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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Singer/ multi-instrumentalist/ producer Robert Berry’s new album, The Rules Have Changed, will be released under the banner name 3.2 on Frontiers Records on August 10th.
The 3.2 title (while still retaining The Rules Have Changed sub-title) is in honour of the late Keith Emerson.
The album features song writing contributions and musical ideas from the late keyboard legend (Berry was a band mate of Emerson and Carl Palmer on their melodic rock trio project, 3, which produced the AOR-prog classic …To The Power of Three in 1988) and is also the last musical project Keith Emerson was involved with prior to his untimely and tragic death in 2016.
The origins of 3 came from a plan to form a more melodic, commercially geared band featuring the talents of Keith Emerson, Robert Berry and Carl Palmer; the results were ...To The Power of Three released b Geffen Records in 1988.
The first single, 'Talkin' 'Bout' was a Top 10 Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart success; 3 successfully toured the US in support the album.
Geffen urged the band to go back into the studio to begin work on a second album but Keith Emerson felt uncomfortable with Geffen’s inconsistent promotional strategy that cut the first album's success short, consequently prompting the band to call it quits (several songs were already written for the band’s second album however, a number of which were later released on Robert Berry’s solo album Pilgrimage To a Point).
In late 2015, conversations about a new 3 album started between Robert Berry and Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino. Berry relayed those conversations to Keith Emerson which led to the interest in pursuing the project.
After Keith Emerson’s death in 2016, Robert Berry was left with the keyboardist’s musical ideas for the project.
Old cassette tapes (residual 3 writings from 1988), keyboard parts written over the phone and long discussions between the two musicians about the style and sound of the album led to the framework of what has become 3.2 : The Rules Have Changed.
"Keith and I developed together a vision of what the new album would be like. The new album consists of some past 3 writing from 1988, some newly written last efforts from Keith, and some songs written exclusively by me after Keith’s death. It was so important to me to fulfil our vision for this album.
I believe Keith worked through me. I especially felt him with me when I did the solos. The solos are played by me, but, at the same time, also by him. I would never say I was even close to being the player Keith was, but I believe you can hear his spirit in the sound and in my playing..."
Robert Berry
The 3.2 title (while still retaining The Rules Have Changed sub-title) is in honour of the late Keith Emerson.
The album features song writing contributions and musical ideas from the late keyboard legend (Berry was a band mate of Emerson and Carl Palmer on their melodic rock trio project, 3, which produced the AOR-prog classic …To The Power of Three in 1988) and is also the last musical project Keith Emerson was involved with prior to his untimely and tragic death in 2016.
The origins of 3 came from a plan to form a more melodic, commercially geared band featuring the talents of Keith Emerson, Robert Berry and Carl Palmer; the results were ...To The Power of Three released b Geffen Records in 1988.
The first single, 'Talkin' 'Bout' was a Top 10 Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart success; 3 successfully toured the US in support the album.
Geffen urged the band to go back into the studio to begin work on a second album but Keith Emerson felt uncomfortable with Geffen’s inconsistent promotional strategy that cut the first album's success short, consequently prompting the band to call it quits (several songs were already written for the band’s second album however, a number of which were later released on Robert Berry’s solo album Pilgrimage To a Point).
In late 2015, conversations about a new 3 album started between Robert Berry and Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino. Berry relayed those conversations to Keith Emerson which led to the interest in pursuing the project.
After Keith Emerson’s death in 2016, Robert Berry was left with the keyboardist’s musical ideas for the project.
Old cassette tapes (residual 3 writings from 1988), keyboard parts written over the phone and long discussions between the two musicians about the style and sound of the album led to the framework of what has become 3.2 : The Rules Have Changed.
"Keith and I developed together a vision of what the new album would be like. The new album consists of some past 3 writing from 1988, some newly written last efforts from Keith, and some songs written exclusively by me after Keith’s death. It was so important to me to fulfil our vision for this album.
I believe Keith worked through me. I especially felt him with me when I did the solos. The solos are played by me, but, at the same time, also by him. I would never say I was even close to being the player Keith was, but I believe you can hear his spirit in the sound and in my playing..."
Robert Berry
Robert Berry - 3.2 : The Rules Have Changed. Released on Frontiers Records, August 10th.
Track listing:
One by One; Powerful Man; The Rules Have Changed; Our Bond; What You’re Dreaming Now; Somebody’s Watching; This Letter; Your Mark on The World.
Produced, recorded and mixed by Robert Berry
Songwriters and arrangements: Keith Emerson and Robert Berry
Instrumentation: Robert Berry
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Track listing:
One by One; Powerful Man; The Rules Have Changed; Our Bond; What You’re Dreaming Now; Somebody’s Watching; This Letter; Your Mark on The World.
Produced, recorded and mixed by Robert Berry
Songwriters and arrangements: Keith Emerson and Robert Berry
Instrumentation: Robert Berry
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New Breed is the name given to the growing stable of young, exciting, up-and-coming bands signed by Frontiers Music who represent the future of hard rock and metal.
The Italian based Frontiers label is focused on finding and developing new acts from different territories to show the world that rock is indeed far from dead.
Frontiers has put together a sampler that includes tracks from some of the New Breed roster to whet the appetite of fans for these new signings.
This can be downloaded for free from the label website at: http://www.frontiers.it/landing/newbreed/index.php with a CD version also available at merch booths of some New Breed artists on tour.
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The Italian based Frontiers label is focused on finding and developing new acts from different territories to show the world that rock is indeed far from dead.
Frontiers has put together a sampler that includes tracks from some of the New Breed roster to whet the appetite of fans for these new signings.
This can be downloaded for free from the label website at: http://www.frontiers.it/landing/newbreed/index.php with a CD version also available at merch booths of some New Breed artists on tour.
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Billy Idol will bring his Live! 2018 Tour to the UK and Europe in June and July; these will be Idol’s first UK / European run of dates since his successful Kings & Queens of The Underground Tour in 2014 and 2015.
The 2018 UK dates kick off with a show at the 02 in Manchester and include a performance at London’s Brixton Academy on the 23rd of June; further dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
UK Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th December at 10.00am from https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/billy-idol-tickets
Billy Idol was one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music and an arena tour artist. He has sold 40 million albums, scored a number of platinum albums worldwide, had nine Top Forty singles in the US and ten in the UK including 'Dancing With Myself,' 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell,' 'Mony Mony,' 'Eyes Without a Face,' 'Flesh For Fantasy' and 'Cradle Of Love.'
Idol returned to the spotlight in the fall of 2014 with two high profile releases that marked the latest chapter in the long and remarkable story of a man and musician who returned from the brink; a rebel whose yells made the mainstream sit up and pay attention…
Billy Idol’s New York Times bestselling autobiography Dancing With Myself is an intelligent, brutally honest and entirely self-written account of Billy Idol’s journey to fame, from his early days as front man of the pioneering UK punk band Generation X to a long and often decadent life lived loving sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and motorcycles.
Kings & Queens of The Underground was Billy Idol’s first album of new material in nearly a decade.
The album’s palette, which includes incredible contributions from Idol’s long-time collaborator and lead guitarist Steve Stevens, will be instantly familiar to lovers of classic Billy Idol, while announcing a firm step into the future.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the album is full of thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption and the love of rock ‘n’ roll.
"Kings & Queens of The Underground has been worth the wait because it's the singer's best album to date, certainly in terms of its musical breadth and the reflective nature of some of the songs (clearly influenced by the recent writing and publication of his autobiography Dancing With Myself)."
- FabricationsHQ
"Wrapped in leather and soaked in nostalgia, the punk zealot serves up hard riffs with attitude… Idol struts and snarls, propelled by the conviction that rock is the cure for whatever ails you… this show is nothing if not fantastic fun."
- The Guardian
Billy Idol Live!2018 UK & European Tour (more to be announced)
June 20th - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21st - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
June 23rd - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
June 25th - Luxembourg, LU - Rockhal
June 26th - Regensburg, DE - Donau Arena
June 30th - Zajecar, RS - Guitar Fest
July 2nd - Budapest, HU - Budapest Park Open Air
July 3rd - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 6th - Zurich, CH - Hallenstadion
July 14th - Halle, DE - Peissnitz Insel
July 17th - Cologne, DE - Tanzbrunnen
July 19th - Berlin, DE - Zitadelle
July 21st - Slupsk, PL - Charlotta Valley Amp
July 22nd - Hamburg, DE - Stadtpark
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The 2018 UK dates kick off with a show at the 02 in Manchester and include a performance at London’s Brixton Academy on the 23rd of June; further dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
UK Tickets go on sale on Friday 15th December at 10.00am from https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/billy-idol-tickets
Billy Idol was one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music and an arena tour artist. He has sold 40 million albums, scored a number of platinum albums worldwide, had nine Top Forty singles in the US and ten in the UK including 'Dancing With Myself,' 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell,' 'Mony Mony,' 'Eyes Without a Face,' 'Flesh For Fantasy' and 'Cradle Of Love.'
Idol returned to the spotlight in the fall of 2014 with two high profile releases that marked the latest chapter in the long and remarkable story of a man and musician who returned from the brink; a rebel whose yells made the mainstream sit up and pay attention…
Billy Idol’s New York Times bestselling autobiography Dancing With Myself is an intelligent, brutally honest and entirely self-written account of Billy Idol’s journey to fame, from his early days as front man of the pioneering UK punk band Generation X to a long and often decadent life lived loving sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and motorcycles.
Kings & Queens of The Underground was Billy Idol’s first album of new material in nearly a decade.
The album’s palette, which includes incredible contributions from Idol’s long-time collaborator and lead guitarist Steve Stevens, will be instantly familiar to lovers of classic Billy Idol, while announcing a firm step into the future.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the album is full of thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption and the love of rock ‘n’ roll.
"Kings & Queens of The Underground has been worth the wait because it's the singer's best album to date, certainly in terms of its musical breadth and the reflective nature of some of the songs (clearly influenced by the recent writing and publication of his autobiography Dancing With Myself)."
- FabricationsHQ
"Wrapped in leather and soaked in nostalgia, the punk zealot serves up hard riffs with attitude… Idol struts and snarls, propelled by the conviction that rock is the cure for whatever ails you… this show is nothing if not fantastic fun."
- The Guardian
Billy Idol Live!2018 UK & European Tour (more to be announced)
June 20th - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
June 21st - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
June 23rd - London, UK - O2 Academy Brixton
June 25th - Luxembourg, LU - Rockhal
June 26th - Regensburg, DE - Donau Arena
June 30th - Zajecar, RS - Guitar Fest
July 2nd - Budapest, HU - Budapest Park Open Air
July 3rd - Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
July 6th - Zurich, CH - Hallenstadion
July 14th - Halle, DE - Peissnitz Insel
July 17th - Cologne, DE - Tanzbrunnen
July 19th - Berlin, DE - Zitadelle
July 21st - Slupsk, PL - Charlotta Valley Amp
July 22nd - Hamburg, DE - Stadtpark
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Johnny Gioeli and Deen Castronovo first played together on the debut album by American hard rock outfit Hardline, Double Eclipse, which was released in 1992.
A quarter of a century later, the two reunited in Italy to commence work on the debut Gioeli-Castronovo album, Set The World On Fire, which will be released on Frontiers Records on the 13th of July.
"It was so great to work with Johnny again. I’ve always loved his voice and it was a pleasure to be a part of this collaboration! It was like we’d never left each other."
Deen Castronovo.
I never left Deen, Deen never left me, so reuniting was easy. Counting our blessings were plentiful, singing together was magical."
Johnny Gioeli
Both men have continued on their successful but separate musical paths since they played and performed together in Hardline – Johnny Gioeli still leads Hardline and also fronts Crush 40 and German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell's band; Deen Castronovo spent time with Ozzy Osbourne before undertaking an extended tour of duty with Journey. He is currently active with The Dead Daisies and Revolution Saints.
Johnny Gioeli’s vocal talents combined with Deen Castronovo’s drumming and his own vocal abilities have made for an excellent, hard melodic rock debut record chock full of uplifting melodies...
A quarter of a century later, the two reunited in Italy to commence work on the debut Gioeli-Castronovo album, Set The World On Fire, which will be released on Frontiers Records on the 13th of July.
"It was so great to work with Johnny again. I’ve always loved his voice and it was a pleasure to be a part of this collaboration! It was like we’d never left each other."
Deen Castronovo.
I never left Deen, Deen never left me, so reuniting was easy. Counting our blessings were plentiful, singing together was magical."
Johnny Gioeli
Both men have continued on their successful but separate musical paths since they played and performed together in Hardline – Johnny Gioeli still leads Hardline and also fronts Crush 40 and German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell's band; Deen Castronovo spent time with Ozzy Osbourne before undertaking an extended tour of duty with Journey. He is currently active with The Dead Daisies and Revolution Saints.
Johnny Gioeli’s vocal talents combined with Deen Castronovo’s drumming and his own vocal abilities have made for an excellent, hard melodic rock debut record chock full of uplifting melodies...
Gioeli-Castronovo – Set The World on Fire
Released on Frontiers Records, 13th July.
Johnny Gioeli – vocals, Deen Castronovo - vocals, drums, Alessandro Del Vecchio - keyboards, backing vocals, Mario Percudani - guitars, Nik Mazzucconi - bass
Track listing:
Set The World On Fire; Through; Who I Am; Fall Like An Angel; It’s All About You; Need You Now; Ride Of Your Life; Mother; Walk With Me; Run For Your Life; Remember Me; Let Me Out.
Produced mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio
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Released on Frontiers Records, 13th July.
Johnny Gioeli – vocals, Deen Castronovo - vocals, drums, Alessandro Del Vecchio - keyboards, backing vocals, Mario Percudani - guitars, Nik Mazzucconi - bass
Track listing:
Set The World On Fire; Through; Who I Am; Fall Like An Angel; It’s All About You; Need You Now; Ride Of Your Life; Mother; Walk With Me; Run For Your Life; Remember Me; Let Me Out.
Produced mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio
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Hard rock quintet Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by vocalist, primary songwriter and ex Heavy Pettin’ drummer Gary Moat, have announced their run of shows and festivals (including Ilfracombe Rocks, Monster Fest, the WinterStorm Rock Weekender Jägermeister stage and the Great British Rock and Blues Weekender) for 2018 and early 2019.
