple numbers.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow – Memories in Rock II
Ritchie Blackmore – guitars; Ronnie Romero – lead vocals; Jens Johansson – keyboards
Bob Nouveau – bass; David Keith – drums; Lady Lynn and Candice Night – backing vocals.
Memories In Rock II
Disc 1: Over The Rainbow; Spotlight Kid; I Surrender; Mistreated; Since You've Been Gone; Man On The Silver Mountain/Woman From Tokyo; 16th Century Greensleeves; Soldier Of Fortune; Perfect Strangers; Difficult To Cure; All Night Long; Child In Time
Disc 2: Stargazer; Long Live Rock'n'Roll/Lazy; Catch The Rainbow; Black Night; Carry On Jon; Temple Of The King; Smoke On The Water; Waiting For a Sign (new studio track)
Disc 3 (DVD): Ritchie Blackmore Interview; Ronnie Romero Interview; Jens Johansson Interview; Bob Nouveau Interview; David Keith Interview; Candice Night Interview; Lady Lynn Interview; Dave David Interview; Andreas Bock Interview; Michael Bockmühl Interview; Bonus backstage clip; I Surrender 2017 backstage clip.
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The album is also be available on vinyl and digital format.
Memories In Rock II is a double CD set of songs recorded from the June 2017 UK Rainbow concerts; it also contains the full-length version of 'Waiting For a Sign.'
The DVD contains over 80 minutes of interview footage with the band and crew, an additional backstage clip and a video for the 2017 studio version of 'I Surrender.'
For the 2017 shows Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow weighted the set list with more Rainbow than Deep Purple songs, giving the fans exactly what they wanted and requested; Memories in Rock II also becomes the perfect companion piece to Memories in Rock : Live in Germany, which was recorded at the band’s two German shows in 2016 and featured a set-list split between Rainbow and Deep Purple numbers.
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow – Memories in Rock II
Ritchie Blackmore – guitars; Ronnie Romero – lead vocals; Jens Johansson – keyboards
Bob Nouveau – bass; David Keith – drums; Lady Lynn and Candice Night – backing vocals.
Memories In Rock II
Disc 1: Over The Rainbow; Spotlight Kid; I Surrender; Mistreated; Since You've Been Gone; Man On The Silver Mountain/Woman From Tokyo; 16th Century Greensleeves; Soldier Of Fortune; Perfect Strangers; Difficult To Cure; All Night Long; Child In Time
Disc 2: Stargazer; Long Live Rock'n'Roll/Lazy; Catch The Rainbow; Black Night; Carry On Jon; Temple Of The King; Smoke On The Water; Waiting For a Sign (new studio track)
Disc 3 (DVD): Ritchie Blackmore Interview; Ronnie Romero Interview; Jens Johansson Interview; Bob Nouveau Interview; David Keith Interview; Candice Night Interview; Lady Lynn Interview; Dave David Interview; Andreas Bock Interview; Michael Bockmühl Interview; Bonus backstage clip; I Surrender 2017 backstage clip.
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Solid Entertainments has announced the full line-up for the first Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival that takes place at The Neon on Saturday 2nd June.
As Solid Entertainments inaugural Blues, Rhythm & Rock event in south east Wales a strong line-up was called for – and answered by King King, the legendary Climax Blues Band and five other striking acts who bring their style and blues based identity to proceedings, including The Brew and Ben Poole.
King King need no introduction to British blues rock fans and have become the must-see band in the burgeoning Blues Rock circuit in both the UK and Europe.
Multiple British Blues Award winners King King have proved their mettle on bills with Thunder and John Mayall, triumphed as far afield as Mumbai and taken the roof off major venues from the Glasgow 02 Glasgow to Wembley Arena.
Climax Blues Band – It’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
The Brew - When you see The Brew live on stage it becomes crystal clear why this blues rockin’ power-trio get rave reviews wherever they play and have a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting, vibrant and high-energy blues rock acts.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole - The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
The venue will also have food and drinks available.
Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 2nd June
The Neon, Clarence Place, Newport, South East Wales NP19 7AB
Early Bird tickets are only £25. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; Music starts at 2.00 pm; Music/ festival ends at 11.00 pm
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As Solid Entertainments inaugural Blues, Rhythm & Rock event in south east Wales a strong line-up was called for – and answered by King King, the legendary Climax Blues Band and five other striking acts who bring their style and blues based identity to proceedings, including The Brew and Ben Poole.
King King need no introduction to British blues rock fans and have become the must-see band in the burgeoning Blues Rock circuit in both the UK and Europe.
Multiple British Blues Award winners King King have proved their mettle on bills with Thunder and John Mayall, triumphed as far afield as Mumbai and taken the roof off major venues from the Glasgow 02 Glasgow to Wembley Arena.
Climax Blues Band – It’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
The Brew - When you see The Brew live on stage it becomes crystal clear why this blues rockin’ power-trio get rave reviews wherever they play and have a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting, vibrant and high-energy blues rock acts.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole - The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
The venue will also have food and drinks available.
Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 2nd June
The Neon, Clarence Place, Newport, South East Wales NP19 7AB
Early Bird tickets are only £25. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; Music starts at 2.00 pm; Music/ festival ends at 11.00 pm
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Joe Bonamassa has announced the release of his latest CD/DVD/Blu-ray (and coloured 3LP) British Blues Explosion Live.
The DVD and Blu-ray include bonus content such as Bonamassa performing 'Taxman' live at the Cavern Club, being honoured with a "Brick In The Wall," the 'British Blues Explosion Explained' by Mick Wall and a photo gallery of the British Blues Explosion UK Tour.
A Salute to the British Blues Explosion, featuring the music of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, Joe Bonamassa pays tribute to his British Blues heroes during what was a short (five performances only) but acclaimed tour of Britain.
The British Blues Explosion Live release was recorded and filmed at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, on July 7th, 2016.
The DVD and Blu-ray include bonus content such as Bonamassa performing 'Taxman' live at the Cavern Club, being honoured with a "Brick In The Wall," the 'British Blues Explosion Explained' by Mick Wall and a photo gallery of the British Blues Explosion UK Tour.
A Salute to the British Blues Explosion, featuring the music of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, Joe Bonamassa pays tribute to his British Blues heroes during what was a short (five performances only) but acclaimed tour of Britain.
The British Blues Explosion Live release was recorded and filmed at Greenwich Music Time at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, on July 7th, 2016.
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Squeeze have teamed up with fellow South Londoner and comedian Simon Day (Fast Show, The Life of Rock with Brian Pern) for their new video for latest single 'Rough Ride.'
'Rough Ride' is taken from the band’s fifteenth studio album, The Knowledge, which has received universal critical and commercial success.
On the album Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford felt something needed to be said about the current state of British welfare crisis. A sombre note of austerity echoes across 'Rough Ride,' lamenting the struggles faced living in the capital; its ultimately hopeful message however is enriched by guest performers from South London, the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir and the Thorntree School Choir.
'Rough Ride' is taken from the band’s fifteenth studio album, The Knowledge, which has received universal critical and commercial success.
