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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
Merseyside singer-songwriter and musician Ian Prowse, on the back of his excellent compilation The Story of Ian Prowse (released in February and featuring 18 songs across his solo career, first band Pele and the group Amsterdam) is bringing some socially distanced live music back to venues this September.
"With most of my Story Of Ian Prowse acoustic tour sold out, myself and promoters are very much thinking outside of the box to make sure music returns to these shores" explains Ian, continuing: "For my seven September dates promoters and venue owners are employing different ideas including moving the shows outdoor (Rainford, Chester, Stroud) or moving the venue (Stourbridge, Wigan); I'm also offering to do two sets in venues (London, Weston) so nobody is disappointed.
For me it's a team effort, if the promoters or venue owners are showing willing by going the extra mile to make sure the show happens then I'll reciprocate and sing for longer if needs be; I really don't mind putting an extra shift in for the cause of live music.
If these shows work then hopefully come November, December we can go back to more of a normal setting."
Heartache, injustice and the maddening wonder of this life has been the driving force behind the story of Ian Prowse’s music career, which encompasses Celtic/ folk, singer-songwriter, acoustic, soul-pop and melodic, catchy rock.
The absence of a big hit single means Ian Prowse isn’t necessarily in the hearts of the masses, but his songmanship has kept him firmly in the minds of songwriters like Elvis Costello, Christy Moore, Baz Warne (from the Stranglers), Miles Hunt (from The Wonder Stuff) and Damian Dempsey.
(Both Elvis Costello and Christy Moore feature on duets with Ian Prowse on the new compilation).
His 2019 album Here I Lie, which features 'Something's Changed', was released to widespread critical acclaim.
"With most of my Story Of Ian Prowse acoustic tour sold out, myself and promoters are very much thinking outside of the box to make sure music returns to these shores" explains Ian, continuing: "For my seven September dates promoters and venue owners are employing different ideas including moving the shows outdoor (Rainford, Chester, Stroud) or moving the venue (Stourbridge, Wigan); I'm also offering to do two sets in venues (London, Weston) so nobody is disappointed.
For me it's a team effort, if the promoters or venue owners are showing willing by going the extra mile to make sure the show happens then I'll reciprocate and sing for longer if needs be; I really don't mind putting an extra shift in for the cause of live music.
If these shows work then hopefully come November, December we can go back to more of a normal setting."
Heartache, injustice and the maddening wonder of this life has been the driving force behind the story of Ian Prowse’s music career, which encompasses Celtic/ folk, singer-songwriter, acoustic, soul-pop and melodic, catchy rock.
The absence of a big hit single means Ian Prowse isn’t necessarily in the hearts of the masses, but his songmanship has kept him firmly in the minds of songwriters like Elvis Costello, Christy Moore, Baz Warne (from the Stranglers), Miles Hunt (from The Wonder Stuff) and Damian Dempsey.
(Both Elvis Costello and Christy Moore feature on duets with Ian Prowse on the new compilation).
His 2019 album Here I Lie, which features 'Something's Changed', was released to widespread critical acclaim.
The Story of Ian Prowse, which includes the John Peel favourite 'Does This Train Stop on Merseyside' and mighty singalong number 'Fireworks,' is available on Kitchen Disco Records.
Ian Prowse September dates:
5th Sep - Rainford Junction, St Helens
12th Sep - Katie Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge
13th Sep - Alexanders, Chester
16th Sep - Doc Symposium, Wigan
17th Sep - Prince Albert, Stroud (Sold out)
18th Sep - Loves, Weston Super Mare
19th Sep - The Islington, London
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Ian Prowse September dates:
5th Sep - Rainford Junction, St Helens
12th Sep - Katie Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge
13th Sep - Alexanders, Chester
16th Sep - Doc Symposium, Wigan
17th Sep - Prince Albert, Stroud (Sold out)
18th Sep - Loves, Weston Super Mare
19th Sep - The Islington, London
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King King, who have been going from strength to strength in recent years, release their fifth studio album Maverick on Friday 16th October 2020 via King King’s new independent label Channel 9 Music.
The 10-track album, released on CD, vinyl and various bundles, is available for pre-order from www.kingking.co.uk
A new single, the defiant yet celebratory 'Never Give In,' which follows hot on the blues rock heels of lead-off single ‘I Will Not Fall,' has just been released complete with Official Music Video...
The 10-track album, released on CD, vinyl and various bundles, is available for pre-order from www.kingking.co.uk
A new single, the defiant yet celebratory 'Never Give In,' which follows hot on the blues rock heels of lead-off single ‘I Will Not Fall,' has just been released complete with Official Music Video...
Maverick, which follows 2017’s critically acclaimed Exile & Grace, features the new line-up of Alan Nimmo (vocals/guitar), Jonny Dyke (organ/piano), Zander Greenshields (bass), Andrew Scott (drums) and the recent addition of album guest Stevie Nimmo (guitars/ backing vocals) as an official member.
Due to the current pandemic and uncertainty when live concerts can take please, King King have taken the decision to reschedule their October 2020 UK Tour to October 2021 (see new dates poster, below).
All tickets remain valid for the new dates.
Tickets are available via www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.thegigcartel.com
Due to the current pandemic and uncertainty when live concerts can take please, King King have taken the decision to reschedule their October 2020 UK Tour to October 2021 (see new dates poster, below).
All tickets remain valid for the new dates.
Tickets are available via www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.thegigcartel.com
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Renowned American metal vocalist Mark Boals has announced the forthcoming release of a 2CD collection entitled All The Best!
The album, released on 9th October on Frontiers Records, includes his work as both a solo artist and with his band Ring Of Fire.
Musicians who have recorded with Mark Boals on these projects and over the years include the likes of Doug Aldrich, Tony MacAlpine, Jeff Kollman, Neil Citron, Vitalij Kuprij, Vinny Appice, Virgil Donati, Erik Norlander, Chris Brooks and Steve Weingart.
Says Boals of the album: "I am very happy and proud to announce the release of this collection! It includes songs from my first solo album and second album, which later turned into the band Ring Of Fire.
The Ring Of Fire line-up was too good to work together on only one album and I wanted it to continue, which it then did for three more studio albums. On my Edge Of The World album, I worked with several musicians and a hero of my childhood, the best hard rock drummer in history, Vinny Appice!"
Mark Boals is one of the signature voices of neoclassical metal.
His list of credits include fronting Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, releasing the Trilogy album in 1986 plus three further studio albums.
Classically trained, Boals has performed classical concerts with several orchestras as a solo tenor; he has also occasionally recorded and performed opera arias on his albums and tours.
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The album, released on 9th October on Frontiers Records, includes his work as both a solo artist and with his band Ring Of Fire.
Musicians who have recorded with Mark Boals on these projects and over the years include the likes of Doug Aldrich, Tony MacAlpine, Jeff Kollman, Neil Citron, Vitalij Kuprij, Vinny Appice, Virgil Donati, Erik Norlander, Chris Brooks and Steve Weingart.
Says Boals of the album: "I am very happy and proud to announce the release of this collection! It includes songs from my first solo album and second album, which later turned into the band Ring Of Fire.
The Ring Of Fire line-up was too good to work together on only one album and I wanted it to continue, which it then did for three more studio albums. On my Edge Of The World album, I worked with several musicians and a hero of my childhood, the best hard rock drummer in history, Vinny Appice!"
Mark Boals is one of the signature voices of neoclassical metal.
His list of credits include fronting Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, releasing the Trilogy album in 1986 plus three further studio albums.
Classically trained, Boals has performed classical concerts with several orchestras as a solo tenor; he has also occasionally recorded and performed opera arias on his albums and tours.
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Paul Loreaux Photography
Nashville based singer-songwriter-guitarist JD Simo is a musician who connects the missing link between Motown and Woodstock; he perfects that balance on his new, self-titled second solo album.
"It’s a bridge between R&B and psychedelic rock" explains JD Simo. "I love both styles equally, and I’ve been trying to close the gap in a cohesive way. This is my interpretation of psychedelic soul music.
For me, it’s a statement."
From his stint at the helm of SIMO to his 2019 solo debut Off At 11, JD Simo's journey has primed him to make just such a statement.
Off At 11 earned praise on both sides of the pond. The UK’s Classic Rock praised its "psychedelic Hendrix-channelling jams and hooky, distorted blues rock" while here at FabricationsHQ it was described as "an adventurous amalgamation of psychedelic blues, acid rock and spacier, free-form jazz passages."
In the US, Guitar World hailed it as "another step toward the 34-year-old Chicago native establishing himself as a contemporary blues rock giant."
Throughout 2019, JD Simo maximised his rare time off to write what would become the new album.
He worked out of a "funky little eight-track studio" in his house before enlisting Eddie Spear to co-produce the album, recording it direct to tape in just three days during January 2020.
A second single, the high energy and psychedelically rockin' 'Love,' has just been released from the forthcoming album.
Of the song JD Simo states that the lyric "is about how divisive everything really is in this country.
It was written pre-pandemic, but it’s obviously eroded even more. I come from a bit of a messed-up background. On a daily basis, like many of us, I rely on a multitude of self-help steps in order to remain healthy. Loving yourself as much as you love everyone else is pretty damn important."
"It’s a bridge between R&B and psychedelic rock" explains JD Simo. "I love both styles equally, and I’ve been trying to close the gap in a cohesive way. This is my interpretation of psychedelic soul music.
For me, it’s a statement."
From his stint at the helm of SIMO to his 2019 solo debut Off At 11, JD Simo's journey has primed him to make just such a statement.
Off At 11 earned praise on both sides of the pond. The UK’s Classic Rock praised its "psychedelic Hendrix-channelling jams and hooky, distorted blues rock" while here at FabricationsHQ it was described as "an adventurous amalgamation of psychedelic blues, acid rock and spacier, free-form jazz passages."
In the US, Guitar World hailed it as "another step toward the 34-year-old Chicago native establishing himself as a contemporary blues rock giant."
Throughout 2019, JD Simo maximised his rare time off to write what would become the new album.
He worked out of a "funky little eight-track studio" in his house before enlisting Eddie Spear to co-produce the album, recording it direct to tape in just three days during January 2020.
A second single, the high energy and psychedelically rockin' 'Love,' has just been released from the forthcoming album.
Of the song JD Simo states that the lyric "is about how divisive everything really is in this country.
It was written pre-pandemic, but it’s obviously eroded even more. I come from a bit of a messed-up background. On a daily basis, like many of us, I rely on a multitude of self-help steps in order to remain healthy. Loving yourself as much as you love everyone else is pretty damn important."
As the new album will confirm, JD Simo builds a bridge unlike anything in music.
"It’s simple. I’m an obsessive music listener and vinyl collector. I’m a father. I’m a husband. I’m a guitar player. I’m a songwriter. I’m a singer. When you hear the record, I hope you have a good time.
That’s what I’m looking for."
JD SIMO will be released on 21st August on Crows Feet Records.
Pre-order link: orcd.co/jdalbum
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"It’s simple. I’m an obsessive music listener and vinyl collector. I’m a father. I’m a husband. I’m a guitar player. I’m a songwriter. I’m a singer. When you hear the record, I hope you have a good time.
That’s what I’m looking for."
JD SIMO will be released on 21st August on Crows Feet Records.
Pre-order link: orcd.co/jdalbum
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Emerging Glasgow based singer-songwriter-pianist kate. e. lake has just released her debut EP, Roam.
Featuring lead-off single 'Neon Lights' (inspired by travel through cities that are not your home and that oft-encountered feeling of being outside that neon life) and three other songs – the haunting 'Sparks,' the delicate Sleep and subtle atmospheres of 'Threads' – Roam points to the musician’s classical background yet set within contemporary soundwashes.
Such a piano based sound and drifting, delicate vocal harmonies conjure up images of another Kate, but beyond echoes of Miss Bush are a wide range of influences from Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel and German classical/electronic composer Nils Frahm to British folk band Lau and Debussy.
Or, in the words of kate. e. lake "I wanted to make music that balances something ethereal with a sense of vitality or drive."
Featuring lead-off single 'Neon Lights' (inspired by travel through cities that are not your home and that oft-encountered feeling of being outside that neon life) and three other songs – the haunting 'Sparks,' the delicate Sleep and subtle atmospheres of 'Threads' – Roam points to the musician’s classical background yet set within contemporary soundwashes.
