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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer & Music Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer & Music Promotion
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Award-winning South African blues rock guitarist Dan Patlansky will release his new, and tenth, studio album Shelter of Bones via Virgin Music Label and Artist Services on 25th February 2022.
The album is available to pre-order from: https://DanPatlansky.lnk.to/ShelterofBonesSo
Dan Patlansky will also make a welcome return to British shores when he undertakes a 10-date UK tour in March & April 2022 in support of Shelter Of Bones; Patlansky's last tour across the UK was in promotion of his excellent Perfection Kills album in 2018.
Special guest on all shows (except at The Deaf Institute, Manchester) is American singer-songwriter and Brian May guitar protégé Arielle (see tour poster further below).
In anticipation of the new album, a lead-off single, Hounds Loose, has now been released.
You can stream/ download the single from https://DanPatlansky.lnk.to/HoundsLooseSo
The album is available to pre-order from: https://DanPatlansky.lnk.to/ShelterofBonesSo
Dan Patlansky will also make a welcome return to British shores when he undertakes a 10-date UK tour in March & April 2022 in support of Shelter Of Bones; Patlansky's last tour across the UK was in promotion of his excellent Perfection Kills album in 2018.
Special guest on all shows (except at The Deaf Institute, Manchester) is American singer-songwriter and Brian May guitar protégé Arielle (see tour poster further below).
In anticipation of the new album, a lead-off single, Hounds Loose, has now been released.
You can stream/ download the single from https://DanPatlansky.lnk.to/HoundsLooseSo
Shelter of Bones was recorded over a three-year period from 2019-2021, making for a very interesting musical journey.
"The pandemic allowed me to take my time, and really think about how I want the songs to come across," reflects Patlansky, continuing: "I tried to keep the sound from past albums that I’ve become known for in my arrangements and song writing, but definitely took some different turns along the way. I’ve always seen a record as a time capsule of where an artist is in a particular time of their lives.
"My goal is always to try make a record that I would want to listen to; I’m very happy and proud of this album and produced it myself because I wanted a very particular sound. On three of the tracks, I enlisted a good friend and ex-keyboard player from Hamburg, Tom Gatza, who brought a fresh feel to these songs, especially the two ballads.
"Shelter of Bones is an accurate representation of who I am currently as an artist, which is a modern twist on what I love most, the Blues."
On Shelter Of Bones Dan Patlansky played only one guitar, his newest, a Masterbuilt Jason Smith Fender Strat.
"It’s a replica of my three Strats I’ve played for years; the neck of the '62, the body of the '64 and the colour of the partocaster. It’s the best sounding guitar I’ve ever owned and I’m looking forward to playing it when I tour the UK in 2022!"
Dan Patlansky’s 2018 album Perfection Kills was the follow up to the critically acclaimed Introvertigo, which was voted #1 Blues Rock Album in 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Tickets for the 2022 UK shows are on sale now via www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Dan-Patlansky.htm and www.danpatlansky.com/shows
"The pandemic allowed me to take my time, and really think about how I want the songs to come across," reflects Patlansky, continuing: "I tried to keep the sound from past albums that I’ve become known for in my arrangements and song writing, but definitely took some different turns along the way. I’ve always seen a record as a time capsule of where an artist is in a particular time of their lives.
"My goal is always to try make a record that I would want to listen to; I’m very happy and proud of this album and produced it myself because I wanted a very particular sound. On three of the tracks, I enlisted a good friend and ex-keyboard player from Hamburg, Tom Gatza, who brought a fresh feel to these songs, especially the two ballads.
"Shelter of Bones is an accurate representation of who I am currently as an artist, which is a modern twist on what I love most, the Blues."
On Shelter Of Bones Dan Patlansky played only one guitar, his newest, a Masterbuilt Jason Smith Fender Strat.
"It’s a replica of my three Strats I’ve played for years; the neck of the '62, the body of the '64 and the colour of the partocaster. It’s the best sounding guitar I’ve ever owned and I’m looking forward to playing it when I tour the UK in 2022!"
Dan Patlansky’s 2018 album Perfection Kills was the follow up to the critically acclaimed Introvertigo, which was voted #1 Blues Rock Album in 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Tickets for the 2022 UK shows are on sale now via www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Dan-Patlansky.htm and www.danpatlansky.com/shows
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Genius is used far too often and incorrectly in musical artistry but it most certainly applied to Stephen Sondheim.
Many will cite him as a genius of the musical/ theatrical world and while he most certainly reinvented and completely reimagined the American musical (taking it beyond its traditional boundaries in terms of compositional intelligence, musical complexity, form and subject matter) he was, more simply, one the finest, and genius, writers & composer of the modern era and indeed any era.
Sondheim songs featured complex thymic ideas, sophisticated melodies, inherently clever lyricism (from darker subject matter to razor sharp wit) and, of course, love, in all its forms, from the joyous to the unrequited.
For the latter, take a stage bow, 'Send in the Clowns,' one of the few "mainstream" and oft-covered Sondheim songs – beautiful in its simplicity but also timeless in that beauty.
Outside of those love-lost 'Clowns' and a handful of others however Stephen Sondheim’s songs were never destined to be pop-chart successes, but they put the likes of Adele’s latest adored by millions collection of all conquering, angst-driven ditties and Abba's sadly bland reunion album to absolute shame.
Stephen Joshua Sondheim 1930-2021
Nine times Tony Award winner (including a Lifetime Achievement Tony); Academy Award winner; Eight times Grammy Award winner; Pulitzer Prize winner; Laurence Olivier Award winner.
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Many will cite him as a genius of the musical/ theatrical world and while he most certainly reinvented and completely reimagined the American musical (taking it beyond its traditional boundaries in terms of compositional intelligence, musical complexity, form and subject matter) he was, more simply, one the finest, and genius, writers & composer of the modern era and indeed any era.
Sondheim songs featured complex thymic ideas, sophisticated melodies, inherently clever lyricism (from darker subject matter to razor sharp wit) and, of course, love, in all its forms, from the joyous to the unrequited.
For the latter, take a stage bow, 'Send in the Clowns,' one of the few "mainstream" and oft-covered Sondheim songs – beautiful in its simplicity but also timeless in that beauty.
Outside of those love-lost 'Clowns' and a handful of others however Stephen Sondheim’s songs were never destined to be pop-chart successes, but they put the likes of Adele’s latest adored by millions collection of all conquering, angst-driven ditties and Abba's sadly bland reunion album to absolute shame.
Stephen Joshua Sondheim 1930-2021
Nine times Tony Award winner (including a Lifetime Achievement Tony); Academy Award winner; Eight times Grammy Award winner; Pulitzer Prize winner; Laurence Olivier Award winner.
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The Wilson Brothers, a new trio featuring the talents of Ash, Wilson, Phil Wilson and Roger Wilson Inniss, are about to bring exciting & contemporary 'World's Gone Crazy' rock & roll (that flirts with psychedelic blues) to the party.
Brothers Ash (guitars, vocals) & Phil Wilson (drums, backing vox) have considerable musical experience playing alongside the notable likes of Sari Schorr, Scott Mckeon, Sean Webster, Jesse Davey and Well Hung Heart.
Ash & Phil are joined by their six-string bass brother Roger Wilson Inniss, whose own background includes artists such as Chaka Khan, Mike Taylor, Errol Brown and Joanne Shaw Taylor.
Brothers Ash (guitars, vocals) & Phil Wilson (drums, backing vox) have considerable musical experience playing alongside the notable likes of Sari Schorr, Scott Mckeon, Sean Webster, Jesse Davey and Well Hung Heart.
Ash & Phil are joined by their six-string bass brother Roger Wilson Inniss, whose own background includes artists such as Chaka Khan, Mike Taylor, Errol Brown and Joanne Shaw Taylor.
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Sweet, featuring fifty-year band veteran, guitarist Andy Scott, recently released a new single entitled 'Everything 2021' to dovetail with their imminent UK Tour (see dates below)
Of the re-recording of the band's 2002 full-harmonies rock ballad, Andy Scott says "During the rehearsals for Sweet’s forthcoming Hellraiser Tour we were trying out various songs from our back catalogue that could be added to the set list. As soon as I heard (singer) Paul Manzi and (bassist) Lee Small’s vocals on the song Everything, I knew that we needed to get it down and record it as our new single.
I think the new version is a far superior production and much closer to how I envisaged it when I co-wrote it."
Of the re-recording of the band's 2002 full-harmonies rock ballad, Andy Scott says "During the rehearsals for Sweet’s forthcoming Hellraiser Tour we were trying out various songs from our back catalogue that could be added to the set list. As soon as I heard (singer) Paul Manzi and (bassist) Lee Small’s vocals on the song Everything, I knew that we needed to get it down and record it as our new single.
I think the new version is a far superior production and much closer to how I envisaged it when I co-wrote it."
Sweet are a now fifty year-old British rock and roll institution; they have sold 55 million albums and had 34 number #1 hit singles.
Sweet – Hellraiser Nov-Dec 2021 UK Tour with Special Guest Troy Redfern (all dates from December 2nd)
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
24 Hr Box Office : 08444 780 898
Brighton, Chalk - Thursday 25 November
Southampton, 1865 - Friday 26 November
Frome Cheese & Grain - Saturday 27 November
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Sunday 28 November
Birmingham, Town Hall - Thursday 2 December
Shrewsbury, The Buttermarket - Friday 3 December
Bexhill, De La Warr Pavillion - Saturday 4 December
Norwich, The Waterfront - Sunday 5 December
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Wednesday 8 December
Glasgow, The Garage - Thursday 9 December
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 10 December
Holmfirth, Picturedrome - Saturday 11 December
Cardiff, University SU - Friday 17 December
Manchester, Academy - Saturday 18 December
Nottingham, Rock City - Sunday 19 December
Bury St Edmunds, Apex - Monday 20 December
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Sweet – Hellraiser Nov-Dec 2021 UK Tour with Special Guest Troy Redfern (all dates from December 2nd)
Tickets: www.thegigcartel.com
24 Hr Box Office : 08444 780 898
Brighton, Chalk - Thursday 25 November
Southampton, 1865 - Friday 26 November
Frome Cheese & Grain - Saturday 27 November
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Sunday 28 November
Birmingham, Town Hall - Thursday 2 December
Shrewsbury, The Buttermarket - Friday 3 December
Bexhill, De La Warr Pavillion - Saturday 4 December
Norwich, The Waterfront - Sunday 5 December
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Wednesday 8 December
Glasgow, The Garage - Thursday 9 December
Edinburgh, Queen’s Hall - Friday 10 December
Holmfirth, Picturedrome - Saturday 11 December
Cardiff, University SU - Friday 17 December
Manchester, Academy - Saturday 18 December
Nottingham, Rock City - Sunday 19 December
Bury St Edmunds, Apex - Monday 20 December
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Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Big Big Train frontman and multi-instrumentalist David Longdon at only 56 years of age, following an accident in the early hours of 19th November.
A true gent, family man and lovely singer, David recorded eight studio albums with noted progressive rock outfit Big Big Train, including the forthcoming 'Welcome To The Planet.'
Last year he also recorded & released the Dyble-Longdon album 'Between a Breath and a Breath,' a beautifully constructed work that featured singer-songwriter Judy Dyble, who sadly succumbed to illness two months before the album was released.
On the day before his accident, David had been in the studio working on a new solo album.
My heartfelt condolences to David’s partner, daughters, mother and friends.
A true gent, family man and lovely singer, David recorded eight studio albums with noted progressive rock outfit Big Big Train, including the forthcoming 'Welcome To The Planet.'
Last year he also recorded & released the Dyble-Longdon album 'Between a Breath and a Breath,' a beautifully constructed work that featured singer-songwriter Judy Dyble, who sadly succumbed to illness two months before the album was released.
On the day before his accident, David had been in the studio working on a new solo album.
My heartfelt condolences to David’s partner, daughters, mother and friends.
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Photo by Brian Arris
John Lodge, bassist, songwriter and co-vocalist of the legendary Moody Blues (and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with The Moodies), will release a new live album entitled The Royal Affair and After in January.
The album encompasses the songs that John Lodge describes as being the soundtrack to his life and the continuation of his deeply-felt quest to "keep the Moody Blues music alive."
The album, primarily recorded in Las Vegas on the multi-band Royal Affair Tour, with additional tracks recorded on subsequent US dates, can be pre-ordered here:
https://www.johnlodge.com/the-royal-affair-and-after
During the summer of 2019 John Lodge was part of The Royal Affair Tour with YES, Carl Palmer, Arthur Brown and ASIA; it also doubled as a unique opportunity for Lodge to bring his show to both long established fans and to those new to the Moody Blues.
The Royal Affair and After comprises many of the Moodies hits penned by John Lodge, including classics such as 'Gemini Dream,' 'Isn’t Life Strange' and 'Steppin’ in a Slide Zone' plus the wonderful and celebratory 'Saved by the Music' from the 1975 Justin Hayward & John Lodge album, Blue Jays).
Also included is a tribute to John's dear friend, the late Ray Thomas ('Legend of a Mind'), a new recording of the poem 'Late Lament' by Moody Blues drummer, the late Graeme Edge (specially re-recorded by Edge for John Lodge) and a tribute to Mike Pinder in the shape of Pinder’s 'Sunset' (the new version captures the mystical tone of Pinder’s original).
Jon Davison of YES also appears on the album; he joins the band on lead vocals for the iconic 'Nights in White Satin' and features on encore number 'Ride My See-Saw,' the video of which you can view below.
Of that classic Moodies number, John Lodge says "The song is really about growing up. You are taught things at school, and given tools, but then you grow up and go into the world. Then it's up to you to discover for yourself what's really happening. Ride My See-Saw is about how life is full of highs and lows, you can't ride the wave forever... and the secret to me is to find balance to keep the glass half full... something I've thought a lot about over the last eighteen months."
The album encompasses the songs that John Lodge describes as being the soundtrack to his life and the continuation of his deeply-felt quest to "keep the Moody Blues music alive."
The album, primarily recorded in Las Vegas on the multi-band Royal Affair Tour, with additional tracks recorded on subsequent US dates, can be pre-ordered here:
https://www.johnlodge.com/the-royal-affair-and-after
During the summer of 2019 John Lodge was part of The Royal Affair Tour with YES, Carl Palmer, Arthur Brown and ASIA; it also doubled as a unique opportunity for Lodge to bring his show to both long established fans and to those new to the Moody Blues.
The Royal Affair and After comprises many of the Moodies hits penned by John Lodge, including classics such as 'Gemini Dream,' 'Isn’t Life Strange' and 'Steppin’ in a Slide Zone' plus the wonderful and celebratory 'Saved by the Music' from the 1975 Justin Hayward & John Lodge album, Blue Jays).
Also included is a tribute to John's dear friend, the late Ray Thomas ('Legend of a Mind'), a new recording of the poem 'Late Lament' by Moody Blues drummer, the late Graeme Edge (specially re-recorded by Edge for John Lodge) and a tribute to Mike Pinder in the shape of Pinder’s 'Sunset' (the new version captures the mystical tone of Pinder’s original).
Jon Davison of YES also appears on the album; he joins the band on lead vocals for the iconic 'Nights in White Satin' and features on encore number 'Ride My See-Saw,' the video of which you can view below.
Of that classic Moodies number, John Lodge says "The song is really about growing up. You are taught things at school, and given tools, but then you grow up and go into the world. Then it's up to you to discover for yourself what's really happening. Ride My See-Saw is about how life is full of highs and lows, you can't ride the wave forever... and the secret to me is to find balance to keep the glass half full... something I've thought a lot about over the last eighteen months."
With The Moody Blues no longer touring, John Lodge is passionate about "Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive."
John Lodge and his 10,000 Light Years band (named from his 2015 solo album 10,000 Light Years Ago) provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues.
Further touring is being planned for 2022 with a number of US dates already confirmed for March.
Check here for continually updated details: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour
The Royal Affair and After.
Released January 14th on CD and Digital with a limited edition Blue Vinyl edition tbc.
Track listing (all formats):
Steppin’ in a Slide Zone; Saved by the Music; Legend of a Mind; Sunset; Late Lament (with Graeme Edge); Nights in White Satin (with Jon Davison); Gemini Dream; Isn’t Life Strange; I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band); Ride My See-Saw (with Jon Davison)
John Lodge & The 10,000 Light Years Band:
John Lodge (lead vocals, bass); Alan Hewitt (music director, Keyboards); Billy Ashbaugh (drums); Duffy King (guitars); Jason Charboneau (cello)
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John Lodge and his 10,000 Light Years band (named from his 2015 solo album 10,000 Light Years Ago) provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues.
Further touring is being planned for 2022 with a number of US dates already confirmed for March.
Check here for continually updated details: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour
The Royal Affair and After.
Released January 14th on CD and Digital with a limited edition Blue Vinyl edition tbc.