On the album Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford felt something needed to be said about the current state of British welfare crisis. A sombre note of austerity echoes across 'Rough Ride,' lamenting the struggles faced living in the capital; its ultimately hopeful message however is enriched by guest performers from South London, the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir and the Thorntree School Choir.
'Rough Ride' is Squeeze at their most socially conscious and musically ambitious; it also shows an evolution in Squeeze’s songwriting.
Squeeze’s political stance also made an impact with the general public during their 24 date UK Tour last year, 'Rough Ride' becoming a stand-out track among fans and garnering praise from publications such as The Scotsman, who stated "from the latter record, they champion the NHS and – most effectively of all – scorn the legacy of unaffordable housing and austerity which their generation has left their children."
FabricationsHQ also cited the band’s Glasgow Concert Hall show as "Best Gig" of 2017.
Praise for The Knowledge:
"The album is enriched with songs relating to Difford and Tilbrook’s old stamping grounds."
(Four Star review by Record Collector)
"An endlessly pleasing melting pot."
(Uncut)
"The album’s title lends a clue to the wealth of musical experience and pop sophistication to be found within.
Four decades of ever-evolving, observational and real life Difford & Tilbrook songwriting, delivered as a set of songs with different stories to tell and various musical styles to clothe them in, yet retaining that trademark Squeeze quirk, strangely alluring musicality and charm."
(FabricationsHQ)
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Squeeze’s political stance also made an impact with the general public during their 24 date UK Tour last year, 'Rough Ride' becoming a stand-out track among fans and garnering praise from publications such as The Scotsman, who stated "from the latter record, they champion the NHS and – most effectively of all – scorn the legacy of unaffordable housing and austerity which their generation has left their children."
FabricationsHQ also cited the band’s Glasgow Concert Hall show as "Best Gig" of 2017.
Praise for The Knowledge:
"The album is enriched with songs relating to Difford and Tilbrook’s old stamping grounds."
(Four Star review by Record Collector)
"An endlessly pleasing melting pot."
(Uncut)
"The album’s title lends a clue to the wealth of musical experience and pop sophistication to be found within.
Four decades of ever-evolving, observational and real life Difford & Tilbrook songwriting, delivered as a set of songs with different stories to tell and various musical styles to clothe them in, yet retaining that trademark Squeeze quirk, strangely alluring musicality and charm."
(FabricationsHQ)
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The Devon Allman Project with special guest Duane Betts, will play six dates in the UK in September.
Tickets for all shows are priced at £20 and available through www.thegigcartel.com or the 24HR Box Office 08444 780 898.
On August 12th, 2017, after spending much of the summer off the road, Devon Allman, former leader of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Devon Allman's Honeytribe, reignited his career with an appearance at an all-star tribute to his father Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks at Peachfest (an Allman Brothers curated festival). Chuck Leavell, Jaimoe, Duane Betts, Marc Quinones, Peter Levin, Oteil Burbridge, Dave Schools and others participated in the tribute.
The Devon Allman Project, with special guest Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts and former member of Dawes and Great Southern) kicked off their 2018 World Tour with a special show at the Fillmore in San Francisco on December 8th, 2017.
The Fillmore show featured guest appearances by Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, Hank Williams Jr.), Bobby Whitlock (Derek & The Dominos, Dr. John, Rolling Stones ) and long-time Gregg Allman keyboardist, Peter Levin, acting as the musical director.
On the forthcoming UK tour, The Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts will perform sets of Duane Betts and Devon Allman originals, a number of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Honeytribe songs and an encore set that will include Allman Brothers songs.
Devon Allman Project featuring Duane Betts – UK Dates:
Bristol, The Fleece - Sunday 2nd September
Bilston, Robin 2 - Monday 3rd September
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 4th September
Newcastle, Riverside - Thursday 6th September
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 7th September
Manchester, Academy 3 - Saturday 8th September
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Tickets for all shows are priced at £20 and available through www.thegigcartel.com or the 24HR Box Office 08444 780 898.
On August 12th, 2017, after spending much of the summer off the road, Devon Allman, former leader of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Devon Allman's Honeytribe, reignited his career with an appearance at an all-star tribute to his father Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks at Peachfest (an Allman Brothers curated festival). Chuck Leavell, Jaimoe, Duane Betts, Marc Quinones, Peter Levin, Oteil Burbridge, Dave Schools and others participated in the tribute.
The Devon Allman Project, with special guest Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts and former member of Dawes and Great Southern) kicked off their 2018 World Tour with a special show at the Fillmore in San Francisco on December 8th, 2017.
The Fillmore show featured guest appearances by Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, Hank Williams Jr.), Bobby Whitlock (Derek & The Dominos, Dr. John, Rolling Stones ) and long-time Gregg Allman keyboardist, Peter Levin, acting as the musical director.
On the forthcoming UK tour, The Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts will perform sets of Duane Betts and Devon Allman originals, a number of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Honeytribe songs and an encore set that will include Allman Brothers songs.
Devon Allman Project featuring Duane Betts – UK Dates:
Bristol, The Fleece - Sunday 2nd September
Bilston, Robin 2 - Monday 3rd September
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 4th September
Newcastle, Riverside - Thursday 6th September
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 7th September
Manchester, Academy 3 - Saturday 8th September
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Heavy blues rockers Dirty Thrills, whose current album Heavy Living got the FabricationsHQ nod for Heavy Rock Album of 2017, have released 'The Brave' as a single.
The song, lifted from Heavy Living and featuring as a "short version" official video, was promoted at a free, stripped back performance charity show at the World’s End in Camden last month; the show promoted both the song and its purpose, to raise money for the homeless charity Cross.
"The Brave began as a song that honours the memory of a man who passed away due to alcohol abuse.
We think of it as a message of hope for all those struggling with their inner demons and without the support they need. Alcoholism, mental health problems and homelessness can all be fought against with help and kindness. We are trying to raise awareness with this song, while wishing for a brighter future for all those brave people who suffer." –Dirty Thrills
The song, lifted from Heavy Living and featuring as a "short version" official video, was promoted at a free, stripped back performance charity show at the World’s End in Camden last month; the show promoted both the song and its purpose, to raise money for the homeless charity Cross.
"The Brave began as a song that honours the memory of a man who passed away due to alcohol abuse.
We think of it as a message of hope for all those struggling with their inner demons and without the support they need. Alcoholism, mental health problems and homelessness can all be fought against with help and kindness. We are trying to raise awareness with this song, while wishing for a brighter future for all those brave people who suffer." –Dirty Thrills
Dirty Thrills have also been announced as special guests on the mainland Europe leg of Skid Row’s current tour; Dirty Thrills will support the US rockers through April and May.