Such a piano based sound and drifting, delicate vocal harmonies conjure up images of another Kate, but beyond echoes of Miss Bush are a wide range of influences from Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel and German classical/electronic composer Nils Frahm to British folk band Lau and Debussy.
Or, in the words of kate. e. lake "I wanted to make music that balances something ethereal with a sense of vitality or drive."
kate. e. lake studied classical piano at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Irish Academy of Music before working on her Masters degree in Paris.
Vocally, kate. e. lake fell in love with singing folk songs at parties and has previously sung jazz standards.
She then played in a friend’s band before deciding to write her own material and now presents her first solo project, Roam.
Roam is available digitally on Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud Google Play and Amazon.
Roam EP – kate. e. lake
Recorded with Gus Stirrat at Solas Sounds in Glasgow.
All vocals, piano and synths by Kate e Lake
www.kateelake.com
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Vocally, kate. e. lake fell in love with singing folk songs at parties and has previously sung jazz standards.
She then played in a friend’s band before deciding to write her own material and now presents her first solo project, Roam.
Roam is available digitally on Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud Google Play and Amazon.
Roam EP – kate. e. lake
Recorded with Gus Stirrat at Solas Sounds in Glasgow.
All vocals, piano and synths by Kate e Lake
www.kateelake.com
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Jefferson Starship will release new music for the first time in twelve years when the Mother of the Sun EP is released on the 21st August.
The band, who feature original Starship member David Freiberg, long-standing drummer Donny Baldwin, keyboardist/ bassist Chris Smith (joined 1998), lead vocalist Cathy Richardson (joined 2008) and lead guitarist Jude Gold (joined 2012) will release the EP on Golden Robot Records.
Pre-Order/ Pre-Save Mother Of The Sun by clicking here
The EP is preceded and trailered by the first single, and Official Music Video, 'It’s About Time.'
The band, who feature original Starship member David Freiberg, long-standing drummer Donny Baldwin, keyboardist/ bassist Chris Smith (joined 1998), lead vocalist Cathy Richardson (joined 2008) and lead guitarist Jude Gold (joined 2012) will release the EP on Golden Robot Records.
Pre-Order/ Pre-Save Mother Of The Sun by clicking here
The EP is preceded and trailered by the first single, and Official Music Video, 'It’s About Time.'
Mother of the Sun also nods to the larger Starship family, with two songs co-written by original Jefferson Starship/Jefferson Airplane members and a significant guest appearance.
The new single, which channels the AOR 80s Starship, was co-written with Grace Slick while another EP track was penned with original Jefferson Airplane (and Starship) member, Marty Balin, who died in 2018.
The EP also features original Jefferson Starship member Pete Sears, who plays bass on three tracks.
"Paul Kantner (who died in 2016) was our bandleader and the visionary who kept Jefferson Starship going through so many eras," says Cathy Richardson. "He inspired so much about this record, from the messages in the lyrics to the title and album art to the collaborative process of creating music as a band with some of his original muses - Grace, Marty, and Pete. Mother of the Sun is dedicated to Paul Kantner."
Jefferson Starship are planning a large 2021 tour to support Mother of the Sun; new dates will hopefully be announced later this year.
Jefferson Starship - Mother of the Sun EP
It's About Time; What Are We Waiting For?; Setting Sun Runaway Again; Embryonic Journey; Don't Be Sad Anymore; What Are We Waiting For? (Extended Version)
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The new single, which channels the AOR 80s Starship, was co-written with Grace Slick while another EP track was penned with original Jefferson Airplane (and Starship) member, Marty Balin, who died in 2018.
The EP also features original Jefferson Starship member Pete Sears, who plays bass on three tracks.
"Paul Kantner (who died in 2016) was our bandleader and the visionary who kept Jefferson Starship going through so many eras," says Cathy Richardson. "He inspired so much about this record, from the messages in the lyrics to the title and album art to the collaborative process of creating music as a band with some of his original muses - Grace, Marty, and Pete. Mother of the Sun is dedicated to Paul Kantner."
Jefferson Starship are planning a large 2021 tour to support Mother of the Sun; new dates will hopefully be announced later this year.
Jefferson Starship - Mother of the Sun EP
It's About Time; What Are We Waiting For?; Setting Sun Runaway Again; Embryonic Journey; Don't Be Sad Anymore; What Are We Waiting For? (Extended Version)
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Alternative rock and roots cellist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Calum Ingram has released a Double A side 7” inch vinyl single 'Dancing in the Moonlight' and 'Demon Eyes.'
The eco friendly vinyl, in marble-gold, is available to purchase from https://calum-ingram-music.myshopify.com
Calum’s Ingram’s unique rendition of 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a fun hopping, rhythmically skipping and guitar & cello jumping take that puts a new twist on the Thin Lizzy classic, as the musician confirms: "I decided to play some guitar and a bit of bass to give a bed of rock for some funky cello riffs. Dancing in the Moonlight is showcased in a way like you have never heard before!"
'Dancing in the Moonlight' and the cool little cello-blues of the self-penned 'Demon Eyes' were co-produced by Kirk Yano (2cellos, Miles Davis, Mariah Carey) in NYC and Calum Ingram in Paisley, Scotland.
The eco friendly vinyl, in marble-gold, is available to purchase from https://calum-ingram-music.myshopify.com
Calum’s Ingram’s unique rendition of 'Dancing in the Moonlight' is a fun hopping, rhythmically skipping and guitar & cello jumping take that puts a new twist on the Thin Lizzy classic, as the musician confirms: "I decided to play some guitar and a bit of bass to give a bed of rock for some funky cello riffs. Dancing in the Moonlight is showcased in a way like you have never heard before!"
'Dancing in the Moonlight' and the cool little cello-blues of the self-penned 'Demon Eyes' were co-produced by Kirk Yano (2cellos, Miles Davis, Mariah Carey) in NYC and Calum Ingram in Paisley, Scotland.
Calum Ingram has played the cello from the age of nine. He’s developed a unique approach to the cello, intertwining his strings. He draws influences from Peter Gabriel, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Jack White, and John Martyn.
In 2013 Calum wrote and performed music for the off-Broadway show Devision Avenue and won the award for Best Sound Design as part of The Midtown International Theatre Festival, New York City.
Later that year he released his debut album Making It Possible.
In 2015 he headlined the acoustic main stage at The Wicker Man Festival in Scotland, followed by the release of his Turn Around live EP.
In 2016, he performed a special concert celebrating the life of the late and legendary Jack Bruce, alongside Mick Taylor, Steve Hackett, Bernie Marsden Lulu, and Eddi Reader.
In 2017, Calum was featured in the Sky Arts TV series, Tony Visconti’s Unsigned Heroes, which saw him perform a duet with Stewart Copeland.
2019 saw a performance at the Blues Autour Du Zinc Festival in France, followed by extensive touring in the UK & Europe.
Calum Ingram has contributed to Musicians in Exile (a group that helps asylum seekers and refugees) and various other charitable organizations, including headlining Oxfam’s Glasgow Oxfam Festival.
For more information visit the official website http://calumingram.com/
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In 2013 Calum wrote and performed music for the off-Broadway show Devision Avenue and won the award for Best Sound Design as part of The Midtown International Theatre Festival, New York City.
Later that year he released his debut album Making It Possible.
In 2015 he headlined the acoustic main stage at The Wicker Man Festival in Scotland, followed by the release of his Turn Around live EP.
In 2016, he performed a special concert celebrating the life of the late and legendary Jack Bruce, alongside Mick Taylor, Steve Hackett, Bernie Marsden Lulu, and Eddi Reader.
In 2017, Calum was featured in the Sky Arts TV series, Tony Visconti’s Unsigned Heroes, which saw him perform a duet with Stewart Copeland.
2019 saw a performance at the Blues Autour Du Zinc Festival in France, followed by extensive touring in the UK & Europe.
Calum Ingram has contributed to Musicians in Exile (a group that helps asylum seekers and refugees) and various other charitable organizations, including headlining Oxfam’s Glasgow Oxfam Festival.
For more information visit the official website http://calumingram.com/
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Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Swedish rock band H.E.A.T have postponed their UK Tour to October 2021.
The rescheduled dates are:
Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill (October 7th)
Leeds Warehouse (October 8th)
Swansea Patti Pavilion (October 10th) Nottingham Rescue Rooms (October 11th)
London Electric Brixton (October 12th).
Tickets remain valid for all five dates.
The postponed tour will act as continued support for H.E.A.T’s critically acclaimed
album H.E.A.T II, the first release from the group to be produced entirely by the band (Jona Tee and Dave Dalone).
"This is what we would sound like if we made a debut album 2019, hence the title!"
Tickets for all shows can be ordered from: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/h-e-a-t
The rescheduled dates are:
Wolverhampton KK’s Steel Mill (October 7th)
Leeds Warehouse (October 8th)
Swansea Patti Pavilion (October 10th) Nottingham Rescue Rooms (October 11th)
London Electric Brixton (October 12th).
Tickets remain valid for all five dates.
The postponed tour will act as continued support for H.E.A.T’s critically acclaimed
album H.E.A.T II, the first release from the group to be produced entirely by the band (Jona Tee and Dave Dalone).
"This is what we would sound like if we made a debut album 2019, hence the title!"
Tickets for all shows can be ordered from: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/h-e-a-t
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Joe Bonamassa’s new studio album Royal Tea, inspired by his British guitar heroes Jeff Beck, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton and Cream, will be released on October 23rd via Provogue/ J&R Adventures.
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, Royal Tea brings the acclaimed guitarist full circle.
"This whole adventure was a bucket-list thing for me" says Bonamassa of an album that reconnects the 43 year old with the guitar-slinging kid from upstate New York who stumbled across the best of British blues music in his dad’s vinyl collection; influences that shaped him to be the player he is today.
"I would have been about twelve years old, and it was the sound I heard in my head. Like, 'OK, I’m in. That’s what I want to be'."
The ten original tracks were co-written by Joe Bonamassa and a cast of homegrown notables including Bernie Marsden, ex-Cream lyricist Pete Brown and Jools Holland.
"Writing this record in London has done its job," reflects Bonamassa. "It really does sound inherently British."
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, Royal Tea brings the acclaimed guitarist full circle.
"This whole adventure was a bucket-list thing for me" says Bonamassa of an album that reconnects the 43 year old with the guitar-slinging kid from upstate New York who stumbled across the best of British blues music in his dad’s vinyl collection; influences that shaped him to be the player he is today.
"I would have been about twelve years old, and it was the sound I heard in my head. Like, 'OK, I’m in. That’s what I want to be'."
The ten original tracks were co-written by Joe Bonamassa and a cast of homegrown notables including Bernie Marsden, ex-Cream lyricist Pete Brown and Jools Holland.
"Writing this record in London has done its job," reflects Bonamassa. "It really does sound inherently British."
Alongside the album announcement, Joe Bonamassa revealed he will perform a special Livestream Concert from the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 20th.
The concert will feature songs from his new album, which is a first – he has never performed a full, unreleased album for audiences before.
Along with Royal Tea Joe Bonamassa will also perform classic remixes from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now; the evening will continue with a one hour After Party featuring several live performances from an array of some of the hottest rising stars in the blues-rock music.
Livestream tickets and packages for Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert Worldwide, presented by Keeping The Blues Alive, are available for purchase at https://joeb.me/JBW
The livestream will raise money for Fueling Musicians programme to help artists in need.
You can pre-order the new album here: https://joeb.me/RoyalTea
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The concert will feature songs from his new album, which is a first – he has never performed a full, unreleased album for audiences before.
Along with Royal Tea Joe Bonamassa will also perform classic remixes from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now; the evening will continue with a one hour After Party featuring several live performances from an array of some of the hottest rising stars in the blues-rock music.
Livestream tickets and packages for Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert Worldwide, presented by Keeping The Blues Alive, are available for purchase at https://joeb.me/JBW
The livestream will raise money for Fueling Musicians programme to help artists in need.
You can pre-order the new album here: https://joeb.me/RoyalTea
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Bournemouth hard rock & metal band South of Salem have announced release details for their debut album, The Sinner Takes It All.
Recorded at Grindhouse Studios in Suffolk and working with acclaimed producer Scott Atkins South of Salem has brought a truly original but recognizable take on the rock-metal genres, with a horror twist.
Tracks like the Purge-esque 'Let Us Prey,' 'Demons Are Forever' and ,Severely Yours, aren’t just full of infectious hooks, fierce solos and attitude, they also, as their titles highlight, encompass clever lyrical word play.