Track listing (all formats):
Steppin’ in a Slide Zone; Saved by the Music; Legend of a Mind; Sunset; Late Lament (with Graeme Edge); Nights in White Satin (with Jon Davison); Gemini Dream; Isn’t Life Strange; I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band); Ride My See-Saw (with Jon Davison)
John Lodge & The 10,000 Light Years Band:
John Lodge (lead vocals, bass); Alan Hewitt (music director, Keyboards); Billy Ashbaugh (drums); Duffy King (guitars); Jason Charboneau (cello)
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Three-times British Blues Awards nominee and Mississippi MacDonald has just released his new album, the Memphis styled blues of Do Right, Say Right on APM Records.
"Don't misunderstand these blues,” says the London-based soul-bluesman, "This isn't sad music: this is about joy and the celebration of who we are and the journey we are on.
From hard times to succeeding despite the odds; from heartbreak to healing; from darkness into light.
You'll hear a little of Alberts King and Collins; some Memphis horns and Hammond organ; and I'll tell you stories with my '61 Strat. But most of all, I hope you'll hear my lifelong passion and love for this music."
The smooth, mid-tempo blues guitar, horns and Hammond that feature on Do Right, Say Right all come to the fore on recent single 'It Can't Hurt Me,' which tells an archetypal Blues tale of suspected infidelity, but with an modern angle shake-it-off optimism, as Mississippi MacDonald explains:
"Everybody needs a little help from their friends, however, it’s the plight of the Blues singer that they always seem to get the kind of 'outside help' that they could well do without… But, you know, when bad luck and trouble come knocking there's always a song in there somewhere!."
"Don't misunderstand these blues,” says the London-based soul-bluesman, "This isn't sad music: this is about joy and the celebration of who we are and the journey we are on.
From hard times to succeeding despite the odds; from heartbreak to healing; from darkness into light.
You'll hear a little of Alberts King and Collins; some Memphis horns and Hammond organ; and I'll tell you stories with my '61 Strat. But most of all, I hope you'll hear my lifelong passion and love for this music."
The smooth, mid-tempo blues guitar, horns and Hammond that feature on Do Right, Say Right all come to the fore on recent single 'It Can't Hurt Me,' which tells an archetypal Blues tale of suspected infidelity, but with an modern angle shake-it-off optimism, as Mississippi MacDonald explains:
"Everybody needs a little help from their friends, however, it’s the plight of the Blues singer that they always seem to get the kind of 'outside help' that they could well do without… But, you know, when bad luck and trouble come knocking there's always a song in there somewhere!."
Do Right, Say Right is Mississippi MacDonald’s seventh album, continuing the line from Devil's Chain, American Accent and Dress For The Money (all with The Cottonmouth Kings), 2017’s Mississippi MacDonald and Steve Bailey With The Soul Fixers, 2018’s Shake ‘Em On Down (with Steve Bailey) and last year’s This Is How It Is.
Dress For The Money and American Accent reached #1 and #3 respectively in the UK IBBA Blues Charts.
Mississippi MacDonald and Steve Bailey With The Soul Fixers was one of the IBBA Top 12 Picks of 2017; the album also garnered significant airplay, including on BBC Radio 2’s The Paul Jones Show, with Jones described it as "a really, really excellent album."
With Do Right, Say Right Mississippi MacDonald forges further ahead on his musical journey.
Fans of classic Blues and soul and original talent will find rich pickings within.
“It’s modern; it’s not musical archaeology. It’s authentic and celebrates a rich, fantastic tradition.
It’s soul-blues and you’ve got to put your best into it."
- Mississippi MacDonald
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Dress For The Money and American Accent reached #1 and #3 respectively in the UK IBBA Blues Charts.
Mississippi MacDonald and Steve Bailey With The Soul Fixers was one of the IBBA Top 12 Picks of 2017; the album also garnered significant airplay, including on BBC Radio 2’s The Paul Jones Show, with Jones described it as "a really, really excellent album."
With Do Right, Say Right Mississippi MacDonald forges further ahead on his musical journey.
Fans of classic Blues and soul and original talent will find rich pickings within.
“It’s modern; it’s not musical archaeology. It’s authentic and celebrates a rich, fantastic tradition.
It’s soul-blues and you’ve got to put your best into it."
- Mississippi MacDonald
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Award winning British husband and wife blues-rock duo When Rivers Meet – Grace Bond (lead vocals, mandolin, violin) & Aaron Bond (guitar, vocals) – have just released their new, sophomore album Saving Grace, which you can purchase here (Colourd Vinyl, CD & Digital):
Saving Grace is the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed debut album We Fly Free, released in 2020, and their previous two EPs, The Uprising and Innocence of Youth.
To help promote the new album and tie in with it's release WRM have released the upbeat and punchy 'Never Coming Home' as a single.
Saving Grace is the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed debut album We Fly Free, released in 2020, and their previous two EPs, The Uprising and Innocence of Youth.
To help promote the new album and tie in with it's release WRM have released the upbeat and punchy 'Never Coming Home' as a single.
As regards the new album, Aaron Bond says: "We wanted the album to have more of an upbeat rock feel.
We knew exactly what we wanted before we set off to record Saving Grace. We’re so pleased with the result and just hope everyone else loves it as much as we do!"
"Although we wanted to do something different from our previous work, we still wanted all the same elements that make our music distinctive and recognisable as When Rivers Meet," continues Grace Bond, adding "we also wanted to keep a live, authentic vibe to the new album to retain the energetic feel in the music."
As with their previous album and EPs, Saving Grace was recorded at the Boathouse in Suffolk with producer & engineer Adam Bowers, who also contributes additional instrumentation (drums, bass, keys and trumpet on specific songs).
Earlier this year WRM became the first-ever artist or band to win four awards at the UK Blues Awards (Blues Band of the Year; Blues Album of the Year; Emerging Blues Artist of the Year; Most Inspirational Online Performance of the Year).
WRM were also voted Best New Band by the listeners of Planet Rock at the radio station’s The Rocks Awards.
WRM will undertake a Headline UK tour in support of the album through April & May of 2022.
Special Guest on all dates will be Troy Redfern and his band.
Tickets are now on general sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/When-Rivers-Meet.htm and
https://www.seetickets.com/search?q=when+rivers+meet
We knew exactly what we wanted before we set off to record Saving Grace. We’re so pleased with the result and just hope everyone else loves it as much as we do!"
"Although we wanted to do something different from our previous work, we still wanted all the same elements that make our music distinctive and recognisable as When Rivers Meet," continues Grace Bond, adding "we also wanted to keep a live, authentic vibe to the new album to retain the energetic feel in the music."
As with their previous album and EPs, Saving Grace was recorded at the Boathouse in Suffolk with producer & engineer Adam Bowers, who also contributes additional instrumentation (drums, bass, keys and trumpet on specific songs).
Earlier this year WRM became the first-ever artist or band to win four awards at the UK Blues Awards (Blues Band of the Year; Blues Album of the Year; Emerging Blues Artist of the Year; Most Inspirational Online Performance of the Year).
WRM were also voted Best New Band by the listeners of Planet Rock at the radio station’s The Rocks Awards.
WRM will undertake a Headline UK tour in support of the album through April & May of 2022.
Special Guest on all dates will be Troy Redfern and his band.
Tickets are now on general sale via: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/When-Rivers-Meet.htm and
https://www.seetickets.com/search?q=when+rivers+meet
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Progressive metal project band LALU have just released 'The Chosen Ones' as the first single to be lifted from forthcoming new album, Paint The Sky, which will be released on Frontiers Records on January 21st, 2022.
LALU is a musical project founded by French composer and producer Vivien Lalu, son of Noelle and Michel Lalu (members of the 70s French progressive act Polène).
Paint The Sky, the third LALU album, is the most accomplished album yet.
It features a vocalist perfectly fitted for this more progressive version of LALU, Damian Wilson (Arena, Headspace, Threshold), accompanied by Vivien Lalu (keys), Jelly Cardarelli (drums) and Joop Wolters (guitars and bass).
A number of guest musicians also contribute to the album including Simon Phillips, Steve Walsh, Tony Franklin, Jordan Rudess and Simone Mularoni; the latter two feature on 'The Chosen Ones.'
LALU is a musical project founded by French composer and producer Vivien Lalu, son of Noelle and Michel Lalu (members of the 70s French progressive act Polène).
Paint The Sky, the third LALU album, is the most accomplished album yet.
It features a vocalist perfectly fitted for this more progressive version of LALU, Damian Wilson (Arena, Headspace, Threshold), accompanied by Vivien Lalu (keys), Jelly Cardarelli (drums) and Joop Wolters (guitars and bass).
A number of guest musicians also contribute to the album including Simon Phillips, Steve Walsh, Tony Franklin, Jordan Rudess and Simone Mularoni; the latter two feature on 'The Chosen Ones.'
The 2005 debut album by LALU, Oniric Metal, was well received and marked a new chapter for Vivien Lalu in his quest to create more cinematic music.
2013’s Atomic Ark featured an all-star line-up including vocalist Martin LeMar, bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM) and drummer Virgil Donati (Planet X, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth.
Additional contributions on the second album came from Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Joop Wolters, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie), Mike Andersson (Cloudscape) and Peter Wildoer (James LaBrie).
A short live tour in the spring of 2014 featured a line-up of Vivien Lalu, Martin LeMar, Mike LePond, Simone Mularoni, Virgil Donati and Joop Wolters; the tour culminated with a recording of the final show in Amstelveen, Netherlands, released as Live at P60 in 2015.
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2013’s Atomic Ark featured an all-star line-up including vocalist Martin LeMar, bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM) and drummer Virgil Donati (Planet X, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth.
Additional contributions on the second album came from Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Joop Wolters, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie), Mike Andersson (Cloudscape) and Peter Wildoer (James LaBrie).
A short live tour in the spring of 2014 featured a line-up of Vivien Lalu, Martin LeMar, Mike LePond, Simone Mularoni, Virgil Donati and Joop Wolters; the tour culminated with a recording of the final show in Amstelveen, Netherlands, released as Live at P60 in 2015.
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Following the recent release of their rocking cover of The Allman Brothers Band classic 'Midnight Rider' (video below), British southern-tinged rockers Bad Touch have now kicked off their 15-date UK tour, opening with a sold-out hometown concert at the Waterfront Studio in Norwich.
Branded as Better Late Than Never, the UK tour was originally rescheduled from April 2021 (all original tickets remain valid). Special guests on all shows, except Leo’s Red Lion, are Midlands rockers Piston.
Tickets are available from www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
Bad Touch will be performing songs from their critically acclaimed current studio album Kiss the Sky, along with songs from their equally acclaimed back catalogue of three previous studio album
Branded as Better Late Than Never, the UK tour was originally rescheduled from April 2021 (all original tickets remain valid). Special guests on all shows, except Leo’s Red Lion, are Midlands rockers Piston.
Tickets are available from www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
Bad Touch will be performing songs from their critically acclaimed current studio album Kiss the Sky, along with songs from their equally acclaimed back catalogue of three previous studio album
The band's current single, their cover of the Allman Brothers classic 'Midnight Rider,' was produced by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Gun, Feeder) at the new Marshall Studio in Bletchley.
The Norfolk based quintet’s rendition stays faithful to the tempo and verse harmonies of the original but with thicker riffed, blues-rock guitar weight.
"The original is one of mine and Chris Sheldon’s all-time favourite songs" says Bad Touch front man Stevie Westwood; "I’m thrilled with how our version came out. It’s got harmonies out the wazoo, it’s heavy, dirty and Rob Glendinning’s guitar solo is a belter! It might bother the Allman Brothers purists, but hopefully everyone loves it one eighth of as much as I do!"
Bad Touch were one of the first bands to enter the new Marshall Studio to record a number of tracks.
A state-of-the-art recording facility located at Marshall Amplification’s global headquarters in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, the console is built around a 70s Neve 8048, heavily modified and customised for Marshall by Neve specialist Blake Devitt.
Bad Touch are Stevie Westwood (vocals), Rob Glendinning & Daniel Seekings (guitars), Michael Bailey (bass), George Drewry (drums).
The Norfolk based quintet’s rendition stays faithful to the tempo and verse harmonies of the original but with thicker riffed, blues-rock guitar weight.
"The original is one of mine and Chris Sheldon’s all-time favourite songs" says Bad Touch front man Stevie Westwood; "I’m thrilled with how our version came out. It’s got harmonies out the wazoo, it’s heavy, dirty and Rob Glendinning’s guitar solo is a belter! It might bother the Allman Brothers purists, but hopefully everyone loves it one eighth of as much as I do!"
Bad Touch were one of the first bands to enter the new Marshall Studio to record a number of tracks.
A state-of-the-art recording facility located at Marshall Amplification’s global headquarters in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, the console is built around a 70s Neve 8048, heavily modified and customised for Marshall by Neve specialist Blake Devitt.
Bad Touch are Stevie Westwood (vocals), Rob Glendinning & Daniel Seekings (guitars), Michael Bailey (bass), George Drewry (drums).
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"Dark Americana" artist Hannah Aldridge has just released her reimagining of Godhead song 'Sinking.'
The song also features former Godhead leader Jason Charles Miller.
Of the new 7", which features previous digital only release 'Some Ghosts Don’t Make a Sound' as the B-side (also featuring Miller), Hannah Aldridge says:
"These songs were a canvas for me to lean a little harder into heavier rock, while still maintaining a sound that my audience would relate to. I have been slowly moving into a darker rock sound album by album so, for me this landed on a real sweet spot of a dark rock sound without completely reinventing myself as an artist.
I have been a fan of Jason Charles Miller for a long time and worked with him on different projects for almost ten years now, so it felt natural for us to collaborate on this project."
The song also features former Godhead leader Jason Charles Miller.
Of the new 7", which features previous digital only release 'Some Ghosts Don’t Make a Sound' as the B-side (also featuring Miller), Hannah Aldridge says:
"These songs were a canvas for me to lean a little harder into heavier rock, while still maintaining a sound that my audience would relate to. I have been slowly moving into a darker rock sound album by album so, for me this landed on a real sweet spot of a dark rock sound without completely reinventing myself as an artist.
I have been a fan of Jason Charles Miller for a long time and worked with him on different projects for almost ten years now, so it felt natural for us to collaborate on this project."
Facing down demons of a life once lived from substance abuse to failed relationships and scars from an unforgiving bible belt Hannah Aldridge (raised in the extremely religious State of Alabama) has, since her early years, felt an affinity to the darkness found in Southern Gothic themes and a fondness for writing songs with darker elements.
A daughter of the American south and Muscle Shoals legend Walt Aldridge, Hannah Aldridge launched her career with her 2014 debut Razor Wire.
The debut album drew the attention of music critics and sent her touring across the world, visiting ten different countries across the next seven years.
Her second full-length studio album Gold Rush was released in 2017 followed by acclaimed live document Live in Black and White, which saw release in 2020 just before the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
Mixing her personal life and the sounds of her hometown, Hannah Aldridge takes influences from across the rock genre. Working with one foot in country music and the other in rock has given Aldridge a fresh, Southern rock style mixed with Southern Gothic storytelling.
Hannah Aldridge – UK Tour December 2021
(with Gustav Sjödin and special guest Jason Charles Miller)
Dec 4 • Dinton near Aylesbury • Dinton Parish Church
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/527680/
Dec 5 • Manchester • The Rose and Monkey
https://www.ticketweb.uk/.../hannah-aldridge.../11420055
Dec 6 • London • The Half Moon Putney*
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/527488/
Dec 7 • Edinburgh • The Voodoo Rooms*
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/186968677347
Dec 8 • Glasgow • The Glad Cafe*
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/186991746347
Dec 9 • Aberdour • The Woodside Hotel*
https://event.bookitbee.com/35968/hannah-aldridge-2
Dec 10 • Bewdley • Music in the Halls*
https://tickets.thehall-bewdley.org.uk/product_info.php
Dec 11 • York, UK • 45 Vinyl
https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/.../hannah-aldridge-and-jason...
"Hannah Aldridge is one of the very best young songwriters around and you really can spend your money and not feel short-changed." - No Depression
"Musically Hannah Aldridge sits in a place that some call Dark Americana - and it covers her songs about the dark side pretty well." - Blues Matters
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A daughter of the American south and Muscle Shoals legend Walt Aldridge, Hannah Aldridge launched her career with her 2014 debut Razor Wire.
The debut album drew the attention of music critics and sent her touring across the world, visiting ten different countries across the next seven years.
Her second full-length studio album Gold Rush was released in 2017 followed by acclaimed live document Live in Black and White, which saw release in 2020 just before the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
Mixing her personal life and the sounds of her hometown, Hannah Aldridge takes influences from across the rock genre. Working with one foot in country music and the other in rock has given Aldridge a fresh, Southern rock style mixed with Southern Gothic storytelling.