Skid Row (with Special Guests Dirty Thrills):
29th April – WIESBADEN, Germany (Schlachthof)
30th April – FREIBURG, Germany (Crash)
1st May – BOCHUM, Germany (Zeche)
2nd May – MUNICH, Germany (Backstage)
4th May - REGENSBURG, Germany (Eventhall Airport)
5th May - TELFS, Austria (Rathaussaal)
7th May - SAARBRUCKEN, Germany (Garage)
9th May - MALMO, Sweden (KB)
11th May – HAUGESUND. Norway (Karmøygeddon Festival)
12th May – GJERDRUM, Norway (Gjerdrum Rockfest)
13th May – GOTHENBURG, Sweden (Sticky Fingers)
14th May – STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Fryshuset Klubben)
19th May - SAN MARTINO, Italy (La Base Live Factory)
20th May – BRUNICO, Italy (UFO)
21st May – RANICA, Italy (Druso)
23rd May - PARIS, France (L’Emperient)
Dirty Thrills will also perform at the Stone Free Festival on 16th June at The O2 in London.
"The songwriting is strong, broadly based in blues-rock but with a tendency to shift gears."
CLASSIC ROCK
"London upstarts come on like the next Rival Sons."
PLANET ROCK
"If there’s any justice in the rock world Dirty Thrills will make one seriously heavy, swaggering and soulful impact with Heavy Living."
FABRICATIONSHQ
"It’s only a matter of time before they really break through, and it won’t be a moment too soon."”
POWERPLAY
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Skid Row (with Special Guests Dirty Thrills):
29th April – WIESBADEN, Germany (Schlachthof)
30th April – FREIBURG, Germany (Crash)
1st May – BOCHUM, Germany (Zeche)
2nd May – MUNICH, Germany (Backstage)
4th May - REGENSBURG, Germany (Eventhall Airport)
5th May - TELFS, Austria (Rathaussaal)
7th May - SAARBRUCKEN, Germany (Garage)
9th May - MALMO, Sweden (KB)
11th May – HAUGESUND. Norway (Karmøygeddon Festival)
12th May – GJERDRUM, Norway (Gjerdrum Rockfest)
13th May – GOTHENBURG, Sweden (Sticky Fingers)
14th May – STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Fryshuset Klubben)
19th May - SAN MARTINO, Italy (La Base Live Factory)
20th May – BRUNICO, Italy (UFO)
21st May – RANICA, Italy (Druso)
23rd May - PARIS, France (L’Emperient)
Dirty Thrills will also perform at the Stone Free Festival on 16th June at The O2 in London.
"The songwriting is strong, broadly based in blues-rock but with a tendency to shift gears."
CLASSIC ROCK
"London upstarts come on like the next Rival Sons."
PLANET ROCK
"If there’s any justice in the rock world Dirty Thrills will make one seriously heavy, swaggering and soulful impact with Heavy Living."
FABRICATIONSHQ
"It’s only a matter of time before they really break through, and it won’t be a moment too soon."”
POWERPLAY
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Glenn Hughes, known to millions of music fans as the 'Voice of Rock,' a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Deep Purple and front man for rock super group Black Country Communion, has announced he will be performing Deep Purple only material with his "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" show when he plays the UK in October.
The nine October dates, preceded by two Irish shows in September in Belfast (Waterfront, 29th) and Dublin (Olympia, 30th), promise to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks homage to Hughes' tenure in the MK III and MK IV incarnations of Deep Purple, one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups.
"I'm excited to be touring the Classic Deep Purple Live in the UK this October. I first toured Classic Deep Purple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer.
By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire!"
Glenn Hughes
GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE – OCTOBER 2018 UK TOUR
Tickets: 08444 780 898 (24HR Box Office) www.thegigcartel.com All Tickets £27.50 (Except London: £30.00)
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The nine October dates, preceded by two Irish shows in September in Belfast (Waterfront, 29th) and Dublin (Olympia, 30th), promise to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks homage to Hughes' tenure in the MK III and MK IV incarnations of Deep Purple, one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups.
"I'm excited to be touring the Classic Deep Purple Live in the UK this October. I first toured Classic Deep Purple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer.
By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire!"
Glenn Hughes
GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE – OCTOBER 2018 UK TOUR
Tickets: 08444 780 898 (24HR Box Office) www.thegigcartel.com All Tickets £27.50 (Except London: £30.00)
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The Cathedral City of Lincoln won’t be so much ringing to the bells of its Cathedral on two particular days in May and July as echoing to the sounds of blues, rock, folk and roots music when Solid Entertainments bring the Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival and the Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival back to the county town.
The Pretty Things will headline the fifth Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival at the Lincoln Drill Hall on Saturday 12th May; five very different, but striking bands, will also be playing.
After more than fifty years of continuous musical service, The Pretty Things remain a significant force in rock and roll.
Despite their now veteran status, the band have a contemporary relevance that goes hand in hand with their undiminished energy, inspirational commitment and the ability to inspire the next generation of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, core fan base.
Through their entire career, The Pretty Things have written and performed diversified and genre crossing music that has helped kept the band alive and musically well for more than half a century – from the early 60s and single charting success behind their rhythm and blues sound to psychedelic rock in the late 1960s (their 1968 release S.F. Sorrow was one of the first conceptual rock opera albums), hard rock in the early 1970s and new wave in the early 1980s.
The band’s latest studio album, The Sweet Pretty Things (Are In Bed Now, Of Course...), was released in 2015.
Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - full-line up:
The Pretty Things (headline act).
Aynsley Lister – the acclaimed and outstanding guitarist’s brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fuelled with a genuine musical heart and lyrical soul.
Simon McBride – after back-pedalling on his solo career to start a family, Simon McBride, “the man who everyone wants in their band,” is back on the road with his own outfit.
Connor Selby Band – citing Eric Clapton as his first and current major influence, Connor places particular emphasis on his output with legends John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and Cream.
The Luke Doherty Band – captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues.
Deep Blue Sea – playing 21st century indie blues and in the finest blues traditions, their music is seldom predictable or generic; more, it reflects these times – the good and bad, the highs and lows.
Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
Saturday 12th May
Lincoln Drill Hall, Lincoln
Early Bird tickets are only £25 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnbluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnbluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
The Pretty Things will headline the fifth Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival at the Lincoln Drill Hall on Saturday 12th May; five very different, but striking bands, will also be playing.
After more than fifty years of continuous musical service, The Pretty Things remain a significant force in rock and roll.
Despite their now veteran status, the band have a contemporary relevance that goes hand in hand with their undiminished energy, inspirational commitment and the ability to inspire the next generation of new artists and young fans, whilst retaining their devoted, core fan base.
Through their entire career, The Pretty Things have written and performed diversified and genre crossing music that has helped kept the band alive and musically well for more than half a century – from the early 60s and single charting success behind their rhythm and blues sound to psychedelic rock in the late 1960s (their 1968 release S.F. Sorrow was one of the first conceptual rock opera albums), hard rock in the early 1970s and new wave in the early 1980s.
The band’s latest studio album, The Sweet Pretty Things (Are In Bed Now, Of Course...), was released in 2015.
Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival - full-line up:
The Pretty Things (headline act).
Aynsley Lister – the acclaimed and outstanding guitarist’s brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fuelled with a genuine musical heart and lyrical soul.
Simon McBride – after back-pedalling on his solo career to start a family, Simon McBride, “the man who everyone wants in their band,” is back on the road with his own outfit.