Many of the songs also take on the more serious, or darker, issues, such as current single 'Cold Day in Hell' of which front man Joey Draper says "is a twisted homage to the dark and ugly sides of relationships.
It deals with control and emotional abuse. leading the victim to believe their only option is to stay proverbially chained to their captor.”
Recorded at Grindhouse Studios in Suffolk and working with acclaimed producer Scott Atkins South of Salem has brought a truly original but recognizable take on the rock-metal genres, with a horror twist.
Tracks like the Purge-esque 'Let Us Prey,' 'Demons Are Forever' and ,Severely Yours, aren’t just full of infectious hooks, fierce solos and attitude, they also, as their titles highlight, encompass clever lyrical word play.
Many of the songs also take on the more serious, or darker, issues, such as current single 'Cold Day in Hell' of which front man Joey Draper says "is a twisted homage to the dark and ugly sides of relationships.
It deals with control and emotional abuse. leading the victim to believe their only option is to stay proverbially chained to their captor.”
Talking further on the album's lyrics, Joey Draper explains that "they effectively reflect the human race and where we are today as a society and how some people handle relationships, wealth over health.
On a personal note we chose the album title title (a play on ABBA's The Winner Takes It All) because all the band members have been to hell and back with our lives in recent years. Some of it privy to intimacy, some of it from our experiences of being musicians trying to navigate one of the most mentally challenging industries in business.
Essentially what we're tackling here is low life in high (and low) places, and even though we've seen some positivity come out of this awful Coronavirus pandemic, it's not enough.
Sadly, most of the time it is the people that use others, that manipulate and do wrong that ultimately come out on top and leave a trail of mental health and well-being issues in their wake. The sinners are truly preparing to take it all.
Enough is enough!”
The Sinner Takes It All will be released on 25th September.
Track listing:
Let Us Prey; The Hate In Me; No Plague Like Home; Pretty Little Nightmare; Made To Be Mine; Cold Day In Hell; Demons Are Forever (ft. Alex Avdis of Red Method); Another Nail In My Coffin; Severely Yours; Dead Hearts Don't Break
South Of Salem:
Joey – Vocals; Fish – Guitar; Kodi – Guitar; Dee – Bass; Pip – Drums
Website: https://www.southofsalem.com/
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On a personal note we chose the album title title (a play on ABBA's The Winner Takes It All) because all the band members have been to hell and back with our lives in recent years. Some of it privy to intimacy, some of it from our experiences of being musicians trying to navigate one of the most mentally challenging industries in business.
Essentially what we're tackling here is low life in high (and low) places, and even though we've seen some positivity come out of this awful Coronavirus pandemic, it's not enough.
Sadly, most of the time it is the people that use others, that manipulate and do wrong that ultimately come out on top and leave a trail of mental health and well-being issues in their wake. The sinners are truly preparing to take it all.
Enough is enough!”
The Sinner Takes It All will be released on 25th September.
Track listing:
Let Us Prey; The Hate In Me; No Plague Like Home; Pretty Little Nightmare; Made To Be Mine; Cold Day In Hell; Demons Are Forever (ft. Alex Avdis of Red Method); Another Nail In My Coffin; Severely Yours; Dead Hearts Don't Break
South Of Salem:
Joey – Vocals; Fish – Guitar; Kodi – Guitar; Dee – Bass; Pip – Drums
Website: https://www.southofsalem.com/
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Genre crossing multi-instrumentalist Mike Ross has released the first single from his forthcoming solo album The Clovis Limit Pt.2.
'The Loser,' a whistling-infectious little number that carries a touch of early Humble Pie within its bluesy, acoustic Americana, eschews the heavier blues/ electric guitar fuzz of Mike Ross's earlier releases to become part of an album that is the perfect complement to 2019’s Nashville recorded, and Nashville sounding, The Clovis Limit Pt.1.
'The Loser,' a whistling-infectious little number that carries a touch of early Humble Pie within its bluesy, acoustic Americana, eschews the heavier blues/ electric guitar fuzz of Mike Ross's earlier releases to become part of an album that is the perfect complement to 2019’s Nashville recorded, and Nashville sounding, The Clovis Limit Pt.1.
The Clovis Limit Pt 2 is strong sequel on multiple fronts; it's a showcase for Mike Ross’s songwriting as well as his musicianship on multiple instruments.
"The Loser is unusual in that it’s the only track from new album not to feature drums," confirms Ross. "The percussion you hear is me kicking boxes and rubbing sandpaper sheets together, along with shakers and tambourine over the top. In fact I play all of the instruments on the song including piano, bass & guitar."
The song itself "is about never giving up," continues the musician. "Composed in a single, sit-down session on a day off while touring Europe, the lyric was written to inspire listeners who feels alone or defeated.
It’s a call to action: a rallying cry for the lonely and disaffected; a balm for the soul, for those who are reeling from the hurt caused when slamming against a hard, unyielding reality. A sentiment that is particularly apt in these times of great uncertainty and anxiety."
'The Loser' is now available to buy and stream on all digital platforms.
The Clovis Limit Pt 2 will be released on October 30th.
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"The Loser is unusual in that it’s the only track from new album not to feature drums," confirms Ross. "The percussion you hear is me kicking boxes and rubbing sandpaper sheets together, along with shakers and tambourine over the top. In fact I play all of the instruments on the song including piano, bass & guitar."
The song itself "is about never giving up," continues the musician. "Composed in a single, sit-down session on a day off while touring Europe, the lyric was written to inspire listeners who feels alone or defeated.
It’s a call to action: a rallying cry for the lonely and disaffected; a balm for the soul, for those who are reeling from the hurt caused when slamming against a hard, unyielding reality. A sentiment that is particularly apt in these times of great uncertainty and anxiety."
'The Loser' is now available to buy and stream on all digital platforms.
The Clovis Limit Pt 2 will be released on October 30th.
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US band The Bloody Nerve (Laurie Ann – lead vocals, Stacey Blood – guitars, vocals) have, without question, upped their own powerful ante if new single-video 'A Million Arms' is any indication of the duo’s sonic intent.
The song is the first of a number of single+video releases that will follow on episodically, track by track (like a Netflix series in musical form); the releases will precede, and in effect present, their forthcoming concept album, All Blood, No Treasure.
The first installment of All Blood, No Treasure packs quite the sonic and visual punch, as can be seen and heard on the video for 'A Million Arms' (get ready to sonically rumble)...
The song is the first of a number of single+video releases that will follow on episodically, track by track (like a Netflix series in musical form); the releases will precede, and in effect present, their forthcoming concept album, All Blood, No Treasure.
The first installment of All Blood, No Treasure packs quite the sonic and visual punch, as can be seen and heard on the video for 'A Million Arms' (get ready to sonically rumble)...
" 'A Million Arms' starts All Blood, No Treasure with no backstory, because there is no backstory - just craziness" states Stacey Blood, continuing: That’s all you get: Just dropped right in the middle of craziness, and don’t know why you’re there and you can’t get yourself oriented because the rules and decrees are irrational and contradictory. So, what now..?”
What now indeed. That won’t be revealed until the second musical chapter of All Blood, No Treasure from The Bloody Nerve makes it appearance…
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What now indeed. That won’t be revealed until the second musical chapter of All Blood, No Treasure from The Bloody Nerve makes it appearance…
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Award-winning American blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher, who has spent time with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, is a member of The Mannish Boys and has been part of Joe Bonamassa’s live band, will release his sixth album My Blues Pathway via Cleopatra Records on September 25th.
The 10 track album will be released on CD, vinyl and digital; it is available to pre-order from https://orcd.co/kirk_fletcher_my_blues_pathway
The first single 'No Place To Go' (co-written with Richard Cousins) is, as Kirk Fletcher explains: "about the struggles of success, sometimes at the expense of what life is really about.
It’s about self-empowerment and what a person’s view of happiness means, whether, it is a house on a hill or a meal for the day to survive."
The 10 track album will be released on CD, vinyl and digital; it is available to pre-order from https://orcd.co/kirk_fletcher_my_blues_pathway
The first single 'No Place To Go' (co-written with Richard Cousins) is, as Kirk Fletcher explains: "about the struggles of success, sometimes at the expense of what life is really about.
It’s about self-empowerment and what a person’s view of happiness means, whether, it is a house on a hill or a meal for the day to survive."
My Blues Pathway, which follows the 2018 Blues music award nominated album Hold On, features a mix of originals and covers, with all music arrangements by Kirk Fletcher.
"The album was a joy to make,especially making music with some of my longtime friends" says Fletcher.
"I’ve known drummer David Kida for over 25 years. We have been in the trenches together on the L.A. Blues music scene. It was very important for me to include some covers on this album. I wanted to shine a spotlight on some of my favourite blues artists including Sonny Boy Williamson, Chris Cain, AC Reed and Juke Boy Bonner."
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"The album was a joy to make,especially making music with some of my longtime friends" says Fletcher.
"I’ve known drummer David Kida for over 25 years. We have been in the trenches together on the L.A. Blues music scene. It was very important for me to include some covers on this album. I wanted to shine a spotlight on some of my favourite blues artists including Sonny Boy Williamson, Chris Cain, AC Reed and Juke Boy Bonner."
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Following the announcement of the release of the re-recorded version of A Bit Of What You Fancy – to celebrate its 30th Anniversary – The Quireboys will embark on a special UK tour from December 2020 to February 2021, where they will play the classic album in its entirety.
Tickets are on sale now from www.thegigcartel.com
Australian rock and roll band Massive, who are no strangers to the UK rock fans, will be tour support.
The band are currently promoting their third studio album Rebuild Destroy.
The thirteen date tour will, subject to the Covid-19 situation, kick off at the Bullingdon in Oxford on Thursday 10th December and culminate in Gateshead on Saturday the 13th February.
To mark the 30th Anniversary of A Bit Of What You Fancy, the Quireboys released their newly re-recorded version of the iconic album on the 1st July; the album is available on vinyl and CD, both of which are on limited edition runs. The CD includes bonus live tracks.
"A Bit of What You Fancy is where it all began for the Quireboys" says the band’s front man Spike.
"It was an incredible album that launched our career. However, the way we sound and play now doesn’t do it justice. Henceforth, it has been a pleasure updating it to our modern-day Gypsy Rock & Roll Sound.
I’m sure everyone will enjoy this new version in all its glory, marking its 30th Anniversary."
Tickets are on sale now from www.thegigcartel.com
Australian rock and roll band Massive, who are no strangers to the UK rock fans, will be tour support.
The band are currently promoting their third studio album Rebuild Destroy.
The thirteen date tour will, subject to the Covid-19 situation, kick off at the Bullingdon in Oxford on Thursday 10th December and culminate in Gateshead on Saturday the 13th February.
To mark the 30th Anniversary of A Bit Of What You Fancy, the Quireboys released their newly re-recorded version of the iconic album on the 1st July; the album is available on vinyl and CD, both of which are on limited edition runs. The CD includes bonus live tracks.
"A Bit of What You Fancy is where it all began for the Quireboys" says the band’s front man Spike.
"It was an incredible album that launched our career. However, the way we sound and play now doesn’t do it justice. Henceforth, it has been a pleasure updating it to our modern-day Gypsy Rock & Roll Sound.
I’m sure everyone will enjoy this new version in all its glory, marking its 30th Anniversary."
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More than six years since the release of the critically acclaimed Distant Is The Sun, Australian melodic metal exponents Vanishing Point are set to releases their sixth full-length album, Dead Elysium.
The album, which will be released August 28th on AFM Records, has been preceded by Official Lyric Videos for, first, the title track and now 'Salvus,' a song that touches on the album's overarching theme, as the band explain:
"When writing the Dead Elysium album there was a general theme running through it musically and lyrically that we really wanted to touch upon regarding the state of world affairs in general and the situation we are in.
The general theme lyrically was more or less in regards to how we can see positive change? How can we make things better in terms of looking after each other? It definitely was not a case of 'let's make the heaviest sounding album we can' and all that bullshit - it was a case of let the music speak for itself and hope that our music helps people to connect or reconnect."
The album, which will be released August 28th on AFM Records, has been preceded by Official Lyric Videos for, first, the title track and now 'Salvus,' a song that touches on the album's overarching theme, as the band explain:
"When writing the Dead Elysium album there was a general theme running through it musically and lyrically that we really wanted to touch upon regarding the state of world affairs in general and the situation we are in.