Hannah Aldridge – UK Tour December 2021
(with Gustav Sjödin and special guest Jason Charles Miller)
Dec 4 • Dinton near Aylesbury • Dinton Parish Church
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/527680/
Dec 5 • Manchester • The Rose and Monkey
https://www.ticketweb.uk/.../hannah-aldridge.../11420055
Dec 6 • London • The Half Moon Putney*
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/527488/
Dec 7 • Edinburgh • The Voodoo Rooms*
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/186968677347
Dec 8 • Glasgow • The Glad Cafe*
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/186991746347
Dec 9 • Aberdour • The Woodside Hotel*
https://event.bookitbee.com/35968/hannah-aldridge-2
Dec 10 • Bewdley • Music in the Halls*
https://tickets.thehall-bewdley.org.uk/product_info.php
Dec 11 • York, UK • 45 Vinyl
https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/.../hannah-aldridge-and-jason...
"Hannah Aldridge is one of the very best young songwriters around and you really can spend your money and not feel short-changed." - No Depression
"Musically Hannah Aldridge sits in a place that some call Dark Americana - and it covers her songs about the dark side pretty well." - Blues Matters
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Photo by Kevin McCollum
The pandemic and associated lockdowns may have curtailed live gigs but it hasn’t stopped many an artist getting on with recording or adding further strings to their bows – or in the case of Scottish musician Ali Ferguson, his guitar.
An ambient focussed composer (atmospheric and melodic Gilmour-esque soundscapes mix with spoken word, samples and electronica), Ali Ferguson is also known for his touring and recording time with fellow Scot, singer Ray Wilson (Stiltskin, Genesis/Calling All Stations), 80s hitmakers Red Box and Scottish folk legend legend Dougie Maclean.
More recently Ali Ferguson stepped in as a radio guest-host when he presented a couple of episodes of The Prog Show on Radio Mix 106.
Even better news for fans of Ali Ferguson and his music was the recent announcement that the recording of all the tracks that will make up the Edinburgh based artist’s third solo album, The Contemplative Power Of Water, have now been completed.
Ferguson is now running a Crowdfunding campaign to allow fans to contribute and help pay for the costs of mixing (which will be undertaken by Graeme Hughes, who superbly mixed Ferguson’s previous album, A Sequence Of Moments), mastering, artwork & CD production.
You can hear Ali Ferguson talk about the album, the Crowdfunder campaign and some of the packages & perks available, on the video below.
An ambient focussed composer (atmospheric and melodic Gilmour-esque soundscapes mix with spoken word, samples and electronica), Ali Ferguson is also known for his touring and recording time with fellow Scot, singer Ray Wilson (Stiltskin, Genesis/Calling All Stations), 80s hitmakers Red Box and Scottish folk legend legend Dougie Maclean.
More recently Ali Ferguson stepped in as a radio guest-host when he presented a couple of episodes of The Prog Show on Radio Mix 106.
Even better news for fans of Ali Ferguson and his music was the recent announcement that the recording of all the tracks that will make up the Edinburgh based artist’s third solo album, The Contemplative Power Of Water, have now been completed.
Ferguson is now running a Crowdfunding campaign to allow fans to contribute and help pay for the costs of mixing (which will be undertaken by Graeme Hughes, who superbly mixed Ferguson’s previous album, A Sequence Of Moments), mastering, artwork & CD production.
You can hear Ali Ferguson talk about the album, the Crowdfunder campaign and some of the packages & perks available, on the video below.
The Contemplative Power Of Water Crowdfunding campaign link:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ali-ferguson-new-studio-album--2#/
Check out and/ or purchase Ali Ferguson’s previous albums and other songs on his bandcamp page: https://aliferguson.bandcamp.com/music
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https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ali-ferguson-new-studio-album--2#/
Check out and/ or purchase Ali Ferguson’s previous albums and other songs on his bandcamp page: https://aliferguson.bandcamp.com/music
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Celebrated singer-songwriter Howard Jones will undertake a 13-date Acoustic Trio UK tour in October 2022. The tour will start at The Forum in Bath on 14th October and end in New Brighton at the Floral Pavilion on 30th October (see tour poster further below).
The tour, which will showcase a stripped-down trip through Howard Jones’ colourful 30-year music career (including a rare and intimate opportunity for the audience to hear first-hand about the inspiration behind the songs), will feature Jones on electric piano, guitarist Robin Boult (Roger Daltrey, Dave Stewart, Fish) and Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson, Steve Hackett, Kajagoogoo, Belinda Carlisle, John Paul Jones) on chapman stick.
A 48-hour ticket pre-sale will start at 9am on Wednesday November 17 at www.howardjones.com
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday November 19 at www.thegigcartel.com
Tickets are priced £27.50, £30.00 and £100 VIP.
The latter allows the ticket purchaser to pick the best available seats in the theatre, have a meet and greet* prior to the performance with Howard Jones and a signed souvenir package.
There are a limited number of VIP tickets allocated to each show, so booking early is advised.
(*Subject to government guidance on social contact).
The tour, which will showcase a stripped-down trip through Howard Jones’ colourful 30-year music career (including a rare and intimate opportunity for the audience to hear first-hand about the inspiration behind the songs), will feature Jones on electric piano, guitarist Robin Boult (Roger Daltrey, Dave Stewart, Fish) and Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson, Steve Hackett, Kajagoogoo, Belinda Carlisle, John Paul Jones) on chapman stick.
A 48-hour ticket pre-sale will start at 9am on Wednesday November 17 at www.howardjones.com
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday November 19 at www.thegigcartel.com
Tickets are priced £27.50, £30.00 and £100 VIP.
The latter allows the ticket purchaser to pick the best available seats in the theatre, have a meet and greet* prior to the performance with Howard Jones and a signed souvenir package.
There are a limited number of VIP tickets allocated to each show, so booking early is advised.
(*Subject to government guidance on social contact).
Hailed by many as an electronic music pioneer, Howard Jones has been a constant presence on the international touring scene for the past three decades, playing live in several configurations including intimate solo shows and dates with his full high-tech band set-up.
"I am really excited about the trio tour we have planned for 2022," says Howard Jones.
"Nick and Robin are dear friends and world class musicians and I love performing with them. After touring the trio in America, I thought the time was right for us to bring the fun of this acoustic show back home. I will play a range of songs from the HoJo canon including the hits old and new as well as some deep cuts and fan favourites."
Howard Jones, who has sold over eight million albums worldwide, burst upon the music scene in 1983 with his song-writing and pioneering synthesized pop.
His first two albums Human’s Lib and Dream into Action were worldwide hits; Human’s Lib, a #1 chart success in 1984 in the UK, featured the hits 'New Song' and 'What Is Love?'
1985’s Dream into Action became a Top 10 Platinum album in North America; the album featured the hit singles 'Things Can Only Get Better,' 'Life In One Day,' 'No One Is To Blame' and 'Like To Get To Know You Well.'
Howard Jones' most recent album, Transform, is his first new studio album in nearly a decade; released in 2019 to critical acclaim, Transform features several collaborations with electronica luminary BT.
Jones also recently performed on NBC’s top-rated morning and night-time television shows Today and The Tonight Show, the latter hosted by Jimmy Fallon.
"I am really excited about the trio tour we have planned for 2022," says Howard Jones.
"Nick and Robin are dear friends and world class musicians and I love performing with them. After touring the trio in America, I thought the time was right for us to bring the fun of this acoustic show back home. I will play a range of songs from the HoJo canon including the hits old and new as well as some deep cuts and fan favourites."
Howard Jones, who has sold over eight million albums worldwide, burst upon the music scene in 1983 with his song-writing and pioneering synthesized pop.
His first two albums Human’s Lib and Dream into Action were worldwide hits; Human’s Lib, a #1 chart success in 1984 in the UK, featured the hits 'New Song' and 'What Is Love?'
1985’s Dream into Action became a Top 10 Platinum album in North America; the album featured the hit singles 'Things Can Only Get Better,' 'Life In One Day,' 'No One Is To Blame' and 'Like To Get To Know You Well.'
Howard Jones' most recent album, Transform, is his first new studio album in nearly a decade; released in 2019 to critical acclaim, Transform features several collaborations with electronica luminary BT.
Jones also recently performed on NBC’s top-rated morning and night-time television shows Today and The Tonight Show, the latter hosted by Jimmy Fallon.
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The UK’s own whisky-smoked hard rockers, Sons of Liberty, are set to release their highly acclaimed new album Aces & Eights in a special collector's edition vinyl package.
The orange or transparent blue heavy weight 180 gram, gatefold sleeve, mastered for vinyl issue of the album includes printed lyric insert, signed, with the first 100 copies sold individually numbered.
All pre orders will be shipped on general release day, Nov 19th.
Say the band of the vinyl release: "It’s taken a little longer due to the backlog that everyone is experiencing, but we’re sure it’s been worth the wait! The reception we’ve had playing the album on tour, to our singles and the whole album has been amazing, so it’s great to finally have it out for those who love their vinyl, just as we do!"
Order vinyl and other Sons of Liberty merch at https://sonsofliberty.bigcartel.com/
The orange or transparent blue heavy weight 180 gram, gatefold sleeve, mastered for vinyl issue of the album includes printed lyric insert, signed, with the first 100 copies sold individually numbered.
All pre orders will be shipped on general release day, Nov 19th.
Say the band of the vinyl release: "It’s taken a little longer due to the backlog that everyone is experiencing, but we’re sure it’s been worth the wait! The reception we’ve had playing the album on tour, to our singles and the whole album has been amazing, so it’s great to finally have it out for those who love their vinyl, just as we do!"
Order vinyl and other Sons of Liberty merch at https://sonsofliberty.bigcartel.com/
The band recently released 'Don’t Hide Behind Your Weakness' as the fourth single to be lifted from the well-received Aces & Eights.
Accompanying the single is an animated lyric video injecting further life into the visuals of the album cover art.
Band front man Rob Cooksley enthuses on the inspiration for the southern-tinged song and it's message:
"We all know someone who has trouble expressing themselves or who are not able to face challenges for one reason, or another. This song is inspired by a friend of the band, who pushes through and is strong enough to confront and overcome their fears."
Accompanying the single is an animated lyric video injecting further life into the visuals of the album cover art.
Band front man Rob Cooksley enthuses on the inspiration for the southern-tinged song and it's message:
"We all know someone who has trouble expressing themselves or who are not able to face challenges for one reason, or another. This song is inspired by a friend of the band, who pushes through and is strong enough to confront and overcome their fears."
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"In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a woman…."
Grammy-nominated powerhouse blues vocalist Beth Hart has taken on one of her most profound undertakings to date by channelling the legendary voice of Robert Plant for A Tribute To Led Zeppelin.
The album will be released on February 25th, 2022, via Provogue/Mascot Label Group and will be available digitally, CD and on three different vinyl colours, including very limited edition versions.
The album is preceded by lead-off taster 'Good Times Bad Times.'
Grammy-nominated powerhouse blues vocalist Beth Hart has taken on one of her most profound undertakings to date by channelling the legendary voice of Robert Plant for A Tribute To Led Zeppelin.
The album will be released on February 25th, 2022, via Provogue/Mascot Label Group and will be available digitally, CD and on three different vinyl colours, including very limited edition versions.
The album is preceded by lead-off taster 'Good Times Bad Times.'
At the helm of an album that has had rumours circulating for a few years are producer Rob Cavallo and engineer Doug McKean, along with an A-list team of musicians.
As regards a voice that could do such a tribute justice, that clicked into place when Cavallo was producing Beth Hart’s previous album, War In My Mind; the singer did an impromptu version of 'Whole Lotta Love' in the control room during the session, leading to Beth Hart presents A Tribute To Led Zeppelin.
"It’s so beautifully done; it's timeless. It will go on forever. Sometimes people come along, and they're from another planet, and they make these pieces of art which will forever be, like the Mona Lisa."
Beth Hart (about the music and legacy of Led Zeppelin).
Pre-order the album here: https://uk.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/beth-hart
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As regards a voice that could do such a tribute justice, that clicked into place when Cavallo was producing Beth Hart’s previous album, War In My Mind; the singer did an impromptu version of 'Whole Lotta Love' in the control room during the session, leading to Beth Hart presents A Tribute To Led Zeppelin.
"It’s so beautifully done; it's timeless. It will go on forever. Sometimes people come along, and they're from another planet, and they make these pieces of art which will forever be, like the Mona Lisa."
Beth Hart (about the music and legacy of Led Zeppelin).
Pre-order the album here: https://uk.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/beth-hart
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Cornwall-based roots-rock band Wille & The Bandits will release their fifth studio album, When The World Stood Still, on January 28th 2022, on their independent label, Fat Toad Records.
The album is available to pre-order from www.willeandthebandits.com/shop
The band will then embark on a March/ April 2022 tour to support the album in the company of Special Guest
*Troy Redfern (*except Bradford, Wimborne and Brighton; see tour dates poster below).
Tickets are available via: www.willeandthebandits.com
Following on from the forthcoming album's lead-off single 'Will We Ever' comes 'Solid Ground,' which reflects, in delicate, blues-pensive fashion, the concern and hypocrisy currently felt, recognising we are not acting to protect the planet for our children (the video which accompanies the single features some of the tens of millions of people that took part in the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, as well as many children who's homemade signs asked leaders to act now).
Says the band's singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Wille Edwards: "Every time I look at my children and think of their future, I worry for them; that the world will be a very different place, one with more pain and suffering and I want to do what I can to help. Music is my way of trying to help the cause."
The album is available to pre-order from www.willeandthebandits.com/shop
The band will then embark on a March/ April 2022 tour to support the album in the company of Special Guest
*Troy Redfern (*except Bradford, Wimborne and Brighton; see tour dates poster below).
Tickets are available via: www.willeandthebandits.com
Following on from the forthcoming album's lead-off single 'Will We Ever' comes 'Solid Ground,' which reflects, in delicate, blues-pensive fashion, the concern and hypocrisy currently felt, recognising we are not acting to protect the planet for our children (the video which accompanies the single features some of the tens of millions of people that took part in the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, as well as many children who's homemade signs asked leaders to act now).
Says the band's singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Wille Edwards: "Every time I look at my children and think of their future, I worry for them; that the world will be a very different place, one with more pain and suffering and I want to do what I can to help. Music is my way of trying to help the cause."
The forthcoming album from Wille & The Bandits (considered one of the most exciting and successful independent acts in Europe), documents a time when the world stood still, recorded in a place only accessible on the high tide, on the banks of the river Fowey.
One of Britain's most iconic recording studios now coming to the end of an influential life, Sawmills Studio has produced some of the most ground-breaking albums of the last thirty years including Stone Roses' Fools Gold, Oasis’ Definitely Maybe, Supergrass’ In It For The Money, Robert Plant’s The Fate of Nations and Muse’s Showbiz.
"It had always been a dream for me to record at Sawmills," says Wille Edwards. "I was devastated at the thought that another piece of music history being repurposed away from a place of inspiration for the arts. However there was a suggestion of fate when a friend took me night fishing at a secret spot that just happened to be in the Foy River, looking across to this wonderfully situated building.
This set me on a hunt to find out if there was still a chance to record one last album at Sawmills with the man behind all the iconic albums recorded there, Mr John Cornfield.
To fund this enterprise, we turned to our unbelievable fans who made the dream happen, and who we are eternally grateful to."
Wille & The Bandits and are credited with pushing the boundaries of roots rock into a new era of music lovers. They were listed in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury Festival by BBC Radio One and were personally invited to perform on the famous German TV show Rockpalast.
Wille & The Bandits
Wille Edwards – Lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, electric lap steel
Harry Mackaill – Bass guitar, backing vocals, synthesizer
Matthew Gallagher – Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, piano, mellotron, guitar, backing vocals
Tom Gilkes – Drums and percussion
When The World Stood Still; released January 28th 2022
Recorded at Sawmills Studio; produced by Wille & The Bandits & John Cornfield; engineered & mixed by John Cornfield.
One of Britain's most iconic recording studios now coming to the end of an influential life, Sawmills Studio has produced some of the most ground-breaking albums of the last thirty years including Stone Roses' Fools Gold, Oasis’ Definitely Maybe, Supergrass’ In It For The Money, Robert Plant’s The Fate of Nations and Muse’s Showbiz.
"It had always been a dream for me to record at Sawmills," says Wille Edwards. "I was devastated at the thought that another piece of music history being repurposed away from a place of inspiration for the arts. However there was a suggestion of fate when a friend took me night fishing at a secret spot that just happened to be in the Foy River, looking across to this wonderfully situated building.
This set me on a hunt to find out if there was still a chance to record one last album at Sawmills with the man behind all the iconic albums recorded there, Mr John Cornfield.
To fund this enterprise, we turned to our unbelievable fans who made the dream happen, and who we are eternally grateful to."
Wille & The Bandits and are credited with pushing the boundaries of roots rock into a new era of music lovers. They were listed in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury Festival by BBC Radio One and were personally invited to perform on the famous German TV show Rockpalast.