Connor Selby Band – citing Eric Clapton as his first and current major influence, Connor places particular emphasis on his output with legends John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and Cream.
The Luke Doherty Band – captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues.
Deep Blue Sea – playing 21st century indie blues and in the finest blues traditions, their music is seldom predictable or generic; more, it reflects these times – the good and bad, the highs and lows.
Lincoln Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
Saturday 12th May
Lincoln Drill Hall, Lincoln
Early Bird tickets are only £25 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnbluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnbluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
Following the great success of last year’s Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival, the 2018 line-up had to equal, if not better, the 2017 event – and with Jacqui McShee's Pentangle headlining, special guest Julie Felix also performing and four other, very different and striking acts on the 14th July bill, this will be a folk, roots and world music experience not to miss.
Jacqui McShee grew up listening to music played on her parents’ gramophone – from Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald and big bands through to popular classics.
Jacqui however showed little interest in music until she heard Miles Davis and John Coltrane at CND friends, which subsequently became the most important thing in her life – on CND marches Jacqui would lead the singing with her sister Pam and did many gigs locally, in South East London, for charities such as War On Want and Oxfam.
Upon co-founding the folk-rock band Pentangle in 1968, Jacqui’s beautiful crystal-clear vocals became the standard for female British folk.
Pentangle became legendary on the folk-rock scene with virtuoso guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums); the original Pentangle expanded the frontiers of folk in the late 60s and early 70s while Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle have continued the concept of making ground-breaking music.
In 1964 Julie Felix arrived in England after leaving California and became the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company when she signed with Decca.
In 1966 Julie became the resident singer on the popular TV programme The Frost Report and quickly became a household name. She went on to appear in her own TV series on BBC1 and BBC2 and recorded hit singles on Mickey Most’s RAK label.
Julie, who was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla in 2013, will be celebrating her 80th birthday one month before her appearance at the festival.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & Blues Festival - full line-up:
Jacqui McShee's Pentangle (featuring saxophonist Gary Foote, bassist & guitarist Alan Thompson, drummer & percussionist Gerry Conway and keyboardist Spencer Cozens).
Julie Felix – with over fifty years in the music world, Julie will celebrate her 80th birthday in 2018 with a special concert at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Blair Dunlop – in only a short four year career, Blair Dunlop is already setting himself apart from his peers by way of his lyrical and musical maturity.
Galley Beggar – a sound that incorporates all manner of unexpected elements, while always celebrating the mischievous spirit of folk music across the centuries.
Said The Maiden – a beautiful blend of instrumentation and female vocals from three friends who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
The Beaubowbelles – combining the swing, wit and class of a vintage vocal harmony group with the sounds of a contemporary English folk band.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival
Saturday 14th July
Lincoln Alive, Lincoln
Early Bird Tickets are only £23.00 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
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Jacqui McShee grew up listening to music played on her parents’ gramophone – from Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald and big bands through to popular classics.
Jacqui however showed little interest in music until she heard Miles Davis and John Coltrane at CND friends, which subsequently became the most important thing in her life – on CND marches Jacqui would lead the singing with her sister Pam and did many gigs locally, in South East London, for charities such as War On Want and Oxfam.
Upon co-founding the folk-rock band Pentangle in 1968, Jacqui’s beautiful crystal-clear vocals became the standard for female British folk.
Pentangle became legendary on the folk-rock scene with virtuoso guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums); the original Pentangle expanded the frontiers of folk in the late 60s and early 70s while Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle have continued the concept of making ground-breaking music.
In 1964 Julie Felix arrived in England after leaving California and became the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company when she signed with Decca.
In 1966 Julie became the resident singer on the popular TV programme The Frost Report and quickly became a household name. She went on to appear in her own TV series on BBC1 and BBC2 and recorded hit singles on Mickey Most’s RAK label.
Julie, who was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla in 2013, will be celebrating her 80th birthday one month before her appearance at the festival.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & Blues Festival - full line-up:
Jacqui McShee's Pentangle (featuring saxophonist Gary Foote, bassist & guitarist Alan Thompson, drummer & percussionist Gerry Conway and keyboardist Spencer Cozens).
Julie Felix – with over fifty years in the music world, Julie will celebrate her 80th birthday in 2018 with a special concert at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Blair Dunlop – in only a short four year career, Blair Dunlop is already setting himself apart from his peers by way of his lyrical and musical maturity.
Galley Beggar – a sound that incorporates all manner of unexpected elements, while always celebrating the mischievous spirit of folk music across the centuries.
Said The Maiden – a beautiful blend of instrumentation and female vocals from three friends who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
The Beaubowbelles – combining the swing, wit and class of a vintage vocal harmony group with the sounds of a contemporary English folk band.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival
Saturday 14th July
Lincoln Alive, Lincoln
Early Bird Tickets are only £23.00 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
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Hot on the heels of the full band announcement for the fifth Lincoln Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival taking place at the Lincoln Drill Hall on Saturday 12th May comes news of the same show heading south to Harpenden the following day, Sunday 13th May.
For more info on the line-up, check the Lincoln Festival news item directly above or click here.
Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
Sunday 13th May 2018
Harpenden Public Halls
Southdown Road, Harpenden
Hertfordshire AL5 1PD
Doors at 1.30pm, music starts at 2.00pm, festival ends at 10.00pm.
Early Bird tickets are only £25; to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/harpenden/tickets.html
For more info on the line-up, check the Lincoln Festival news item directly above or click here.
Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
Sunday 13th May 2018
Harpenden Public Halls
Southdown Road, Harpenden
Hertfordshire AL5 1PD
Doors at 1.30pm, music starts at 2.00pm, festival ends at 10.00pm.
Early Bird tickets are only £25; to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/harpenden/tickets.html
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Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by Gary Moat (co-founder and drummer of Scottish hard rockers Heavy Pettin' back in their 80s hair-day), have just released a lyric video for 'Flames;' the song is lifted from their excellent 2017 debut album, Swallow.
The 'Flames' video follows last year’s lyric video for the album’s big, brash and equally impressive title track; both songs intentionally nod to old school rock, but 'Flames' also carries a decidedly blues rock swagger and features an appropriately fast burning guitar solo from Adrian Dunn.
The 'Flames' video follows last year’s lyric video for the album’s big, brash and equally impressive title track; both songs intentionally nod to old school rock, but 'Flames' also carries a decidedly blues rock swagger and features an appropriately fast burning guitar solo from Adrian Dunn.
"Gary Moat proves that neither he nor his band mates live up their moniker, but are a re-energised musical force. One of the highlight sets of the weekend" (Hard Rock Hell Festival 2017)
-Uber Rock
"If you have a hankering for AC/DC, UFO, Rhino Bucket and Thunder, that’s brilliantly played, with choruses catchier than chlamydia, then Burnt Out Wreck are going to have you dribbling in places you didn’t know dribbled. Welcome back, Gary."