The band can be seen across the country at:
19th May - The New Cross Inn, London (with Zodiac Mindwarp)
2nd June - The Carlisle, Hastings
7th June - OXROX Counting Cards, Fat Lil's in Whitney
22nd - 25th June – Hiraeth… The Longing to be Home, Penmaenau Farm, Builth Wells
7th July - Seven Sins, Swansea
5th August - Drunken Monkey Rock Festival, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcester
1st September - New Cross Inn, London
8th September - The Cavern, London
15th September - Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, Kent (supporting Bad Touch)
20th September - The Shed, Leicester
5th October - New Cross Inn (with Diamond Head)
3rd November - Ilfracombe Rocks, Ilfracombe
10th November - Monster Fest (featuring The Dead Daisies and Dan Reed Network)
11th November - Pontins, Southport
13th November - Robin 2 (with Pat McManus Band)
17th November - New Cross Inn, London (with Pure DC)
24th November – Jägermeister Stage, WinterStorm Rock Weekender, Troon, South Ayrshire
14th December - Trillians Rock Bar, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
15th December - Stereo Bar, Glasgow
16th December - Church, Dundee
Confirmed for 2019
18th January - Great British Rock and Blues Festival, Skegness
15th February - Hard Rock Café, Glasgow
16th February - Bannermans, Edinburgh
Swallow, The debut album from Burnt Out Wreck, is a huge slice of full on, punchy, guitar-led classic hard rock. Released on TRHRC through Cherry Red Records.
The album was co-produced by Gary Moat and Steve Rispin (Asia, Inglorious) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Killers, Jack White, Rolling Stones).
"Burnt Out Wreck and Swallow unashamedly take their major influences and lead from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the day.
But both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present; they deliver a brand of unpretentious and honest rock and roll that’s untouched by political correctness, what the musical flavour of the month is or whoever the latest classic rock band to become a partially reformed or re-imagined version of itself might be."
– FabricationsHQ
Burnt Out Wreck:
Gary Moat - vocals, rhythm guitar, Adrian Dunn - guitar, backing vocals, Alex Carmichael - bass, backing vocals, Miles Goodman, guitar, Paul Gray - drums
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The band can be seen across the country at:
19th May - The New Cross Inn, London (with Zodiac Mindwarp)
2nd June - The Carlisle, Hastings
7th June - OXROX Counting Cards, Fat Lil's in Whitney
22nd - 25th June – Hiraeth… The Longing to be Home, Penmaenau Farm, Builth Wells
7th July - Seven Sins, Swansea
5th August - Drunken Monkey Rock Festival, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcester
1st September - New Cross Inn, London
8th September - The Cavern, London
15th September - Leo's Red Lion, Gravesend, Kent (supporting Bad Touch)
20th September - The Shed, Leicester
5th October - New Cross Inn (with Diamond Head)
3rd November - Ilfracombe Rocks, Ilfracombe
10th November - Monster Fest (featuring The Dead Daisies and Dan Reed Network)
11th November - Pontins, Southport
13th November - Robin 2 (with Pat McManus Band)
17th November - New Cross Inn, London (with Pure DC)
24th November – Jägermeister Stage, WinterStorm Rock Weekender, Troon, South Ayrshire
14th December - Trillians Rock Bar, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
15th December - Stereo Bar, Glasgow
16th December - Church, Dundee
Confirmed for 2019
18th January - Great British Rock and Blues Festival, Skegness
15th February - Hard Rock Café, Glasgow
16th February - Bannermans, Edinburgh
Swallow, The debut album from Burnt Out Wreck, is a huge slice of full on, punchy, guitar-led classic hard rock. Released on TRHRC through Cherry Red Records.
The album was co-produced by Gary Moat and Steve Rispin (Asia, Inglorious) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Killers, Jack White, Rolling Stones).
"Burnt Out Wreck and Swallow unashamedly take their major influences and lead from the High Voltage rock and roll that used to be the order of the day.
But both band and album sit firmly and squarely in the present; they deliver a brand of unpretentious and honest rock and roll that’s untouched by political correctness, what the musical flavour of the month is or whoever the latest classic rock band to become a partially reformed or re-imagined version of itself might be."
– FabricationsHQ
Burnt Out Wreck:
Gary Moat - vocals, rhythm guitar, Adrian Dunn - guitar, backing vocals, Alex Carmichael - bass, backing vocals, Miles Goodman, guitar, Paul Gray - drums
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Legendary Mountain drummer, songwriter, singer and raconteur Corky Laing will return to the UK this October to play seven shows including headline performances at both the Whitby and Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals (see article on the festival further down).
The UK shows double as part of Corky Laing’s 70th Birthday Celebration Tour and a celebration of the classic Mountain songs as they were originally written and heard on the original recordings (a number of West, Bruce & Laing tunes will also feature).
For the performances Corky Laing will be accompanied by Chris Shutters (guitar, vocals & flute), Mark Mikel (bass, vocals & keyboards) and Phil Baker (guitar, vocals and keyboards).
Although best known as a long-time member of the pioneering American hard rock band Mountain and as part of the noted power trio West, Bruce & Laing, the ever active musician continues to play both one man shows and gigs around the world with his band; Corky Laing also lectures at Universities and has recently completed his memoirs (to be released soon as Letters to Sarah).
Corky Laing, who turned 70 this January, says of his life "I never expected to make it here, but regardless, here I am and I plan on keeping going! I’m lucky to be alive and so very lucky to have all these wonderful people collaborating with me on various projects; it seems like there’s always new stuff to get excited about. If nothing else, I still get the kicks just rehearsing daily on my kit, and when I’m performing to audiences together with the brilliant musicians sharing the stage with me, well, that’s when it all comes together.
It doesn’t matter whether I’m playing for dozens, hundreds or thousands of people, it’s always exhilarating. Looking forward to seeing you at the gigs!"
The UK shows double as part of Corky Laing’s 70th Birthday Celebration Tour and a celebration of the classic Mountain songs as they were originally written and heard on the original recordings (a number of West, Bruce & Laing tunes will also feature).
For the performances Corky Laing will be accompanied by Chris Shutters (guitar, vocals & flute), Mark Mikel (bass, vocals & keyboards) and Phil Baker (guitar, vocals and keyboards).
Although best known as a long-time member of the pioneering American hard rock band Mountain and as part of the noted power trio West, Bruce & Laing, the ever active musician continues to play both one man shows and gigs around the world with his band; Corky Laing also lectures at Universities and has recently completed his memoirs (to be released soon as Letters to Sarah).
Corky Laing, who turned 70 this January, says of his life "I never expected to make it here, but regardless, here I am and I plan on keeping going! I’m lucky to be alive and so very lucky to have all these wonderful people collaborating with me on various projects; it seems like there’s always new stuff to get excited about. If nothing else, I still get the kicks just rehearsing daily on my kit, and when I’m performing to audiences together with the brilliant musicians sharing the stage with me, well, that’s when it all comes together.
It doesn’t matter whether I’m playing for dozens, hundreds or thousands of people, it’s always exhilarating. Looking forward to seeing you at the gigs!"
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Fresh off the road with Michael Schenker Fest (and part of the recent Michael Schenker Fest studio album Resurrection) and on the back of his critically acclaimed 2016 Graham Bonnet Band album The Book, the legendary singer is back with his second band offering Meanwhile, Back In The Garage.
The album, which will be released on Frontiers Records on the 13th of July, features Joey Tafolla on guitars (all songs except 'Livin' In Suspicion,' which features new member Kurt James), Beth-Ami Heavenstone (bass) Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and Mark Benquechea (drums).
Meanwhile, Back In The Garage contains thirteen new songs with Bonnet laying down his distinct and inimitable voice over a collection of tunes that are full of great hooks and rocking melodies.
As a featured bonus the album includes a live DVD captured Live From Daryl’s House at a performance recorded earlier this year.
"This is the most important album I have made in 35 years. I think fans of the classic Alcatrazz sound will love this record. The first single is about any young band starting today, which is like it was back when I began.
As the lyric says 'Take a number, It’s a hell of a line!' I have had a fantastic career and been very fortunate to play with some great musicians. I hope there is a lot more touring and recording to come!"
Graham Bonnet
The album, which will be released on Frontiers Records on the 13th of July, features Joey Tafolla on guitars (all songs except 'Livin' In Suspicion,' which features new member Kurt James), Beth-Ami Heavenstone (bass) Jimmy Waldo (keyboards) and Mark Benquechea (drums).
Meanwhile, Back In The Garage contains thirteen new songs with Bonnet laying down his distinct and inimitable voice over a collection of tunes that are full of great hooks and rocking melodies.
As a featured bonus the album includes a live DVD captured Live From Daryl’s House at a performance recorded earlier this year.
"This is the most important album I have made in 35 years. I think fans of the classic Alcatrazz sound will love this record. The first single is about any young band starting today, which is like it was back when I began.
As the lyric says 'Take a number, It’s a hell of a line!' I have had a fantastic career and been very fortunate to play with some great musicians. I hope there is a lot more touring and recording to come!"
Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet – Meanwhile Back in the Garage
Frontiers Music srl; 13th July 2018
Track listing:
CD (Meanwhile, Back in the Garage):
Meanwhile, Back In The Garage; The Hotel; Livin’ In Suspicion; Incest Outcest U.S.A.; Long Island Tea; The House; Sea Of Trees; Man On The Corner; We Don’t Need Another Hero; America… Where Have You Gone?; Heading Toward The Light; Past Lives; The Crying Chair; Starcarr Lane (Live From Daryl’s House 2018)
DVD (Live From Daryl’s House 2018):
Night Of The Shooting Star (Intro); Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live; All Night Long; Night Games; California Air; God Blessed Video; Stand In Line; Island In The Sun; Desert Song; Starcarr Lane; Jet To Jet; S.O.S.; Into The Night; Samurai; Skyfire; Since You Been Gone; Assault Attack; Eyes Of The World; Hiroshima Mon Amour; Lost In Hollywood
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Frontiers Music srl; 13th July 2018
Track listing:
CD (Meanwhile, Back in the Garage):
Meanwhile, Back In The Garage; The Hotel; Livin’ In Suspicion; Incest Outcest U.S.A.; Long Island Tea; The House; Sea Of Trees; Man On The Corner; We Don’t Need Another Hero; America… Where Have You Gone?; Heading Toward The Light; Past Lives; The Crying Chair; Starcarr Lane (Live From Daryl’s House 2018)
DVD (Live From Daryl’s House 2018):
Night Of The Shooting Star (Intro); Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live; All Night Long; Night Games; California Air; God Blessed Video; Stand In Line; Island In The Sun; Desert Song; Starcarr Lane; Jet To Jet; S.O.S.; Into The Night; Samurai; Skyfire; Since You Been Gone; Assault Attack; Eyes Of The World; Hiroshima Mon Amour; Lost In Hollywood
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Jim Lea, famous as one quarter of Slade in their original line-up hay-day and whose songwriting partnership with Noddy Holder launched the band to superstardom, will release a new single, 'Lost In Space,' on the 18th of May.
The single can be ordered on iTunes now for 99p and will be available to download on the 18th of May https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lost-in-space-single/1373712812
A different version of 'Lost In Space' (the single version is a Radio Edit) will feature on Lea’s forthcoming Lost In Space EP, released on the 22nd of June.
The 6 track EP will be available as both a digital download and physical CD; you can pre-order the CD copy now at the discounted price of £7.99 here: https://www.wienerworld.com/jim-lea-lost-in-space.html
The EP will be Jim Lea’s first multiple tracks release since his debut, and thus far only, solo album Therapy was released in 2007.
The album was rereleased in 2016 on the Wienerworld Label with additional tracks. one of which, 'Am I the Greatest Now?' was issued as a single.
A further single, 'All Coming Back to Me Now,' was released in 2017.
"Lost in Space was written deliberately as a pop song. Of all the songs I have come up with, this is one of my favourites. The ideas portrayed in the song are of someone spending their life living in an inner world, virtually oblivious to normal life. Some might say I have unwittingly written about myself!"
Jim Lea
Jim Lea – Lost in Space EP. Wienerworld Label. 22nd June 2018.
1. Lost In Space 2. What In The World 3. Megadrive 4. Pure Power 5. Going Back To Birmingham 6. Through The Fire
The physical EP will be available to purchase online from Wienerworld and Amazon etc.
The digital EP will be available for download from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc.
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The single can be ordered on iTunes now for 99p and will be available to download on the 18th of May https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lost-in-space-single/1373712812
A different version of 'Lost In Space' (the single version is a Radio Edit) will feature on Lea’s forthcoming Lost In Space EP, released on the 22nd of June.
The 6 track EP will be available as both a digital download and physical CD; you can pre-order the CD copy now at the discounted price of £7.99 here: https://www.wienerworld.com/jim-lea-lost-in-space.html
The EP will be Jim Lea’s first multiple tracks release since his debut, and thus far only, solo album Therapy was released in 2007.
The album was rereleased in 2016 on the Wienerworld Label with additional tracks. one of which, 'Am I the Greatest Now?' was issued as a single.
A further single, 'All Coming Back to Me Now,' was released in 2017.
"Lost in Space was written deliberately as a pop song. Of all the songs I have come up with, this is one of my favourites. The ideas portrayed in the song are of someone spending their life living in an inner world, virtually oblivious to normal life. Some might say I have unwittingly written about myself!"
Jim Lea
Jim Lea – Lost in Space EP. Wienerworld Label. 22nd June 2018.
1. Lost In Space 2. What In The World 3. Megadrive 4. Pure Power 5. Going Back To Birmingham 6. Through The Fire
The physical EP will be available to purchase online from Wienerworld and Amazon etc.
The digital EP will be available for download from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc.
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Soild Entertainments list of high-quality summer blues-rock based festivals for 2018 continues with the announcement of the back-to-back Whitby & Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals.
With Corky Laing headlining and five other attention grabbing bands on the bill (each delivering their brand of blues rock with their own identities and influences, from southern gothic and progressive blues to r&b and shades of soul-funk), blues rock fans in and around Northern England should be marking their diaries for either the 13th or 14th of October and the Whitby Pavilion or The Grand in Clitheroe as the places to be.