Wille & The Bandits
Wille Edwards – Lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, electric lap steel
Harry Mackaill – Bass guitar, backing vocals, synthesizer
Matthew Gallagher – Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, piano, mellotron, guitar, backing vocals
Tom Gilkes – Drums and percussion
When The World Stood Still; released January 28th 2022
Recorded at Sawmills Studio; produced by Wille & The Bandits & John Cornfield; engineered & mixed by John Cornfield.
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European Blues Award-winning singer-guitarist Erja Lyytinen has released her Christmas single 'Silent Night.'
You can pre-save/stream the single at https://ffm.to/12a4xyl or listen the Finnish songstress’s version of the festive classic here.
"Every year we play Silent Night as part of our annual Blue Christmas tour in Finland," says Erja. Lyytinen.
"I’ve always wanted to record our version of this timeless festive number; the song has such a beautiful melody. Our rendition is like a warm blanket that you wrap around yourself whilst sitting cosy in front of the fire. The song is heartfelt and elegant with a subtle arrangement."
Erja Lyytinen will return to the UK for her first tour since 2019 in February of next year.
The acclaimed slide guitarist will play eight dates between February 4th and the 12th, including four joint-headliner shows with Chantel McGregor (London, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Bilston).
Tickets are available from: www.erjalyytinen.com/tour
During the early stages of the 2020 lockdown, artists took their shows to the Internet via live streams.
Erja Lyytinen decided she wanted to give her fans the best and most concert-like experience possible; the versatile Finn and her band headed to Bluesounds Studios in her hometown of Kuopio to film the live concert performance.
The show, originally broadcast over the Internet as part of a pay-per-view event, now forms the basis of her notable studio-live album, Lockdown Live 2020.
The album is available from www.erjalyytinen.com/store/lockdown-live
During the last year, Erja Lyytinen and her band performed multiple times on Finnish national TV including a much-revered appearance as part of the country’s Independence Day celebration.
Lyytinen has also appeared in Guitar Player Magazine (US) where she was chosen as one of the "10 guitarists who are keeping the blues alive and well for a new generation of players."
Subsequently, with the European borders open once again, during summer 2021, the celebrated slide guitarist returned to the international stage and a busy festival season, performing shows and festivals in Finland, Belgium, Norway and France.
As the end of 2021 approaches, Erja Lyytinen will be touring through Germany and Belgium as well as resuming the annual Blue Christmas tour in her native Finland.
Erja Lyytinen is presently in the studio working on the follow-up to her last studio album Another World, with a plan to unveil the new album in the second half of 2022.
You can pre-save/stream the single at https://ffm.to/12a4xyl or listen the Finnish songstress’s version of the festive classic here.
"Every year we play Silent Night as part of our annual Blue Christmas tour in Finland," says Erja. Lyytinen.
"I’ve always wanted to record our version of this timeless festive number; the song has such a beautiful melody. Our rendition is like a warm blanket that you wrap around yourself whilst sitting cosy in front of the fire. The song is heartfelt and elegant with a subtle arrangement."
Erja Lyytinen will return to the UK for her first tour since 2019 in February of next year.
The acclaimed slide guitarist will play eight dates between February 4th and the 12th, including four joint-headliner shows with Chantel McGregor (London, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Bilston).
Tickets are available from: www.erjalyytinen.com/tour
During the early stages of the 2020 lockdown, artists took their shows to the Internet via live streams.
Erja Lyytinen decided she wanted to give her fans the best and most concert-like experience possible; the versatile Finn and her band headed to Bluesounds Studios in her hometown of Kuopio to film the live concert performance.
The show, originally broadcast over the Internet as part of a pay-per-view event, now forms the basis of her notable studio-live album, Lockdown Live 2020.
The album is available from www.erjalyytinen.com/store/lockdown-live
During the last year, Erja Lyytinen and her band performed multiple times on Finnish national TV including a much-revered appearance as part of the country’s Independence Day celebration.
Lyytinen has also appeared in Guitar Player Magazine (US) where she was chosen as one of the "10 guitarists who are keeping the blues alive and well for a new generation of players."
Subsequently, with the European borders open once again, during summer 2021, the celebrated slide guitarist returned to the international stage and a busy festival season, performing shows and festivals in Finland, Belgium, Norway and France.
As the end of 2021 approaches, Erja Lyytinen will be touring through Germany and Belgium as well as resuming the annual Blue Christmas tour in her native Finland.
Erja Lyytinen is presently in the studio working on the follow-up to her last studio album Another World, with a plan to unveil the new album in the second half of 2022.
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Frontiers Music Srl have announced the forthcoming release of Quaternary, the new album from Portuguese alternative metal act Kandia.
Written and recorded with Daniel Cardoso of Anathema, the album will be released on 21st January 2022.
As a further taster, the second track to be lifted from the album, 'Fight Or Flight,' has been released as a single with accompanying Music Video.
Written and recorded with Daniel Cardoso of Anathema, the album will be released on 21st January 2022.
As a further taster, the second track to be lifted from the album, 'Fight Or Flight,' has been released as a single with accompanying Music Video.
'Fight Or Flight' follows the release of lead-off song 'The Flood,' the lyric video for which can be seen here:
youtu.be/LoYLxAlgmDY
Kandia was formed in 2007 by singer Nya Cruz and guitarist André Da Cruz.
The pair decided to name their band Kandia – to obfuscate, to blind by light – as they felt it would represent the positivity they were keen to radiate.
Influenced by progressive outfits such as A Perfect Circle, Tool, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd, as well as metal giants like Metallica and Pantera, Kandia have found their own sound over the course of two previous albums, both also produced by Daniel Cardoso.
"Our new album definitely has our identity stamped on it, but we always like to experiment with new things.
The hard times we have all gone through recently have actually given us much inspiration and this record is filled with different emotions." - Kandia
Pre-order Quaternary at: orcd.co/kandia
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youtu.be/LoYLxAlgmDY
Kandia was formed in 2007 by singer Nya Cruz and guitarist André Da Cruz.
The pair decided to name their band Kandia – to obfuscate, to blind by light – as they felt it would represent the positivity they were keen to radiate.
Influenced by progressive outfits such as A Perfect Circle, Tool, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd, as well as metal giants like Metallica and Pantera, Kandia have found their own sound over the course of two previous albums, both also produced by Daniel Cardoso.
"Our new album definitely has our identity stamped on it, but we always like to experiment with new things.
The hard times we have all gone through recently have actually given us much inspiration and this record is filled with different emotions." - Kandia
Pre-order Quaternary at: orcd.co/kandia
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London based rock-blues singer-guitarist Jack J Hutchinson has released a new single entitled 'Straight to Hell,' complete with animated video.
'Straight to Hell' is the second song to be taken from forthcoming new album The Hammer Falls, which will be released on February 4th 2022.
Pre-order the album & various merch bundles here: https://eyesoremerch.com/band-tshirts/j/jack-j-hutchinson
'Straight to Hell' is the second song to be taken from forthcoming new album The Hammer Falls, which will be released on February 4th 2022.
Pre-order the album & various merch bundles here: https://eyesoremerch.com/band-tshirts/j/jack-j-hutchinson
The heavily guitar-driven new album was co- produced by Josh Norton-Cox, recorded at Momentum Studios, Devon and mixed by Josiah J Manning (Inglorious, Kris Barras Band, Moriaty, Wille and The Bandits). Mastering was handled by the Grammy award winning Stardelta (Noel Gallagher).
Explaining the single and its album opening status, Jack J Hutchinson says "I’ve always been obsessed with Hammer Horror and Amicus Productions films and wanted to channel that into a song. Some of the lyrics reference films like Dr Terror’s House of Horrors and The Vault Of Horror.
It’s a bit tongue in cheek, which I’m probably not known for, but it was a lot of fun to write and record!"
As regards the new album, Hutchinson continues: "We’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this record. It’s a step up from my previous albums both in terms of songwriting and production.
We tracked most of the songs live in a room together, which was really important to the ethos of the sound.
It’s also my most personal record to date, but it touches on wider themes such as mortality and loss which affect us all. It’s hard hitting, rammed with heavy riffs and guitar solos, but with lyrics and melodies that will hopefully touch and move people. It’s a banger!"
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Explaining the single and its album opening status, Jack J Hutchinson says "I’ve always been obsessed with Hammer Horror and Amicus Productions films and wanted to channel that into a song. Some of the lyrics reference films like Dr Terror’s House of Horrors and The Vault Of Horror.
It’s a bit tongue in cheek, which I’m probably not known for, but it was a lot of fun to write and record!"
As regards the new album, Hutchinson continues: "We’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this record. It’s a step up from my previous albums both in terms of songwriting and production.
We tracked most of the songs live in a room together, which was really important to the ethos of the sound.
It’s also my most personal record to date, but it touches on wider themes such as mortality and loss which affect us all. It’s hard hitting, rammed with heavy riffs and guitar solos, but with lyrics and melodies that will hopefully touch and move people. It’s a banger!"
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British Progressive Rock Luminaries Jethro Tull, led by founder Ian Anderson, have announced details of what will be the band’s first album of new material in over eighteen ears.
The band’s twenty-second album, The Zealot Gene, will be released on January 28th, 2022 on Inside Out Music.
As a taster, a single from the album, 'Shoshana Sleeping' (accompanied by an official video with visuals created by Thomas Hicks) has been released.
The band’s twenty-second album, The Zealot Gene, will be released on January 28th, 2022 on Inside Out Music.
As a taster, a single from the album, 'Shoshana Sleeping' (accompanied by an official video with visuals created by Thomas Hicks) has been released.
A record that began to take shape as early as 2017, The Zealot Gene, in many ways, seeks to defy convention during a time when the business of being a touring & recording artist has never faced more uncertainties (Covid-19 and the pandemic ultimately ended the band’s touring plans and hopes of a 2020 release for the album).
Tull bandleader Ian Anderson holds no reservations about the role for which the mythos and themes of Biblical storytelling played in the lyrical content of the new album:
"While I have a spot of genuine fondness for the pomp and fairytale story-telling of the Holy Book, I still feel the need to question and draw sometimes unholy parallels from the text.
The good, the bad, and the downright ugly rear their heads throughout, but are punctuated with elements of love, respect, and tenderness."
The Zealot Gene will be available in the following formats:
Special Edition Digipak CD; Gatefold 2LP+CD+LP-booklet; Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook; Limited Deluxe 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook.
Both artbook editions feature a second CD of demos and initial ideas, extended liner notes and an interview with Ian Anderson undertaken by Tim Bowness (of No-Man)
The Deluxe 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook comes on white vinyl and includes a 3rd LP with the rough demos.
It also includes a slipmat and a numbered art print.
Pre-order now here: https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/TheZealotGene
The Zealot Gene track listing:
Mrs. Tibbets; Jacob's Tales; Mine Is The Mountain; The Zealot Gene; Shoshana Sleeping; Sad City Sisters; Barren Beth, Wild Desert John; The Betrayal Of Joshua Kynde; Where Did Saturday Go?; Three Loves, Three; In Brief Visitation; The Fisherman Of Ephesus.
Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson - Flute, acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals; Joe Parrish-James - Guitars; Florian Opahle - Guitars (album only); Scott Hammond - Drums; John O’Hara - Piano, keyboards, accordion; David Goodier - Bass guitar
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Tull bandleader Ian Anderson holds no reservations about the role for which the mythos and themes of Biblical storytelling played in the lyrical content of the new album:
"While I have a spot of genuine fondness for the pomp and fairytale story-telling of the Holy Book, I still feel the need to question and draw sometimes unholy parallels from the text.
The good, the bad, and the downright ugly rear their heads throughout, but are punctuated with elements of love, respect, and tenderness."
The Zealot Gene will be available in the following formats:
Special Edition Digipak CD; Gatefold 2LP+CD+LP-booklet; Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook; Limited Deluxe 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook.
Both artbook editions feature a second CD of demos and initial ideas, extended liner notes and an interview with Ian Anderson undertaken by Tim Bowness (of No-Man)
The Deluxe 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook comes on white vinyl and includes a 3rd LP with the rough demos.
It also includes a slipmat and a numbered art print.
Pre-order now here: https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/TheZealotGene
The Zealot Gene track listing:
Mrs. Tibbets; Jacob's Tales; Mine Is The Mountain; The Zealot Gene; Shoshana Sleeping; Sad City Sisters; Barren Beth, Wild Desert John; The Betrayal Of Joshua Kynde; Where Did Saturday Go?; Three Loves, Three; In Brief Visitation; The Fisherman Of Ephesus.
Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson - Flute, acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals; Joe Parrish-James - Guitars; Florian Opahle - Guitars (album only); Scott Hammond - Drums; John O’Hara - Piano, keyboards, accordion; David Goodier - Bass guitar
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“Singing is in my blood. Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed performing... but not being able to be on stage in 2020 I spent a lot of time looking through photo albums, seeing all those happy scenes of childhood, growing up and making music, getting to know my fans and travel the world recording and performing, having fun; those memories fill this book.”
One of Finland’s biggest singing stars and a judge on the Voice of Finland TV show, operatically trained metal singer Tarja Turunen has fans far and wide, from Rio de Janeiro to Moscow, Chihuahua to Chingford, and beyond.
Now, after searching through thousands of photos of her life along with artworks, sessions, tours and more, Tarja has put down her thoughts and memories of life, music and everything in Singing In My Blood (the Finnish language version of the book became an instant best-seller in Finland on pre-orders alone).
The hardback edition of this officially illustrated book is now available, offering an intimate and behind-the-scenes look at Tarja making music in the studio, on stage and at home.
A special Signature hardback edition is also available, signed by Tarja and including two exclusive and previously unseen 280x220mm photographic prints.
Both editions include scores of previously unseen photographs as well as contributions from some of Tarja’s closest friends and colleagues.
One of Finland’s biggest singing stars and a judge on the Voice of Finland TV show, operatically trained metal singer Tarja Turunen has fans far and wide, from Rio de Janeiro to Moscow, Chihuahua to Chingford, and beyond.
Now, after searching through thousands of photos of her life along with artworks, sessions, tours and more, Tarja has put down her thoughts and memories of life, music and everything in Singing In My Blood (the Finnish language version of the book became an instant best-seller in Finland on pre-orders alone).
The hardback edition of this officially illustrated book is now available, offering an intimate and behind-the-scenes look at Tarja making music in the studio, on stage and at home.
A special Signature hardback edition is also available, signed by Tarja and including two exclusive and previously unseen 280x220mm photographic prints.
Both editions include scores of previously unseen photographs as well as contributions from some of Tarja’s closest friends and colleagues.
Tarja Turunen made her name as the vocalist with Nightwish (1996-2005) before launching her solo career, becoming one of the most widely recognised voices, and stars, of operatic metal (she has performed operatic rock at football stadia in South America and sung opera in central European opera houses).
A TV star in Finland where her albums sell in double-platinum numbers, her Christmas-themed releases have become standards of festive radio across Europe.
She has achieved fame in the US, UK and Europe, headlining countless Metal festivals, including one in Poland attended by 500,000 people.
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A TV star in Finland where her albums sell in double-platinum numbers, her Christmas-themed releases have become standards of festive radio across Europe.
She has achieved fame in the US, UK and Europe, headlining countless Metal festivals, including one in Poland attended by 500,000 people.
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Jim Kirkpatrick, guitarist of British melodic rockers FM and a rockin’ bluesman in his own, solo right, has just released a brand new single entitled 'Dead Man Walking.'
Written by Kirkpatrick & Bernie Marsden (none too shabby a partnership, as has been seen and heard in previous incarnations of the Bernie Marsden Band), 'Dead Man Walking' is the first song to appear from what will be the forthcoming follow-up to the critically acclaimed Ballad of a Prodigal Son.
Written by Kirkpatrick & Bernie Marsden (none too shabby a partnership, as has been seen and heard in previous incarnations of the Bernie Marsden Band), 'Dead Man Walking' is the first song to appear from what will be the forthcoming follow-up to the critically acclaimed Ballad of a Prodigal Son.
Of the song, which flits between western styled widescreen and slide affected Americana blues, Jim Kirkpatrick says "I got the idea for the title while watching The Green Mile. The song is about the feelings of a man on Death Row, waiting to be executed later that day. He knows that he’s done wrong and that he’s about to pay the price."
Musically, the song takes its lead (riff) from a meet-up with Bernie Marsden, as Jim Kirkpatrick continues:
"I happened to visit Bernie Marsden last summer to do a bit of writing. He played a Celtic, Rory Gallagher-esque riff that sounded amazing. I asked him if I could use it and he kindly said yes.
That riff forms the intro and verse of the song. I wrote the rest of the song using that riff as the springboard."
'Dead Man Walking,' which also features drummer Leon Cave (Status Quo), keyboardist Jem Davis (FM) and bassist Chris Cliff, is available now on all digital platforms.
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Musically, the song takes its lead (riff) from a meet-up with Bernie Marsden, as Jim Kirkpatrick continues:
"I happened to visit Bernie Marsden last summer to do a bit of writing. He played a Celtic, Rory Gallagher-esque riff that sounded amazing. I asked him if I could use it and he kindly said yes.