-Ever Metal
"From the barreling catchiness of 'Medusa' to the down and dirty grooves of 'Talk About Love' to the relentless grind of 'She’s The One,' Swallow plays well. Again, and again and again…"
-Decibel Geek
"While Burnt Out Wreck and Swallow take their lead from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the day, both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present; they deliver a brand of unpretentious and honest rock and roll that’s untouched by political correctness or what the musical flavour of the month may be."
-FabricationsHQ
Burnt Out Wreck - confirmed shows for 2018:
May 5th – The Maze, Nottingham (Rocking For the Children)
May 19th – New Cross Inn, London (supporting Zodiac Mindwarp)
June 2nd – The Hastings, Carlisle
June 23rd – Hiraeth Festival, Llandudno
Aug 5th – The Drunken Monkey Festival, Upton
Sep 15th – Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (Supporting Bad Touch)
Oct 5th – New Cross Inn, London (supporting Diamond Head)
Nov 3rd – Ilfracombe Rocks Festival, Ilfracombe
14th Dec – Trillians Bar, Newcastle
15th Dec – Stereo Bar, Glasgow
16th Dec – The Church, Dundee
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-Uber Rock
"If you have a hankering for AC/DC, UFO, Rhino Bucket and Thunder, that’s brilliantly played, with choruses catchier than chlamydia, then Burnt Out Wreck are going to have you dribbling in places you didn’t know dribbled. Welcome back, Gary."
-Ever Metal
"From the barreling catchiness of 'Medusa' to the down and dirty grooves of 'Talk About Love' to the relentless grind of 'She’s The One,' Swallow plays well. Again, and again and again…"
-Decibel Geek
"While Burnt Out Wreck and Swallow take their lead from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the day, both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present; they deliver a brand of unpretentious and honest rock and roll that’s untouched by political correctness or what the musical flavour of the month may be."
-FabricationsHQ
Burnt Out Wreck - confirmed shows for 2018:
May 5th – The Maze, Nottingham (Rocking For the Children)
May 19th – New Cross Inn, London (supporting Zodiac Mindwarp)
June 2nd – The Hastings, Carlisle
June 23rd – Hiraeth Festival, Llandudno
Aug 5th – The Drunken Monkey Festival, Upton
Sep 15th – Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend (Supporting Bad Touch)
Oct 5th – New Cross Inn, London (supporting Diamond Head)
Nov 3rd – Ilfracombe Rocks Festival, Ilfracombe
14th Dec – Trillians Bar, Newcastle
15th Dec – Stereo Bar, Glasgow
16th Dec – The Church, Dundee
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Following last year’s highly successful Classic (and new) Hackett and Genesis Revisited tour, renowned guitarist, prog icon and former Genesis member Steve Hackett has announced a special eight date tour of the UK for this October.
The shows will once again treat fans to many favourite Genesis and Steve Hackett numbers, but this time with Hackett and his band accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra.
The decision to undertake this tour was cemented following the critical success of last year’s one-off US performance of the Genesis Revisited music with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bradley Thachuk.
The performance went down a storm with the audience and, with the orchestra adding its own texture and colour to these classic tracks, it solidified Hackett’s thoughts on wanting to perform more orchestrated shows.
Additionally, such was the gusto and verve brought to the performance by the charismatic Bradley Thachuk that he will fly over to the UK to conduct the October shows.
"I always hoped that the Genesis music would one day involve an orchestra and I'm proud to say I'll now be able to make that dream a reality on my next British tour, involving my own extraordinary rock band alongside a full-sized orchestra."
Steve Hackett.
The show will feature some of the best-loved songs from the Genesis catalogue (including 'Supper’s Ready,' 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight' and 'Firth of Fifth') but Steve Hackett will not be neglecting his remarkable solo repertoire; a number of classic Hackett tracks will be included such as 'Shadow of the Hierophant,'
'El Niño' and 'The Steppes.'
Tickets are available from https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett and venue box offices; please note the London Festival Hall show on the 4th of October has already sold out.
Joining Steve Hackett on the orchestrated tour are his regular musicians Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxophones/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals.
The band will be joined for this tour by Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass.
Meanwhile, with Steve Hackett having begun his North American tour (starting with Cruise To The Edge), Hackett has celebrated the tour by rerecording GTR’s hit US single 'When The Heart Rules The Mind,' which is now available as a purchasable download via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon and all other digital services.
Of the rerecording Steve Hackett explains: "I always loved the track When the Heart Rules the Mind. I think it is the strongest thing Steve Howe and I wrote together and I always wanted to do a version where I would sing it myself with the use of today's production techniques. I'm also very pleased to have my friend Steve Rothery on board doing additional guitar."
The shows will once again treat fans to many favourite Genesis and Steve Hackett numbers, but this time with Hackett and his band accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra.
The decision to undertake this tour was cemented following the critical success of last year’s one-off US performance of the Genesis Revisited music with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bradley Thachuk.
The performance went down a storm with the audience and, with the orchestra adding its own texture and colour to these classic tracks, it solidified Hackett’s thoughts on wanting to perform more orchestrated shows.
Additionally, such was the gusto and verve brought to the performance by the charismatic Bradley Thachuk that he will fly over to the UK to conduct the October shows.
"I always hoped that the Genesis music would one day involve an orchestra and I'm proud to say I'll now be able to make that dream a reality on my next British tour, involving my own extraordinary rock band alongside a full-sized orchestra."
Steve Hackett.
The show will feature some of the best-loved songs from the Genesis catalogue (including 'Supper’s Ready,' 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight' and 'Firth of Fifth') but Steve Hackett will not be neglecting his remarkable solo repertoire; a number of classic Hackett tracks will be included such as 'Shadow of the Hierophant,'
'El Niño' and 'The Steppes.'
Tickets are available from https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett and venue box offices; please note the London Festival Hall show on the 4th of October has already sold out.
Joining Steve Hackett on the orchestrated tour are his regular musicians Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxophones/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals.
The band will be joined for this tour by Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass.
Meanwhile, with Steve Hackett having begun his North American tour (starting with Cruise To The Edge), Hackett has celebrated the tour by rerecording GTR’s hit US single 'When The Heart Rules The Mind,' which is now available as a purchasable download via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon and all other digital services.
Of the rerecording Steve Hackett explains: "I always loved the track When the Heart Rules the Mind. I think it is the strongest thing Steve Howe and I wrote together and I always wanted to do a version where I would sing it myself with the use of today's production techniques. I'm also very pleased to have my friend Steve Rothery on board doing additional guitar."
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Geoff Carne and the Hatz (the live performance duo of rock/ blues singer-guitarist Geoff Carne and long-time musical partner, drummer Mick Hatz) have released a new EP entitled 4 Play.
4 Play follows on from the rock and garage blues stylings of the duo’s 2016 album Get Close, which garnered favourable review from the likes of Liverpool Sound and Vision and Pete Feenstra for Get Ready To Rock!; Geoff Carne’s 2014 solo album, One To One, also received favourable review, including from FabricationsHQ.
On the EP the Carne and Hatz team are joined by Paul Mex (producer, mixer, bass guitar, piano).