Corky Laing, the legendary Mountain drummer, songwriter, singer and raconteur from Montreal, will be playing seven shows in the UK with his band (Chris Shutters - guitar, vocals, flute; Mark Mikel - bass, vocals, keyboards; Phil Baker - guitar, vocals, keyboards) including the headline slots at the Whitby & Clitheroe festivals.
Mountain forged a style and sound that made them one of the rock bands of the 70s.
Driven by the powerhouse drumming of Corky Liang and fronted by the great Leslie West, Mountain produced many a classic including 'Mississippi Queen,' 'Nantucket Sleighride' and their cover of the Pete Brown - Jack Bruce penned 'Theme from an Imaginary Western.'
Although Corky Liang is best known as a long-time member of Mountain and as part of the impressive power trio West, Bruce & Laing, during the past few years he has been living, and thriving, in the fast lane.
In between his one-man shows, playing with his band, lecturing at Universities around the world, creating Playing God: The Rock Opera and doing some production work, Laing has found time to complete his memoirs, which will be released as a book soon, titled Letters to Sarah.
For this tour Corky Laing and his band will be playing the classic Mountain songs as they were originally written and heard on the original recordings; a number of West, Bruce & Laing tunes will also feature.
Also performing at Whitby & Clitheroe:
Chantel McGregor – delivering songs that salutes contemporary rock while displaying her gradual transition from conventional blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive and southern gothic influences, as delivered to great effect on her 2015 album, Lose Control.
Stevie Nimmo Trio – enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his twenty years in the business, Stevie Nimmo, one half of the Nimmo Brothers with younger sibling Alan, loves to play live.
His multi-faceted blues rock album Sky Won’t Fall was critically acclaimed upon its 2016 release.
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – this acclaimed outfit don’t just have the chemistry (excellent new album The Blues and I Should Have a Party is the band’s fifth studio album in six years and seventh overall); their vibrant R&B swing stylings (incorporating jazz, pop and trad. blues) also deliver one of the coolest and original sounds on the blues circuit, courtesy of a vocal and guitar led song writing tandem and a groove driven organ-drums rhythm section.
Catfish – British Blues Award winners have carved a reputation as an excellent live band, bolstered by the dovetailing guitar-keyboard sound as delivered by father and son team Paul Long (keyboards, guitars) and Matt Long (vocals guitars).
|ith latest offering, 2017’s Broken Man, the band have produced a thoroughly entertaining and diversified album (traditional blues meets contemporary meets progressive) that showcases an outstanding band.
Southbound – with inspirations drawing from blues, rock, jazz, funk and soul, the band provide a highly distinctive take on British Blues, with serious groove.
The Whitby & Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals 2018
Saturday 13th October (Whitby) & Sunday 14th October (Clitheroe).
Early Bird tickets are only £24.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or head online to http://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm to see all the Solid Entertainments events.
Times (both events): Doors open at 1.30pm; Music starts at 2.00pm; Events end at 10.00 pm.
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With Corky Laing headlining and five other attention grabbing bands on the bill (each delivering their brand of blues rock with their own identities and influences, from southern gothic and progressive blues to r&b and shades of soul-funk), blues rock fans in and around Northern England should be marking their diaries for either the 13th or 14th of October and the Whitby Pavilion or The Grand in Clitheroe as the places to be.
Corky Laing, the legendary Mountain drummer, songwriter, singer and raconteur from Montreal, will be playing seven shows in the UK with his band (Chris Shutters - guitar, vocals, flute; Mark Mikel - bass, vocals, keyboards; Phil Baker - guitar, vocals, keyboards) including the headline slots at the Whitby & Clitheroe festivals.
Mountain forged a style and sound that made them one of the rock bands of the 70s.
Driven by the powerhouse drumming of Corky Liang and fronted by the great Leslie West, Mountain produced many a classic including 'Mississippi Queen,' 'Nantucket Sleighride' and their cover of the Pete Brown - Jack Bruce penned 'Theme from an Imaginary Western.'
Although Corky Liang is best known as a long-time member of Mountain and as part of the impressive power trio West, Bruce & Laing, during the past few years he has been living, and thriving, in the fast lane.
In between his one-man shows, playing with his band, lecturing at Universities around the world, creating Playing God: The Rock Opera and doing some production work, Laing has found time to complete his memoirs, which will be released as a book soon, titled Letters to Sarah.
For this tour Corky Laing and his band will be playing the classic Mountain songs as they were originally written and heard on the original recordings; a number of West, Bruce & Laing tunes will also feature.
Also performing at Whitby & Clitheroe:
Chantel McGregor – delivering songs that salutes contemporary rock while displaying her gradual transition from conventional blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive and southern gothic influences, as delivered to great effect on her 2015 album, Lose Control.
Stevie Nimmo Trio – enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his twenty years in the business, Stevie Nimmo, one half of the Nimmo Brothers with younger sibling Alan, loves to play live.
His multi-faceted blues rock album Sky Won’t Fall was critically acclaimed upon its 2016 release.
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – this acclaimed outfit don’t just have the chemistry (excellent new album The Blues and I Should Have a Party is the band’s fifth studio album in six years and seventh overall); their vibrant R&B swing stylings (incorporating jazz, pop and trad. blues) also deliver one of the coolest and original sounds on the blues circuit, courtesy of a vocal and guitar led song writing tandem and a groove driven organ-drums rhythm section.
Catfish – British Blues Award winners have carved a reputation as an excellent live band, bolstered by the dovetailing guitar-keyboard sound as delivered by father and son team Paul Long (keyboards, guitars) and Matt Long (vocals guitars).
|ith latest offering, 2017’s Broken Man, the band have produced a thoroughly entertaining and diversified album (traditional blues meets contemporary meets progressive) that showcases an outstanding band.
Southbound – with inspirations drawing from blues, rock, jazz, funk and soul, the band provide a highly distinctive take on British Blues, with serious groove.
The Whitby & Clitheroe Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals 2018
Saturday 13th October (Whitby) & Sunday 14th October (Clitheroe).
Early Bird tickets are only £24.00 and can be purchased by calling 01472 349 222 or head online to http://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm to see all the Solid Entertainments events.
Times (both events): Doors open at 1.30pm; Music starts at 2.00pm; Events end at 10.00 pm.
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Solid Entertainments have announced an eye and ear catching three day event in Bude.
The Bude Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival will take place at Penstowe Manor Resort across the Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of November.
Traditionally held in Ilfracombe, the 2018 edition has been relocated 17 miles down the road across the border into North Cornwall to Penstowe Manor.
To celebrate the new venue and location, Solid Entertainments are presenting one of their most ambitious events and certainly the largest as regards their previous festivals held in the region.
With a mix of noted classic rock and blues rock names and from the UK and around the world, the three day event – featuring Focus, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado and Wishbone Ash as headliners - will be one not to miss for blues and rock fans in the South West of England.
Friday 9th November:
Focus – Aynsley Lister – John Verity Band – Storm Warning – Federal Charm – Chris King Robinson
With their unique brand of progressive primarily instrumental rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.
Fronted by founding member, keyboardist and flautist Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits 'Hocus Pocus,' 'House of The King' and 'Sylvia,' as well as a number of critically acclaimed albums including Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, the iconic Dutch music masters returned with the acclaimed Focus X in 2012 followed by Golden Oldies, which features newly recorded versions of some of their most popular songs from their classic back catalogue.
Saturday 10th November:
Thorbjørn Risager & the Black Tornado - Grainne Duffy – Steve Hill – The Luke Doherty Band - Connor Selby Band - Born Healer
Now in their fourteenth year, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have opened new doors in many new territories; and with all the hard work they put into their artistry, they surely deserve it.
The Danish outfit have become one of the most successful blues & roots bands on the European continent, so it’s no surprise when they sell out most venues when they return to play for only the second time.
Sunday 11th November:
Wishbone Ash – Chantel McGregor - Erja Lyytinen – Billy Walton Band - Lightnin' Willie & The Poor Boys – The Zoe Green Band
Wishbone Ash remain one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock.
With millions of albums sold, their iconic twin-guitar sound inspired bands from the classic rock of Thin Lizzy to the iconic metal of Iron Maiden; the band have written and delivered countless classic tracks including 'The King Will Come,' 'Throw Down The Sword' and 'Blowin’ Free.'
Combining old songs with the new, Wishbone Ash still deliver quality live sets, one year short of fifty on the road.
The Bude Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival will take place at Penstowe Manor Resort across the Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of November.
Traditionally held in Ilfracombe, the 2018 edition has been relocated 17 miles down the road across the border into North Cornwall to Penstowe Manor.
To celebrate the new venue and location, Solid Entertainments are presenting one of their most ambitious events and certainly the largest as regards their previous festivals held in the region.
With a mix of noted classic rock and blues rock names and from the UK and around the world, the three day event – featuring Focus, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado and Wishbone Ash as headliners - will be one not to miss for blues and rock fans in the South West of England.
Friday 9th November:
Focus – Aynsley Lister – John Verity Band – Storm Warning – Federal Charm – Chris King Robinson
With their unique brand of progressive primarily instrumental rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.
Fronted by founding member, keyboardist and flautist Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits 'Hocus Pocus,' 'House of The King' and 'Sylvia,' as well as a number of critically acclaimed albums including Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, the iconic Dutch music masters returned with the acclaimed Focus X in 2012 followed by Golden Oldies, which features newly recorded versions of some of their most popular songs from their classic back catalogue.
Saturday 10th November:
Thorbjørn Risager & the Black Tornado - Grainne Duffy – Steve Hill – The Luke Doherty Band - Connor Selby Band - Born Healer
Now in their fourteenth year, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado have opened new doors in many new territories; and with all the hard work they put into their artistry, they surely deserve it.
The Danish outfit have become one of the most successful blues & roots bands on the European continent, so it’s no surprise when they sell out most venues when they return to play for only the second time.
Sunday 11th November:
Wishbone Ash – Chantel McGregor - Erja Lyytinen – Billy Walton Band - Lightnin' Willie & The Poor Boys – The Zoe Green Band
Wishbone Ash remain one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock.
With millions of albums sold, their iconic twin-guitar sound inspired bands from the classic rock of Thin Lizzy to the iconic metal of Iron Maiden; the band have written and delivered countless classic tracks including 'The King Will Come,' 'Throw Down The Sword' and 'Blowin’ Free.'
Combining old songs with the new, Wishbone Ash still deliver quality live sets, one year short of fifty on the road.
Situated in a beautiful part of the country and set in private grounds, the Penstowe Manor holiday resort has a wide range of self-catering accommodation with facilities that include two bars, a restaurant (and a take-away), indoor heated swimming pool, on site gymnasium, coffee shop and an amusement room.
Additionally, car parking is free for the weekend.
The festival itself will also have a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available and a varied food menu.
Situated close to the Hartland Cornwall Heritage Coast and a stone’s throw from the historic village of Kilkhampton, Penstowe Park is ideally located for exploring the many delights of North Cornwall.
The Bude Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival - 9th, 10th and 11th November 2018
Penstowe Manor Resort, Penstowe Road, Kilkhampton, Bude, North Cornwall EX23 9QY
Advance Ticket of £129 per person based on 4, 5 or 6 persons sharing 2 or 3 bedroom apartment
Advance Ticket of £139 per person based on 3 persons sharing 2 bedroom apartment
Advance Ticket of £149 per person based on 2 persons sharing 1 or 2 bedroom apartment
Above prices Include 3 Nights Self Catering Accommodation and 3 Day Festival Ticket
PLEASE NOTE Advance Single Tickets (own apartment) have now sold out
Advance Ticket of £85 per person 3 day festival ticket (accommodation NOT included)
£60 for 3 nights of Motor Home or Caravan serviced pitches are now available
Tickets can be purchased at 01472 349 222 and online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/bude/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/bude/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 p.m., Music starts at 2.00 p.m. Festival ends at 11.30 p.m. each day.
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Additionally, car parking is free for the weekend.
The festival itself will also have a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available and a varied food menu.
Situated close to the Hartland Cornwall Heritage Coast and a stone’s throw from the historic village of Kilkhampton, Penstowe Park is ideally located for exploring the many delights of North Cornwall.
The Bude Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival - 9th, 10th and 11th November 2018
Penstowe Manor Resort, Penstowe Road, Kilkhampton, Bude, North Cornwall EX23 9QY
Advance Ticket of £129 per person based on 4, 5 or 6 persons sharing 2 or 3 bedroom apartment
Advance Ticket of £139 per person based on 3 persons sharing 2 bedroom apartment
Advance Ticket of £149 per person based on 2 persons sharing 1 or 2 bedroom apartment
Above prices Include 3 Nights Self Catering Accommodation and 3 Day Festival Ticket
PLEASE NOTE Advance Single Tickets (own apartment) have now sold out
Advance Ticket of £85 per person 3 day festival ticket (accommodation NOT included)
£60 for 3 nights of Motor Home or Caravan serviced pitches are now available
Tickets can be purchased at 01472 349 222 and online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/bude/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/bude/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 p.m., Music starts at 2.00 p.m. Festival ends at 11.30 p.m. each day.
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Uriah Heep will play a quintet of dates in the UK in December to promote their forthcoming 25th studio album Living The Dream, released via Frontiers Music Srl. On Friday the 14th of September.
The ‘eavy and ‘umble rockers will play shows in Manchester, Glasgow, London, Nottingham and Hull, with a 72 hour presale via Planet Rock Tickets available from 10am on Tuesday 1st of May.
General ticket sales will follow on Friday 4th May.
Uriah Heep fans can pre-order Living The Dream via the band's Pledge Music page.
Packages range from a £10 digital download to £500 for a Golden Ticket, which guarantees entry to all headlining dates on the Living The Dream tour together with a meet-and-greet with the band.
Co-founder and guitarist of Uriah Heep Mick Box says: "We are excited to announce the release of the new album on the 14th September. The producer for this project was famed producer Jay Ruston, and the album will be released on Frontiers Records. The new album rocks and, thanks to our fans and your continued support, we are still Living that Dream! 'Appy days!"
Heep’s lead vocalist Bernie Shaw adds that "Jay Rushton’s production has brought the power from our live shows onto the record. A now invaluable member of the 'Heep Family!' Can’t wait to play these songs live!"