The general theme lyrically was more or less in regards to how we can see positive change? How can we make things better in terms of looking after each other? It definitely was not a case of 'let's make the heaviest sounding album we can' and all that bullshit - it was a case of let the music speak for itself and hope that our music helps people to connect or reconnect."
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Mixing comic-book styled post-apocalyptic demolition derby artwork and live footage, the new video from all female power rock trio Häxan (Sam Bolderson - vocals/ guitar, Harriet Wadeson – bass, Jess Hartley - drums) captures the energy and vibrancy of 'Nine Lives,' the second single to be lifted from the band’s forthcoming album, White Noise.
"Listening to the first studio mix of Nine Lives just sparked imagination" says the band, continuing "Sam just couldn't shake the idea of a fast paced post-apocalyptic demolition derby comic book style video!"
"Listening to the first studio mix of Nine Lives just sparked imagination" says the band, continuing "Sam just couldn't shake the idea of a fast paced post-apocalyptic demolition derby comic book style video!"
The socially distanced live footage, filmed in an abandoned warehouse, didn’t come without its own problems "On filming day, after seven hours of setting up, just as we were about to hit record, the police showed up as they had received reports of an illegal rave! Cue another couple of hours of persuading the authorities to let us film and convincing them we were most definitely not having a rave!"
You can check out FabricationsHQ's review of White Noise, which will be released on Friday 24th July, by clicking heading to the 2020 Reviews page.
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You can check out FabricationsHQ's review of White Noise, which will be released on Friday 24th July, by clicking heading to the 2020 Reviews page.
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Hawkwind, as the Hawkwind Light Orchestra, will release their latest studio album Carnivorous (an anagram of Coronavirus) on Cherry Red Records on the 16th of October.
The album, which follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2019 album All Aboard The Skylark, was recorded entirely in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
Having started life as a solo project by Hawkwind co-founder and ever-present Dave Brock during the winter of 2019 (with contributions added by the band in January and February of this year), the album features Brock (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synths), Richard Chadwick (drums) and Magnus Martin (guitar, vocals, keyboards).
An album that, by design, had to be recorded without a full complement of Hawkwind members or in the band’s usual style (hence the Light Orchestra tag), Carnivorous is a testament to the contributing members’ proficiency to end up with an album that bears all the hallmarks of classic Hawkwind, while recorded under testing circumstances.
'Dyna-mite' is cruising and catchy (laced with Dave Brock’s trademark commentary on human behaviour)… there’s the pulsating rhythms of 'Void Of Wasteland' and free-spirited groove of 'Repel Attract'… 'Model Farm Blues' fuses the band’s psychedelic blueprint with classic blues… there is even a tongue in cheek nod to the recent pandemic in 'Lockdown (Keep Calm)' and a far more serious note on 'The Virus.'
The heartfelt 'Forgotten Memories' (about the devastating effects of Alzheimers) is one of the album’s most powerful songs.
Hawkwind’s 50th Anniversary celebrations were due to continue throughout 2020 with headline slots at festivals throughout the summer, Dave Brock solo shows at HRH Prog in London and Sheffield and their annual Hawkfest event in Devon.
However the band are monitoring the situation and will proceed with live shows as soon as possible.
Hawkwind – Carnivorous. Cherry Red Records. Released: October 16th 2020
Track listing:
Expedition to Planet X; Dyna-mite; Void of Wasteland; Repel Attract; Attraction; Human Behaviour (No Sex Allowed); Temple of Love; Square Peg Into a Round Hole; Windy Day; Model Farm Blues; Whose Call is it Anyway?; Lockdown (Keep Calm); The Virus; Forgotten Memories; Higher Ground
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The album, which follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2019 album All Aboard The Skylark, was recorded entirely in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
Having started life as a solo project by Hawkwind co-founder and ever-present Dave Brock during the winter of 2019 (with contributions added by the band in January and February of this year), the album features Brock (vocals, guitar, keyboards, synths), Richard Chadwick (drums) and Magnus Martin (guitar, vocals, keyboards).
An album that, by design, had to be recorded without a full complement of Hawkwind members or in the band’s usual style (hence the Light Orchestra tag), Carnivorous is a testament to the contributing members’ proficiency to end up with an album that bears all the hallmarks of classic Hawkwind, while recorded under testing circumstances.
'Dyna-mite' is cruising and catchy (laced with Dave Brock’s trademark commentary on human behaviour)… there’s the pulsating rhythms of 'Void Of Wasteland' and free-spirited groove of 'Repel Attract'… 'Model Farm Blues' fuses the band’s psychedelic blueprint with classic blues… there is even a tongue in cheek nod to the recent pandemic in 'Lockdown (Keep Calm)' and a far more serious note on 'The Virus.'
The heartfelt 'Forgotten Memories' (about the devastating effects of Alzheimers) is one of the album’s most powerful songs.
Hawkwind’s 50th Anniversary celebrations were due to continue throughout 2020 with headline slots at festivals throughout the summer, Dave Brock solo shows at HRH Prog in London and Sheffield and their annual Hawkfest event in Devon.
However the band are monitoring the situation and will proceed with live shows as soon as possible.
Hawkwind – Carnivorous. Cherry Red Records. Released: October 16th 2020
Track listing:
Expedition to Planet X; Dyna-mite; Void of Wasteland; Repel Attract; Attraction; Human Behaviour (No Sex Allowed); Temple of Love; Square Peg Into a Round Hole; Windy Day; Model Farm Blues; Whose Call is it Anyway?; Lockdown (Keep Calm); The Virus; Forgotten Memories; Higher Ground
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Quint Starkie, the Swedish based British singer-songwriter-guitarist (and member of Francis Dunnery’s It Bites), has released a third single from his forthcoming solo album.
Endless Summer, "a simple song about summer romance," follows on the melodic pop with harmonies heels of atmospheric pop-groove number 'Gotta Give it Up' (featuring Dorie Jackson on harmony & backing vocals) and 'Mr Maxwell : The Car Song,' a fun, upbeat tune written about "a Sunday drive in the country teaching my son about life signposts" (Maxwell is the name of Quint Starkie's son).
The as yet unnamed album will be the follow-up to the beautifully crafted Ghost in My Heart, which was first released in 2016 (followed by an all-digital formats re-release in 2017).
Written and produced by Quint Starkie, 'Endless Summer' features Jule Wiegand (backing/ harmony vocals), Mats Byström (Keys), Per Hansson (bass) and Kjell Gustavsson (drums).
Endless Summer, "a simple song about summer romance," follows on the melodic pop with harmonies heels of atmospheric pop-groove number 'Gotta Give it Up' (featuring Dorie Jackson on harmony & backing vocals) and 'Mr Maxwell : The Car Song,' a fun, upbeat tune written about "a Sunday drive in the country teaching my son about life signposts" (Maxwell is the name of Quint Starkie's son).
The as yet unnamed album will be the follow-up to the beautifully crafted Ghost in My Heart, which was first released in 2016 (followed by an all-digital formats re-release in 2017).
Written and produced by Quint Starkie, 'Endless Summer' features Jule Wiegand (backing/ harmony vocals), Mats Byström (Keys), Per Hansson (bass) and Kjell Gustavsson (drums).
Quint Starkie is a solo artist and a member of Francis Dunnery’s It Bites.
He has written songs for Alcazar, Lambretta, Sophie Zelmani, Shakaya, Hartmut Englar, Anna Sahlene, Amei Chang, Martin Stenmarck as well a song on the movie soundtrack My Best Friend’s Wedding starring Julia Roberts.
An accomplished guitarist, he has performed or recorded with The Supremes, Meja, Jill Johnsson, Tommy Nilsson, Bosson, Ebbot, Björn Skifs, Harpo and many more established artists.
His debut album Ghost in My Heart was FabricationsHQ’s singer-songwriter album of the Year in 2017 and had the likes of the aforementioned Francis Dunnery waxing lyrical about it.
While Ghost in My Heart was a poignant yet upbeat semi-autobiographical reminisce that musically took a country styled approach, the new album, as confirmed by Quint Starkie, "reflects more of my West Coast leanings as a guitarist and is more pop than country this time around."
Quint Starkie website: http://www.quintstarkie.net/
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He has written songs for Alcazar, Lambretta, Sophie Zelmani, Shakaya, Hartmut Englar, Anna Sahlene, Amei Chang, Martin Stenmarck as well a song on the movie soundtrack My Best Friend’s Wedding starring Julia Roberts.
An accomplished guitarist, he has performed or recorded with The Supremes, Meja, Jill Johnsson, Tommy Nilsson, Bosson, Ebbot, Björn Skifs, Harpo and many more established artists.
His debut album Ghost in My Heart was FabricationsHQ’s singer-songwriter album of the Year in 2017 and had the likes of the aforementioned Francis Dunnery waxing lyrical about it.
While Ghost in My Heart was a poignant yet upbeat semi-autobiographical reminisce that musically took a country styled approach, the new album, as confirmed by Quint Starkie, "reflects more of my West Coast leanings as a guitarist and is more pop than country this time around."
Quint Starkie website: http://www.quintstarkie.net/
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2020 has not just kindled the creative fires of New York’s blues/rock singer Sari Schorr, it’s lit them like a beacon.
Back at the end of April, the vocal powerhouse re-released the ballad 'Ordinary Life' from the album A Force of Nature (FabricationsHQ’s debut album of the year for 2016); the re-release was accompanied by a highly emotive, self-shot and self-edited video of New York under Covid-19 lockdown, showing how 'ordinary life’ had changed.
The song and video resonated with people well beyond New York; the video reached 88,000 people on Facebook and has more than 35,000 organic views on Youtube.
Now, in purposeful, protesting contrast, Sari Schorr’s has added new visuals to her 2018 song 'The New Revolution' from current album Never Say Never. (the song, penned by Sari Schorr & Bob Fridzema, was written to honour Martin Luther King, Jr, America’s iconic advocate and champion of civil rights and nonviolence).
Back at the end of April, the vocal powerhouse re-released the ballad 'Ordinary Life' from the album A Force of Nature (FabricationsHQ’s debut album of the year for 2016); the re-release was accompanied by a highly emotive, self-shot and self-edited video of New York under Covid-19 lockdown, showing how 'ordinary life’ had changed.
The song and video resonated with people well beyond New York; the video reached 88,000 people on Facebook and has more than 35,000 organic views on Youtube.
Now, in purposeful, protesting contrast, Sari Schorr’s has added new visuals to her 2018 song 'The New Revolution' from current album Never Say Never. (the song, penned by Sari Schorr & Bob Fridzema, was written to honour Martin Luther King, Jr, America’s iconic advocate and champion of civil rights and nonviolence).
The new video captures the mood of current issues perfectly.
The protesting Yin to Ordinary Life’s lockdown Yang, 'The New Revolution' video features archive and current news footage of peaceful protests woven with images of Sari Schor singing in a caged space (and in the open, in front of a rainbow) while background images of protests, police and George Floyd, whose killing and subsequent Black Lives Matter movement brought issues that Martin Luther King Jr. campaigned about back into the limelight, ghost in the background.
"I wrote the 'The New Revolution' to express the feeling I had that the world would soon be entering an era of great change. In response to the message of racism and division that was being amplified by our president, I could imagine a growing movement that would embrace the fight for social justice.
That moment of change has finally come. The time has come to welcome a new age far beyond the grip of hatred and cruelty." - Sari Schorr
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The protesting Yin to Ordinary Life’s lockdown Yang, 'The New Revolution' video features archive and current news footage of peaceful protests woven with images of Sari Schor singing in a caged space (and in the open, in front of a rainbow) while background images of protests, police and George Floyd, whose killing and subsequent Black Lives Matter movement brought issues that Martin Luther King Jr. campaigned about back into the limelight, ghost in the background.
"I wrote the 'The New Revolution' to express the feeling I had that the world would soon be entering an era of great change. In response to the message of racism and division that was being amplified by our president, I could imagine a growing movement that would embrace the fight for social justice.
That moment of change has finally come. The time has come to welcome a new age far beyond the grip of hatred and cruelty." - Sari Schorr
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Hookers & Blow, the longstanding rock covers project formed by long-time Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, recently hit the studio to record a covers album that will be released later this year via Golden Robot Records.
As a further taster, the band have just released their third single from the forthcoming album, a version of 'Ziggy Stardust,' that holds a respectful, staying faithful candle to the Bowie original.