That riff forms the intro and verse of the song. I wrote the rest of the song using that riff as the springboard."
'Dead Man Walking,' which also features drummer Leon Cave (Status Quo), keyboardist Jem Davis (FM) and bassist Chris Cliff, is available now on all digital platforms.
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Multi-award-winning Southern rock, blues and country quartet The Kentucky Headhunters have just released their brand-new album That’s a Fact Jack!
The band have also released a kaleidoscopic styled lyric video version of the raw and rockin' title track to dovetail with, and promote, the album's release.
"Jon Lawhon did a great job," says co-founder, vocalist & rhythm guitarist Richard Young.
"He used a kaleidoscope effect, with swirling designs of the band and our album artwork to create a vibe of nervous tension yet at the same time, a feeling of childlike imagery, to mold the heaviness of the music and the song’s lyrical content."
The band have also released a kaleidoscopic styled lyric video version of the raw and rockin' title track to dovetail with, and promote, the album's release.
"Jon Lawhon did a great job," says co-founder, vocalist & rhythm guitarist Richard Young.
"He used a kaleidoscope effect, with swirling designs of the band and our album artwork to create a vibe of nervous tension yet at the same time, a feeling of childlike imagery, to mold the heaviness of the music and the song’s lyrical content."
As regards the new album, Richard Young explains "That's a Fact Jack!' is a dose of just what the doctor ordered, for the times our world at large has been enduring.
After a year and a half of live show cancellations, The Heads decided we had to do something to keep our live playing rigor from rusting over. Plain and simple, we we're determined to be the band we have been for most of our lives. Damn the torpedoes!"
That’s a Fact Jack! is also unique in that after 14 album releases in their decades-long career, this is the first album to ever be issued, as a standalone release, from the band's own label: Practice House Records, via BFD Distribution.
The Kentucky Headhunters' family story starts with brothers Fred and Richard Young along with cousins Greg Martin and Anthony Kenney forming the Southern blues-rock band Itchy Brother.
In 1986 the band became The Kentucky Headhunters; their 1989 debut album Pickin’ On Nashville surprised the world by selling over two million copies; it also won a Grammy Award, three Country Music Awards, an American Music Award and an Academy of Country Music Award.
It also garnered the band four consecutive Top 40 Country hits.
After a year and a half of live show cancellations, The Heads decided we had to do something to keep our live playing rigor from rusting over. Plain and simple, we we're determined to be the band we have been for most of our lives. Damn the torpedoes!"
That’s a Fact Jack! is also unique in that after 14 album releases in their decades-long career, this is the first album to ever be issued, as a standalone release, from the band's own label: Practice House Records, via BFD Distribution.
The Kentucky Headhunters' family story starts with brothers Fred and Richard Young along with cousins Greg Martin and Anthony Kenney forming the Southern blues-rock band Itchy Brother.
In 1986 the band became The Kentucky Headhunters; their 1989 debut album Pickin’ On Nashville surprised the world by selling over two million copies; it also won a Grammy Award, three Country Music Awards, an American Music Award and an Academy of Country Music Award.
It also garnered the band four consecutive Top 40 Country hits.
The Kentucky Headhunters haven’t survived this long by being a flash in the pan. Their ability to evolve and reinvent themselves and their sound – year after year – continues to hold their fans and gain them new ones around the globe.
As Billboard magazine acknowledged, "Somewhere along the way, amid personnel changes, heart attacks, and label shifts, the Kentucky HeadHunters have evolved into the great American rock 'n' roll band."
Purchase/ stream That’s a Fact Jack! here: https://orcd.co/kentuckyheadhuntersthatsafactjack
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As Billboard magazine acknowledged, "Somewhere along the way, amid personnel changes, heart attacks, and label shifts, the Kentucky HeadHunters have evolved into the great American rock 'n' roll band."
Purchase/ stream That’s a Fact Jack! here: https://orcd.co/kentuckyheadhuntersthatsafactjack
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Hard rock outfit L.A. Guns have released a new the single Get Along; it’s the latest song to be lifted from Checkered Past, the band’s forthcoming new studio album, set for release on 12th November via Frontiers.
Checkered Past sees Tracii Guns, Phil Lewis and co continuing with the darker lyrical tone of their previous two studio albums The Devil You Know and The Missing Peace, while incorporating their classic rock influences (heavier songs are mixed with bluesier, boogie inducing tracks and dark, introspective ballads that hearken back to their first three records).
Checkered Past - arguably one of the most vital and exciting releases in the Chequered Career of L.A. Guns.
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Checkered Past - arguably one of the most vital and exciting releases in the Chequered Career of L.A. Guns.
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Dark Americana star Amigo The Devil (aka Danny Kiranos) has just announced a set of UK, Irish and mainland European dates for March/April 2022, in promotion of current album Born Against.
Tickets are on sale now from www.amigothedevil.com/tour
The dates are the first opportunity for fans this side of the pond to witness the ‘Devil playing all his best tunes since the start of the global pandemic (the tour actually commences two years to the day since his last European trek ended).
Renowned for his macabre storytelling Born Against, featuring the single 'Quiet as a Rat' (the Official Music Video has garnered more than 200,000 YT views) sees Danny Kiranos expand his repertoire with romantic, philosophical and emotional narratives without sacrificing the genre-bending style that had already garnered him reams of praise and a passionate following.
Tickets are on sale now from www.amigothedevil.com/tour
The dates are the first opportunity for fans this side of the pond to witness the ‘Devil playing all his best tunes since the start of the global pandemic (the tour actually commences two years to the day since his last European trek ended).
Renowned for his macabre storytelling Born Against, featuring the single 'Quiet as a Rat' (the Official Music Video has garnered more than 200,000 YT views) sees Danny Kiranos expand his repertoire with romantic, philosophical and emotional narratives without sacrificing the genre-bending style that had already garnered him reams of praise and a passionate following.
Born Against is the follow up to Everything Is Fine, the 2018 debut by Amigo The Devil, which crossed musical boundaries by connecting with fans of rock, folk, Americana, country, metal and beyond.
Harnessing some of the world music he grew up on, with additional inspiration from master storytellers such as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen and contemporaries like Fiona Apple and Father John Misty, ATD/ Kiranos’ songs are vivid, cinematic tales of flawed protagonists on the edge, desperately clinging to some sense of stability while following their heart’s chosen path.
"His debut was a starkly beautiful tapestry on which genres were seemingly picked from a tombola and emotions torn from the depths. He remains angular and brilliant on Born Against." CLASSIC ROCK
"Darkly romantic, hauntingly melodic and flecked with effective experimental embellishments, it stakes an early birthright for the year’s best-of lists, reinforcing the adage that the devil truly does have all the best tunes" FOLK RADIO UK
Amigo The Devil - European, UK and Irish dates 2022
04.03.22 COLOGNE (DE) Art Theatre
05.03.22 HAMBURG (DE) Nochtspeicher
07.02.22 STOCKHOLM (SE) Debaser
08.03.22 OSLO (NO) Blå
09.03.22 COPENHAGEN (DK) Hotel Cecil
10.03.22 BERLIN (DE) Badehaus
12.03.22 WARSAW (PL) Chmury
13.03.22 PRAGUE (CZ) Café V Lese
14.03.22 VIENNA (AT) Chelsea
17.03.22 BUDAPEST (HU) Durer-Kert
18.03.22 ZAGREB (HR) Culture Factory
19.03.22 MILAN (IT) Rock’N’Roll
21.03.22 BERN (CH) ISC Club
22.03.22 MUNICH (DE) Hansa 39
23.03.22 ANTWERP (BE) Trix
24.03.22 UTRECHT (NL) Helling
26.03.22 AMSTERDAM (NL) Melkweg
28.03.22 BRIGHTON (UK) Green Door Store
29.03.22 LONDON (UK) Omeara
31.03.22 BRISTOL (UK) Exchange
01.04.22 MANCHESTER (UK) Night & Day
02.04.22 LEEDS (UK) The Key Club
04.04.22 CORK (IE) Winthrop Avenue
05.04.22 DUBLIN (IE) Grand Social
06.04.22 BELFAST (UK) Ulster Sports Club
08.04.22 NEWCASTLE (UK) Cluny 2
09.04.22 GLASGOW (UK) Attic
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Harnessing some of the world music he grew up on, with additional inspiration from master storytellers such as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen and contemporaries like Fiona Apple and Father John Misty, ATD/ Kiranos’ songs are vivid, cinematic tales of flawed protagonists on the edge, desperately clinging to some sense of stability while following their heart’s chosen path.
"His debut was a starkly beautiful tapestry on which genres were seemingly picked from a tombola and emotions torn from the depths. He remains angular and brilliant on Born Against." CLASSIC ROCK
"Darkly romantic, hauntingly melodic and flecked with effective experimental embellishments, it stakes an early birthright for the year’s best-of lists, reinforcing the adage that the devil truly does have all the best tunes" FOLK RADIO UK
Amigo The Devil - European, UK and Irish dates 2022
04.03.22 COLOGNE (DE) Art Theatre
05.03.22 HAMBURG (DE) Nochtspeicher
07.02.22 STOCKHOLM (SE) Debaser
08.03.22 OSLO (NO) Blå
09.03.22 COPENHAGEN (DK) Hotel Cecil
10.03.22 BERLIN (DE) Badehaus
12.03.22 WARSAW (PL) Chmury
13.03.22 PRAGUE (CZ) Café V Lese
14.03.22 VIENNA (AT) Chelsea
17.03.22 BUDAPEST (HU) Durer-Kert
18.03.22 ZAGREB (HR) Culture Factory
19.03.22 MILAN (IT) Rock’N’Roll
21.03.22 BERN (CH) ISC Club
22.03.22 MUNICH (DE) Hansa 39
23.03.22 ANTWERP (BE) Trix
24.03.22 UTRECHT (NL) Helling
26.03.22 AMSTERDAM (NL) Melkweg
28.03.22 BRIGHTON (UK) Green Door Store
29.03.22 LONDON (UK) Omeara
31.03.22 BRISTOL (UK) Exchange
01.04.22 MANCHESTER (UK) Night & Day
02.04.22 LEEDS (UK) The Key Club
04.04.22 CORK (IE) Winthrop Avenue
05.04.22 DUBLIN (IE) Grand Social
06.04.22 BELFAST (UK) Ulster Sports Club
08.04.22 NEWCASTLE (UK) Cluny 2
09.04.22 GLASGOW (UK) Attic
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The Dan Reed Network have announced the release of their forthcoming studio album.
Entitled Let’s Hear it for the King, the band’s sixth studio album will be released on March 4th 2022 by Drakkar Entertainment.
On the album, the band’s first since 2018’s Origins, the band have come full circle to their original vison and statement - to challenge beliefs and smash down existing protocol.
"We are chomping at the bit to get out there and bring people what we genuinely believe is the heaviest, funkiest and most melodic DRN album to date," says Dan Reed. "These songs are the strongest representation of the band’s sound that we’ve ever created. You have been warned!"
The new album will include special/ limited editions such as Coloured Vinyl and Limited Edition box set (Dan Reed has created personalised, hand-written lyric sheets for each song from Let’s Hear It For The King that will be randomly placed inside the limited-edition sets).
Pre-order the album from https://danreednetwork.tmstor.es
The first single from the album, 'Starlight,' is available now.
The track was composed by Dan Reed after a long drive back from seeing AC/DC perform in Berlin, hence the homage to their style on the song.
"It's that constant heartbeat pulse of AC/DC that makes it the most infectious rock music on the planet" says the Network frontman.
Lyrically, 'Starlight' is about the social media generation's addiction to hunting for likes, followers, fame, and fortune - the question being will all that attention feed the ego only, or will you channel all the light shone upon you in a direction that feeds a bigger picture of feeding the collective soul?
Entitled Let’s Hear it for the King, the band’s sixth studio album will be released on March 4th 2022 by Drakkar Entertainment.
On the album, the band’s first since 2018’s Origins, the band have come full circle to their original vison and statement - to challenge beliefs and smash down existing protocol.
"We are chomping at the bit to get out there and bring people what we genuinely believe is the heaviest, funkiest and most melodic DRN album to date," says Dan Reed. "These songs are the strongest representation of the band’s sound that we’ve ever created. You have been warned!"
The new album will include special/ limited editions such as Coloured Vinyl and Limited Edition box set (Dan Reed has created personalised, hand-written lyric sheets for each song from Let’s Hear It For The King that will be randomly placed inside the limited-edition sets).
Pre-order the album from https://danreednetwork.tmstor.es
The first single from the album, 'Starlight,' is available now.
The track was composed by Dan Reed after a long drive back from seeing AC/DC perform in Berlin, hence the homage to their style on the song.
"It's that constant heartbeat pulse of AC/DC that makes it the most infectious rock music on the planet" says the Network frontman.
Lyrically, 'Starlight' is about the social media generation's addiction to hunting for likes, followers, fame, and fortune - the question being will all that attention feed the ego only, or will you channel all the light shone upon you in a direction that feeds a bigger picture of feeding the collective soul?
The release of the new album coincides with DRN’s Spring 2022 European Tour, which includes a nine-date co-headline UK run with Reckless Love featuring special guests Collateral.
DRN will also be playing a special headline show for their Facebook group The Networkers in a secret location in Newcastle on Sunday February 27th where the band promise to celebrate the album’s release in style.
"The new album snarls and bites and we wanted to cut its teeth alongside some young, high-energy bands, so who better than Reckless Love and Collateral. Those boys can rock.
Anyone who’s seen DRN live knows that’s where we come to life. We’re ready to deliver a lot of energy and give the audience a direct shot of funk n’ roll!"
Tickets for all Dan Reed Network concerts are available from www.danreed-network.com/tour
Tickets for the UK concerts are available from www.gigantic.com
DAN REED NETWORK – UK Tour Dates 2022
(Co-headline with Reckless Love; Special Guests: Collateral)
Engine Rooms, Southampton - Monday 28 February
Tramshed, Cardiff - Tuesday 1 March
Rock City, Nottingham - Thursday 3 March
Academy 2, Manchester - Friday 4 March
Grand Central Hall, Liverpool - Saturday 5 March
The Garage, Glasgow - Sunday 6 March
The Mill, Birmingham - Tuesday 8 March
The Warehouse, Leeds - Wednesday 9 March
Electric Ballroom, London - Thursday 10 March
Let’s Hear it for The King - Record at The Commune Studio. Portland, Oregon.
Produced by Rob Daiker & Dan Reed
Co-producer on Let’s Hear It For The King & I See Angels : Brion James
Mixed by: Rob Daiker. Mastered by Stephan Hawkes
Dan Reed: Vocals, Guitar, Synths; Brion James: Guitar, Vocals, Synths, Orchestration; Melvin Brannon II: Bass, Vocals; Dan Pred: Drums, Percussion; Rob Daiker: Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar
Track Listing
PRETTY KARMA; THE GHOST INSIDE; STARLIGHT; SUPERNOVA; LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE KING; I SEE ANGELS; HOMEGROWN; STUMBLE; JUST MIGHT GET IT; WHERE’S THE REVOLUTION; ARE YOU READY?; UNFUCK MY WORLD; LAST DAY ON SATURN (Bonus Track on CD Edition Only)
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DRN will also be playing a special headline show for their Facebook group The Networkers in a secret location in Newcastle on Sunday February 27th where the band promise to celebrate the album’s release in style.
"The new album snarls and bites and we wanted to cut its teeth alongside some young, high-energy bands, so who better than Reckless Love and Collateral. Those boys can rock.
Anyone who’s seen DRN live knows that’s where we come to life. We’re ready to deliver a lot of energy and give the audience a direct shot of funk n’ roll!"
Tickets for all Dan Reed Network concerts are available from www.danreed-network.com/tour
Tickets for the UK concerts are available from www.gigantic.com
DAN REED NETWORK – UK Tour Dates 2022
(Co-headline with Reckless Love; Special Guests: Collateral)
Engine Rooms, Southampton - Monday 28 February
Tramshed, Cardiff - Tuesday 1 March
Rock City, Nottingham - Thursday 3 March
Academy 2, Manchester - Friday 4 March
Grand Central Hall, Liverpool - Saturday 5 March
The Garage, Glasgow - Sunday 6 March
The Mill, Birmingham - Tuesday 8 March
The Warehouse, Leeds - Wednesday 9 March
Electric Ballroom, London - Thursday 10 March
Let’s Hear it for The King - Record at The Commune Studio. Portland, Oregon.