Uriah Heep - Living The Dream - UK dates:
Manchester, Ritz – Wed 12th December
Glasgow, 02ABC – Thu 13th December
London, Shepherds Bush Empire – Fri 14th December
Nottingham, Rock City – Sat 15th December
Hull, City Hall – Sun 16th December
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The ‘eavy and ‘umble rockers will play shows in Manchester, Glasgow, London, Nottingham and Hull, with a 72 hour presale via Planet Rock Tickets available from 10am on Tuesday 1st of May.
General ticket sales will follow on Friday 4th May.
Uriah Heep fans can pre-order Living The Dream via the band's Pledge Music page.
Packages range from a £10 digital download to £500 for a Golden Ticket, which guarantees entry to all headlining dates on the Living The Dream tour together with a meet-and-greet with the band.
Co-founder and guitarist of Uriah Heep Mick Box says: "We are excited to announce the release of the new album on the 14th September. The producer for this project was famed producer Jay Ruston, and the album will be released on Frontiers Records. The new album rocks and, thanks to our fans and your continued support, we are still Living that Dream! 'Appy days!"
Heep’s lead vocalist Bernie Shaw adds that "Jay Rushton’s production has brought the power from our live shows onto the record. A now invaluable member of the 'Heep Family!' Can’t wait to play these songs live!"
Uriah Heep - Living The Dream - UK dates:
Manchester, Ritz – Wed 12th December
Glasgow, 02ABC – Thu 13th December
London, Shepherds Bush Empire – Fri 14th December
Nottingham, Rock City – Sat 15th December
Hull, City Hall – Sun 16th December
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Solid Entertainments have announced, and confirmed the line-up for, the 2018 Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, which will take place at Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday 23rd June.
To celebrate the festival’s move to Rainton Meadows Arena (one of the largest indoor venues in North East England with a capacity of 2000), Solid Entertainments are bringing some well-known names to the event and some blues flavour from across the English Channel.
Festival headliners the Climax Blues Band have had huge selling albums like as FM/Live and Gold Plated and infectious and memorable hits such as their singles 'Couldn’t Get It Right' (1976) and 'I Love You' (1981), with a reputation and acclaimed catalogue that continued through until the tragic death of founder member Colin Cooper in 2008.
Cooper’s death could have meant the end of the band, but his desire was for the band to continue creating the fine blues blend they had been associated with since their formation – for the last decade Colin Cooper’s desire has been accepted with relish by the remaining members of the band.
The current band fly the Climax flag with tremendous passion and style, taking the band forward and pleasing crowds throughout Europe.
The seamless transition in carrying on creating the unique Climax sound is the result of hard work, and a band who are having a great time making music.
Joining the Climax Blues Band at Durham are:
Chantel McGregor – delivering songs that salutes contemporary rock while showing her gradual transition from conventional blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive and southern gothic influences.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs - historically speaking Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a moment in time, but their history, career and acclaimed back catalogue is extensive and varied.
Stevie Nimmo Trio – enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his twenty years in the business, Stevie Nimmo, one half of the Nimmo Brothers with younger sibling Alan, loves to play live.
His multi-faceted blues rock album Sky Won’t Fall was critically acclaimed upon its 2016 release.
Kris Barras Band – Nominated for Blues Guitarist of the Year 2017 by Total Guitar magazine and voted into the Top 15 Blues Guitarists in the World by Music Radar, Kris Barras has just released his latest album The Divine and Dirty.
Félix Rabin – a French twenty two year old singer-songwriter with a style that embodies the best of rock and blues – and an undeniable passion, enthusiasm and talent.
The Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 23rd June
Rainton Meadows Arena, Mercantile Rd, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear DH4 5PH
Early Bird tickets are only £27.00 + booking fee. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
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To celebrate the festival’s move to Rainton Meadows Arena (one of the largest indoor venues in North East England with a capacity of 2000), Solid Entertainments are bringing some well-known names to the event and some blues flavour from across the English Channel.
Festival headliners the Climax Blues Band have had huge selling albums like as FM/Live and Gold Plated and infectious and memorable hits such as their singles 'Couldn’t Get It Right' (1976) and 'I Love You' (1981), with a reputation and acclaimed catalogue that continued through until the tragic death of founder member Colin Cooper in 2008.
Cooper’s death could have meant the end of the band, but his desire was for the band to continue creating the fine blues blend they had been associated with since their formation – for the last decade Colin Cooper’s desire has been accepted with relish by the remaining members of the band.
The current band fly the Climax flag with tremendous passion and style, taking the band forward and pleasing crowds throughout Europe.
The seamless transition in carrying on creating the unique Climax sound is the result of hard work, and a band who are having a great time making music.
Joining the Climax Blues Band at Durham are:
Chantel McGregor – delivering songs that salutes contemporary rock while showing her gradual transition from conventional blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive and southern gothic influences.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs - historically speaking Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a moment in time, but their history, career and acclaimed back catalogue is extensive and varied.
Stevie Nimmo Trio – enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his twenty years in the business, Stevie Nimmo, one half of the Nimmo Brothers with younger sibling Alan, loves to play live.
His multi-faceted blues rock album Sky Won’t Fall was critically acclaimed upon its 2016 release.
Kris Barras Band – Nominated for Blues Guitarist of the Year 2017 by Total Guitar magazine and voted into the Top 15 Blues Guitarists in the World by Music Radar, Kris Barras has just released his latest album The Divine and Dirty.
Félix Rabin – a French twenty two year old singer-songwriter with a style that embodies the best of rock and blues – and an undeniable passion, enthusiasm and talent.
The Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 23rd June
Rainton Meadows Arena, Mercantile Rd, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear DH4 5PH
Early Bird tickets are only £27.00 + booking fee. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about line up and the festival in general, please visit: http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/index.html
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Due to increasing demand Dizzy Reed will release his critically acclaimed solo album, Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy, on physical format worldwide on the 1st June via Golden Robot Records.
Initially the album was only set for release in Australia, New Zealand and Japan but the huge demand led to it being released digitally worldwide in February.
Now, the demand for a physical release has been so great that Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy is being made available in both CD and Purple Vinyl format.
Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy is a 12 track (13 on the digital version) rock album that sees Reed uniting with fellow members of Guns N' Roses along with players from the likes of W.A.S.P. (Mike Dupke and Mike Duda) and the Black Star Riders (Ricky Warwick).
The first single lifted from the album, 'This Don’t Look Like Vegas,' received rave reviews worldwide, prompting the decision to go global digitally with the solo record.
"This Don’t Look Like Vegas quickly settles into a swaggering slice of classic rock, led by big riffs and Reed’s touchstone lyrics of dark shades, flexibly applicable gambling metaphors and shotgun weddings… the stuff of Sunset Strip nights and beautifully filthy bar band blues."
Rolling Stone Australia
"Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy?
It is if you stick to your Guns (without the Roses), go with what you know and be true to yourself and where you came from, musically. In those regards Dizzy Reed most certainly succeeds."
FabricationsHQ
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Initially the album was only set for release in Australia, New Zealand and Japan but the huge demand led to it being released digitally worldwide in February.
Now, the demand for a physical release has been so great that Rock 'N Roll Ain't Easy is being made available in both CD and Purple Vinyl format.
Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy is a 12 track (13 on the digital version) rock album that sees Reed uniting with fellow members of Guns N' Roses along with players from the likes of W.A.S.P. (Mike Dupke and Mike Duda) and the Black Star Riders (Ricky Warwick).
The first single lifted from the album, 'This Don’t Look Like Vegas,' received rave reviews worldwide, prompting the decision to go global digitally with the solo record.
"This Don’t Look Like Vegas quickly settles into a swaggering slice of classic rock, led by big riffs and Reed’s touchstone lyrics of dark shades, flexibly applicable gambling metaphors and shotgun weddings… the stuff of Sunset Strip nights and beautifully filthy bar band blues."
Rolling Stone Australia
"Rock 'N Roll Ain’t Easy?
It is if you stick to your Guns (without the Roses), go with what you know and be true to yourself and where you came from, musically. In those regards Dizzy Reed most certainly succeeds."
FabricationsHQ
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Wishbone Ash and Madfish Music have just put themselves forward as the deliverers of the the most lavish and comprehensive anthology box set of 2018.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991), available now, is a deluxe, strictly limited edition (2,500 copies) 30 CD set that comprehensively covers the original and classic era line-up/s of one of the most enduring British rock bands.
The CD’s in the set cover all sixteen studio albums released by the original & classic line ups of Wishbone Ash between 1970 and 1991 (with bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and twelve previously unreleased studio tracks), three original live albums and eight previously unreleased live albums:
Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD)
Southampton University 1973
Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976
Marquee Club 1977
Newcastle City Hall 1977
Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD)
Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD)
Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
The music featured in the set has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼" tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell's personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.
Authorised by all of the original band members (you can check out the unboxing video with Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield below), the set also includes a 156 page hardback book, 36-page poster book, reproductions of four original tour/ live show posters, a facsimile of the MCA debut album promo pack, a 7" flexi disc for the single 'Blind Eye' and individually signed photos of each band member: Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, Steve Upton and Laurie Wisefield.
The box itself features brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, reimagined from his award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991)
Release date: April 2018. 30 CDs featuring:
Wishbone Ash (1970); Pilgrimage (1971); Argus (1972); Wishbone Four (1973); Live Dates (1973); There's the Rub (1974); Locked In (1976); New England (1976); Front Page News (1977); No Smoke Without Fire (1978) Live in Tokyo (1979); Just Testing (1980); Live Dates 2 (1980); Nouveau Calls (1987); Here to Hear (1989) Strange Affair (1991) and the previously unreleased live albums Portsmouth Guildhall 1973; Southampton University 1973; Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976; Marquee Club 1977; Newcastle City Hall 1977; Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978; Guildford Civic Hall 1980; Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991), available now, is a deluxe, strictly limited edition (2,500 copies) 30 CD set that comprehensively covers the original and classic era line-up/s of one of the most enduring British rock bands.
The CD’s in the set cover all sixteen studio albums released by the original & classic line ups of Wishbone Ash between 1970 and 1991 (with bonus material including rare album outtakes, B-sides and twelve previously unreleased studio tracks), three original live albums and eight previously unreleased live albums:
Portsmouth Guildhall 1973 (2CD)
Southampton University 1973
Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976
Marquee Club 1977
Newcastle City Hall 1977
Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978 (2CD)
Guildford Civic Hall 1980 (2CD)
Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
The music featured in the set has been remastered from the original multitrack and ¼" tapes, sourced from Martin Turner and Andy Powell's personal collections, and from the Universal Music and Atlantic archives.
Authorised by all of the original band members (you can check out the unboxing video with Martin Turner and Laurie Wisefield below), the set also includes a 156 page hardback book, 36-page poster book, reproductions of four original tour/ live show posters, a facsimile of the MCA debut album promo pack, a 7" flexi disc for the single 'Blind Eye' and individually signed photos of each band member: Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Ted Turner, Steve Upton and Laurie Wisefield.
The box itself features brand new cover artwork designed by Colin Elgie, reimagined from his award-winning Live Dates sleeve artwork.
Wishbone Ash - The Vintage Years (1970-1991)
Release date: April 2018. 30 CDs featuring:
Wishbone Ash (1970); Pilgrimage (1971); Argus (1972); Wishbone Four (1973); Live Dates (1973); There's the Rub (1974); Locked In (1976); New England (1976); Front Page News (1977); No Smoke Without Fire (1978) Live in Tokyo (1979); Just Testing (1980); Live Dates 2 (1980); Nouveau Calls (1987); Here to Hear (1989) Strange Affair (1991) and the previously unreleased live albums Portsmouth Guildhall 1973; Southampton University 1973; Edinburgh Usher Hall 1976; Marquee Club 1977; Newcastle City Hall 1977; Bournemouth Winter Gardens 1978; Guildford Civic Hall 1980; Chelmsford Odeon 1980.
"I looked after most of these tape recordings for decades, wondering when they would ever see the light of day and I am very glad that they will at last be available for everyone to hear. Pete Reynolds has done a brilliant job of mixing and remastering a massive collection of work; it’s almost like having ones whole musical life in one box. It certainly represents the most comprehensive Wishbone collection that I know of."
- Martin Turner
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- Martin Turner
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Canadian entertainer and country influenced singer Rober Larrabee has just written and recorded a song that is not just close to his heart, it was written from, and through, it.
'Sticks Out for Humboldt,' a tribute to the April 6th bus crash that killed sixteen people affiliated with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team the Humboldt Broncos, was doubly affecting for Larrabee as he has lost his own son at only 16 years of age.
The Vancouver born entertainer, whose 2013 album Middle of Something was the first true country album to be featured on FabricationsHQ, says: "I saw the Humboldt bus crash story and it affected me deeply; then when I saw all the fund raising, like Jerseys for Humboldt, I knew I had to do something.
This song came deep from within me I hope this Humboldt Broncos tribute will help even if in a small way. I see allot of Humboldt Broncos tributes on line and it makes me feel good to see the outpouring of love for the ‘Humboldt Strong’ "
'Sticks Out for Humboldt,' a tribute to the April 6th bus crash that killed sixteen people affiliated with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team the Humboldt Broncos, was doubly affecting for Larrabee as he has lost his own son at only 16 years of age.
The Vancouver born entertainer, whose 2013 album Middle of Something was the first true country album to be featured on FabricationsHQ, says: "I saw the Humboldt bus crash story and it affected me deeply; then when I saw all the fund raising, like Jerseys for Humboldt, I knew I had to do something.
This song came deep from within me I hope this Humboldt Broncos tribute will help even if in a small way. I see allot of Humboldt Broncos tributes on line and it makes me feel good to see the outpouring of love for the ‘Humboldt Strong’ "
The Humboldt bus crash, a collision with a semi-truck, happened as the team were heading to play their fifth SJHL semi-final game with the Nipawin Hawks.
It resulted in sixteen fatalities (ten players, two coaches, a statistician, a broadcaster, the bus driver and an athletic therapist). The remaining passengers, thirteen players, all received injuries, most of them serious.
Canadian musician Tom Cochrane has re-released his song 'Big League' as a tribute to the Humboldt Broncos.