"iggy Stardust has been in the Hookers & Blow live set since our very first show seventeen years ago" comments Alex Grossi, continuing: "we are really happy that we were able to capture the vibe of the way we do it live in the studio."
As a further taster, the band have just released their third single from the forthcoming album, a version of 'Ziggy Stardust,' that holds a respectful, staying faithful candle to the Bowie original.
"iggy Stardust has been in the Hookers & Blow live set since our very first show seventeen years ago" comments Alex Grossi, continuing: "we are really happy that we were able to capture the vibe of the way we do it live in the studio."
The first single to air from the forthcoming album was an inspired take of the Eddie Money classic 'Shakin'.' That was followed by an energetic and rambunctious version of the Rolling Stones classic 'Rocks Off' from their iconic double album Exile On Main Street.
For the album the band has used producer Alistair James, who recently worked with Joe Perry, Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp on the newest Hollywood Vampires album.
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For the album the band has used producer Alistair James, who recently worked with Joe Perry, Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp on the newest Hollywood Vampires album.
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At the end of June, 63 bands took part in Spirit of Wildfire 2, a three-day weekend ‘festival-on-radio’ that showcased bands to new audiences, promoted the importance of supporting band webstores during the non-gig era, and raised money for NHS charities.
This festival-on-radio venture has proved such a success that the organisers are keen to run another, so are now inviting artists and bands to sign up and take part.
Spirit of Wildfire 2 was conceived and run by GuyB new internet radio station Great Music Stories Radio.
Guy sent an open invitation to bands, managers and PRs; within just 72 hours 50 bands confirmed their interest. This rose to 63 bands (including Toby Jepson, The Quireboys, Sari Schorr, Elles Bailey, Jack J Hutchinson, The Outlaw Orchestra, Anchor Lane, JOANovARC and Ash Wilson) who performed 20-minute sets and gave interviews.
Says Guy: "I suggested to the Wildfire Festival team that Great Music Stories put on a tribute to Wildfire Festival on the weekend it would’ve been due to happen, to give our listeners and Wildfire’s followers an immersive audio experience for the weekend.
This isolation-era radio station is run from a caravan in a field in Sussex but for one 3-day weekend, we brought 63 bands together who shared a passion for original live music to be played and heard.
We’ve spent a lot time in recent months reflecting on what can’t happen at the moment; last weekend suggested it’s time to focus on what can be done.”
This festival-on-radio venture has proved such a success that the organisers are keen to run another, so are now inviting artists and bands to sign up and take part.
Spirit of Wildfire 2 was conceived and run by GuyB new internet radio station Great Music Stories Radio.
Guy sent an open invitation to bands, managers and PRs; within just 72 hours 50 bands confirmed their interest. This rose to 63 bands (including Toby Jepson, The Quireboys, Sari Schorr, Elles Bailey, Jack J Hutchinson, The Outlaw Orchestra, Anchor Lane, JOANovARC and Ash Wilson) who performed 20-minute sets and gave interviews.
Says Guy: "I suggested to the Wildfire Festival team that Great Music Stories put on a tribute to Wildfire Festival on the weekend it would’ve been due to happen, to give our listeners and Wildfire’s followers an immersive audio experience for the weekend.
This isolation-era radio station is run from a caravan in a field in Sussex but for one 3-day weekend, we brought 63 bands together who shared a passion for original live music to be played and heard.
We’ve spent a lot time in recent months reflecting on what can’t happen at the moment; last weekend suggested it’s time to focus on what can be done.”
Spirit of Wildfire 2 drew a strong audience, not just from rockers, but also people new to the genre; what’s more, listeners were encouraged to buy one band album from a band over the weekend.
In addition, Grassroots promotions firm Reach 360 joined the project to run a donations page for NHS charities.
In that can-do spirit and following the resounding success of Spirit of Wildfire 2, Great Music Stories is delighted to announce that it is planning another radio festival weekend for later this Summer: one that this time will support well-being issues and donations page for a mental health charity.
Bands are encouraged to submit their interest in the festival and to get involved at https://greatmusicstories.com/the-modern-rock-wellbeing-festival/
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In addition, Grassroots promotions firm Reach 360 joined the project to run a donations page for NHS charities.
In that can-do spirit and following the resounding success of Spirit of Wildfire 2, Great Music Stories is delighted to announce that it is planning another radio festival weekend for later this Summer: one that this time will support well-being issues and donations page for a mental health charity.
Bands are encouraged to submit their interest in the festival and to get involved at https://greatmusicstories.com/the-modern-rock-wellbeing-festival/
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FM guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick has decided the time is right to reignite his solo career and has announced that his brand new solo outing, Ballad of a Prodigal Son, is due for release on September 4th on US One Records.
The title track has been released as a lead-off single and is available now on all streaming and digital platforms.
‘Ballad Of A Prodigal Son’ was written by Jim Kirkpatrick; the FM guitarist is joined on the number by Scott Ralph (drums), Chris Cliff (bass) and Jem Davis (keys); the players are just some of the impressive line-up of talented friends and colleagues Kirkpatrick has drawn together to contribute to the album, which showcases where he stands today as a guitarist and songwriter.
The title track has been released as a lead-off single and is available now on all streaming and digital platforms.
‘Ballad Of A Prodigal Son’ was written by Jim Kirkpatrick; the FM guitarist is joined on the number by Scott Ralph (drums), Chris Cliff (bass) and Jem Davis (keys); the players are just some of the impressive line-up of talented friends and colleagues Kirkpatrick has drawn together to contribute to the album, which showcases where he stands today as a guitarist and songwriter.
Fourteen years on from solo debut Changed Priorities the new album took some time to assemble due to Jim Kirkpatrick’s FM commitments, touring all over the world and playing some of the biggest and most prestigious rock festivals as well as supporting top-flight rock icons such as Journey, Foreigner, Kiss, Whitesnake, Heart and Thin Lizzy.
The noted guitarist also has recording and touring commitments with some of the UK’s top talent.
Ballad of a Prodigal Son has a very different sound and feel to Changed Priorities; it’s less acoustical and has been described by rock journalist Neil Mach as "a masterpiece of technical bravado and driving rock."
"I called in a drummer and a bass player so it's more power-driven and electrifying," explains Jim Kirkpatrick.
"I know what people are expecting now and I know what I want from an album that has my name on the sleeve. I’ve co-written songs with Scott Ralph, Thea Gilmore and Bernie Marsden and covered a much-loved John "Rhino" Edwards and Rick Parfitt penned Status Quo number ‘Gravy Train’ that is one of my favourite's to play live.
It’s the album that I really needed to get out of myself and really shows where I come from musically. It's a blues-rock outing with some songs co-written with friends and some fine contributions from many of my colleagues... it’s very rocky, bluesy and with lots of guitar playing!
I’m hoping that my fans and audience will love it."
Website: www.jimkirkpatrick.com Album pre-order link: www.jimkirkpatrick.com/merch
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The noted guitarist also has recording and touring commitments with some of the UK’s top talent.
Ballad of a Prodigal Son has a very different sound and feel to Changed Priorities; it’s less acoustical and has been described by rock journalist Neil Mach as "a masterpiece of technical bravado and driving rock."
"I called in a drummer and a bass player so it's more power-driven and electrifying," explains Jim Kirkpatrick.
"I know what people are expecting now and I know what I want from an album that has my name on the sleeve. I’ve co-written songs with Scott Ralph, Thea Gilmore and Bernie Marsden and covered a much-loved John "Rhino" Edwards and Rick Parfitt penned Status Quo number ‘Gravy Train’ that is one of my favourite's to play live.
It’s the album that I really needed to get out of myself and really shows where I come from musically. It's a blues-rock outing with some songs co-written with friends and some fine contributions from many of my colleagues... it’s very rocky, bluesy and with lots of guitar playing!
I’m hoping that my fans and audience will love it."
Website: www.jimkirkpatrick.com Album pre-order link: www.jimkirkpatrick.com/merch
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A ‘perfect’ message in a good musical cause…
Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day,' re-imagined in remote-lockdown as conceived by drummer/ drum tutor Stephen Coetzee.
Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day,' re-imagined in remote-lockdown as conceived by drummer/ drum tutor Stephen Coetzee.
The song/ video is a musical collaboration of 17 UK based professional musicians and vocalists.
Featuring Alex Larke of Electro Velvet (Eurovision 2015), Kim Shepherd (Imagine Theatre, National Theatre Of Scotland), Anita Okienko (Scottish Chamber Orchestra) and Sofia Jones (Fastlove - A Tribute To George Michael), the band of 11 also includes the dbhorns (And Finally Phil Collins, The Best Of Wham) and the Midlands-based Artume String Quartet.
The song has been recorded in support of musicians, vocalists, actors and other artists who have been affected by the current pandemic, and to raise awareness of the benefits of music and the importance of artists in society.
Perfect Day 2020 supports 'Help Musicians' (www.helpmusicians.org.uk) and welcomes any donations which will go towards the project and the charity for the work they are doing in supporting musicians at this difficult time.
For more information or to donate, please visit: www.stephencoetzee.co.uk/perfect-day-2020
Perfect Day 2020
Vocals (in order of appearance): Kim Shepherd, Craig Robinson, Alex Larke, Anita Okienko, Alice J Williams, Sofia Jones.
Band: Matt Henderson (keys); Aidan Platts (bass); Stephen Coetzee (drums); Michael Maddocks (flugelhorn): Tom Lark (trombone); Jake Thornton (tenor sax); Sam Adams (alto sax); Leonie Plummer (violin); Lucy Armstrong (violin); Holly Coombes (viola); Jo Rottenbury (cello)
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Featuring Alex Larke of Electro Velvet (Eurovision 2015), Kim Shepherd (Imagine Theatre, National Theatre Of Scotland), Anita Okienko (Scottish Chamber Orchestra) and Sofia Jones (Fastlove - A Tribute To George Michael), the band of 11 also includes the dbhorns (And Finally Phil Collins, The Best Of Wham) and the Midlands-based Artume String Quartet.
The song has been recorded in support of musicians, vocalists, actors and other artists who have been affected by the current pandemic, and to raise awareness of the benefits of music and the importance of artists in society.
Perfect Day 2020 supports 'Help Musicians' (www.helpmusicians.org.uk) and welcomes any donations which will go towards the project and the charity for the work they are doing in supporting musicians at this difficult time.
For more information or to donate, please visit: www.stephencoetzee.co.uk/perfect-day-2020
Perfect Day 2020
Vocals (in order of appearance): Kim Shepherd, Craig Robinson, Alex Larke, Anita Okienko, Alice J Williams, Sofia Jones.
Band: Matt Henderson (keys); Aidan Platts (bass); Stephen Coetzee (drums); Michael Maddocks (flugelhorn): Tom Lark (trombone); Jake Thornton (tenor sax); Sam Adams (alto sax); Leonie Plummer (violin); Lucy Armstrong (violin); Holly Coombes (viola); Jo Rottenbury (cello)
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Crossover country singer-songwriter Laura Evans, a rising star in the new wave of British country-blues-soul, has released a brand-new video for her latest single ‘Drag Me Back In.’
The Official Music video was filmed on location in Laura Evan’s hometown of Aberdare in Wales before handing it over to LA-based editor, Stevie Teran.
"I shot the video around deserted roads and country lanes explains the singer; "the song has an edgy, strong lyric so it was important that we created and showed the strong independent, side of a woman alone, paving her own way, as well as the more vulnerable side."
The Official Music video was filmed on location in Laura Evan’s hometown of Aberdare in Wales before handing it over to LA-based editor, Stevie Teran.
"I shot the video around deserted roads and country lanes explains the singer; "the song has an edgy, strong lyric so it was important that we created and showed the strong independent, side of a woman alone, paving her own way, as well as the more vulnerable side."
'Drag Me Back In' is the second single to feature from forthcoming EP Running Back to You, due for release on Friday 31st July.
Previous single, the title track of the EP, went straight to #1 in the UK iTunes Blues chart; it also entered the US Blues Chart, peaking at #43.
Whilst Laura Evans is often compared to Stevie Nicks and Bonnie Raitt, Evans also has a Nashville/ Dolly Parton vocality while musically exploring crossover country territory, which should serve her well going forward.
'Drag Me Back In' has already made its mark after being added to the popular Spotify editorial Playlist
Nu-Blue alongside US artists such as Larkin Poe and Dave Stewart; it has also received huge praise from BBC Radio Wales after being added to their Welsh A- List.