As regards the direction of the 4 Play material and the differences between Geoff Carne and the Hatz as a live duo and the three-piece heard on 4 Play, Geoff Carne explained to FabricationsHQ that "on the EP we moved more into a riff and 12 bar blues route for the first three songs ('Down and Out,' 'Maybe Someday,' 'Medicine Man') before finishing with a piano mix of the rock ballad 'Forgiven,' which was a single last summer.
Our producer Paul Mex plays piano on the track and added some subtle bass lines all to the songs, making them more radio friendly.
Live, we remain the vocal, guitar and drums two-piece outfit Geoff Carnes and the Hatz!"
4 Play follows on from the rock and garage blues stylings of the duo’s 2016 album Get Close, which garnered favourable review from the likes of Liverpool Sound and Vision and Pete Feenstra for Get Ready To Rock!; Geoff Carne’s 2014 solo album, One To One, also received favourable review, including from FabricationsHQ.
On the EP the Carne and Hatz team are joined by Paul Mex (producer, mixer, bass guitar, piano).
As regards the direction of the 4 Play material and the differences between Geoff Carne and the Hatz as a live duo and the three-piece heard on 4 Play, Geoff Carne explained to FabricationsHQ that "on the EP we moved more into a riff and 12 bar blues route for the first three songs ('Down and Out,' 'Maybe Someday,' 'Medicine Man') before finishing with a piano mix of the rock ballad 'Forgiven,' which was a single last summer.
Our producer Paul Mex plays piano on the track and added some subtle bass lines all to the songs, making them more radio friendly.
Live, we remain the vocal, guitar and drums two-piece outfit Geoff Carnes and the Hatz!"
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Wigan based hard rock band Bigfoot have issued a new video for 'Freakshow;' the song is lifted from their self-titled debut album, which was released via Frontiers Music srl in October of last year.
The album was recently voted the No. 11 Album of the Year for 2017 in the Planet Rock magazine Readers’ poll and was FabricationsHQ’s choice as Debut Album of the Year.
The album was recently voted the No. 11 Album of the Year for 2017 in the Planet Rock magazine Readers’ poll and was FabricationsHQ’s choice as Debut Album of the Year.
"Commanding vocals, a twin guitar attack that meshes fierce staccato rhythms and lightning lead guitar lines, and a stomping beat all combine to grab your attention."
CLASSIC ROCK
"This is some of the most enjoyable rock you will hear all year."
POWERPLAY
"Bigfoot is built on contemporary, no nonsense, twin-guitar rock riffage, driving rhythms and a whole dose of attitude, but both album and band have quite the rock pot of influences.
And with the backing of Frontiers Records and the multi-faceted quality of their debut album, there should be a significant increase in sightings of the Bigfoot you can definitely believe in."
FABRICATIONSHQ
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CLASSIC ROCK
"This is some of the most enjoyable rock you will hear all year."
POWERPLAY
"Bigfoot is built on contemporary, no nonsense, twin-guitar rock riffage, driving rhythms and a whole dose of attitude, but both album and band have quite the rock pot of influences.
And with the backing of Frontiers Records and the multi-faceted quality of their debut album, there should be a significant increase in sightings of the Bigfoot you can definitely believe in."
FABRICATIONSHQ
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Good to see and hear Belfast based rock outfit Baleful Creed starting to make a noise (and a heavy, weighty one at that) with second album Seismic Shifter.
On the latest album the band – Fin Finlay (vocals, guitar), John Allen (guitar), Davy Greer (bass, vocals) and Dave Jeffers (drums) – mix stoner rock and more contemporary influences with the purposeful riffage of Black Sabbath while lyrically shunning the usual suspects for weightier, real life subjects (the album’s title reflects the changing political landscapes, nationally and globally, and not the ground shaking volume of the music within).
Baleful Creed have already picked up some solid recognition through dedicated rock radio stations on both sides of the pond and more lately featured on Planet Rock; on the strength of Seismic Shifter the band’s debut album (a remixed and remastered package of earlier EP releases) is now close to selling out in its hard copy/ CD form.
On the latest album the band – Fin Finlay (vocals, guitar), John Allen (guitar), Davy Greer (bass, vocals) and Dave Jeffers (drums) – mix stoner rock and more contemporary influences with the purposeful riffage of Black Sabbath while lyrically shunning the usual suspects for weightier, real life subjects (the album’s title reflects the changing political landscapes, nationally and globally, and not the ground shaking volume of the music within).
Baleful Creed have already picked up some solid recognition through dedicated rock radio stations on both sides of the pond and more lately featured on Planet Rock; on the strength of Seismic Shifter the band’s debut album (a remixed and remastered package of earlier EP releases) is now close to selling out in its hard copy/ CD form.
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Esoteric Recordings have released an official, limited edition Super Deluxe box set celebrating fifty years of the legendary Procol Harum with Still There’ll Be More : An Antholgy 1967-2017.
The 8 disc set comprises 5 CDs and 3 DVDs.
The first three discs feature key tracks from Procol Harum’s illustrious career (tracks from every Procol Harum album feature, including 2017’s Novum); the fourth disc showcases the band’s legendary concert at the Hollywood Bowl, 21st September 1973, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Roger Wagner Chorale.
Disc five features a previously unreleased concert from the Bournemouth Winter Gardens on the 17th of March 1976.
The DVD content is NTSC/ Region Free and features over three and a half hours of footage, mostly previously unreleased.
The DVD content begins with a performance of 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' on the BBC TV show Top of the Pops from December 1967 before moving to the archives of the German Beat Club series. All of the band’s surviving performances from that show are included including the entire, and never broadcast, raw video footage of the band’s Beat Club Workshop studio concert from 1971.
The second DVD features the entire sixty-five minute recording session of a performance for the German Musikladen series in October 1973, most of which was never shown on television.
The third DVD and final disc of the Super Deluxe box set features various BBC TV performances including a rendition of 'Pandora’s Box' from Top of the Pops in September 1975 and the band’s Sight and Sound In Concert series performance from March 1977.
The lavish and re-mastered set also features a sixty-eight page hard backed book, which includes an essay by Patrick Humphries, a lengthy in-depth commentary on the performances featured by respected Procol Harum authority Roland Clare and many previously unseen photographs and memorabilia from Gary Brooker’s private collection.
The box set is completed by a 60cm x 40 cm reproduction poster from a Procol Harum concert (featuring support from Vivian Stanshall) in 1976.
Procol Harum - Still There’ll Be More : An Anthology 1967 - 2017
Super Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set featuring 5CDs, 3DVDs, 68 hardback book, reproduction poster.
Esoteric Recordings ECLEC82610
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The 8 disc set comprises 5 CDs and 3 DVDs.
The first three discs feature key tracks from Procol Harum’s illustrious career (tracks from every Procol Harum album feature, including 2017’s Novum); the fourth disc showcases the band’s legendary concert at the Hollywood Bowl, 21st September 1973, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Roger Wagner Chorale.
Disc five features a previously unreleased concert from the Bournemouth Winter Gardens on the 17th of March 1976.
The DVD content is NTSC/ Region Free and features over three and a half hours of footage, mostly previously unreleased.