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It resulted in sixteen fatalities (ten players, two coaches, a statistician, a broadcaster, the bus driver and an athletic therapist). The remaining passengers, thirteen players, all received injuries, most of them serious.
Canadian musician Tom Cochrane has re-released his song 'Big League' as a tribute to the Humboldt Broncos.
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It's a testament to the hard work and tireless non-profit making efforts of the Darvel Music Company (effectively a continuation of what was the Darvel Music Festival, a successful sometimes multiple weekend event that ran in the small Ayrshire town for fifteen years) that such high quality shows are still being put on at the Town Hall along with smaller, but no less entertaining gigs at the Darvel Bowling Club (which help fund the larger shows) also part of the Darvel Music Company bill.
Following the successful King King show which took place on the 21st of April, is a gig at the Darvel Bowling Club on the 5th of May featuring Edinburgh's Black Cat Bone, who bring swampy swagger and soul-groove to their blues rock, supported by local musicians grouped as Kevin’s Black Bull Blues All-Stars.
That event will be followed three months later by a welcome return to Darvel, on August 25th, for Texan blues-soul-funk musician Hamilton Loomis and his band.
Loomis, a regular fixture at the Darvel Music Festival and who performed in Darvel last year while promoting his latest album Basics (his most personal and stripped back work to date), is a must-see artist who puts the capital E in Entertainment.
Following the successful King King show which took place on the 21st of April, is a gig at the Darvel Bowling Club on the 5th of May featuring Edinburgh's Black Cat Bone, who bring swampy swagger and soul-groove to their blues rock, supported by local musicians grouped as Kevin’s Black Bull Blues All-Stars.
That event will be followed three months later by a welcome return to Darvel, on August 25th, for Texan blues-soul-funk musician Hamilton Loomis and his band.
Loomis, a regular fixture at the Darvel Music Festival and who performed in Darvel last year while promoting his latest album Basics (his most personal and stripped back work to date), is a must-see artist who puts the capital E in Entertainment.
The August 25th show is a triple bill event.
Legendary British producer and singer Mike Vernon – who is having so much fun with his good time crooner-swing band The Mighty Combo it should be illegal – will ably support the Hamilton Loomis Band in the soul-funk company of Fife based eight-piece, Lights Out By Nine.
Tickets for the May 5th Bowling Club concert are only £7.
The Town Hall show on the 25th August costs £22.50, unless you live in the Irvine Valley – if you are local to the area you can visit any of the local sales outlets and get your ticket for £20 (please present evidence of your address when purchasing).
All ticket outlet information can be located at: www.darvelmusiccompany.com
The Darvel Music Company organisers would like to thank all of their current 2018 sponsors and advertisers.
Special thanks to the Miss Bessie C. Roxburgh Bequest, Skipton Building Society, Grassroots Giving Scheme, Tesco Bags for Help, Scot-Mid, West Siphonics Limited, The Loudoun Valley Trust and the Darvel Improvement Group for their generous financial support.
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Legendary British producer and singer Mike Vernon – who is having so much fun with his good time crooner-swing band The Mighty Combo it should be illegal – will ably support the Hamilton Loomis Band in the soul-funk company of Fife based eight-piece, Lights Out By Nine.
Tickets for the May 5th Bowling Club concert are only £7.
The Town Hall show on the 25th August costs £22.50, unless you live in the Irvine Valley – if you are local to the area you can visit any of the local sales outlets and get your ticket for £20 (please present evidence of your address when purchasing).
All ticket outlet information can be located at: www.darvelmusiccompany.com
The Darvel Music Company organisers would like to thank all of their current 2018 sponsors and advertisers.
Special thanks to the Miss Bessie C. Roxburgh Bequest, Skipton Building Society, Grassroots Giving Scheme, Tesco Bags for Help, Scot-Mid, West Siphonics Limited, The Loudoun Valley Trust and the Darvel Improvement Group for their generous financial support.
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Edinburgh heavy soul-blues outfit The Rising Souls have just released a new song entitled 'Escape.'
The contemporary soul-blues meets spacious, Zeppelin-esque sound of the song also acts as a precursor to a full album that the band are currently working towards.
The contemporary soul-blues meets spacious, Zeppelin-esque sound of the song also acts as a precursor to a full album that the band are currently working towards.
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Greig Taylor has been cited many times as not just one of Scotland’s hardest working musicians but one of the UK’s finest blues-based vocalists.
Although Taylor's various musical projects in the blues scene over the last five years or so have been both noteworthy and deserving of their critical acclaim – two albums with GT’s Boos Band featuring guitarist John Boos (gaining further recognition via an appearance on the BBC Four Television documentary UK’s Best Part Time Band), a short but successful tenure with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band and more lately acoustic blues project The Blind Lemon Gators – his forthcoming solo album, musical association with former Blues 'N Trouble and Maggie Bell guitarist Sandy Tweeddale and new band project, The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, are all shaping up to be the vehicles that deliver his best and strongest work to date.
Acting as a taster of things to come is the single 'God’s Problem Child.'
The song, a cover of a lesser known Willie Nelson track, is deceptive in its seeming simplicity; while the accompanying video helps frame the bluesy pathos of the song’s lyric, the subtle musical depths of the number are as impacting as Greig Taylor’s soulful and sincere blues voice, as the singer explained to FabricationsHQ shortly after the single was recorded:
"The song features Sandy Tweeddale on lead guitar, Jim Chadwin on nylon acoustic, Gill Hunter on keys, Al Jones on bass, former John Martyn drummer Dave Cantwell and Jim Harcus on blues harp; we also have backing vocals from Stacey Bell and some little moments of four-piece harmonies.
I’m loving this track. This is the best work, and best set of musicians, I’ve been involved with."
Although Taylor's various musical projects in the blues scene over the last five years or so have been both noteworthy and deserving of their critical acclaim – two albums with GT’s Boos Band featuring guitarist John Boos (gaining further recognition via an appearance on the BBC Four Television documentary UK’s Best Part Time Band), a short but successful tenure with the Glasgow based Brian Rawson Band and more lately acoustic blues project The Blind Lemon Gators – his forthcoming solo album, musical association with former Blues 'N Trouble and Maggie Bell guitarist Sandy Tweeddale and new band project, The Greig Taylor Blues Combo, are all shaping up to be the vehicles that deliver his best and strongest work to date.
Acting as a taster of things to come is the single 'God’s Problem Child.'
The song, a cover of a lesser known Willie Nelson track, is deceptive in its seeming simplicity; while the accompanying video helps frame the bluesy pathos of the song’s lyric, the subtle musical depths of the number are as impacting as Greig Taylor’s soulful and sincere blues voice, as the singer explained to FabricationsHQ shortly after the single was recorded:
"The song features Sandy Tweeddale on lead guitar, Jim Chadwin on nylon acoustic, Gill Hunter on keys, Al Jones on bass, former John Martyn drummer Dave Cantwell and Jim Harcus on blues harp; we also have backing vocals from Stacey Bell and some little moments of four-piece harmonies.
I’m loving this track. This is the best work, and best set of musicians, I’ve been involved with."
'God’s Problem Child' bodes well for not just the future of The Greig Taylor Blues Combo but the quality of songs to come, as Greig confirmed: "The new single is a cover, of course, but Sandy and I are currently writing an originals album; the first song we wrote together was just gorgeous."
The Greig Taylor Blues Combo recently played their official Band Launch show at the famous Dreadnoughtrock, Scotland's longest running rock club
"Greig Taylor channeling the Howlin Wolf!"
– Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
"Smouldering, yet penetrating, vocals from Greig Taylor."
– www.music-news.com
"Greig Taylor has a great voice, reminiscent of Paul Rodgers of Free."
– Rosy Greer, www.bluesinthenorthwest.com
"A great voice, a rock/soul singer with roots in his blues."
– www.bluesmagazine.nl
"Greig Taylor sings with tremendous flair, his voice seems to know no bounds."
– Walter Vanheuckelom, Concert Monkey, Netherlands
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The Greig Taylor Blues Combo recently played their official Band Launch show at the famous Dreadnoughtrock, Scotland's longest running rock club
"Greig Taylor channeling the Howlin Wolf!"
– Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
"Smouldering, yet penetrating, vocals from Greig Taylor."
– www.music-news.com
"Greig Taylor has a great voice, reminiscent of Paul Rodgers of Free."
– Rosy Greer, www.bluesinthenorthwest.com
"A great voice, a rock/soul singer with roots in his blues."
– www.bluesmagazine.nl
"Greig Taylor sings with tremendous flair, his voice seems to know no bounds."
– Walter Vanheuckelom, Concert Monkey, Netherlands
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Diamond Black, the London based dark-rock quartet founded by Sisters of Mercy guitarist Ben Christo have just released a new single entitled 'Ghost in the Glass.'
The new song and debut single 'Sorrow,' released in October of last year, help define and describe what Diamond Black are all about musically and lyrically - intense riffs, electronica and cinematic choruses; powerful and muscular musicality that can also be fragile and haunting, with lyrical themes that are often nuanced, introspective and emotive with vocals ranging from brooding whispers to venomous screams.
The band’s influences are as musically diverse as Katatonia, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative and The Cult but with Finnish singer J.I. Turunen’s distinctly Scandinavian melancholy, backed by Ben Christo’s thick riffs and emotive lead-lines and a powerful rhythm section in the shape of drummer Jan-Vincent Velazco and bassist Adam Lightspeed (all encased within the darkwave/electro-rock production of noted Finnish musician and producer Jaani Peuhu) the results are definitively, and dynamically, Diamond Black.
The new song and debut single 'Sorrow,' released in October of last year, help define and describe what Diamond Black are all about musically and lyrically - intense riffs, electronica and cinematic choruses; powerful and muscular musicality that can also be fragile and haunting, with lyrical themes that are often nuanced, introspective and emotive with vocals ranging from brooding whispers to venomous screams.
The band’s influences are as musically diverse as Katatonia, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative and The Cult but with Finnish singer J.I. Turunen’s distinctly Scandinavian melancholy, backed by Ben Christo’s thick riffs and emotive lead-lines and a powerful rhythm section in the shape of drummer Jan-Vincent Velazco and bassist Adam Lightspeed (all encased within the darkwave/electro-rock production of noted Finnish musician and producer Jaani Peuhu) the results are definitively, and dynamically, Diamond Black.
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Due to popular demand Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous will play five dates in the UK in September and October as part of their ongoing performance tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Thin Lizzy’s iconic live album Live and Dangerous.
Tickets are on sale now, direct from the venues.
Original Thin Lizzy member and one of the great rock drummers, Brian Downey, says of the shows:
"We will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Live and Dangerous by performing the album in its entirety when we tour it in the UK in September and October. Thin Lizzy fans have been asking us when we will embark on a UK tour. The time has finally arrived!"
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), plus former Low Rider band members Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass), and Phil Edgar (lead guitar).
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous - September/October UK Dates
South Shields, Queen Vic - Tuesday 25th September
Stoke, Eleven - Thursday 27th September
London, Camden Underworld - Friday 28th September
Wolverhampton, The Robin 2 - Saturday 29th September
Glasgow, Classic Grand - Monday 1st October
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Tickets are on sale now, direct from the venues.
Original Thin Lizzy member and one of the great rock drummers, Brian Downey, says of the shows:
"We will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Live and Dangerous by performing the album in its entirety when we tour it in the UK in September and October. Thin Lizzy fans have been asking us when we will embark on a UK tour. The time has finally arrived!"
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous features Brian Grace (best known as the guitarist for the Commitments’ Andrew Strong), plus former Low Rider band members Matt Wilson (lead vocals, bass), and Phil Edgar (lead guitar).
Brian Downey’s Alive And Dangerous - September/October UK Dates
South Shields, Queen Vic - Tuesday 25th September
Stoke, Eleven - Thursday 27th September
London, Camden Underworld - Friday 28th September
Wolverhampton, The Robin 2 - Saturday 29th September
Glasgow, Classic Grand - Monday 1st October
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Glasgow based modern melodic country duo, Raintown, built around the husband and wife songwriting and vocal team of Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain, have just released a new single Run with the night.
The song is also their first collaboration with producer John McLaughlin who has written and produced seven UK No.1’s and more than twenty-five Top Ten hits worldwide.
The song is an upbeat and up-tempo modern country meets pop-rock crossover number with a take-a-chance lyric, as Paul Bain explains:
"Myself and Claire got talking about taking chances one night and whether in uncertain times are people more or less inclined to take a leap of faith, see dreams through to fruition or is everything disposable. Somewhere in there the phrase you have to just 'run with the night' was used and an idea was born."
The song is also their first collaboration with producer John McLaughlin who has written and produced seven UK No.1’s and more than twenty-five Top Ten hits worldwide.
The song is an upbeat and up-tempo modern country meets pop-rock crossover number with a take-a-chance lyric, as Paul Bain explains:
"Myself and Claire got talking about taking chances one night and whether in uncertain times are people more or less inclined to take a leap of faith, see dreams through to fruition or is everything disposable. Somewhere in there the phrase you have to just 'run with the night' was used and an idea was born."
With sixteen awards in five years and two critically acclaimed albums under their contemporary country belts, Raintown are an act that can deliver infectious hooks and harmonies within their melodic and at times Celtic tinged country-rooted framework.
Full-length interview feature with Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain will be published on FabricationsHQ later this month.
"Raintown are all about the blend of not just the smooth and warm voices of husband and wife singer-songwriter team Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain but the blend of the individual band members and top-notch songs that range from romantic storytelling to melodic country pop and roll with splashes of Celtic rock and bright lead guitar tones."
- FabricationsHQ
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Full-length interview feature with Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain will be published on FabricationsHQ later this month.
"Raintown are all about the blend of not just the smooth and warm voices of husband and wife singer-songwriter team Paul Bain and Claire McArthur Bain but the blend of the individual band members and top-notch songs that range from romantic storytelling to melodic country pop and roll with splashes of Celtic rock and bright lead guitar tones."
- FabricationsHQ
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Following the reissue of Saxon’s first three albums in Deluxe 24 page media book CD and coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions, BMG have announced the re-issue of the British heavy metal stalwart’s fourth, fifth and sixth albums, Denim and Leather, Power & the Glory and Crusader, all in the same formats.