Website: www.thelauraevans.com
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Previous single, the title track of the EP, went straight to #1 in the UK iTunes Blues chart; it also entered the US Blues Chart, peaking at #43.
Whilst Laura Evans is often compared to Stevie Nicks and Bonnie Raitt, Evans also has a Nashville/ Dolly Parton vocality while musically exploring crossover country territory, which should serve her well going forward.
'Drag Me Back In' has already made its mark after being added to the popular Spotify editorial Playlist
Nu-Blue alongside US artists such as Larkin Poe and Dave Stewart; it has also received huge praise from BBC Radio Wales after being added to their Welsh A- List.
Website: www.thelauraevans.com
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Single artwork photo by Phil Kneen
The Starlite Campbell Band, based around the blues enthused husband and wife team of Suzy Starlite (bass) and Simon Campbell (vocals, guitars), will release their new single 'Lay It Out On Me' on Friday, July 3rd.
The song, a delicate ‘heartbeat’ rhythm blues ballad, both complements and follows previous single, the up-tempo and 70s vibed 'Stone Cold Crazy.'
Both tracks will feature on the band’s forthcoming album The Language of Curiosity.
European Blues Awards nominee Suzy Starlite and British Blues Awards nominee Simon Campbell co-wrote, recorded and produced their second album The Language of Curiosity at Supertone Records recording studio in Lower Saxony, Germany.
The record also features longtime collaborators Jonny Henderson and Christian Madden (who share keyboard duties) and drummer Steve Gibson.
The album, set for release on October 2nd, was mastered by Jon Astley, who has worked with such luminaries as Led Zeppelin and The Who.
The Language of Curiosity will be released in digital download, CD and limited edition 180g vinyl (the lacquers for which were cut by Miles Showell at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London) and made available direct from the Starlite Campbell Band website.
Distribution in Europe and the UK is by Cadiz Music and Digital Limited.
Of the new single, Suzy Starlite explains "Lay It Out On Me gives you a deeper experience of what to expect from the new album; the honest heartbeat of the changing times we now live in and how we adapt in our relationships to cope with the deepest of fears mixed with the vibrance of our passion.
Once again, photographer Phil Kneen captured the spirit of the song on film for the single artwork."
You will be able to listen to 'Lay It Out On Me' exclusively on the Starlite Campbell Band website from the 3rd to the 10th of July as well as pre-order The Language of Curiosity on limited edition 180g vinyl, CD or Digital.
Additionally, becoming a patron of the band (level two or above) allows you to receive a download of 'Lay It Out On Me' and all singles released from the album before the official release on October 2nd.
Website: https://starlite-campbell.com/
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The song, a delicate ‘heartbeat’ rhythm blues ballad, both complements and follows previous single, the up-tempo and 70s vibed 'Stone Cold Crazy.'
Both tracks will feature on the band’s forthcoming album The Language of Curiosity.
European Blues Awards nominee Suzy Starlite and British Blues Awards nominee Simon Campbell co-wrote, recorded and produced their second album The Language of Curiosity at Supertone Records recording studio in Lower Saxony, Germany.
The record also features longtime collaborators Jonny Henderson and Christian Madden (who share keyboard duties) and drummer Steve Gibson.
The album, set for release on October 2nd, was mastered by Jon Astley, who has worked with such luminaries as Led Zeppelin and The Who.
The Language of Curiosity will be released in digital download, CD and limited edition 180g vinyl (the lacquers for which were cut by Miles Showell at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London) and made available direct from the Starlite Campbell Band website.
Distribution in Europe and the UK is by Cadiz Music and Digital Limited.
Of the new single, Suzy Starlite explains "Lay It Out On Me gives you a deeper experience of what to expect from the new album; the honest heartbeat of the changing times we now live in and how we adapt in our relationships to cope with the deepest of fears mixed with the vibrance of our passion.
Once again, photographer Phil Kneen captured the spirit of the song on film for the single artwork."
You will be able to listen to 'Lay It Out On Me' exclusively on the Starlite Campbell Band website from the 3rd to the 10th of July as well as pre-order The Language of Curiosity on limited edition 180g vinyl, CD or Digital.
Additionally, becoming a patron of the band (level two or above) allows you to receive a download of 'Lay It Out On Me' and all singles released from the album before the official release on October 2nd.
Website: https://starlite-campbell.com/
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The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne, one of countless Covid-19 event casualties in 2020, is set to return in 2021.
All being well, tickets will be available to purchase online from Friday 10th July 2020, at 10am.
Making tickets available while the UK is still in partial lockdown/ attempting a careful recovery from the pandemic symbolises the positivity surrounding what has become a genuinelly prestigious event.
Councillor Mary Thomas, Chairman of Colne Town Council (who have organised and managed the festival since 2017) explains further:
"The event, in many ways, is the jewel in the crown of, not only Colne's event calendar, but also of the UK Blues Festival calendar. The festival attracts thousands of people to Colne each August, bringing the streets and venues alive with music and good times.
Colne Town Council were heartbroken to cancel the 2020 festival but it was the sensible and responsible decision to make. Putting the tickets on sale next month will hopefully add to the list of things which people can look forward to now that Covid-19 restrictions are beginning to lift."
All being well, tickets will be available to purchase online from Friday 10th July 2020, at 10am.
Making tickets available while the UK is still in partial lockdown/ attempting a careful recovery from the pandemic symbolises the positivity surrounding what has become a genuinelly prestigious event.
Councillor Mary Thomas, Chairman of Colne Town Council (who have organised and managed the festival since 2017) explains further:
"The event, in many ways, is the jewel in the crown of, not only Colne's event calendar, but also of the UK Blues Festival calendar. The festival attracts thousands of people to Colne each August, bringing the streets and venues alive with music and good times.
Colne Town Council were heartbroken to cancel the 2020 festival but it was the sensible and responsible decision to make. Putting the tickets on sale next month will hopefully add to the list of things which people can look forward to now that Covid-19 restrictions are beginning to lift."
Additional good news comes by way of confirmation that the majority of artists and bands booked to play the 2020 festival (including headliners Band Of Friends, Davy Knowles, Kyla Brox, Layla Zoe, Mike Farris & His Band, Xander & The Peace Pirates) will play the 2021 event.
As things currently stand, all traders and venues will also carry their contracts over until next year.
Having won the much sought-after UKBlues Federation award for the Best Blues Based Festival 2019, the festival will be looking to go from strength-to-strength in 2021, but it should be noted, and appreciated, that the financial investment for an event of this size is considerable - much of the event remains free to enjoy, with over 15 stages of free music, plus street entertainment, and more.
With this in mind, the organisers have created a donation section on the festival website.
If any festival goer, music fan or supporter of live music can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated, as Naomi Crewe, Town Clerk explains:
"We love that much of the Blues Festival remains free. The ticketed venues tend to 'look after themselves' in terms of finances, so we are looking at a number of ways to help fund the free parts of the festival, without losing any of the atmosphere and creativity which is produced over the weekend of the event.
With around 20,000 visitors attending the event, a simple donation of £2 would make a huge difference.
We understand these are challenging times for many, so of course there is no obligation."
You can donate to the festival here: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/donate/
The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, 27th-29th August Bank Holiday 2021
"3 Days. 1 Great Festival."
Tickets available on-line from 20th July at: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/
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As things currently stand, all traders and venues will also carry their contracts over until next year.
Having won the much sought-after UKBlues Federation award for the Best Blues Based Festival 2019, the festival will be looking to go from strength-to-strength in 2021, but it should be noted, and appreciated, that the financial investment for an event of this size is considerable - much of the event remains free to enjoy, with over 15 stages of free music, plus street entertainment, and more.
With this in mind, the organisers have created a donation section on the festival website.
If any festival goer, music fan or supporter of live music can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated, as Naomi Crewe, Town Clerk explains:
"We love that much of the Blues Festival remains free. The ticketed venues tend to 'look after themselves' in terms of finances, so we are looking at a number of ways to help fund the free parts of the festival, without losing any of the atmosphere and creativity which is produced over the weekend of the event.
With around 20,000 visitors attending the event, a simple donation of £2 would make a huge difference.
We understand these are challenging times for many, so of course there is no obligation."
You can donate to the festival here: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/donate/
The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, 27th-29th August Bank Holiday 2021
"3 Days. 1 Great Festival."
Tickets available on-line from 20th July at: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/
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Funky blues purveyors Matt Pearce & The Mutiny have announced physical and digital release availability of tracks from their tour exclusive 5-track EP An Ongoing Thing: Demos, Acoustics and Covers.
Previously only available at the band’s gigs, the current disruption to touring, combined with the fans’ hunger for more music from the band who delivered excellent debut album Gotta Get Home in 2019, inspired Matt Pearce to make the EP more widely available, for a limited time.
Three tracks from the EP went live on Spotify on the 29th June but the physical EP can be purchased on the band’s website store page (or via Amazon), but only while stocks last.
The CD contains all 5 tracks, including the demo versions of two new, original songs that are not among the Spotify tracks.
"Year 1 of the Mutiny was a wild ride!" says Matt Pearce, continuing "A million thanks to everyone that’s played, supported, listened to and bought the music and come see the shows so far.
It's truly been a thrill to have y’all with us on the journey so here’s a wee glimpse into the future: a couple of newbies in demo form, a laid-back acoustic version of Some People from Gotta Get Home and the two funky covers we always close our live shows with, recorded 'live' in the studio."
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny - An Ongoing Thing: Demos, Acoustic and Covers
Got a Thing Going On (new song demo); Do What You Do (new song demo), Some People (acoustic version); Strange Relationship (Prince cover); Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover).
Featuring:
Matt Pearce (vocals, guitar); Joe Lazarus (drums); Joe Mac (keyboards); Kelpie Mackenzie (bass); Daliah Sherrington (vocals); Terry Edwards (sax).
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4wRIV1ll2GuA0hvnAWCRtM?si=8SqKA0a0QJGDXPhZmogeMQ
Website Store: https://mptm.tmstor.es/
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Previously only available at the band’s gigs, the current disruption to touring, combined with the fans’ hunger for more music from the band who delivered excellent debut album Gotta Get Home in 2019, inspired Matt Pearce to make the EP more widely available, for a limited time.
Three tracks from the EP went live on Spotify on the 29th June but the physical EP can be purchased on the band’s website store page (or via Amazon), but only while stocks last.
The CD contains all 5 tracks, including the demo versions of two new, original songs that are not among the Spotify tracks.
"Year 1 of the Mutiny was a wild ride!" says Matt Pearce, continuing "A million thanks to everyone that’s played, supported, listened to and bought the music and come see the shows so far.
It's truly been a thrill to have y’all with us on the journey so here’s a wee glimpse into the future: a couple of newbies in demo form, a laid-back acoustic version of Some People from Gotta Get Home and the two funky covers we always close our live shows with, recorded 'live' in the studio."
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny - An Ongoing Thing: Demos, Acoustic and Covers
Got a Thing Going On (new song demo); Do What You Do (new song demo), Some People (acoustic version); Strange Relationship (Prince cover); Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover).
Featuring:
Matt Pearce (vocals, guitar); Joe Lazarus (drums); Joe Mac (keyboards); Kelpie Mackenzie (bass); Daliah Sherrington (vocals); Terry Edwards (sax).
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4wRIV1ll2GuA0hvnAWCRtM?si=8SqKA0a0QJGDXPhZmogeMQ
Website Store: https://mptm.tmstor.es/
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Glasgow based Americana styled outfit Anton & The Colts have released a new, rousing rockabilly meets garage blues number entitled 'Boy Living For The Weekend.'
Available as a '200% Proof' longer version and a Radio Edit, the single is available now on all major download and streaming platforms.
A limited edition (300 copies) blue vinyl 7” single featuring the 200% Proof version and an exclusive B-side will be released later in the year.
Of the song, Colts front man Anton O’Donnell explains "There’s a song on our debut record called 'Weekend Millionaire'... I see 'Boy Living for the Weekend' as the little brother of that track.
It’s all about getting yourself pumped up with that Friday feeling and getting ready to take on the City, and whatever else the weekend throws at you."
Given the current Covid-19 climate however, Anton, I hope such weekends are undertaken suitably masked...
Available as a '200% Proof' longer version and a Radio Edit, the single is available now on all major download and streaming platforms.
A limited edition (300 copies) blue vinyl 7” single featuring the 200% Proof version and an exclusive B-side will be released later in the year.