Produced by Rob Daiker & Dan Reed
Co-producer on Let’s Hear It For The King & I See Angels : Brion James
Mixed by: Rob Daiker. Mastered by Stephan Hawkes
Dan Reed: Vocals, Guitar, Synths; Brion James: Guitar, Vocals, Synths, Orchestration; Melvin Brannon II: Bass, Vocals; Dan Pred: Drums, Percussion; Rob Daiker: Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar
Track Listing
PRETTY KARMA; THE GHOST INSIDE; STARLIGHT; SUPERNOVA; LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE KING; I SEE ANGELS; HOMEGROWN; STUMBLE; JUST MIGHT GET IT; WHERE’S THE REVOLUTION; ARE YOU READY?; UNFUCK MY WORLD; LAST DAY ON SATURN (Bonus Track on CD Edition Only)
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Swedish metal-trio Nekromant have released a second track from their upcoming album Temple of Haal.
The new single, entitled 'Behind The Veil Of Eyes,' is, as described by the band, “a song that is cold as ice but at the same time warming. The lyrics convey a notion of hopelessness but acceptance before an impending doom. In short, a joyful little tune about darkness and death!”
The new single, entitled 'Behind The Veil Of Eyes,' is, as described by the band, “a song that is cold as ice but at the same time warming. The lyrics convey a notion of hopelessness but acceptance before an impending doom. In short, a joyful little tune about darkness and death!”
Standing on the shoulders of metal giants such as Black Sabbath and Pentagram, Nekromant (previously known as Serpent) are well versed in the art of crushing riffs and powerful melodies.
With a much-admired set of releases to their name, the three-piece from Vänersborg have been turning heads with their authentic, old school metal assault.
From a punishing percussive battery through to the Iommi-esque guitars, this power-trio understand that the riff is king, as demonstrated throughout their forthcoming album (the first fruits of their new deal with Swedish label Despotz Records).
Unashamedly old school heavy metal and full of crushing riffs and inescapable hooks, Temple of Haal embraces a typical Swedish darkness in amongst a desire to reject the notion of living life through social media and seeks to reconnect with the things that really matter.
Temple of Haal will be released 2nd December.
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With a much-admired set of releases to their name, the three-piece from Vänersborg have been turning heads with their authentic, old school metal assault.
From a punishing percussive battery through to the Iommi-esque guitars, this power-trio understand that the riff is king, as demonstrated throughout their forthcoming album (the first fruits of their new deal with Swedish label Despotz Records).
Unashamedly old school heavy metal and full of crushing riffs and inescapable hooks, Temple of Haal embraces a typical Swedish darkness in amongst a desire to reject the notion of living life through social media and seeks to reconnect with the things that really matter.
Temple of Haal will be released 2nd December.
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Derby based alt-rock girl trio MuddiBrooke will release their debut EP, Lunacy, on the 22nd October 2021.
Formed in 2020, MuddiBrooke – "Brooke" (Harriet McDonnell) - lead vocals, guitar; Anna Melidone - bass, backing vocals; Mary Prince - drums – have previously released two singles, receiving airplay on Kerrang! Radio and garnering a Track of the Week choice on BBC Introducing.
The songs and stories on the 5 track Lunacy ask the question "What does it feel like to be one of society’s rejects?" We all fall down from time to time and it’s important to pick ourselves up again.
We must first own that rejection, accept it and then understand that it is fine to be your own true self.
MuddiBrooke express themselves clearly by owning their past and the angst of identity; the EP songs help deliver the message of self-acceptance, being your own person and to wear that proudly.
MuddiBrooke also discovered opportunities in challenging Covid times of forced separation.
Songs such as 'Fake It' for example speak about daily struggles and the things we need to do to get through, while 'Liverpool Guy' tells a tale of celebrating your inner party animal and enjoying life’s freedoms to the full…
Formed in 2020, MuddiBrooke – "Brooke" (Harriet McDonnell) - lead vocals, guitar; Anna Melidone - bass, backing vocals; Mary Prince - drums – have previously released two singles, receiving airplay on Kerrang! Radio and garnering a Track of the Week choice on BBC Introducing.
The songs and stories on the 5 track Lunacy ask the question "What does it feel like to be one of society’s rejects?" We all fall down from time to time and it’s important to pick ourselves up again.
We must first own that rejection, accept it and then understand that it is fine to be your own true self.
MuddiBrooke express themselves clearly by owning their past and the angst of identity; the EP songs help deliver the message of self-acceptance, being your own person and to wear that proudly.
MuddiBrooke also discovered opportunities in challenging Covid times of forced separation.
Songs such as 'Fake It' for example speak about daily struggles and the things we need to do to get through, while 'Liverpool Guy' tells a tale of celebrating your inner party animal and enjoying life’s freedoms to the full…
"We love to be able to play together, bringing our songs to life and hearing them as we first imagined, it’s always the best feeling for us. You can plan beforehand but songs truly take another shape when you plug in together and hear them, they’re supposed to be loud and that’s what we’re here to do!"
- Brooke
Lunacy was produced and mixed at Snug Recording Co in Nottingham by the band, Robin Newman and Richard Collins; it was mastered by Joe Caithness.
The EP is available for pre-order now at: https://www.muddibrooke.com
Track listing:
Devil; Liverpool Guy; Straight Jacket; Turn To Dust; Fake It
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- Brooke
Lunacy was produced and mixed at Snug Recording Co in Nottingham by the band, Robin Newman and Richard Collins; it was mastered by Joe Caithness.
The EP is available for pre-order now at: https://www.muddibrooke.com
Track listing:
Devil; Liverpool Guy; Straight Jacket; Turn To Dust; Fake It
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Power blues-rock guitarist singer-songwriter Troy Redfern might be in line for a busiest and most productive (and certainly one of the most noticed/ seen) musician in the UK 2021 award.
Having recently released his excellent new solo album ...The Fire Cosmic! (featuring latest single 'Stone,' below), just come off the Robert Jon & The Wreck UK tour as Special Guest support and three further notable Special Guest tours upcoming, the slide guitar maestro has now signed an endorsement deal with the world's leading guitar strings manufacturer, Ernie Ball.
"When I first started playing guitar at age thirteen the very first set of strings I bought were Ernie Ball along with my first electric guitar," says Troy Redfern, continuing "All of my guitar heroes were using them, the 'who's who' of the world's leading guitarists, and there's a reason why - Ernie Ball strings are the best, most consistent, comfortable strings out there. They just feel like home to me, especially after using them for over thirty years.
I'm totally honoured to now be endorsed by a company that I've loved for my whole guitar playing career."
Having recently released his excellent new solo album ...The Fire Cosmic! (featuring latest single 'Stone,' below), just come off the Robert Jon & The Wreck UK tour as Special Guest support and three further notable Special Guest tours upcoming, the slide guitar maestro has now signed an endorsement deal with the world's leading guitar strings manufacturer, Ernie Ball.
"When I first started playing guitar at age thirteen the very first set of strings I bought were Ernie Ball along with my first electric guitar," says Troy Redfern, continuing "All of my guitar heroes were using them, the 'who's who' of the world's leading guitarists, and there's a reason why - Ernie Ball strings are the best, most consistent, comfortable strings out there. They just feel like home to me, especially after using them for over thirty years.
I'm totally honoured to now be endorsed by a company that I've loved for my whole guitar playing career."
Following his Special Guest slot on the recent Robert Jon & The Wreck UK tour, Troy Redfern and his band will be back out on the road supporting The Quireboys in October & November (as well as January & June 2022, see poster below), Wille & The Bandits (March & April 2022) and When Rivers Meet (April & May 2022).
Tour Dates and features on Wille & The Bandits and When Rivers Meet can be found further down this News Page.
Official Troy Redfern website: www.troyredfern.com
Tour Dates and features on Wille & The Bandits and When Rivers Meet can be found further down this News Page.
Official Troy Redfern website: www.troyredfern.com
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The world’s favourite Rebel ‘n’ Rock yeller Billy Idol will head out on The Roadside Tour next year with some new music, a stack of classics and his long-time lead guitarist and collaborator Steve Stevens by his side.
The six arena dates in June of 2022 will be Billy Idol’s first live shows in the UK since 2018 - tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday 30th September from www.aegpresents.co.uk/billy-idol
Supporting on the dates will be very special guests The Go-Go’s, making their first UK appearance for 26 years.
With restrictions lifted, Billy Idol is touring Stateside through the autumn of 2021 before returning to Britain next year; joining Idol and Steve Stevens are Stephen McGrath (bass, backing vocals), Billy Morrison (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Trudeau (keyboards, backing vocals) and drummer Erik Eldenius.
The global lockdown of 2020 gave Billy Idol time to reflect.
While writing the new music that would become his latest release, The Roadside EP, Idol’s thoughts turned to his near-fatal motorcycle accident of 1990, how he dealt with it and how it related to the current crisis.
"It seemed quite logical and natural to write something about my motorcycle accident" states Idol, continuing "I may have been saying, well, this is what people go through when they are in trouble. Certainly, the motorcycle accident was the catharsis, the wake-up moment. Maybe I left behind the irreverent, youthful Billy and opened the door for a more attentive father and more sensitive musician. Something did get left by the roadside, but it was not necessarily a bad thing in the end."
Such reflections are captured in the lyrics of 'Bitter Taste,' one of four tracks on the new EP The Roadside, Billy Idol’s first new music for seven years.
The six arena dates in June of 2022 will be Billy Idol’s first live shows in the UK since 2018 - tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday 30th September from www.aegpresents.co.uk/billy-idol
Supporting on the dates will be very special guests The Go-Go’s, making their first UK appearance for 26 years.
With restrictions lifted, Billy Idol is touring Stateside through the autumn of 2021 before returning to Britain next year; joining Idol and Steve Stevens are Stephen McGrath (bass, backing vocals), Billy Morrison (guitar, backing vocals), Paul Trudeau (keyboards, backing vocals) and drummer Erik Eldenius.
The global lockdown of 2020 gave Billy Idol time to reflect.
While writing the new music that would become his latest release, The Roadside EP, Idol’s thoughts turned to his near-fatal motorcycle accident of 1990, how he dealt with it and how it related to the current crisis.
"It seemed quite logical and natural to write something about my motorcycle accident" states Idol, continuing "I may have been saying, well, this is what people go through when they are in trouble. Certainly, the motorcycle accident was the catharsis, the wake-up moment. Maybe I left behind the irreverent, youthful Billy and opened the door for a more attentive father and more sensitive musician. Something did get left by the roadside, but it was not necessarily a bad thing in the end."
Such reflections are captured in the lyrics of 'Bitter Taste,' one of four tracks on the new EP The Roadside, Billy Idol’s first new music for seven years.
For forty-five years, Billy Idol has been one of the faces and voices of rock ‘n’ roll, first as the front man for Generation X, before embarking in 1982 on a remarkable transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated clubland throb, wide-screen drama, rockabilly punk and rock and roll decadence.
Embracing the new MTV music channel, videos for 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' established Idol as one of the iconic performers of his generation, a position he still holds today.
Formed in California in 1978, The Go-Go’s became the first all-female band writing their own material and playing their own instruments to top the US Billboard album chart with multi-platinum debut, Beauty And The Beat.
The Go-Go’s recently released the single 'Club Zero,' their first new recording in nearly 20 years.
The band’s critically acclaimed documentary, The-Go-Go’s, captures them working on an early version of the song and is available as a 2-Disc set (DVD + Blu-ray) or download via Polygram/UMe.
With the successful run of their musical Head Over Heels on Broadway in 2018 and upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin continue to blaze trails for female fronted bands everywhere.
Embracing the new MTV music channel, videos for 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' established Idol as one of the iconic performers of his generation, a position he still holds today.
Formed in California in 1978, The Go-Go’s became the first all-female band writing their own material and playing their own instruments to top the US Billboard album chart with multi-platinum debut, Beauty And The Beat.
The Go-Go’s recently released the single 'Club Zero,' their first new recording in nearly 20 years.
The band’s critically acclaimed documentary, The-Go-Go’s, captures them working on an early version of the song and is available as a 2-Disc set (DVD + Blu-ray) or download via Polygram/UMe.
With the successful run of their musical Head Over Heels on Broadway in 2018 and upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin continue to blaze trails for female fronted bands everywhere.
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Singer, songwriter and guitarist Adam Norsworthy has brought together some of the finest & most respected musicians from the UK’s blues rock scene to back him on his forthcoming new solo album, Infinite Hotel.
For his fourth solo album, which will be released on March 4th, 2022, the versatile musician (front man & primary songwriter of The Mustangs; guitarist & songwriter in the highly regarded Milk Men; critically acclaimed singer-songwriter solo artist) is backed by a high-quality 'supergroup' band of Oli Brown (bass, guitar), Bennett Holland (keys), Rich Young (piano, synth) and Wayne Proctor (drums, production, mixing).
Infinite Hotel, a big sounding record that blends rock, blues, pop & folk, is preceded by the first single to be lifted from the album, the epic sounding blues ballad 'In Time I Will Forget You.'
For his fourth solo album, which will be released on March 4th, 2022, the versatile musician (front man & primary songwriter of The Mustangs; guitarist & songwriter in the highly regarded Milk Men; critically acclaimed singer-songwriter solo artist) is backed by a high-quality 'supergroup' band of Oli Brown (bass, guitar), Bennett Holland (keys), Rich Young (piano, synth) and Wayne Proctor (drums, production, mixing).
Infinite Hotel, a big sounding record that blends rock, blues, pop & folk, is preceded by the first single to be lifted from the album, the epic sounding blues ballad 'In Time I Will Forget You.'
Of the new single Adam Norsworthy says "I felt the song was almost like a bluesy James Bond theme tune, so I wanted one of those Bond dancing-girl silhouettes in the video.
The rest of the visuals are true to the lyrics... how the passing of deep time will one day distinguish everything that has ever grown or been built, everything that has ever been created, felt or thought.
Some people may feel that this is a depressing thought, I know others find it oddly comforting. I'm undecided myself, so I just make as much music as I can before the decay begins!"
The songs on Infinite Hotel explore themes of love, loss, mortality, the environment, and the human need to explore the cosmos and find not only meaning to life, but a new home – perhaps even a series of ‘hotel’ planets to be inhabited, one after the other, until the universe itself dies.
"There are such big themes on this album that it needed
a big sound, and we have got that," continues Adam,
"but it still boils down to the essential essence of a voice, a story and a guitar; critically, the intimacy is still there amidst the huge soundscapes of the songs."
The Mustangs, featuring Adam Norsworthy, are four-time British Blues Award nominees and one of the most-established and respected blues rock bands in the UK.
The Milk Men recently had national chart success when their latest album Deliverance broke into the Top 40 albums on The Amazon Chart.
Adam Norsworthy’s solo work, showcasing a more reflective side of the multi-faceted artist, has seen huge critical acclaim.
His 2016 album Rainbird was named singer-songwriter album of the year by various music websites including FabricationsHQ.
'In Time I Will Forget You' is available now to download or stream on all digital platforms.
More information about the artist at: www.adamnorsworthy.co.uk
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The rest of the visuals are true to the lyrics... how the passing of deep time will one day distinguish everything that has ever grown or been built, everything that has ever been created, felt or thought.
Some people may feel that this is a depressing thought, I know others find it oddly comforting. I'm undecided myself, so I just make as much music as I can before the decay begins!"
The songs on Infinite Hotel explore themes of love, loss, mortality, the environment, and the human need to explore the cosmos and find not only meaning to life, but a new home – perhaps even a series of ‘hotel’ planets to be inhabited, one after the other, until the universe itself dies.
"There are such big themes on this album that it needed
a big sound, and we have got that," continues Adam,
"but it still boils down to the essential essence of a voice, a story and a guitar; critically, the intimacy is still there amidst the huge soundscapes of the songs."
The Mustangs, featuring Adam Norsworthy, are four-time British Blues Award nominees and one of the most-established and respected blues rock bands in the UK.
The Milk Men recently had national chart success when their latest album Deliverance broke into the Top 40 albums on The Amazon Chart.
Adam Norsworthy’s solo work, showcasing a more reflective side of the multi-faceted artist, has seen huge critical acclaim.
His 2016 album Rainbird was named singer-songwriter album of the year by various music websites including FabricationsHQ.
'In Time I Will Forget You' is available now to download or stream on all digital platforms.
More information about the artist at: www.adamnorsworthy.co.uk
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Multi-disciplined musician, composer and producer/ director David Minasian has just released a Double
A sided single coupling the tracks 'Room With Dark Corners' & S'ummer's End.'
Following the 2020 release of his progressive art-rock album
The Sound of Dreams (featuring a who’s who of progressive rock royalty) David Minasian will release Random Dreams: The Very Best of David Minasian Vol. 1 later this year on Golden Robot Records.
A taster of the forthcoming Very Best Of first came via the remixed double-A sided single 'The Sound of Dreams' & 'Masquerade' and, now the 2021 remixes of 'Room With Dark Corners' & 'Summer’s End' (available on all digital platforms).
David Minasian enlisted the talents of Moody Blues vocalist Julie Ragins and Pentagram drummer Geof O’Keefe to help with the recording of 'Room With Dark Corners,' which originally featured on The Sound of Dreams.
One of the most compelling tracks from David Minasian’s 2010 symphonic rock masterpiece, Random Acts of Beauty, is 'Summer’s End,' featuring the emotive guitar work of David’s son Justin who delivered one of the album’s most powerful performances.