The albums will be released on the 25th of May.
As with the first three Saxon albums in BMG’s re-release series (Saxon, Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, all of which broke into the UK Top 40), these editions will include original lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia; the CD versions will also feature bonus tracks including early demos (some of which didn't make final track listings), Single B-sides and live recordings.
The coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions will contain only the original albums (no bonus tracks).
The albums will be released on the 25th of May.
As with the first three Saxon albums in BMG’s re-release series (Saxon, Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, all of which broke into the UK Top 40), these editions will include original lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia; the CD versions will also feature bonus tracks including early demos (some of which didn't make final track listings), Single B-sides and live recordings.
The coloured splatter/swirl Vinyl editions will contain only the original albums (no bonus tracks).
Saxon’s fourth album Denim And Leather was originally released on 5th October 1981.
Recorded at Aquarius Studios in Geneva it was one of their most successful ever records and spawned the classic singles 'Princess Of The Night' and festival inspired 'And The Bands Played On,' written about their appearance at the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival in 1980.
This edition also contains seven live tracks recorded on the 1981 Denim And Leather Tour.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Denim_Leather
Saxon’s fifth album, Power & The Glory, was originally released on 21st March 1983 and was produced by Jeff Glixman at Axis Sound Studios in Atlanta; the album spawned two singles, 'Nightmare' and the title track.
Power & The Glory and also marked the replacement of drummer Pete Gill with Nigel Glockler, who remains a member of Saxon to this day.
This version of the album includes early working demos of songs from the album, recorded in 1982, including tracks that didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Power_Glory
Originally released on 16th April 1984, Saxon’s sixth album Crusader was produced by Kevin Beamish at the legendary Sound City Studios, in Los Angeles. It featured the band’s first recorded cover song, a version of the Sweet’s hard rock classic 'Set Me Free,' as well as the singles 'Sailing To America,' 'Just Let Me Rock' and 'Do It All For You.'
This version includes early working versions of some of the songs featured on the album as well as the songs 'Borderline' and 'Helter Skelter,' which didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/_Crusader
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Recorded at Aquarius Studios in Geneva it was one of their most successful ever records and spawned the classic singles 'Princess Of The Night' and festival inspired 'And The Bands Played On,' written about their appearance at the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival in 1980.
This edition also contains seven live tracks recorded on the 1981 Denim And Leather Tour.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Denim_Leather
Saxon’s fifth album, Power & The Glory, was originally released on 21st March 1983 and was produced by Jeff Glixman at Axis Sound Studios in Atlanta; the album spawned two singles, 'Nightmare' and the title track.
Power & The Glory and also marked the replacement of drummer Pete Gill with Nigel Glockler, who remains a member of Saxon to this day.
This version of the album includes early working demos of songs from the album, recorded in 1982, including tracks that didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/Power_Glory
Originally released on 16th April 1984, Saxon’s sixth album Crusader was produced by Kevin Beamish at the legendary Sound City Studios, in Los Angeles. It featured the band’s first recorded cover song, a version of the Sweet’s hard rock classic 'Set Me Free,' as well as the singles 'Sailing To America,' 'Just Let Me Rock' and 'Do It All For You.'
This version includes early working versions of some of the songs featured on the album as well as the songs 'Borderline' and 'Helter Skelter,' which didn’t make the final track listing.
Pre-Order: saxonband.lnk.to/_Crusader
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Photo by Laurence Harvey
Following his sold-out Perfection Kills March 2018 UK Tour, South African singer-songwriter and blues rock guitarist Dan Patlansky will return to the UK in November for a further nine dates.
Patlansky’s latest album Perfection Kills is the follow up to 2016’s Introvertigo which was met with universal critical acclaim and voted #1 Blues Rock Album 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Perfection Kills was recorded at Scherzo Productions, a recording studio in Dan Patlansky’s home town of Pretoria, South Africa. The musician chose Scherzo because he wanted to make a different sounding record and he felt it was the right studio for his vision.
Dan Patlansky was nominated as one of Classic Rock magazine’s hotly tipped new artists of 2015 when his Dear Silence Thieves album received numerous accolades and praise from the British blues and rock press. He’s been voted Most Promising Male Blues Artist by Blues & Soul Magazine and was also nominated as Best International Solo Artist at the Planet Rock Radio ‘Rocks’ Awards.
Dan Patlansky – November 2018 UK Dates
(Tickets - thegigcartel.com, danpatlansky.com )
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - Wednesday 21st November
Norwich, The Waterfront - Thursday 22nd November
Newbury, Arlington Arts Centre - Friday 23rd November
Chester, The Live Rooms - Saturday 24th November
Bury, The Met - Sunday 25th November
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Tuesday 27th November
Bromsgrove, Artrix - Wednesday 28th November
London, O2 Academy Islington - Thursday 29th November
Bristol, The Tunnels - Friday 30th November
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Patlansky’s latest album Perfection Kills is the follow up to 2016’s Introvertigo which was met with universal critical acclaim and voted #1 Blues Rock Album 2016 by Blues Rock Review.
Perfection Kills was recorded at Scherzo Productions, a recording studio in Dan Patlansky’s home town of Pretoria, South Africa. The musician chose Scherzo because he wanted to make a different sounding record and he felt it was the right studio for his vision.
Dan Patlansky was nominated as one of Classic Rock magazine’s hotly tipped new artists of 2015 when his Dear Silence Thieves album received numerous accolades and praise from the British blues and rock press. He’s been voted Most Promising Male Blues Artist by Blues & Soul Magazine and was also nominated as Best International Solo Artist at the Planet Rock Radio ‘Rocks’ Awards.
Dan Patlansky – November 2018 UK Dates
(Tickets - thegigcartel.com, danpatlansky.com )
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms - Wednesday 21st November
Norwich, The Waterfront - Thursday 22nd November
Newbury, Arlington Arts Centre - Friday 23rd November
Chester, The Live Rooms - Saturday 24th November
Bury, The Met - Sunday 25th November
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Tuesday 27th November
Bromsgrove, Artrix - Wednesday 28th November
London, O2 Academy Islington - Thursday 29th November
Bristol, The Tunnels - Friday 30th November
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The Kris Barras Band are a compelling live act who also deliver in the studio.
Talented singer songwriter guitarist Kris Barras’s previous release, Lucky 13, which saw the band augmented to a four-piece, garnered many deserved positive reviews; the more recent and excellent The Divine and Dirty, the first release for the Mascot Label Group, along with the recent special guest slot on Beth Hart’s UK tour, will hopefully elevate the career of Kris Barras to a wider and larger audience.
"In a day and age where it can be a crapshoot for even the most talented or hardest working of bands Kris Barras, having had his number come up with Lucky 13 and now the Mascot Label Group backed The Divine and Dirty, is clearly rolling sevens."
- FabricationsHQ
Talented singer songwriter guitarist Kris Barras’s previous release, Lucky 13, which saw the band augmented to a four-piece, garnered many deserved positive reviews; the more recent and excellent The Divine and Dirty, the first release for the Mascot Label Group, along with the recent special guest slot on Beth Hart’s UK tour, will hopefully elevate the career of Kris Barras to a wider and larger audience.
"In a day and age where it can be a crapshoot for even the most talented or hardest working of bands Kris Barras, having had his number come up with Lucky 13 and now the Mascot Label Group backed The Divine and Dirty, is clearly rolling sevens."
- FabricationsHQ
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Finnish singer-songwriter and outstanding slide guitarist Erja Lyytinen has released a brand new single, 'Without You.'
The song, a bluesy rock number with a funky undertone (an Erja Lyytinen strength and trait), lyrically deals with having to live with something or someone now out of reach. It will also feature on what will be Lyytinen's next studio album, due for release in the autumn.
'Without You' was written by Erja Lyytinen and recorded with her new band, which features Kasperi Kallio (keyboards), Tatu Back (bass) and Iiro Laitinen (drums).
Says Erja Lyytinen of the song "I started writing Without You a few years back, but never found the right moment to finish it. I brought the song into the rehearsal studio at the beginning of 2018 and the band and I started to work on it. The arrangement was completely different at first, with some R&B elements, but it turned out to be something that I´m keen doing on stage nowadays – it’s loud, rocky and frank!"
The song, a bluesy rock number with a funky undertone (an Erja Lyytinen strength and trait), lyrically deals with having to live with something or someone now out of reach. It will also feature on what will be Lyytinen's next studio album, due for release in the autumn.
'Without You' was written by Erja Lyytinen and recorded with her new band, which features Kasperi Kallio (keyboards), Tatu Back (bass) and Iiro Laitinen (drums).
Says Erja Lyytinen of the song "I started writing Without You a few years back, but never found the right moment to finish it. I brought the song into the rehearsal studio at the beginning of 2018 and the band and I started to work on it. The arrangement was completely different at first, with some R&B elements, but it turned out to be something that I´m keen doing on stage nowadays – it’s loud, rocky and frank!"
Erja Lyytinen has also confirmed a clutch of headlining UK tour shows for November 2018 to support the release of the forthcoming album:
London, Borderline - Tuesday 6th November
Bridgwater, Bar Brunel - Wednesday 7th November
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Thursday 8th November
Darlington, R&B Club - Friday 9th November
Bude, Blues Festival - Sunday 11th November
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London, Borderline - Tuesday 6th November
Bridgwater, Bar Brunel - Wednesday 7th November
Wolverhampton, Robin 2 - Thursday 8th November
Darlington, R&B Club - Friday 9th November
Bude, Blues Festival - Sunday 11th November
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DBA (Downes Braide Association) have released a second track from Skyscraper Souls, the duo’s third album released towards the end of last year.
'Skin Deep,' featuring Marc Almond, is available to purchase as a single from iTunes; it also features with its own lyric video on YouTube.
'Skin Deep,' featuring Marc Almond, is available to purchase as a single from iTunes; it also features with its own lyric video on YouTube.
Skyscraper Souls, led by its 18 minute title track, is a progressive and conceptually based melodic pop work of repeating motifs and lyrical themes; it also features a number of guest musicians and singers including Marc Almond, Andy Partridge (XTC), David Longdon (Big Big Train), Kate Pierson (the B52s) Matthew Koma and Tim Bowness, the album and Kate Pierson.
The album is available in CD and digital formats as well as Transparent Blue vinyl, which you can order by clicking here.
"Sit back and simply allow its contents to work their magic."
Dave Ling - Prog Mag
"This outstanding album is all about the exquisite songs."
Dave Crompton - Fireworks
"A wonderful, widescreen suite of songs, brilliantly conceived and delivered; a modern progressive pop album to savour."
Andy Rawll - Metal Talk
"Pop, prog and rock melded together in one wonderful album."
Jason Ritchie - Get Ready to Rock!
"Skyscraper Souls, in terms of melodic flow and sophisticated pop progressions, melodically soars as high as its title suggests."
Ross Muir - FabricationsHQ
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The album is available in CD and digital formats as well as Transparent Blue vinyl, which you can order by clicking here.
"Sit back and simply allow its contents to work their magic."
Dave Ling - Prog Mag
"This outstanding album is all about the exquisite songs."
Dave Crompton - Fireworks
"A wonderful, widescreen suite of songs, brilliantly conceived and delivered; a modern progressive pop album to savour."
Andy Rawll - Metal Talk
"Pop, prog and rock melded together in one wonderful album."
Jason Ritchie - Get Ready to Rock!
"Skyscraper Souls, in terms of melodic flow and sophisticated pop progressions, melodically soars as high as its title suggests."
Ross Muir - FabricationsHQ
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Derbyshire’s hard 'n' heavy blues rock outfit Doomsday Outlaw have released a new song, 'Over and Over.'
It features on the band’s new album, Hard Times, which was released worldwide via Frontiers Records on May the 11th.
It features on the band’s new album, Hard Times, which was released worldwide via Frontiers Records on May the 11th.
Black River, the debut album from Doomsday Outlaw, was met by a heavy note of approval by east midlands and further afield metal-heads in 2015.
Suffer More had a riff-based core and a heavy blues edge but on album number two Doomsday Outlaw expanded their sound and struck a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal.
Self-released in May 2016, Suffer More received glowing notices from UK music press and critics.
Such mounting acclaim, plus a burgeoning reputation as a killer live act brought the band to the attention of Frontiers Music srl, a company that is already home to rising UK stars such as Inglorious, Wayward Sons and Bigfoot.
With the new album and a large number of live gigs already locked in, including a string of summer festival appearances, 2018 could well be the year of the Outlaw…
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Suffer More had a riff-based core and a heavy blues edge but on album number two Doomsday Outlaw expanded their sound and struck a balance between heavy blues and heavy metal.
Self-released in May 2016, Suffer More received glowing notices from UK music press and critics.
Such mounting acclaim, plus a burgeoning reputation as a killer live act brought the band to the attention of Frontiers Music srl, a company that is already home to rising UK stars such as Inglorious, Wayward Sons and Bigfoot.
With the new album and a large number of live gigs already locked in, including a string of summer festival appearances, 2018 could well be the year of the Outlaw…
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Solid Entertainments fittingly solid list of Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festivals taking place across the summer has just had another confirmed, their inaugural show in Leicester, on Sunday the 3rd June.
The first Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 will take place as The Leicester Arena, which provides the largest and most flexible space in the city (the £4.5 million arena hosts a wide range of events with access to excellent catering facilities and on-site, complimentary car parking.
In close proximity to the city centre, the Arena is also easily accessible for by public transport.
For their first outing in Leicester, and wanting to capitalise on superb facilities available, Solid Entertainments have delivered what is their most ambitious one day live music event to date.
With an international flavour, ten artists performing (including perennial festival favourites Dr Feelgood and the Climax Blues Band), and featuring one of the greatest names in blues rock, Walter Trout, Leicester and its surrounding area will be playing host to one of the one-day music events of the summer.
Having survived a near-death bout with liver disease and, thankfully, a successful 11th hour liver transplant in 2014, Walter Trout is now full of blues rocking energy and the very definition of joie de vivre; this is a man and musician who makes every note, gig and day count.
The modern blues great delivered what may well be his best ever back to back brace of albums with The Blues Came Callin’ (2014) and Battle Scars (2015), before releasing the celebratory blues of We’re All in This Together in 2017 (each song features a different blues buddy including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, John Mayall and Joe Bonamassa).