Of the song, Colts front man Anton O’Donnell explains "There’s a song on our debut record called 'Weekend Millionaire'... I see 'Boy Living for the Weekend' as the little brother of that track.
It’s all about getting yourself pumped up with that Friday feeling and getting ready to take on the City, and whatever else the weekend throws at you."
Given the current Covid-19 climate however, Anton, I hope such weekends are undertaken suitably masked...
The miles travelled and the countless hours of stage time since the group's inception in 2014 has helped shape a sound that’s taken many Americana twists and blues-folk turns, as heard on Anton & The Colts lauded 2018 debut album No End of the Line and at many a music festival including Glastonbury, Eden, Millport Country Music Festival and Glasgow Roots Revue.
While the band has seen some changes in personnel over the last year such changes freed up time for Anton O’Donnell to take the album on the road for a run of solo tours through Europe and the US.
As a result plans are now afoot for O’Donnell to record a solo album, which is already written.
"I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this project. I’ve been hitting the writing pretty hard with the results being something quite different to what’s already been released, and what I was working on with Anton & the Colts."
Praise for Anton & The Colts
"… there’s a boastful swagger to their gait which owes more than a little to the raunch of the Stones and the jollity of The Faces."
Blabber 'n' Smoke
"Their ace combination of rock swagger, blues groove and the rough and tumble of Americana is one few Scottish bands can match."
The Music Brewery
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While the band has seen some changes in personnel over the last year such changes freed up time for Anton O’Donnell to take the album on the road for a run of solo tours through Europe and the US.
As a result plans are now afoot for O’Donnell to record a solo album, which is already written.
"I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this project. I’ve been hitting the writing pretty hard with the results being something quite different to what’s already been released, and what I was working on with Anton & the Colts."
Praise for Anton & The Colts
"… there’s a boastful swagger to their gait which owes more than a little to the raunch of the Stones and the jollity of The Faces."
Blabber 'n' Smoke
"Their ace combination of rock swagger, blues groove and the rough and tumble of Americana is one few Scottish bands can match."
The Music Brewery
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he UK’s premier melodic rockers, FM, have announced a UK tour for the spring of 2021 in support of their brand new album, Synchronized.
Along with brand new dates, the tour includes shows in Swansea and Nuneaton that have had to be rescheduled from 2020 due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The Special Guest slot on the tour will be filled by acclaimed blues guitarist Laurence Jones.
Jones and his band will perform on all dates except Nantwich and Nottingham; UK classic rockers Demon will perform at Nantwich.
Tickets for the spring 2021 tour are on sale now, from fmofficial.com
Synchronised, released in May, features the singles 'Superstar,' 'Broken,' 'Synchronised' and the recently released Lyric Video for 'Change For The Better.'
Along with brand new dates, the tour includes shows in Swansea and Nuneaton that have had to be rescheduled from 2020 due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The Special Guest slot on the tour will be filled by acclaimed blues guitarist Laurence Jones.
Jones and his band will perform on all dates except Nantwich and Nottingham; UK classic rockers Demon will perform at Nantwich.
Tickets for the spring 2021 tour are on sale now, from fmofficial.com
Synchronised, released in May, features the singles 'Superstar,' 'Broken,' 'Synchronised' and the recently released Lyric Video for 'Change For The Better.'
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In partnership with the Music Venue Trust, Marshall Amplification have launched a special t-shirt as part of their support of the #saveourvenues campaign.
All proceeds from the t-shirt will help fund grassroots music venues through the continued economic threats and challenges they face; the t-shirt and campaign motto have been inspired by the rousing cover of Kiki Dee’s anthemic 1974 hit 'I’ve Got the Music in Me,' as covered by Norwich based rockers Bad Touch.
Taken from the band's latest single/ Official Video (the song also appears on their recent album Kiss The Sky), the t-shirt and Marshall encourage everyone in the music industry and music fans to stand up and support their local venues whilst declaring "I’ve Got The Music In Me."
All proceeds from the t-shirt will help fund grassroots music venues through the continued economic threats and challenges they face; the t-shirt and campaign motto have been inspired by the rousing cover of Kiki Dee’s anthemic 1974 hit 'I’ve Got the Music in Me,' as covered by Norwich based rockers Bad Touch.
Taken from the band's latest single/ Official Video (the song also appears on their recent album Kiss The Sky), the t-shirt and Marshall encourage everyone in the music industry and music fans to stand up and support their local venues whilst declaring "I’ve Got The Music In Me."
The I’ve Got the Music In Me #saveourvenues t-shirt can be purchased here:
https://marshall-amplification.backstreetmerch.com/
Launched in April, the #saveourvenues campaign has already amassed over £2,000,000 donations with support from likes of Amazon Music, SJM and a number of artists and music fans throughout the UK.
Through the campaign artists and music fans are being provided with tools and guidance to get involved with #saveourvenues to help raise funds and awareness with the target of helping venues during times like these. .
Fans can also choose to donate directly to the main #saveourvenues fund via the campaign website.
More information on #saveourvenues and instructions on how to get involved can be found at: www.saveourvenues.co.uk
More information on the Music Venue Trust can be found at: www.musicvenuetrust.com
https://marshall-amplification.backstreetmerch.com/
Launched in April, the #saveourvenues campaign has already amassed over £2,000,000 donations with support from likes of Amazon Music, SJM and a number of artists and music fans throughout the UK.
Through the campaign artists and music fans are being provided with tools and guidance to get involved with #saveourvenues to help raise funds and awareness with the target of helping venues during times like these. .
Fans can also choose to donate directly to the main #saveourvenues fund via the campaign website.
More information on #saveourvenues and instructions on how to get involved can be found at: www.saveourvenues.co.uk
More information on the Music Venue Trust can be found at: www.musicvenuetrust.com
Bad Touch have also since announced their 2021 UK tour dates, rescheduled from this autumn because of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Any tickets purchased for the cancelled spring dates will remain valid; tickets are available from:
www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
Any tickets purchased for the cancelled spring dates will remain valid; tickets are available from:
www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
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Dennis DeYoung has released a video for 'With All Due Respect;' the song is lifted from his recently released solo album 26 East : Volume 1, available via Frontiers Music Srl.
The song, as FabricationsHQ wrote in review of the album, finds the ex Styx man pinning his red white and blue-in-the-face colours to the Fake News mast in hard rocking and forthright form above chunky guitar chords and a fiery six-string solo.
Or, as the man himself says:
"In 1979 I wrote the following lyric in a Styx song called ‘Borrowed Time’: 'I’m so confused by the things I read, I need the truth but the truth is I don’t know who to believe. The left says yes and the right say no, I’m in between and the more I learn the less that I know.’
These lyrics were true in 1979 and more so today. The news establishment has given into partisanship reporting masquerading as truth in a quest for more listeners, readers and viewers. They exacerbate our political differences into grand theatre."
The song, as FabricationsHQ wrote in review of the album, finds the ex Styx man pinning his red white and blue-in-the-face colours to the Fake News mast in hard rocking and forthright form above chunky guitar chords and a fiery six-string solo.
Or, as the man himself says:
"In 1979 I wrote the following lyric in a Styx song called ‘Borrowed Time’: 'I’m so confused by the things I read, I need the truth but the truth is I don’t know who to believe. The left says yes and the right say no, I’m in between and the more I learn the less that I know.’
These lyrics were true in 1979 and more so today. The news establishment has given into partisanship reporting masquerading as truth in a quest for more listeners, readers and viewers. They exacerbate our political differences into grand theatre."
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Vocalist Chez Kane, part of the three sisters' fronted Welsh rock septet Kane'd, has signed to Frontiers Records as a solo artist on a multi-album deal.
The singer came to the attention of Frontiers via existing label signing Danny Rexon (frontman of Crazy Lixx), who was tasked with scouting for, and subsequently producing, exciting new talent.
Demos recorded by the two immediately caught the ear of the label.
Says Chez Kane: "I feel so excited to have been asked to collaborate with Danny for a solo album. The second I heard the music, I instantly knew it was for me and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to launch my solo career this way. I am also so humbled to have Frontiers on board. This is going to be killer and I can’t wait!"
"There are tons of bands in the melodic rock genre" continues Danny Rexon "but I feel like we’re missing that great female solo artist singing hard rock. A kind of Lee Aaron, Lita Ford, or Robin Beck for the new decade. Having found Chez and discovering the potential in her voice, I have great faith in this endeavour.
I’ve written and arranged every song on the record, so it’s bound to have my signature style to it, however this album will be more retro radio friendly, more keyboard oriented and, of course, the fact that it’s a powerful female voice singing the songs will give it a whole other dimension.
If you are a fan of Lee Aaron, Vixen, Saraya, Chrissy Steele, Lita Ford and similar artists and feel like the genre is missing out on this vital component, you’re going to love the debut album from Chez Kane!”
The singer wholeheartedly concurs "Though I was born in the 90s I’ve always had a major soft spot for that infectious 80s style, so from that aspect Danny’s songwriting suits me really well.
We have the same vision, drive and passion to make this album an absolute belter!"
Meanwhile, for those not familiar with Chez Kane or the singer's vocal talents outside of Kane'd, you can check out her YouTube page which features a large number of vocal-covers of classic rock songs, many of which were recorded recently during the Covid-19 lockdown, including a big-voiced rendition of Foreigner's 'Juke Box Hero'...
The singer came to the attention of Frontiers via existing label signing Danny Rexon (frontman of Crazy Lixx), who was tasked with scouting for, and subsequently producing, exciting new talent.
Demos recorded by the two immediately caught the ear of the label.
Says Chez Kane: "I feel so excited to have been asked to collaborate with Danny for a solo album. The second I heard the music, I instantly knew it was for me and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to launch my solo career this way. I am also so humbled to have Frontiers on board. This is going to be killer and I can’t wait!"
"There are tons of bands in the melodic rock genre" continues Danny Rexon "but I feel like we’re missing that great female solo artist singing hard rock. A kind of Lee Aaron, Lita Ford, or Robin Beck for the new decade. Having found Chez and discovering the potential in her voice, I have great faith in this endeavour.
I’ve written and arranged every song on the record, so it’s bound to have my signature style to it, however this album will be more retro radio friendly, more keyboard oriented and, of course, the fact that it’s a powerful female voice singing the songs will give it a whole other dimension.
If you are a fan of Lee Aaron, Vixen, Saraya, Chrissy Steele, Lita Ford and similar artists and feel like the genre is missing out on this vital component, you’re going to love the debut album from Chez Kane!”
The singer wholeheartedly concurs "Though I was born in the 90s I’ve always had a major soft spot for that infectious 80s style, so from that aspect Danny’s songwriting suits me really well.
We have the same vision, drive and passion to make this album an absolute belter!"
Meanwhile, for those not familiar with Chez Kane or the singer's vocal talents outside of Kane'd, you can check out her YouTube page which features a large number of vocal-covers of classic rock songs, many of which were recorded recently during the Covid-19 lockdown, including a big-voiced rendition of Foreigner's 'Juke Box Hero'...
For more information on Chez Kane, head to:
facebook.com/chezkanevocalist youtube.com/chezkane
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facebook.com/chezkanevocalist youtube.com/chezkane
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Burnt Out Wreck have released a lyric video for the title track of their album This is Hell; the artwork & design for the video was done by ASYLUMseventy7 with live footage from WinterStorm 2019 (where the band left the stage to chants of "one more song!") by Graham "Gebs" Gebbie.
This is Hell is the band's second album. An excellent slice of old-school guitar rock, it was released in November of last year.
The song 'This is Hell' is a darker side of Burnt Out Wreck; it carries the rhythmic vibe and big 4/4 beat of classic era AC/DC but this particular Hell comes via front man and songwriter Gary Moat venting some lyrical anger, as he confirmed to FabricationsHQ in recent interview:
"There are angry moments on there, but we’re all a couple of years older, aren’t we? It's angry old man syndrome [laughs] and what bothers you, who annoys you or what’s going on around you.
There are times I'd rather be with my horses!"
This is Hell is the band's second album. An excellent slice of old-school guitar rock, it was released in November of last year.
The song 'This is Hell' is a darker side of Burnt Out Wreck; it carries the rhythmic vibe and big 4/4 beat of classic era AC/DC but this particular Hell comes via front man and songwriter Gary Moat venting some lyrical anger, as he confirmed to FabricationsHQ in recent interview:
"There are angry moments on there, but we’re all a couple of years older, aren’t we? It's angry old man syndrome [laughs] and what bothers you, who annoys you or what’s going on around you.