A sided single coupling the tracks 'Room With Dark Corners' & S'ummer's End.'
Following the 2020 release of his progressive art-rock album
The Sound of Dreams (featuring a who’s who of progressive rock royalty) David Minasian will release Random Dreams: The Very Best of David Minasian Vol. 1 later this year on Golden Robot Records.
A taster of the forthcoming Very Best Of first came via the remixed double-A sided single 'The Sound of Dreams' & 'Masquerade' and, now the 2021 remixes of 'Room With Dark Corners' & 'Summer’s End' (available on all digital platforms).
David Minasian enlisted the talents of Moody Blues vocalist Julie Ragins and Pentagram drummer Geof O’Keefe to help with the recording of 'Room With Dark Corners,' which originally featured on The Sound of Dreams.
One of the most compelling tracks from David Minasian’s 2010 symphonic rock masterpiece, Random Acts of Beauty, is 'Summer’s End,' featuring the emotive guitar work of David’s son Justin who delivered one of the album’s most powerful performances.
David Minasian is a keyboardist, vocalist, composer and producer who began classical piano training at the age of five. His critically acclaimed 2010 album Random Acts of Beauty became one of the biggest progressive rock releases of the year and featured a rare guest appearance by legendary guitarist Andrew Latimer of the English progressive rock band Camel.
As a motion picture producer, director and writer David Minasian has over 150 credits to his name.
He has worked alongside the likes of Mel Gibson and Martin Landau, as well as many musical icons including Elton John, The Moody Blues, Alan Parsons, Kris Kristofferson and Three Dog Night.
Listen / purchase Room With Dark Corners / Summer's End here.
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As a motion picture producer, director and writer David Minasian has over 150 credits to his name.
He has worked alongside the likes of Mel Gibson and Martin Landau, as well as many musical icons including Elton John, The Moody Blues, Alan Parsons, Kris Kristofferson and Three Dog Night.
Listen / purchase Room With Dark Corners / Summer's End here.
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Semi-legendary garden machinery obsessed thrash (or perhaps thresh?) merchants Lawnmower Deth are heading back to the studio shed for their first album in nearly thirty years.
Off the back of their Bloodstock 2021 headline appearance (described as "a perfect ninety minutes of utter stupidity" by one reviewer) Lawnmower Deth return to the music fold with their first album since 1993’s Billy.
The forthcoming Blunt Cutters is guaranteed to tears through the weeds and reignite the oddball and irreverently thrash-punk sound of the band as made (in)famous with by the likes of Ooh Crikey, It’s…Lawnmower Deth (1990) and Return of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns (1992).
Formed in Nottingham in 1987, the band split in 1994 after three albums.
Reuniting after being asked to support Bullet for My Valentine at Alexandra Palace in 2008, that supposed one-off gig became a permanent fixture – the band have since graced Download six times, Bloodstock three and sightings at Hammerfest, Wildfire, Damnation and more.
Lawnmower Deth are also known for their Christmas single 'F U Kristmas' and enduring cover of the Kim Wilde classic 'Kids In America,' which they performed together, with two other quick-fire songs, at Download 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rSK_MnDOXs
(Whether Kim appears on Blunt Cutters, you’ll have to wait and see/ hear).
As regards the Chris Clancy (Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows) produced album, tracks such as 'Into The Pit,' 'I Don’t Want To' and 'Deth! Maim! Kill!' are about as thrash as you can get without wanting to sue for whiplash, while songs like 'Swarfega,' 'Space Herpes' and 'Good Morning Phil' are genuinely funny (proof the band have lost none of their sense of humour).
Blunt Cutters. May tour chosen God have mercy on your souls. Oh, and fetch the compost.
Lawnmower Death – Blunt Cutters (Cherry Red Records/ Dissonance Productions).
Released on CD & Digital/ Streaming January 28th 2022
Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl available June 24th 2022
Track listing:
Into the Pit; I Don’t Want To; Botheration; Swarfega; Bastard Squad; Now He’s a Priest; Good Morning, Phil; Bobblehead; Raise Your Snails; Deth! Maim! Kill!; Christ Options; Hell’s Teeth; Blunt Cutters; Space Herpes; Nothing But Noise; Goodnight, Bob; Power Bagging; Agency of C.O.B.
Lawnmower Deth play the Garage in London on Saturday 18th December; more live dates are expected to be announced soon.
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Off the back of their Bloodstock 2021 headline appearance (described as "a perfect ninety minutes of utter stupidity" by one reviewer) Lawnmower Deth return to the music fold with their first album since 1993’s Billy.
The forthcoming Blunt Cutters is guaranteed to tears through the weeds and reignite the oddball and irreverently thrash-punk sound of the band as made (in)famous with by the likes of Ooh Crikey, It’s…Lawnmower Deth (1990) and Return of the Fabulous Metal Bozo Clowns (1992).
Formed in Nottingham in 1987, the band split in 1994 after three albums.
Reuniting after being asked to support Bullet for My Valentine at Alexandra Palace in 2008, that supposed one-off gig became a permanent fixture – the band have since graced Download six times, Bloodstock three and sightings at Hammerfest, Wildfire, Damnation and more.
Lawnmower Deth are also known for their Christmas single 'F U Kristmas' and enduring cover of the Kim Wilde classic 'Kids In America,' which they performed together, with two other quick-fire songs, at Download 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rSK_MnDOXs
(Whether Kim appears on Blunt Cutters, you’ll have to wait and see/ hear).
As regards the Chris Clancy (Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows) produced album, tracks such as 'Into The Pit,' 'I Don’t Want To' and 'Deth! Maim! Kill!' are about as thrash as you can get without wanting to sue for whiplash, while songs like 'Swarfega,' 'Space Herpes' and 'Good Morning Phil' are genuinely funny (proof the band have lost none of their sense of humour).
Blunt Cutters. May tour chosen God have mercy on your souls. Oh, and fetch the compost.
Lawnmower Death – Blunt Cutters (Cherry Red Records/ Dissonance Productions).
Released on CD & Digital/ Streaming January 28th 2022
Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl available June 24th 2022
Track listing:
Into the Pit; I Don’t Want To; Botheration; Swarfega; Bastard Squad; Now He’s a Priest; Good Morning, Phil; Bobblehead; Raise Your Snails; Deth! Maim! Kill!; Christ Options; Hell’s Teeth; Blunt Cutters; Space Herpes; Nothing But Noise; Goodnight, Bob; Power Bagging; Agency of C.O.B.
Lawnmower Deth play the Garage in London on Saturday 18th December; more live dates are expected to be announced soon.
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Montreal-based retro-styled rock quartet The Damn Truth have released 'Tomorrow' as a single with accompanying and seriously cool music video.
'Tomorrow' is lifted from the band’s outstanding third album Now Or Nowhere, which garnered Feature Album Review (album of the month choice) on FabricationsHQ earlier in the year:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/the-damn-truth---now-or-nowhere.html
The anthemic song, complete with big earworm chorus, is accompanied by cleverly woven "time-spanning" video (a visual performance journey through the 60s, 70s & 90s; each era being a major influences on the band) directed by Ariel Levesque and Ben Gelfand at I/O Studio in Montreal.
'Tomorrow' is lifted from the band’s outstanding third album Now Or Nowhere, which garnered Feature Album Review (album of the month choice) on FabricationsHQ earlier in the year:
http://www.fabricationshq.com/the-damn-truth---now-or-nowhere.html
The anthemic song, complete with big earworm chorus, is accompanied by cleverly woven "time-spanning" video (a visual performance journey through the 60s, 70s & 90s; each era being a major influences on the band) directed by Ariel Levesque and Ben Gelfand at I/O Studio in Montreal.
The 'Tomorrow' video was as real for the band as a time travelling visual could produce – "we time travelled to some of our favourite musical eras and what a trip it was!" commented singer & guitarist Lee-La Baum, while the guys in the band actually did shave off their facial hair for the '60s' scenes, once all other sequences were shot.
"With a reputation like ours; cleaning up was a challenge" confirms drummer Dave Traina – "my upper lip hadn't seen the light of day in over a decade!"
The Damn Truth will embark on a 13-date UK tour in February 2022 as Special Guests to King King.
In addition, the band will headline their own shows at Leek Foxlowe Arts (Feb 13), Leeds Lending Room (Feb 15), Bristol Exchange (Feb 16), and Southampton 1865 (Feb 25).
Tickets are available from www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
“We’re looking forward to touring the UK,” says lead singer and guitarist, Lee-la Baum. “Last time we played the UK was a one-night banger in London that left us wanting for more. We cannot wait to come back and hit the road in the UK!”
The Damn Truth - Special Guests to King King, February 2022
(* The Damn Truth Headline date)
York, Grand Opera House - Thursday 10th February
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Friday 11th February
Glasgow, O2 Academy - Saturday 12th February
* Leek, Foxlowe Arts - Sunday 13th February
* Leeds, Lending Room - Tuesday 15th February
* Bristol, Exchange - Wednesday 16th February
Manchester, Academy - Thursday 17th February
Sheffield, Leadmill - Saturday 19th February
Cardiff, Y Plas - Sunday 20th February
Birmingham, Town Hall - Tuesday 22nd February
Bury St Edmunds, The Apex Arts Centre - Wednesday 23rd February
London, Electric Ballroom - Thursday 24th February
* Southampton, The 1865 - Friday 25th February
https://linktr.ee/thedamntruth www.thedamntruth.com
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"With a reputation like ours; cleaning up was a challenge" confirms drummer Dave Traina – "my upper lip hadn't seen the light of day in over a decade!"
The Damn Truth will embark on a 13-date UK tour in February 2022 as Special Guests to King King.
In addition, the band will headline their own shows at Leek Foxlowe Arts (Feb 13), Leeds Lending Room (Feb 15), Bristol Exchange (Feb 16), and Southampton 1865 (Feb 25).
Tickets are available from www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
“We’re looking forward to touring the UK,” says lead singer and guitarist, Lee-la Baum. “Last time we played the UK was a one-night banger in London that left us wanting for more. We cannot wait to come back and hit the road in the UK!”
The Damn Truth - Special Guests to King King, February 2022
(* The Damn Truth Headline date)
York, Grand Opera House - Thursday 10th February
Newcastle, Boiler Shop - Friday 11th February
Glasgow, O2 Academy - Saturday 12th February
* Leek, Foxlowe Arts - Sunday 13th February
* Leeds, Lending Room - Tuesday 15th February
* Bristol, Exchange - Wednesday 16th February
Manchester, Academy - Thursday 17th February
Sheffield, Leadmill - Saturday 19th February
Cardiff, Y Plas - Sunday 20th February
Birmingham, Town Hall - Tuesday 22nd February
Bury St Edmunds, The Apex Arts Centre - Wednesday 23rd February
London, Electric Ballroom - Thursday 24th February
* Southampton, The 1865 - Friday 25th February
https://linktr.ee/thedamntruth www.thedamntruth.com
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Rootsy, genre bending singer-guitarist Samantha Fish will embark on a nine concert tour of the UK through January 30th to February 8th, 2022.
The tour will include a show at London’s iconic venue Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Special guest at all shows are Wille & The Bandits.
Tickets are available from www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets, www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets, www.samanthafish.com/tour and, for the Wolverhampton show, www.kkssteelmill.co.uk
"It was strange (and ambitious) announcing a tour because we were all locked down fighting this virus.
We’re still fighting! We’ve had to amend some dates along with a couple of new shows for our January and February 2022 UK tour, in some amazing venues. I can’t wait to get out there and play for you all"
- Samantha Fish
The tour is in support of Samantha Fish’s latest album Faster, which was released by Rounder Records on September 10th.
The album includes the singles 'Twisted Ambition,' 'Better Be Lonely' and latest offering, the driving by and checking out heavy-pop blues of 'Faster.'
The tour will include a show at London’s iconic venue Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Special guest at all shows are Wille & The Bandits.
Tickets are available from www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets, www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets, www.samanthafish.com/tour and, for the Wolverhampton show, www.kkssteelmill.co.uk
"It was strange (and ambitious) announcing a tour because we were all locked down fighting this virus.
We’re still fighting! We’ve had to amend some dates along with a couple of new shows for our January and February 2022 UK tour, in some amazing venues. I can’t wait to get out there and play for you all"
- Samantha Fish
The tour is in support of Samantha Fish’s latest album Faster, which was released by Rounder Records on September 10th.
The album includes the singles 'Twisted Ambition,' 'Better Be Lonely' and latest offering, the driving by and checking out heavy-pop blues of 'Faster.'
Faster, the follow-up to 2019's acclaimed Kill or Be Kind, marks Samantha Fish's first collaboration with producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga, Sting), who co-wrote eight of the album's twelve songs and helped the multi-dimensional artist strike out into further, new sonic territory.
Never doing the same album twice is very much part of Samantha Fish’s musical modus operandi; this is a powerful live performer who has released a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless spirit consistently taking new musical directions.
"I'm never going be a traditional blues artist, because that's not who I am; but it's all the blues for me. When Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf came out, what they were doing didn't sound like anything that had been done in blues before. You've got to keep that kind of fire and spirit. I'm never going to do Muddy Waters better than Muddy Waters, so I have to be who I am and find my best voice."
Never doing the same album twice is very much part of Samantha Fish’s musical modus operandi; this is a powerful live performer who has released a series of acclaimed albums that have shown her restless spirit consistently taking new musical directions.
"I'm never going be a traditional blues artist, because that's not who I am; but it's all the blues for me. When Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf came out, what they were doing didn't sound like anything that had been done in blues before. You've got to keep that kind of fire and spirit. I'm never going to do Muddy Waters better than Muddy Waters, so I have to be who I am and find my best voice."
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The legendary Vanilla Fudge, the original line-up of Mark Stein, Carmine Appice, Vincent Martel and the late Tim Bogert, are together one final time to take listeners on a psychedelically-tinged journey through their fully fudged up, six-minute version of The Supremes classic 'Stop In The Name Of Love,' dedicated to "The Legacy Of Tim Bogert."
Back in 2019, vocalist & keyboardist Mark Stein put together an idea for Vanilla Fudge to do an arrangement for 'Stop In The Name Of Love,' hoping to capture the lightning in a bottle that happened with the band’s classic arrangement of The Supremes 'You Keep Me Hangin’ On' back in 1967 (a track that has remained current decades after its release thanks to TV and film placements such as The Sopranos finale and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood respectively).
While the Fudge was out on tour later in 2019 they went into the studio and laid down tracks that would be the foundation of this new release, as Mark Stein explains:
"In mid-2019 I put together a blueprint for an arrangement for Stop in the Name of Love; later that year we went into the studio and recorded the track. We planned to complete it but there were delays and then the pandemic put everything on hold."
By the time they got around to completing the song, renowned bassist Tim Bogert was very ill, but he managed to record his parts at Jorgen Carlsson’s (the bass player for Gov't Mule) studio in LA.
Tim Bogert sadly passed away in January of this year.
"It was very cool that we were able to get Timmy on the track" adds guitarist Vince Martel; "he gave me a great template to build on with my guitar. I created an East Indian raga intro in the spirit of our early albums and rocked out at the end. Hold on tight everybody, cause here comes The Fudge!"
'Stop In The Name Of Love' is available now via Golden Robot Records.
Vanilla Fudge Official Website: www.vanillafudge.com
While the Fudge was out on tour later in 2019 they went into the studio and laid down tracks that would be the foundation of this new release, as Mark Stein explains:
"In mid-2019 I put together a blueprint for an arrangement for Stop in the Name of Love; later that year we went into the studio and recorded the track. We planned to complete it but there were delays and then the pandemic put everything on hold."
By the time they got around to completing the song, renowned bassist Tim Bogert was very ill, but he managed to record his parts at Jorgen Carlsson’s (the bass player for Gov't Mule) studio in LA.
Tim Bogert sadly passed away in January of this year.
"It was very cool that we were able to get Timmy on the track" adds guitarist Vince Martel; "he gave me a great template to build on with my guitar. I created an East Indian raga intro in the spirit of our early albums and rocked out at the end. Hold on tight everybody, cause here comes The Fudge!"
'Stop In The Name Of Love' is available now via Golden Robot Records.
Vanilla Fudge Official Website: www.vanillafudge.com
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Australian teenage rocker Cassidy Paris has released a new single, 'Wannabe.'
The song is lifted from her forthcoming 5-track EP FLIRT, which will be released 1st September
Pre-order here: https://www.ecwid.com/store/store14194061/
The rocky punk-pop of 'Wannabe' sees Cassidy Paris delivering a song based on personal experience about society’s obsession with popularity through lyrical finger pointing at fakery and celebrity.
"The song focuses on the obsession today’s youth has on popularity and how they are willing to sacrifice their friendships and integrity for it" says Cassidy Paris, continuing: "they all want to be Tik Tok or YouTube Stars. I have never really understood how people can fake friendships; talentless people are trying to become famous for doing nothing at all."