At a creative peak, Walter Trout is currently writing material for further, future releases.
Joining Walter Trout at the Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 are:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remain one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts on the UK and festival circuit.
Climax Blues Band – it’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, the Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole – The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
Mark Pontin Group – never happier than when they are on the stage utilising both their individual talents and great interplay and improvisation, no two Mark Pontin Group shows are ever the same.
Jimmy Regal And The Royals – a howlin’ harmonica, guitar & drums blues trio, modelled after acts such as RL Burnside and T Model Ford and in the tradition of Hound Dog Taylor.
Cheri Lyn – loyal to the spirit of 70s and 80s blues, rock and soul, the powerful vocalist evokes the legends of old while retaining a contemporary cutting edge.
Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival : Sunday 3rd June
Leicester Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 3UD
Early Bird tickets are only £28. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/index.html
Doors open at 12.30pm; music starts at 1.00pm; festival ends at 10.30pm.
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The first Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 will take place as The Leicester Arena, which provides the largest and most flexible space in the city (the £4.5 million arena hosts a wide range of events with access to excellent catering facilities and on-site, complimentary car parking.
In close proximity to the city centre, the Arena is also easily accessible for by public transport.
For their first outing in Leicester, and wanting to capitalise on superb facilities available, Solid Entertainments have delivered what is their most ambitious one day live music event to date.
With an international flavour, ten artists performing (including perennial festival favourites Dr Feelgood and the Climax Blues Band), and featuring one of the greatest names in blues rock, Walter Trout, Leicester and its surrounding area will be playing host to one of the one-day music events of the summer.
Having survived a near-death bout with liver disease and, thankfully, a successful 11th hour liver transplant in 2014, Walter Trout is now full of blues rocking energy and the very definition of joie de vivre; this is a man and musician who makes every note, gig and day count.
The modern blues great delivered what may well be his best ever back to back brace of albums with The Blues Came Callin’ (2014) and Battle Scars (2015), before releasing the celebratory blues of We’re All in This Together in 2017 (each song features a different blues buddy including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, John Mayall and Joe Bonamassa).
At a creative peak, Walter Trout is currently writing material for further, future releases.
Joining Walter Trout at the Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival 2018 are:
Dr Feelgood – formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s, Dr Feelgood remain one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts on the UK and festival circuit.
Climax Blues Band – it’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, the Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole – The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
Mark Pontin Group – never happier than when they are on the stage utilising both their individual talents and great interplay and improvisation, no two Mark Pontin Group shows are ever the same.
Jimmy Regal And The Royals – a howlin’ harmonica, guitar & drums blues trio, modelled after acts such as RL Burnside and T Model Ford and in the tradition of Hound Dog Taylor.
Cheri Lyn – loyal to the spirit of 70s and 80s blues, rock and soul, the powerful vocalist evokes the legends of old while retaining a contemporary cutting edge.
Leicester Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival : Sunday 3rd June
Leicester Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 3UD
Early Bird tickets are only £28. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/leicester/index.html
Doors open at 12.30pm; music starts at 1.00pm; festival ends at 10.30pm.
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Solid Entertainments has announced the full line-up for the first Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival that takes place at The Neon on Saturday 2nd June.
As Solid Entertainments inaugural Blues, Rhythm & Rock event in south east Wales a strong line-up was called for – and answered by King King, the legendary Climax Blues Band and five other striking acts who bring their style and blues based identity to proceedings, including The Brew and Ben Poole.
King King need no introduction to British blues rock fans and have become the must-see band in the burgeoning Blues Rock circuit in both the UK and Europe.
Multiple British Blues Award winners King King have proved their mettle on bills with Thunder and John Mayall, triumphed as far afield as Mumbai and taken the roof off major venues from the Glasgow 02 Glasgow to Wembley Arena.
Climax Blues Band – It’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
The Brew - When you see The Brew live on stage it becomes crystal clear why this blues rockin’ power-trio get rave reviews wherever they play and have a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting, vibrant and high-energy blues rock acts.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole - The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
The venue will also have food and drinks available.
Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 2nd June
The Neon, Clarence Place, Newport, South East Wales NP19 7AB
Early Bird tickets are only £25. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; Music starts at 2.00 pm; Music/ festival ends at 11.00 pm
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As Solid Entertainments inaugural Blues, Rhythm & Rock event in south east Wales a strong line-up was called for – and answered by King King, the legendary Climax Blues Band and five other striking acts who bring their style and blues based identity to proceedings, including The Brew and Ben Poole.
King King need no introduction to British blues rock fans and have become the must-see band in the burgeoning Blues Rock circuit in both the UK and Europe.
Multiple British Blues Award winners King King have proved their mettle on bills with Thunder and John Mayall, triumphed as far afield as Mumbai and taken the roof off major venues from the Glasgow 02 Glasgow to Wembley Arena.
Climax Blues Band – It’s been a long and lengthy career road for the legendary outfit, but the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s.
The Brew - When you see The Brew live on stage it becomes crystal clear why this blues rockin’ power-trio get rave reviews wherever they play and have a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting, vibrant and high-energy blues rock acts.
Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs – Historically speaking, Groundhogs, in their current form, have been in existence for but a musical moment in time, but their back story and back catalogue is extensive, varied and highly regarded.
Stacie Collins – Sporting a slam-bang rock ‘n’ roll band and a hard-core honky-tonk wail, the Nashville based singer-songwriter both blends, and pushes, the boundaries of rock, blues and country.
Ben Poole - The twenty-eight year old is currently being described as one the most exciting young rock, pop and blues-soul artists to come out of the UK for a long, long time; one listen to Ben Poole live or on current album Time Has Come and you’ll see and hear why.
The Luke Doherty Band – Captivated by the blues since he found an old VHS tape of old-school blues players in a cupboard when he was seven years old, Luke Doherty is never happier than when he is playing blues. And it shows.
The venue will also have food and drinks available.
Newport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Saturday 2nd June
The Neon, Clarence Place, Newport, South East Wales NP19 7AB
Early Bird tickets are only £25. To book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/newport/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; Music starts at 2.00 pm; Music/ festival ends at 11.00 pm
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The Devon Allman Project with special guest Duane Betts, will play six dates in the UK in September.
Tickets for all shows are priced at £20 and available through www.thegigcartel.com or the 24HR Box Office 08444 780 898.
On August 12th, 2017, after spending much of the summer off the road, Devon Allman, former leader of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Devon Allman's Honeytribe, reignited his career with an appearance at an all-star tribute to his father Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks at Peachfest (an Allman Brothers curated festival). Chuck Leavell, Jaimoe, Duane Betts, Marc Quinones, Peter Levin, Oteil Burbridge, Dave Schools and others participated in the tribute.
The Devon Allman Project, with special guest Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts and former member of Dawes and Great Southern) kicked off their 2018 World Tour with a special show at the Fillmore in San Francisco on December 8th, 2017.
The Fillmore show featured guest appearances by Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, Hank Williams Jr.), Bobby Whitlock (Derek & The Dominos, Dr. John, Rolling Stones ) and long-time Gregg Allman keyboardist, Peter Levin, acting as the musical director.
On the forthcoming UK tour, The Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts will perform sets of Duane Betts and Devon Allman originals, a number of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Honeytribe songs and an encore set that will include Allman Brothers songs.
Devon Allman Project featuring Duane Betts – UK Dates:
Bristol, The Fleece - Sunday 2nd September
Bilston, Robin 2 - Monday 3rd September
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 4th September
Newcastle, Riverside - Thursday 6th September
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 7th September
Manchester, Academy 3 - Saturday 8th September
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Tickets for all shows are priced at £20 and available through www.thegigcartel.com or the 24HR Box Office 08444 780 898.
On August 12th, 2017, after spending much of the summer off the road, Devon Allman, former leader of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Devon Allman's Honeytribe, reignited his career with an appearance at an all-star tribute to his father Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks at Peachfest (an Allman Brothers curated festival). Chuck Leavell, Jaimoe, Duane Betts, Marc Quinones, Peter Levin, Oteil Burbridge, Dave Schools and others participated in the tribute.
The Devon Allman Project, with special guest Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts and former member of Dawes and Great Southern) kicked off their 2018 World Tour with a special show at the Fillmore in San Francisco on December 8th, 2017.
The Fillmore show featured guest appearances by Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi All-Stars), Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck, Hank Williams Jr.), Bobby Whitlock (Derek & The Dominos, Dr. John, Rolling Stones ) and long-time Gregg Allman keyboardist, Peter Levin, acting as the musical director.
On the forthcoming UK tour, The Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts will perform sets of Duane Betts and Devon Allman originals, a number of Royal Southern Brotherhood and Honeytribe songs and an encore set that will include Allman Brothers songs.
Devon Allman Project featuring Duane Betts – UK Dates:
Bristol, The Fleece - Sunday 2nd September
Bilston, Robin 2 - Monday 3rd September
London, Islington Assembly Hall - Tuesday 4th September
Newcastle, Riverside - Thursday 6th September
Leeds, Brudenell Social Club - Friday 7th September
Manchester, Academy 3 - Saturday 8th September
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Glenn Hughes, known to millions of music fans as the 'Voice of Rock,' a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Deep Purple and front man for rock super group Black Country Communion, has announced he will be performing Deep Purple only material with his "Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple Live" show when he plays the UK in October.
The nine October dates, preceded by two Irish shows in September in Belfast (Waterfront, 29th) and Dublin (Olympia, 30th), promise to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks homage to Hughes' tenure in the MK III and MK IV incarnations of Deep Purple, one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups.
"I'm excited to be touring the Classic Deep Purple Live in the UK this October. I first toured Classic Deep Purple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer.
By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire!"
Glenn Hughes
GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE – OCTOBER 2018 UK TOUR
Tickets: 08444 780 898 (24HR Box Office) www.thegigcartel.com All Tickets £27.50 (Except London: £30.00)
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The nine October dates, preceded by two Irish shows in September in Belfast (Waterfront, 29th) and Dublin (Olympia, 30th), promise to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks homage to Hughes' tenure in the MK III and MK IV incarnations of Deep Purple, one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups.
"I'm excited to be touring the Classic Deep Purple Live in the UK this October. I first toured Classic Deep Purple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer.
By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire!"
Glenn Hughes
GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE – OCTOBER 2018 UK TOUR
Tickets: 08444 780 898 (24HR Box Office) www.thegigcartel.com All Tickets £27.50 (Except London: £30.00)
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The Cathedral City of Lincoln won’t be so much ringing to the bells of its Cathedral on a particular day in July as echoing to the sounds of folk and roots music when Solid Entertainments bring the Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival back to the county town.
Following the great success of last year’s Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival, the 2018 line-up had to equal, if not better, the 2017 event – and with Jacqui McShee's Pentangle headlining, special guest Julie Felix also performing and four other, very different and striking acts on the 14th July bill, this will be a folk, roots and world music experience not to miss.
Jacqui McShee grew up listening to music played on her parents’ gramophone – from Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald and big bands through to popular classics.
Jacqui however showed little interest in music until she heard Miles Davis and John Coltrane at CND friends, which subsequently became the most important thing in her life – on CND marches Jacqui would lead the singing with her sister Pam and did many gigs locally, in South East London, for charities such as War On Want and Oxfam.
Upon co-founding the folk-rock band Pentangle in 1968, Jacqui’s beautiful crystal-clear vocals became the standard for female British folk.
Pentangle became legendary on the folk-rock scene with virtuoso guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums); the original Pentangle expanded the frontiers of folk in the late 60s and early 70s while Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle have continued the concept of making ground-breaking music.
In 1964 Julie Felix arrived in England after leaving California and became the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company when she signed with Decca.
In 1966 Julie became the resident singer on the popular TV programme The Frost Report and quickly became a household name. She went on to appear in her own TV series on BBC1 and BBC2 and recorded hit singles on Mickey Most’s RAK label.
Julie, who was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla in 2013, will be celebrating her 80th birthday one month before her appearance at the festival.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & Blues Festival - full line-up:
Jacqui McShee's Pentangle (featuring saxophonist Gary Foote, bassist & guitarist Alan Thompson, drummer & percussionist Gerry Conway and keyboardist Spencer Cozens).
Julie Felix – with over fifty years in the music world, Julie will celebrate her 80th birthday in 2018 with a special concert at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Blair Dunlop – in only a short four year career, Blair Dunlop is already setting himself apart from his peers by way of his lyrical and musical maturity.
Galley Beggar – a sound that incorporates all manner of unexpected elements, while always celebrating the mischievous spirit of folk music across the centuries.
Said The Maiden – a beautiful blend of instrumentation and female vocals from three friends who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
The Beaubowbelles – combining the swing, wit and class of a vintage vocal harmony group with the sounds of a contemporary English folk band.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival
Saturday 14th July
Lincoln Alive, Lincoln
Early Bird Tickets are only £23.00 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
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Jacqui McShee grew up listening to music played on her parents’ gramophone – from Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald and big bands through to popular classics.
Jacqui however showed little interest in music until she heard Miles Davis and John Coltrane at CND friends, which subsequently became the most important thing in her life – on CND marches Jacqui would lead the singing with her sister Pam and did many gigs locally, in South East London, for charities such as War On Want and Oxfam.
Upon co-founding the folk-rock band Pentangle in 1968, Jacqui’s beautiful crystal-clear vocals became the standard for female British folk.
Pentangle became legendary on the folk-rock scene with virtuoso guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums); the original Pentangle expanded the frontiers of folk in the late 60s and early 70s while Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle have continued the concept of making ground-breaking music.
In 1964 Julie Felix arrived in England after leaving California and became the first solo folk artist to be signed to a major British record company when she signed with Decca.
In 1966 Julie became the resident singer on the popular TV programme The Frost Report and quickly became a household name. She went on to appear in her own TV series on BBC1 and BBC2 and recorded hit singles on Mickey Most’s RAK label.
Julie, who was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla in 2013, will be celebrating her 80th birthday one month before her appearance at the festival.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & Blues Festival - full line-up:
Jacqui McShee's Pentangle (featuring saxophonist Gary Foote, bassist & guitarist Alan Thompson, drummer & percussionist Gerry Conway and keyboardist Spencer Cozens).