The DVD content begins with a performance of 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' on the BBC TV show Top of the Pops from December 1967 before moving to the archives of the German Beat Club series. All of the band’s surviving performances from that show are included including the entire, and never broadcast, raw video footage of the band’s Beat Club Workshop studio concert from 1971.
The second DVD features the entire sixty-five minute recording session of a performance for the German Musikladen series in October 1973, most of which was never shown on television.
The third DVD and final disc of the Super Deluxe box set features various BBC TV performances including a rendition of 'Pandora’s Box' from Top of the Pops in September 1975 and the band’s Sight and Sound In Concert series performance from March 1977.
The lavish and re-mastered set also features a sixty-eight page hard backed book, which includes an essay by Patrick Humphries, a lengthy in-depth commentary on the performances featured by respected Procol Harum authority Roland Clare and many previously unseen photographs and memorabilia from Gary Brooker’s private collection.
The box set is completed by a 60cm x 40 cm reproduction poster from a Procol Harum concert (featuring support from Vivian Stanshall) in 1976.
Procol Harum - Still There’ll Be More : An Anthology 1967 - 2017
Super Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set featuring 5CDs, 3DVDs, 68 hardback book, reproduction poster.
Esoteric Recordings ECLEC82610
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Billy Idol will bring his Live! 2018 Tour to the UK and Europe in June and July; these will be Idol’s first UK / European run of dates since his successful Kings & Queens of The Underground Tour in 2014 and 2015.
The 2018 UK dates kick off with a show at the 02 in Manchester and include a performance at London’s Brixton Academy on the 23rd of June; further dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
UK Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th December at 10.00am from https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/billy-idol-tickets
Billy Idol was one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music and an arena tour artist. He has sold 40 million albums, scored a number of platinum albums worldwide, had nine Top Forty singles in the US and ten in the UK including 'Dancing With Myself,' 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell,' 'Mony Mony,' 'Eyes Without a Face,' 'Flesh For Fantasy' and 'Cradle Of Love.'
Idol returned to the spotlight in the fall of 2014 with two high profile releases that marked the latest chapter in the long and remarkable story of a man and musician who returned from the brink; a rebel whose yells made the mainstream sit up and pay attention…
Billy Idol’s New York Times bestselling autobiography Dancing With Myself is an intelligent, brutally honest and entirely self-written account of Billy Idol’s journey to fame, from his early days as front man of the pioneering UK punk band Generation X to a long and often decadent life lived loving sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and motorcycles.
Kings & Queens of The Underground was Billy Idol’s first album of new material in nearly a decade.
The album’s palette, which includes incredible contributions from Idol’s long-time collaborator and lead guitarist Steve Stevens, will be instantly familiar to lovers of classic Billy Idol, while announcing a firm step into the future.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the album is full of thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption and the love of rock ‘n’ roll.
"Kings & Queens of The Underground has been worth the wait because it's the singer's best album to date, certainly in terms of its musical breadth and the reflective nature of some of the songs (clearly influenced by the recent writing and publication of his autobiography Dancing With Myself)."
- FabricationsHQ
"Wrapped in leather and soaked in nostalgia, the punk zealot serves up hard riffs with attitude… Idol struts and snarls, propelled by the conviction that rock is the cure for whatever ails you… this show is nothing if not fantastic fun."
- The Guardian
Billy Idol Live!2018 UK & European Tour (more to be announced)
June 20th - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21st - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
June 23rd - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
June 25th - Luxembourg, LU - Rockhal
June 26th - Regensburg, DE - Donau Arena
June 30th - Zajecar, RS - Guitar Fest
July 2nd - Budapest, HU - Budapest Park Open Air
July 3rd - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 6th - Zurich, CH - Hallenstadion
July 14th - Halle, DE - Peissnitz Insel
July 17th - Cologne, DE - Tanzbrunnen
July 19th - Berlin, DE - Zitadelle
July 21st - Slupsk, PL - Charlotta Valley Amp
July 22nd - Hamburg, DE - Stadtpark
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The 2018 UK dates kick off with a show at the 02 in Manchester and include a performance at London’s Brixton Academy on the 23rd of June; further dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
UK Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th December at 10.00am from https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/billy-idol-tickets
Billy Idol was one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music and an arena tour artist. He has sold 40 million albums, scored a number of platinum albums worldwide, had nine Top Forty singles in the US and ten in the UK including 'Dancing With Myself,' 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell,' 'Mony Mony,' 'Eyes Without a Face,' 'Flesh For Fantasy' and 'Cradle Of Love.'
Idol returned to the spotlight in the fall of 2014 with two high profile releases that marked the latest chapter in the long and remarkable story of a man and musician who returned from the brink; a rebel whose yells made the mainstream sit up and pay attention…
Billy Idol’s New York Times bestselling autobiography Dancing With Myself is an intelligent, brutally honest and entirely self-written account of Billy Idol’s journey to fame, from his early days as front man of the pioneering UK punk band Generation X to a long and often decadent life lived loving sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and motorcycles.
Kings & Queens of The Underground was Billy Idol’s first album of new material in nearly a decade.
The album’s palette, which includes incredible contributions from Idol’s long-time collaborator and lead guitarist Steve Stevens, will be instantly familiar to lovers of classic Billy Idol, while announcing a firm step into the future.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the album is full of thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption and the love of rock ‘n’ roll.
"Kings & Queens of The Underground has been worth the wait because it's the singer's best album to date, certainly in terms of its musical breadth and the reflective nature of some of the songs (clearly influenced by the recent writing and publication of his autobiography Dancing With Myself)."
- FabricationsHQ
"Wrapped in leather and soaked in nostalgia, the punk zealot serves up hard riffs with attitude… Idol struts and snarls, propelled by the conviction that rock is the cure for whatever ails you… this show is nothing if not fantastic fun."
- The Guardian
Billy Idol Live!2018 UK & European Tour (more to be announced)
June 20th - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21st - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
June 23rd - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
June 25th - Luxembourg, LU - Rockhal
June 26th - Regensburg, DE - Donau Arena
June 30th - Zajecar, RS - Guitar Fest
July 2nd - Budapest, HU - Budapest Park Open Air
July 3rd - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 6th - Zurich, CH - Hallenstadion
July 14th - Halle, DE - Peissnitz Insel
July 17th - Cologne, DE - Tanzbrunnen
July 19th - Berlin, DE - Zitadelle
July 21st - Slupsk, PL - Charlotta Valley Amp
July 22nd - Hamburg, DE - Stadtpark
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Hue and Cry, the sophisticated soul-pop outfit featuring brothers Pat (vocals) and Greg Kane (keyboards, arrangements) will perform six stripped back shows in the UK next May when they embark on a short co-headline a tour with The Christians.
The performances will feature reworked versions of some of their classic songs as well as tracks from the Kane brother’s current album, the classy crooner pop meets strings release Pocketful of Stones.
The Christians, who recently released an album of reworked classics, Sings & Strings, have been described as "the Temptations with ripped jeans;" their socially-aware soul music made as much of an impact on pop culture in the 1980s as did Hue and Cry’s soul and jazz affected material.
Both bands are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut albums in 2017.