There are times I'd rather be with my horses!"
Gary Moat also features on another three albums made available at the same time as This is Hell - the officially licensed re-releases of Heavy Pettin’s three studio albums of the 80s Lettin’ Loose, Rock Ain’t Dead and The Big Bang.
It’s something the original drummer and co-founder of the band was pleased to see materialise:
"Hopefully these re-releases will be mutually beneficial to all parties and the songwriters because we didn’t get a fair deal first time around, especially with the last album, The Big Bang… it’s smashing to see those albums back out and Gordon and Hamie are back out there as Heavy Pettin’, giving it large, so good luck to them."
You can read the full interview with Gary Moat talking about the Pettin’ past and his Burnt Out present by clicking here.
This is Hell and the Heavy Pettin’ re-releases are available on Burntoutwreckords with distribution from Cherry Red Records.
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It’s something the original drummer and co-founder of the band was pleased to see materialise:
"Hopefully these re-releases will be mutually beneficial to all parties and the songwriters because we didn’t get a fair deal first time around, especially with the last album, The Big Bang… it’s smashing to see those albums back out and Gordon and Hamie are back out there as Heavy Pettin’, giving it large, so good luck to them."
You can read the full interview with Gary Moat talking about the Pettin’ past and his Burnt Out present by clicking here.
This is Hell and the Heavy Pettin’ re-releases are available on Burntoutwreckords with distribution from Cherry Red Records.
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FabricationsHQ may be a rock orientated music site but news items and reviews on artists plying their trade in world music and the more traditional forms helps ensure that some of the best of the latter doesn’t slip the wider musical net.
Capturing the attention in the more traditional vein, and an album that can also be seen and heard as highly accessible world music, is Nemo by Kadialy Kouyate, a singer songwriter inspired by the West African Griot repertoire and tradition (a griot is a west African storyteller/poet, praise singer and musician).
Kadialy Kouyate’s previous album, Taling Dimalu - Beautiful Tales was, in the musician’s own words, "a meditative journey" and "an antidote to negativity."
Such positivity is also prominent on Nemo, through its uplifting, rhythmic musically.
Capturing the attention in the more traditional vein, and an album that can also be seen and heard as highly accessible world music, is Nemo by Kadialy Kouyate, a singer songwriter inspired by the West African Griot repertoire and tradition (a griot is a west African storyteller/poet, praise singer and musician).
Kadialy Kouyate’s previous album, Taling Dimalu - Beautiful Tales was, in the musician’s own words, "a meditative journey" and "an antidote to negativity."
Such positivity is also prominent on Nemo, through its uplifting, rhythmic musically.
Nemo features Kadialy Kouyate on vocals and kora as well as a number of guest players.
The album was recorded, engineered and produced by Buckinghamshire based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Palmer, who also contributes drums, Ebow and percussion.
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy︎’s mesmerising kora playing (a West African multi-stringed instrument) and singing style have been appreciated in many prestigious venues as both a soloist and in different ensembles.
"Nemo, meaning blessings, is the human values that bring prosperity to any country or place.
This album is a combination of songs that define, in my opinion, the blessings︎ and sustenance back home."
Kadialy Kouyate
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The album was recorded, engineered and produced by Buckinghamshire based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Palmer, who also contributes drums, Ebow and percussion.
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy︎’s mesmerising kora playing (a West African multi-stringed instrument) and singing style have been appreciated in many prestigious venues as both a soloist and in different ensembles.
"Nemo, meaning blessings, is the human values that bring prosperity to any country or place.
This album is a combination of songs that define, in my opinion, the blessings︎ and sustenance back home."
Kadialy Kouyate
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Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, issues over any large events in the UK and in the interests of health and safety, Ian Anderson and the Jethro Tull band have rescheduled the The Prog Years Tour, initially set to play through this September, to next year.
As the name suggests this tour will draw heavily on material from Jethro Tull’s more progressive albums with much of the set focusing on the early, heavy hitters of the Tull catalogue and albums such as Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Passion Play; there will also be a touch of Thick As a Brick 2, the 40 years on sequel album by Ian Anderson.
Of the songs and tour Ian Anderson says "Dusting off many older, 'progressive' songs amongst my earliest attempts to experiment outside the blues repertoire we began with, has proved hugely enjoyable.
Along the way, over the last fifty years, there have been a good few pieces that still strongly resonate with me today on either a musical or lyrical level.
Some are really tricky to play; some might sound
that way but fall under the fingers quite naturally although the overall arrangements require feats of memory! Test my marbles; come to the party!"
Ian Anderson will be accompanied by Jethro Tull band musicians David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Joe Parrish (guitars) and Scott Hammond (drums).
The shows will also be enhanced by full scale video projection.
Tickets are still available from the venues direct and: https://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets
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As the name suggests this tour will draw heavily on material from Jethro Tull’s more progressive albums with much of the set focusing on the early, heavy hitters of the Tull catalogue and albums such as Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Passion Play; there will also be a touch of Thick As a Brick 2, the 40 years on sequel album by Ian Anderson.
Of the songs and tour Ian Anderson says "Dusting off many older, 'progressive' songs amongst my earliest attempts to experiment outside the blues repertoire we began with, has proved hugely enjoyable.
Along the way, over the last fifty years, there have been a good few pieces that still strongly resonate with me today on either a musical or lyrical level.
Some are really tricky to play; some might sound
that way but fall under the fingers quite naturally although the overall arrangements require feats of memory! Test my marbles; come to the party!"
Ian Anderson will be accompanied by Jethro Tull band musicians David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Joe Parrish (guitars) and Scott Hammond (drums).
The shows will also be enhanced by full scale video projection.
Tickets are still available from the venues direct and: https://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets
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Alternative prog/ rock band Trope recently released a darker edged but wholly captivating version of the Tears For Fears classic, 'Shout'.
Say the band of the song:
" 'Shout', to us, is a reaffirmation of value and strength of our ability to move past toxic situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually. I think it also lifts the curtain on how even when times are hard, we should never negate the value of human life. It gives a voice to people who deserve and want to be seen and heard."
Adds vocalist Diana Studenberg: "Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time. But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments including bass, guitars and ebow, the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for Trope."
Say the band of the song:
" 'Shout', to us, is a reaffirmation of value and strength of our ability to move past toxic situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually. I think it also lifts the curtain on how even when times are hard, we should never negate the value of human life. It gives a voice to people who deserve and want to be seen and heard."
Adds vocalist Diana Studenberg: "Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time. But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments including bass, guitars and ebow, the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for Trope."
Formed in 2016 and located in Hollywood, LA, Trope perfected their distinctive sound and songwriting styles before recording debut album Eleutheromania.
Combining hypnotic rhythms with dark, progressive elements, Diana Studenberg provides delicate-to-angst vocals which cascade dramatically atop the band’s dynamic melodies (Studenberg's most recent credit includes co-writing a song sung by Alessia Cara on the new Netflix feature 'The Willoughbys').
Eleutheromania (meaning “a manic zeal for freedom”) is music which craves to break free from patterns.
The album, which will be released later in 2020 on Golden Robot Records, was engineered by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Eagles, Dave Mathews Band, Pantera).
With influences ranging from 90s alternative rock including Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins, combined with elements of their love for the likes of Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley, Trope have concocted an intoxicating and distinct sound.
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada, the US and around Los Angeles in such venues including LA’s Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, as well as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years.
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Combining hypnotic rhythms with dark, progressive elements, Diana Studenberg provides delicate-to-angst vocals which cascade dramatically atop the band’s dynamic melodies (Studenberg's most recent credit includes co-writing a song sung by Alessia Cara on the new Netflix feature 'The Willoughbys').
Eleutheromania (meaning “a manic zeal for freedom”) is music which craves to break free from patterns.
The album, which will be released later in 2020 on Golden Robot Records, was engineered by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Eagles, Dave Mathews Band, Pantera).
With influences ranging from 90s alternative rock including Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins, combined with elements of their love for the likes of Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley, Trope have concocted an intoxicating and distinct sound.
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada, the US and around Los Angeles in such venues including LA’s Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, as well as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years.
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Jeff Scott Soto recently released a surprise live album on all digital platforms.
Recorded a year ago at the sixth edition of the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Loud & Live in Milan 2019 will see physical release later in 2020 as well as a bonus disc on the noted singer’s forthcoming solo album, Wide Awake (In My Dreamland).
Live & Loud in Milan captures the one-off, hour long live set that saw Jeff Scott Soto present an overview of his solo career, plus a treat towards the end where he called fellow singer and labelmate Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) up from the audience to join him on stage for a spontaneous duet of 'Stand Up' from the cult movie Rock Star.
Jeff Scott Soto’s career spans over 35 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Having burst onto the scene as the vocalist for the first two solo albums by six-string shredmeister Yngwie Malmsteen, he subsequently fronted the acclaimed hard rock act Talisman and spent some time with Journey.
Currently, in tandem with maintaining his solo career, Jeff Scott Soto sings with the popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock ensemble, melodic hard rockers W.E.T., his own metal project SOTO and progressive-metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo.
Recorded a year ago at the sixth edition of the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Loud & Live in Milan 2019 will see physical release later in 2020 as well as a bonus disc on the noted singer’s forthcoming solo album, Wide Awake (In My Dreamland).
Live & Loud in Milan captures the one-off, hour long live set that saw Jeff Scott Soto present an overview of his solo career, plus a treat towards the end where he called fellow singer and labelmate Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) up from the audience to join him on stage for a spontaneous duet of 'Stand Up' from the cult movie Rock Star.
Jeff Scott Soto’s career spans over 35 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Having burst onto the scene as the vocalist for the first two solo albums by six-string shredmeister Yngwie Malmsteen, he subsequently fronted the acclaimed hard rock act Talisman and spent some time with Journey.
Currently, in tandem with maintaining his solo career, Jeff Scott Soto sings with the popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock ensemble, melodic hard rockers W.E.T., his own metal project SOTO and progressive-metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo.
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Award winning Scottish singer songwriter Jason Sweeney, whose love of roots and modern country is equalled only by his enthusiasm for infectious, guitar-driven melodic rock as heard with his band The King Lot, has just released country-waltz ballad 'The Glasses on the Table.'
A lyrically thoughtful and radio friendly number, 'The Glasses on the Table' is the first of a planned run of singles prior to the release of a full-length album towards the end of the year.
'The Glasses on The Table' is a storytelling country song that, while reflecting upon a relationship and time in life that has passed, can have many interpretations, from the glass is half full or half empty evaluation (which part inspired the song) to how we perceive life through our own lenses...
A lyrically thoughtful and radio friendly number, 'The Glasses on the Table' is the first of a planned run of singles prior to the release of a full-length album towards the end of the year.
'The Glasses on The Table' is a storytelling country song that, while reflecting upon a relationship and time in life that has passed, can have many interpretations, from the glass is half full or half empty evaluation (which part inspired the song) to how we perceive life through our own lenses...
Recorded and mixed by Scott Hannah at The Music Box in Edinburgh and mastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road Studios in London, 'The Glasses on the Table' was digitally released on the 6th of April.
The Glasses on the Table:
Jason Sweeney – vocals and guitar; Scott Hannah – guitar; Chris Smith – drums; Brian Stewart – bass.
Jason Sweeney is an award-winning musician and private music tutor with over thirty years of performing experience as well as various commercial releases under his belt.
His solo music and melodic rock power trio The King Lot (who have released two acclaimed albums thus far) has taken him all around the UK in a touring and performing capacity.
As well as holding a 1st class honours degree in music Jason has also been recognised by Abertay University (contributions towards music in the community) and presented with the Tartan Clef Award by Nordoff Robins (as part of the Hard Rock Cafe awards).
Jason is currently completing his masters in songwriting at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
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The Glasses on the Table:
Jason Sweeney – vocals and guitar; Scott Hannah – guitar; Chris Smith – drums; Brian Stewart – bass.
Jason Sweeney is an award-winning musician and private music tutor with over thirty years of performing experience as well as various commercial releases under his belt.
His solo music and melodic rock power trio The King Lot (who have released two acclaimed albums thus far) has taken him all around the UK in a touring and performing capacity.
As well as holding a 1st class honours degree in music Jason has also been recognised by Abertay University (contributions towards music in the community) and presented with the Tartan Clef Award by Nordoff Robins (as part of the Hard Rock Cafe awards).
Jason is currently completing his masters in songwriting at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
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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
Victor Wooten