The song is lifted from her forthcoming 5-track EP FLIRT, which will be released 1st September
Pre-order here: https://www.ecwid.com/store/store14194061/
The rocky punk-pop of 'Wannabe' sees Cassidy Paris delivering a song based on personal experience about society’s obsession with popularity through lyrical finger pointing at fakery and celebrity.
"The song focuses on the obsession today’s youth has on popularity and how they are willing to sacrifice their friendships and integrity for it" says Cassidy Paris, continuing: "they all want to be Tik Tok or YouTube Stars. I have never really understood how people can fake friendships; talentless people are trying to become famous for doing nothing at all."
'Wannabee' follows on from 2020 single 'Like I Never Loved You,' which received rave reviews worldwide.
'Like I Never Loved You' will also feature on the EP.
Inspired by female rockers such as Lzzy Hale, Joan Jett, Pink, Pat Benatar & Avril Lavigne, the fiercely determined Cassidy Paris is on a mission to inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to Rock n Roll, but pick up a guitar instead of a phone.
From early on, Cassidy Paris wanted to deliver a strong message through her music.
In 2018 she released the ballad 'Stand,' a heartfelt song about standing up for yourself as a young woman. She continues to deliver that message by promoting anti-bullying through performances at many schools around Melbourne; she is also an active campaigner for the worldwide Metalheads Against Bullying organisation.
Musically, Cassidy Paris’s talents have not gone unnoticed – Fender have joined forces with her as an endorsee of Fender Squier Guitars and she made the semi-finals of the International Songwritng Competition (ISC) for Best Rock Song and Best Unsigned Artist.
Cassidy Paris recently joined Polestar’s roster of bands, which will see her tour the UK in 2022.
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'Like I Never Loved You' will also feature on the EP.
Inspired by female rockers such as Lzzy Hale, Joan Jett, Pink, Pat Benatar & Avril Lavigne, the fiercely determined Cassidy Paris is on a mission to inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to Rock n Roll, but pick up a guitar instead of a phone.
From early on, Cassidy Paris wanted to deliver a strong message through her music.
In 2018 she released the ballad 'Stand,' a heartfelt song about standing up for yourself as a young woman. She continues to deliver that message by promoting anti-bullying through performances at many schools around Melbourne; she is also an active campaigner for the worldwide Metalheads Against Bullying organisation.
Musically, Cassidy Paris’s talents have not gone unnoticed – Fender have joined forces with her as an endorsee of Fender Squier Guitars and she made the semi-finals of the International Songwritng Competition (ISC) for Best Rock Song and Best Unsigned Artist.
Cassidy Paris recently joined Polestar’s roster of bands, which will see her tour the UK in 2022.
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Nashville based (but far from traditionally Nashville sounding) duo The Bloody Nerve have returned five years on from their noted debut album Taste (a creative blend of Delta meets the Rolling Stones (had they been from Nashville) meet alt-pop blues) with a bigger, bolder and rockier statement that will be second album, All Blood, No Treasure.
The new album is a two-fold concept; while the songs tell "the story about the battle of individualism and collectivism that is somehow still raging on today" as outlined by guitarist/ singer Stacey Blood, the album itself will be conceptually serialised and released "episodically" (and by "Act," via four EPs) like a Netflix series.
The first act of three episodes/ tracks, Act 1, is out now, as is 'Episode 3 : Roads' as a single, with accompanying video.
Of the song, Bloody Nerve vocalist Laurie Anne Layne says "A lot of the album was written over a few years but Roads was written right before the pandemic - ‘‘Clean up, you’re contagious,” right?
Coming from November of 2019, that’s been a pretty spooky lyric lying around.
The song is about the culture wars of the 21st Century, but who knew an actual contagion would be flashing shades of that in our world just a few months later? Yeah, pretty spooky!"
The new album is a two-fold concept; while the songs tell "the story about the battle of individualism and collectivism that is somehow still raging on today" as outlined by guitarist/ singer Stacey Blood, the album itself will be conceptually serialised and released "episodically" (and by "Act," via four EPs) like a Netflix series.
The first act of three episodes/ tracks, Act 1, is out now, as is 'Episode 3 : Roads' as a single, with accompanying video.
Of the song, Bloody Nerve vocalist Laurie Anne Layne says "A lot of the album was written over a few years but Roads was written right before the pandemic - ‘‘Clean up, you’re contagious,” right?
Coming from November of 2019, that’s been a pretty spooky lyric lying around.
The song is about the culture wars of the 21st Century, but who knew an actual contagion would be flashing shades of that in our world just a few months later? Yeah, pretty spooky!"
'Roads,' a radio broadcast styled call top arms over an uncompromising and anarchic post-punk soundscape, follows on from the grunge 'n' roll of 'Episode 2 : What’s It Say? (About You)' and last year’s ear catching (courtesy of Laurie Ann Layne’s powerful vocal performance) 'Episode 1 – A Million Arms.'
All three tracks make up Act 1, which is available now on all digital platforms and a limited edition CD.
CD link: https://thebloodynerve.com/product/all-blood-no-treasure-act-i/
Website: https://thebloodynerve.com/
"All Blood, No Treasure ain’t going to be no flash in the pan. It will be a slow-burner (lots of mileage), and like all good television series, there will be lots of cliff-hangers along the way!" - Stacey Blood
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All three tracks make up Act 1, which is available now on all digital platforms and a limited edition CD.
CD link: https://thebloodynerve.com/product/all-blood-no-treasure-act-i/
Website: https://thebloodynerve.com/
"All Blood, No Treasure ain’t going to be no flash in the pan. It will be a slow-burner (lots of mileage), and like all good television series, there will be lots of cliff-hangers along the way!" - Stacey Blood
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Scottish band The Outfit, originally formed around bass legend Chris Glen (most famously a mainstay of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Michael Schenker Group alumni member), have reintroduced themselves post lockdown and following last year’s livestream, with a new original number, 'You Move My Heart.'
Featuring Chris Glen, vocalist Chris Aylward, guitarist Peter Higgins (Chris Slade's Timeline, Glen-White-McManus) and drummer John Clelland (Thundercloud, Eden’s Curse, Code Of Silence) 'You Move My Heart' is a chunky slice of hard melodic rock that recalls the likes of Thunder, Brian Howe led Bad Company and late 80s/ early 90s ‘hook’ rock.
Featuring Chris Glen, vocalist Chris Aylward, guitarist Peter Higgins (Chris Slade's Timeline, Glen-White-McManus) and drummer John Clelland (Thundercloud, Eden’s Curse, Code Of Silence) 'You Move My Heart' is a chunky slice of hard melodic rock that recalls the likes of Thunder, Brian Howe led Bad Company and late 80s/ early 90s ‘hook’ rock.
The single can be purchased now at https://theoutfitscotland.bandcamp.com/track/you-move-my-heart
It will also be available soon on all major digital streaming platforms.
Recorded at Substation Studio, Rosyth. Sound recording, mixing & mastering – Michael Brennan.
Additional keyboards – Stuart Clyde (Stillmarillion, Glasgow), on Hammond and Wurlitzer.
Video Direction and Production – Graham "Gebs" Gebbie. Additional Video Recording – Mike Drew
Video recorded at Berkeley2 Studios, Glasgow.
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It will also be available soon on all major digital streaming platforms.
Recorded at Substation Studio, Rosyth. Sound recording, mixing & mastering – Michael Brennan.
Additional keyboards – Stuart Clyde (Stillmarillion, Glasgow), on Hammond and Wurlitzer.
Video Direction and Production – Graham "Gebs" Gebbie. Additional Video Recording – Mike Drew
Video recorded at Berkeley2 Studios, Glasgow.
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It’s fair to say multi-talented composer, performer and blues rock musician Mike Ross has kept himself musically busy through lockdowns and lack of live performance.
Having recently released his new album The Clovis Limit : Tennessee Transition (an acoustic companion piece to the critically acclaimed The Clovis Limit Pt 1 and Pt 2 albums), and on the back of a successfully funded remix & restoration project for previously unreleased album Lay it Bare by Taller Than (Mike Ross’s old band; click here to read FabricationsHQ's review), the multi-faceted musician has now completed another successful funding campaign for Origin Story, an album of new recordings of old songs.
The chosen tracks, sourced from the Mike Ross archive of cassette and DAT tapes, CD-Rs and 1/2" tape masters (most of which have lain undisturbed since 1997) will showcase Ross’s 1990s career history from his time in Afterglow (1994-1996) and Mother Sugar (1996-1997), and on to forming the power trio Taller Than in 1998.
Four songs from each band (including some very rare tracks from the Taller Than repertoire), newly
re-recorded, will form the album.
The newly re-recorded 'Seabird' (originally performed by Afterglow) has been released as a Video Single.
Having recently released his new album The Clovis Limit : Tennessee Transition (an acoustic companion piece to the critically acclaimed The Clovis Limit Pt 1 and Pt 2 albums), and on the back of a successfully funded remix & restoration project for previously unreleased album Lay it Bare by Taller Than (Mike Ross’s old band; click here to read FabricationsHQ's review), the multi-faceted musician has now completed another successful funding campaign for Origin Story, an album of new recordings of old songs.
The chosen tracks, sourced from the Mike Ross archive of cassette and DAT tapes, CD-Rs and 1/2" tape masters (most of which have lain undisturbed since 1997) will showcase Ross’s 1990s career history from his time in Afterglow (1994-1996) and Mother Sugar (1996-1997), and on to forming the power trio Taller Than in 1998.
Four songs from each band (including some very rare tracks from the Taller Than repertoire), newly
re-recorded, will form the album.
The newly re-recorded 'Seabird' (originally performed by Afterglow) has been released as a Video Single.
If that's not enough Mike Ross (who has clearly found a way to get 25 hours into his day), bolstered by the crowd funded success of both Lay it Bare and Origin Story, is now also working on an instrumental project.
Entitled Peach Jam, the project is built upon the back of the aforementioned Origin Story.
A pre-order link for Peach Jam (which will be in the form of a highly collectable 12" Picture Disc with accompanying CD) is now available on Mike Ross's website:
https://shop.mikerossmusic.co.uk/product/peach-jam-12-album-picture-disc-pre-order
Of the proposed instrumental album, which has a scheduled release of January 2022, Mike Ross says:
"It's influenced by classic US jam bands like The Grateful Dead &The Allman Brothers and 70's Krautrock artists such as Nectar and Agitation Free.
I've been working on it alongside the Origin Story material and it's going to be really special - somewhat similar to the instrumental 'Unforgiven' from my album 'The Clovis Limit Pt.2' but with many many more twists and turns! You can learn more about it by watching the following video."
Entitled Peach Jam, the project is built upon the back of the aforementioned Origin Story.
A pre-order link for Peach Jam (which will be in the form of a highly collectable 12" Picture Disc with accompanying CD) is now available on Mike Ross's website:
https://shop.mikerossmusic.co.uk/product/peach-jam-12-album-picture-disc-pre-order
Of the proposed instrumental album, which has a scheduled release of January 2022, Mike Ross says:
"It's influenced by classic US jam bands like The Grateful Dead &The Allman Brothers and 70's Krautrock artists such as Nectar and Agitation Free.
I've been working on it alongside the Origin Story material and it's going to be really special - somewhat similar to the instrumental 'Unforgiven' from my album 'The Clovis Limit Pt.2' but with many many more twists and turns! You can learn more about it by watching the following video."
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Midlands based, rock 'n' soul-inspired quartet Rainbreakers are returning to the fray with impressive new material that will see the light of day on their forthcoming new album, to be released later this year.
The band’s return, which follows their seriously impressive 2018 full-length debut album Face To Face, was celebrated first by the single 'Ashes,' and now by the follow-up 'Light Me Up' and its accompanying Official Video (directed, filmed and edited by Morgan Tedd at Erase Creative, assisted by Joel Seccombe).
The band’s return, which follows their seriously impressive 2018 full-length debut album Face To Face, was celebrated first by the single 'Ashes,' and now by the follow-up 'Light Me Up' and its accompanying Official Video (directed, filmed and edited by Morgan Tedd at Erase Creative, assisted by Joel Seccombe).
You can purchase the new single (in limited edition 7" vinyl), previous single 'Ashes' and pre-order the new album (plus various merch bundle offers) at the band's on-line shop: https://www.therainbreakers.com/shop
The Rainbreakers are:
Ben Edwards (vocals); Charlie Richards (guitar); Ash Milburn (bass), Sam Edwards (drums).
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The Rainbreakers are:
Ben Edwards (vocals); Charlie Richards (guitar); Ash Milburn (bass), Sam Edwards (drums).
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They’re gonna put me in the movies (soundtrack)... or how an icy road led to a gritty sounding supergroup known as the L.A. Rats...
When Big Machine Label Group founder and entrepreneur Scott Borchetta was tasked with helming the soundtrack to Liam Neeson’s upcoming Netflix thriller The Ice Road, and knowing he wanted a rocking psycho-billy track to anchor an eclectic collection of songs, he called his friend and bassist Nikki Sixx about a collaboration with vocalist Rob Zombie.
Eschewing the possibility of a new song, the now four-piece group – Nicki Sixx, Rob Zombie, Zombie’s guitarist John 5 and drummer Tommy Clufetos – chose to pick out the oft-covered and later Johnny Cash classic 'I’ve Been Everywhere' (a song that was always earmarked as potential inclusion).
Fair to say they made it their own…
When Big Machine Label Group founder and entrepreneur Scott Borchetta was tasked with helming the soundtrack to Liam Neeson’s upcoming Netflix thriller The Ice Road, and knowing he wanted a rocking psycho-billy track to anchor an eclectic collection of songs, he called his friend and bassist Nikki Sixx about a collaboration with vocalist Rob Zombie.
Eschewing the possibility of a new song, the now four-piece group – Nicki Sixx, Rob Zombie, Zombie’s guitarist John 5 and drummer Tommy Clufetos – chose to pick out the oft-covered and later Johnny Cash classic 'I’ve Been Everywhere' (a song that was always earmarked as potential inclusion).
Fair to say they made it their own…
"This song is so rock & roll, is so country, is so all of it – the traveling circus, city to city, riff to riff, greasy cheeseburger, rinse and repeat; poetry based on reality – it’s something every one of us has lived!
We wanted to bring that fire that’s Johnny Cash, but it’s also how do we flip it? John 5 and I brought in this Zeppeliny half-time thing from the beginning with Rob talking on the outro.
But I also did some stuff that suggested the original, like those big walks through the guitar parts upright player style. We all had that freedom to go other places, and we did!" - Nikki Sixx
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We wanted to bring that fire that’s Johnny Cash, but it’s also how do we flip it? John 5 and I brought in this Zeppeliny half-time thing from the beginning with Rob talking on the outro.
But I also did some stuff that suggested the original, like those big walks through the guitar parts upright player style. We all had that freedom to go other places, and we did!" - Nikki Sixx
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'Walking Free,' the first single release from trad/roots-blues Scottish duo Sister Gavin and the Gator (aka singer Adele Gavin and highly expressive blues-slide guitarist Iain Donald), couldn’t be better timed.
At the heart of the song’s pleaful and evocative vocal, slide and handclaps arrangement is a traditionally framed, delta meets gospel blues; but it also doubles as an uplifting, soulful cry to remain positive in the current state of global affairs and the hope we can, indeed, all be walking free from pandemic and political divide in a future yet to be realised.
Strong as the song is, it becomes even more the story-telling number when set within the accompanying Lyric Video...
At the heart of the song’s pleaful and evocative vocal, slide and handclaps arrangement is a traditionally framed, delta meets gospel blues; but it also doubles as an uplifting, soulful cry to remain positive in the current state of global affairs and the hope we can, indeed, all be walking free from pandemic and political divide in a future yet to be realised.
Strong as the song is, it becomes even more the story-telling number when set within the accompanying Lyric Video...
Singer-songwriter Adele Gavin and guitarist Iain Donald formed a musical partnership in 2019 when the two friends played together at a jam session and brought new life to each other’s music.
During the first Covid Lockdown the duo isolated together in order to stream live music through the
Covid-19 Charity Page they had set up to help musicians raise money for local charities in Scotland and encourage people to remain hopeful whilst at home; they continue to perform live-steam concerts during the second lockdown.
An otherwise unavailable and longer version of 'Walking Free' (a more "fife & drum" arrangement featuring drummer Dave Cantwell) can be purchased via the duo's Bandcamp page: https://sistergavinandthegator.bandcamp.com/
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During the first Covid Lockdown the duo isolated together in order to stream live music through the
Covid-19 Charity Page they had set up to help musicians raise money for local charities in Scotland and encourage people to remain hopeful whilst at home; they continue to perform live-steam concerts during the second lockdown.
An otherwise unavailable and longer version of 'Walking Free' (a more "fife & drum" arrangement featuring drummer Dave Cantwell) can be purchased via the duo's Bandcamp page: https://sistergavinandthegator.bandcamp.com/
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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