Hue and Cry’s first album, Seduced and Abandoned, propelled the band to stardom; it sold 100,000 copies and featured UK Top 10 hit 'Labour of Love.'
The Christians self-titled debut went to No. 2 in the charts, going on to obtain double-platinum status in the UK.
Hue and Cry (stripped back performances) co-headline dates with The Christians:
18th May - William Aston Hall, Wrexham
19th May - LiVe, Preston
20th May - Oakengates Theatre, Telford
25th May - Warehouse 23, Wakefield
26th May - Club Academy, Manchester
27th May - ULU, London
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The performances will feature reworked versions of some of their classic songs as well as tracks from the Kane brother’s current album, the classy crooner pop meets strings release Pocketful of Stones.
The Christians, who recently released an album of reworked classics, Sings & Strings, have been described as "the Temptations with ripped jeans;" their socially-aware soul music made as much of an impact on pop culture in the 1980s as did Hue and Cry’s soul and jazz affected material.
Both bands are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut albums in 2017.
Hue and Cry’s first album, Seduced and Abandoned, propelled the band to stardom; it sold 100,000 copies and featured UK Top 10 hit 'Labour of Love.'
The Christians self-titled debut went to No. 2 in the charts, going on to obtain double-platinum status in the UK.
Hue and Cry (stripped back performances) co-headline dates with The Christians:
18th May - William Aston Hall, Wrexham
19th May - LiVe, Preston
20th May - Oakengates Theatre, Telford
25th May - Warehouse 23, Wakefield
26th May - Club Academy, Manchester
27th May - ULU, London
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It's always an ears-pricked-up pleasure when something or somebody comes out of left field to pique your musical interest or adds a different colour to what you perceived to be their chosen pallette.
Making very different musical marks from previous or current endeavours are two Scottish musicians by the names of Edward Mackay and Fraser Clark.
With the greatest respect Ed Mackay is not a name that will be familiar to those outside of the Ayrshire music scene or Gourock, where he now resides.
Ed was a member of Ayrshire based band Rose Parade, a group whose indie-folk and quirky, melodic charm should have got them well beyond the Radio One airplay and FabricationsHQ page space they received and on to the wider alt-pop appeal they deserved, but destined never to achieve.
Ed Mackay’s latest venture, under the name Point Cove (inspired by the Isle of Lewis where Mackay grew up) is, at this stage, a collection of four home/ computer recorded tracks known collectively as the They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To EP.
Ed is now actively seeking routes toward making Point Cove and the debut EP a distributor based or self-released realisation.
Based on a mixture of computer created rhythms, post-rock, string effects, pop and the use of vintage, spoken word recordings the four tracks link to themes about our relationship with, and discovery of, sound through technology.
'Written in Wax' is about the original vinyl record; 'I Am the Edison Phonograph' declares itself just that; 'From Any Place at Any Time' heralds the advent of radio; 'Hear Me Speak' features some of the earliest recordings of peoples' voices.
The results are a mini-work that remind of Bill Nelson’s similarly themed instrumental-with-spoken-word creations that pepper his vast solo catalogue (an exceptionally creative artist whose pop & rock-art stylings mean his mainstream, rock star days are decades behind him, Nelson manages a successful and satisfying (but small scale) cottage industry career).
The point (cove) being, if you’re compared to Bill Nelson, you’re doing something right – and creative.
Making very different musical marks from previous or current endeavours are two Scottish musicians by the names of Edward Mackay and Fraser Clark.
With the greatest respect Ed Mackay is not a name that will be familiar to those outside of the Ayrshire music scene or Gourock, where he now resides.
Ed was a member of Ayrshire based band Rose Parade, a group whose indie-folk and quirky, melodic charm should have got them well beyond the Radio One airplay and FabricationsHQ page space they received and on to the wider alt-pop appeal they deserved, but destined never to achieve.
Ed Mackay’s latest venture, under the name Point Cove (inspired by the Isle of Lewis where Mackay grew up) is, at this stage, a collection of four home/ computer recorded tracks known collectively as the They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To EP.
Ed is now actively seeking routes toward making Point Cove and the debut EP a distributor based or self-released realisation.
Based on a mixture of computer created rhythms, post-rock, string effects, pop and the use of vintage, spoken word recordings the four tracks link to themes about our relationship with, and discovery of, sound through technology.
'Written in Wax' is about the original vinyl record; 'I Am the Edison Phonograph' declares itself just that; 'From Any Place at Any Time' heralds the advent of radio; 'Hear Me Speak' features some of the earliest recordings of peoples' voices.
The results are a mini-work that remind of Bill Nelson’s similarly themed instrumental-with-spoken-word creations that pepper his vast solo catalogue (an exceptionally creative artist whose pop & rock-art stylings mean his mainstream, rock star days are decades behind him, Nelson manages a successful and satisfying (but small scale) cottage industry career).
The point (cove) being, if you’re compared to Bill Nelson, you’re doing something right – and creative.
Coming from an entirely different musical angle, but one that is equally creative, is the From The Depths EP by Fraser Clark, a keyboard player whose name will be familiar to anyone who follows the UK’s blues rock scene and the "soul-deep rhythm and blues" outfit Redfish (who recently opened the main day of the returning Carlisle Blues Festival).
Fraser Clark’s highly animated on stage persona and bluesified keyboard remarks have been exchanged for a far calmer and contemporary solo venture – his piano instrumental offering are about as far removed from the Redfish brand of rhythm and blues as you could imagine – but his nu classical / semi-progressive piano pieces are imagined very well indeed.
Opening with the slightly sinister 'From The Depths' (not so much "look out behind you" as "look out below you") the space between the notes (reflecting what lies hidden beneath the surface) adds atmosphere to the EP's title track.
'Broken' adds traditional, yet still contemporary, melancholic contrast before the eight minute 'Glacier' acts as a slow moving soundtrack to the much slower moving icy giant.
The delicate 'Dust' and brighter allegro of 'Silver' close out what could be described as a Redfish out of Water but, like Ed Mackay and Point Cove, From the Depths is artistic passion over musical fashion – and that’s the kind of melody that will always appeal to, and be supported by, FabricationsHQ.
Fraser Clark’s highly animated on stage persona and bluesified keyboard remarks have been exchanged for a far calmer and contemporary solo venture – his piano instrumental offering are about as far removed from the Redfish brand of rhythm and blues as you could imagine – but his nu classical / semi-progressive piano pieces are imagined very well indeed.
Opening with the slightly sinister 'From The Depths' (not so much "look out behind you" as "look out below you") the space between the notes (reflecting what lies hidden beneath the surface) adds atmosphere to the EP's title track.
'Broken' adds traditional, yet still contemporary, melancholic contrast before the eight minute 'Glacier' acts as a slow moving soundtrack to the much slower moving icy giant.
The delicate 'Dust' and brighter allegro of 'Silver' close out what could be described as a Redfish out of Water but, like Ed Mackay and Point Cove, From the Depths is artistic passion over musical fashion – and that’s the kind of melody that will always appeal to, and be supported by, FabricationsHQ.
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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."
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