Julie Felix – with over fifty years in the music world, Julie will celebrate her 80th birthday in 2018 with a special concert at the Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Blair Dunlop – in only a short four year career, Blair Dunlop is already setting himself apart from his peers by way of his lyrical and musical maturity.
Galley Beggar – a sound that incorporates all manner of unexpected elements, while always celebrating the mischievous spirit of folk music across the centuries.
Said The Maiden – a beautiful blend of instrumentation and female vocals from three friends who discovered a mutual love of folk music when they reunited several years after spending their school years together in Hertfordshire.
The Beaubowbelles – combining the swing, wit and class of a vintage vocal harmony group with the sounds of a contemporary English folk band.
Lincoln Folk, Roots & World Music Festival
Saturday 14th July
Lincoln Alive, Lincoln
Early Bird Tickets are only £23.00 and to book, please call 01472 349 222 or go online at: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets.html
To find out more about the line-ups and the festival in general, please visit: http://www.lincolnfolkfestival.co.uk/index.html
Doors open at 1.30 pm; music starts at 2.00 pm; festival ends at 10.00 pm.
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Following last year’s highly successful Classic (and new) Hackett and Genesis Revisited tour, renowned guitarist, prog icon and former Genesis member Steve Hackett has announced a special eight date tour of the UK for this October.
The shows will once again treat fans to many favourite Genesis and Steve Hackett numbers, but this time with Hackett and his band accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra.
The decision to undertake this tour was cemented following the critical success of last year’s one-off US performance of the Genesis Revisited music with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bradley Thachuk.
The performance went down a storm with the audience and, with the orchestra adding its own texture and colour to these classic tracks, it solidified Hackett’s thoughts on wanting to perform more orchestrated shows.
Additionally, such was the gusto and verve brought to the performance by the charismatic Bradley Thachuk that he will fly over to the UK to conduct the October shows.
"I always hoped that the Genesis music would one day involve an orchestra and I'm proud to say I'll now be able to make that dream a reality on my next British tour, involving my own extraordinary rock band alongside a full-sized orchestra."
Steve Hackett.
The show will feature some of the best-loved songs from the Genesis catalogue (including 'Supper’s Ready,' 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight' and 'Firth of Fifth') but Steve Hackett will not be neglecting his remarkable solo repertoire; a number of classic Hackett tracks will be included such as 'Shadow of the Hierophant,'
'El Niño' and 'The Steppes.'
Tickets are available from https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett and venue box offices; please note the London Festival Hall show on the 4th of October has already sold out.
Joining Steve Hackett on the orchestrated tour are his regular musicians Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxophones/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals.
The band will be joined for this tour by Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass.
Meanwhile, with Steve Hackett having begun his North American tour (starting with Cruise To The Edge), Hackett has celebrated the tour by rerecording GTR’s hit US single 'When The Heart Rules The Mind,' which is now available as a purchasable download via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon and all other digital services.
Of the rerecording Steve Hackett explains: "I always loved the track When the Heart Rules the Mind. I think it is the strongest thing Steve Howe and I wrote together and I always wanted to do a version where I would sing it myself with the use of today's production techniques. I'm also very pleased to have my friend Steve Rothery on board doing additional guitar."
The shows will once again treat fans to many favourite Genesis and Steve Hackett numbers, but this time with Hackett and his band accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra.
The decision to undertake this tour was cemented following the critical success of last year’s one-off US performance of the Genesis Revisited music with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bradley Thachuk.
The performance went down a storm with the audience and, with the orchestra adding its own texture and colour to these classic tracks, it solidified Hackett’s thoughts on wanting to perform more orchestrated shows.
Additionally, such was the gusto and verve brought to the performance by the charismatic Bradley Thachuk that he will fly over to the UK to conduct the October shows.
"I always hoped that the Genesis music would one day involve an orchestra and I'm proud to say I'll now be able to make that dream a reality on my next British tour, involving my own extraordinary rock band alongside a full-sized orchestra."
Steve Hackett.
The show will feature some of the best-loved songs from the Genesis catalogue (including 'Supper’s Ready,' 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight' and 'Firth of Fifth') but Steve Hackett will not be neglecting his remarkable solo repertoire; a number of classic Hackett tracks will be included such as 'Shadow of the Hierophant,'
'El Niño' and 'The Steppes.'
Tickets are available from https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett and venue box offices; please note the London Festival Hall show on the 4th of October has already sold out.
Joining Steve Hackett on the orchestrated tour are his regular musicians Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxophones/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals.
The band will be joined for this tour by Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass.
Meanwhile, with Steve Hackett having begun his North American tour (starting with Cruise To The Edge), Hackett has celebrated the tour by rerecording GTR’s hit US single 'When The Heart Rules The Mind,' which is now available as a purchasable download via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon and all other digital services.
Of the rerecording Steve Hackett explains: "I always loved the track When the Heart Rules the Mind. I think it is the strongest thing Steve Howe and I wrote together and I always wanted to do a version where I would sing it myself with the use of today's production techniques. I'm also very pleased to have my friend Steve Rothery on board doing additional guitar."
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Geoff Carne and the Hatz (the live performance duo of rock/ blues singer-guitarist Geoff Carne and long-time musical partner, drummer Mick Hatz) have released a new EP entitled 4 Play.
4 Play follows on from the rock and garage blues stylings of the duo’s 2016 album Get Close, which garnered favourable review from the likes of Liverpool Sound and Vision and Pete Feenstra for Get Ready To Rock!; Geoff Carne’s 2014 solo album, One To One, also received favourable review, including from FabricationsHQ.
On the EP the Carne and Hatz team are joined by Paul Mex (producer, mixer, bass guitar, piano).
As regards the direction of the 4 Play material and the differences between Geoff Carne and the Hatz as a live duo and the three-piece heard on 4 Play, Geoff Carne explained to FabricationsHQ that "on the EP we moved more into a riff and 12 bar blues route for the first three songs ('Down and Out,' 'Maybe Someday,' 'Medicine Man') before finishing with a piano mix of the rock ballad 'Forgiven,' which was a single last summer.
Our producer Paul Mex plays piano on the track and added some subtle bass lines all to the songs, making them more radio friendly.
Live, we remain the vocal, guitar and drums two-piece outfit Geoff Carnes and the Hatz!"
4 Play follows on from the rock and garage blues stylings of the duo’s 2016 album Get Close, which garnered favourable review from the likes of Liverpool Sound and Vision and Pete Feenstra for Get Ready To Rock!; Geoff Carne’s 2014 solo album, One To One, also received favourable review, including from FabricationsHQ.
On the EP the Carne and Hatz team are joined by Paul Mex (producer, mixer, bass guitar, piano).
As regards the direction of the 4 Play material and the differences between Geoff Carne and the Hatz as a live duo and the three-piece heard on 4 Play, Geoff Carne explained to FabricationsHQ that "on the EP we moved more into a riff and 12 bar blues route for the first three songs ('Down and Out,' 'Maybe Someday,' 'Medicine Man') before finishing with a piano mix of the rock ballad 'Forgiven,' which was a single last summer.
Our producer Paul Mex plays piano on the track and added some subtle bass lines all to the songs, making them more radio friendly.
Live, we remain the vocal, guitar and drums two-piece outfit Geoff Carnes and the Hatz!"
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Good to see and hear Belfast based rock outfit Baleful Creed starting to make a noise (and a heavy, weighty one at that) with second album Seismic Shifter.
On the latest album the band – Fin Finlay (vocals, guitar), John Allen (guitar), Davy Greer (bass, vocals) and Dave Jeffers (drums) – mix stoner rock and more contemporary influences with the purposeful riffage of Black Sabbath while lyrically shunning the usual suspects for weightier, real life subjects (the album’s title reflects the changing political landscapes, nationally and globally, and not the ground shaking volume of the music within).
Baleful Creed have already picked up some solid recognition through dedicated rock radio stations on both sides of the pond and more lately featured on Planet Rock; on the strength of Seismic Shifter the band’s debut album (a remixed and remastered package of earlier EP releases) is now close to selling out in its hard copy/ CD form.
On the latest album the band – Fin Finlay (vocals, guitar), John Allen (guitar), Davy Greer (bass, vocals) and Dave Jeffers (drums) – mix stoner rock and more contemporary influences with the purposeful riffage of Black Sabbath while lyrically shunning the usual suspects for weightier, real life subjects (the album’s title reflects the changing political landscapes, nationally and globally, and not the ground shaking volume of the music within).
Baleful Creed have already picked up some solid recognition through dedicated rock radio stations on both sides of the pond and more lately featured on Planet Rock; on the strength of Seismic Shifter the band’s debut album (a remixed and remastered package of earlier EP releases) is now close to selling out in its hard copy/ CD form.
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It's always an ears-pricked-up pleasure when something or somebody comes out of left field to pique your musical interest or adds a different colour to what you perceived to be their chosen pallette.
Making very different musical marks from previous or current endeavours are two Scottish musicians by the names of Edward Mackay and Fraser Clark.
With the greatest respect Ed Mackay is not a name that will be familiar to those outside of the Ayrshire music scene or Gourock, where he now resides.
Ed was a member of Ayrshire based band Rose Parade, a group whose indie-folk and quirky, melodic charm should have got them well beyond the Radio One airplay and FabricationsHQ page space they received and on to the wider alt-pop appeal they deserved, but destined never to achieve.
Ed Mackay’s latest venture, under the name Point Cove (inspired by the Isle of Lewis where Mackay grew up) is, at this stage, a collection of four home/ computer recorded tracks known collectively as the They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To EP.
Ed is now actively seeking routes toward making Point Cove and the debut EP a distributor based or self-released realisation.
Based on a mixture of computer created rhythms, post-rock, string effects, pop and the use of vintage, spoken word recordings the four tracks link to themes about our relationship with, and discovery of, sound through technology.
'Written in Wax' is about the original vinyl record; 'I Am the Edison Phonograph' declares itself just that; 'From Any Place at Any Time' heralds the advent of radio; 'Hear Me Speak' features some of the earliest recordings of peoples' voices.
The results are a mini-work that remind of Bill Nelson’s similarly themed instrumental-with-spoken-word creations that pepper his vast solo catalogue (an exceptionally creative artist whose pop & rock-art stylings mean his mainstream, rock star days are decades behind him, Nelson manages a successful and satisfying (but small scale) cottage industry career).
The point (cove) being, if you’re compared to Bill Nelson, you’re doing something right – and creative.
Making very different musical marks from previous or current endeavours are two Scottish musicians by the names of Edward Mackay and Fraser Clark.
With the greatest respect Ed Mackay is not a name that will be familiar to those outside of the Ayrshire music scene or Gourock, where he now resides.
Ed was a member of Ayrshire based band Rose Parade, a group whose indie-folk and quirky, melodic charm should have got them well beyond the Radio One airplay and FabricationsHQ page space they received and on to the wider alt-pop appeal they deserved, but destined never to achieve.
Ed Mackay’s latest venture, under the name Point Cove (inspired by the Isle of Lewis where Mackay grew up) is, at this stage, a collection of four home/ computer recorded tracks known collectively as the They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To EP.
Ed is now actively seeking routes toward making Point Cove and the debut EP a distributor based or self-released realisation.
Based on a mixture of computer created rhythms, post-rock, string effects, pop and the use of vintage, spoken word recordings the four tracks link to themes about our relationship with, and discovery of, sound through technology.
'Written in Wax' is about the original vinyl record; 'I Am the Edison Phonograph' declares itself just that; 'From Any Place at Any Time' heralds the advent of radio; 'Hear Me Speak' features some of the earliest recordings of peoples' voices.
The results are a mini-work that remind of Bill Nelson’s similarly themed instrumental-with-spoken-word creations that pepper his vast solo catalogue (an exceptionally creative artist whose pop & rock-art stylings mean his mainstream, rock star days are decades behind him, Nelson manages a successful and satisfying (but small scale) cottage industry career).
The point (cove) being, if you’re compared to Bill Nelson, you’re doing something right – and creative.
Coming from an entirely different musical angle, but one that is equally creative, is the From The Depths EP by Fraser Clark, a keyboard player whose name will be familiar to anyone who follows the UK’s blues rock scene and the "soul-deep rhythm and blues" outfit Redfish (who recently opened the main day of the returning Carlisle Blues Festival).
Fraser Clark’s highly animated on stage persona and bluesified keyboard remarks have been exchanged for a far calmer and contemporary solo venture – his piano instrumental offering are about as far removed from the Redfish brand of rhythm and blues as you could imagine – but his nu classical / semi-progressive piano pieces are imagined very well indeed.
Opening with the slightly sinister 'From The Depths' (not so much "look out behind you" as "look out below you") the space between the notes (reflecting what lies hidden beneath the surface) adds atmosphere to the EP's title track.
'Broken' adds traditional, yet still contemporary, melancholic contrast before the eight minute 'Glacier' acts as a slow moving soundtrack to the much slower moving icy giant.
The delicate 'Dust' and brighter allegro of 'Silver' close out what could be described as a Redfish out of Water but, like Ed Mackay and Point Cove, From the Depths is artistic passion over musical fashion – and that’s the kind of melody that will always appeal to, and be supported by, FabricationsHQ.
Fraser Clark’s highly animated on stage persona and bluesified keyboard remarks have been exchanged for a far calmer and contemporary solo venture – his piano instrumental offering are about as far removed from the Redfish brand of rhythm and blues as you could imagine – but his nu classical / semi-progressive piano pieces are imagined very well indeed.
Opening with the slightly sinister 'From The Depths' (not so much "look out behind you" as "look out below you") the space between the notes (reflecting what lies hidden beneath the surface) adds atmosphere to the EP's title track.
'Broken' adds traditional, yet still contemporary, melancholic contrast before the eight minute 'Glacier' acts as a slow moving soundtrack to the much slower moving icy giant.
The delicate 'Dust' and brighter allegro of 'Silver' close out what could be described as a Redfish out of Water but, like Ed Mackay and Point Cove, From the Depths is artistic passion over musical fashion – and that’s the kind of melody that will always appeal to, and be supported by, FabricationsHQ.
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Victor Wooten, musician
"What he said."
Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