---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Birmingham-based independent artist Rebecca Downes has released the powerful and impacting 'Not On My Knees' (lifted from her boundary pushing album The Space Between Us) as a single.
Written with her guitarist and co-songwriter Steve Birkett, the track is a a guitar-based heavy riff modern blues with Gospel overtones, about being who you truly are and never kneeling to others.
The track, as with the rest of the album, was recorded, produced & engineered by Birkett with assistance from Steve Birkett Jnr. Mixing & mastering was by Gavin Monaghan (Editors, Scott Matthews, Robert Plant, Paolo Nutini) of Magic Garden Studio in Wolverhampton.
Of the song and its impacting lyric, Rebecca Downes says: "it’s about living your truth and not being driven by the views and opinions of others. It’s the most powerful song on the album, and whilst in this, its original form, it isn’t radio friendly, we felt we should give it the exposure and prominence it deserves by releasing the unabridged track as a single. It’s been described as 'apocalyptic blues' and I absolutely love it!"
"The dark gospel, bell tolling blues of Not On My Knees is Rebecca Downes at her most defiant.
Rising lyrically above the naysayers, critics and those that would bring negativity and hurt, the song is bolstered by one of the Downes’ strongest and most passionate deliveries to date." - FabricationsHQ
Written with her guitarist and co-songwriter Steve Birkett, the track is a a guitar-based heavy riff modern blues with Gospel overtones, about being who you truly are and never kneeling to others.
The track, as with the rest of the album, was recorded, produced & engineered by Birkett with assistance from Steve Birkett Jnr. Mixing & mastering was by Gavin Monaghan (Editors, Scott Matthews, Robert Plant, Paolo Nutini) of Magic Garden Studio in Wolverhampton.
Of the song and its impacting lyric, Rebecca Downes says: "it’s about living your truth and not being driven by the views and opinions of others. It’s the most powerful song on the album, and whilst in this, its original form, it isn’t radio friendly, we felt we should give it the exposure and prominence it deserves by releasing the unabridged track as a single. It’s been described as 'apocalyptic blues' and I absolutely love it!"
"The dark gospel, bell tolling blues of Not On My Knees is Rebecca Downes at her most defiant.
Rising lyrically above the naysayers, critics and those that would bring negativity and hurt, the song is bolstered by one of the Downes’ strongest and most passionate deliveries to date." - FabricationsHQ
Upcoming Rebecca Downes Band shows:
7th June - Broadstairs, The Wrotham Arms (stripped back 3-piece performance)
25th June - Wildfire Festival, Wanlockhead, Biggar, Scotland (full band)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7th June - Broadstairs, The Wrotham Arms (stripped back 3-piece performance)
25th June - Wildfire Festival, Wanlockhead, Biggar, Scotland (full band)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Floridian singer, songwriter & musician Barry Myers, whose previous albums and material have ranged from Dan Fogelberg, the Beatles and Pink Floyd influences to new age music meeting old-school pop craft creativity, has released a new single entitled 'Prima Donna.'
The new song, with its 70s funk groove, carries a hint of David Bowie in his soul-funky Young Americans era and, as Barry Myers states, "a sprinkle of Steely Dan!"
'Prima Donna' is available now on all digital and streaming services including ITunes, Spotify and Amazon.
The new song, with its 70s funk groove, carries a hint of David Bowie in his soul-funky Young Americans era and, as Barry Myers states, "a sprinkle of Steely Dan!"
'Prima Donna' is available now on all digital and streaming services including ITunes, Spotify and Amazon.
Barry Myers latest solo album is the conceptual Tapestry Of Life (2021); it was preceded by the 7-track mini-album Angel (2020).
Other album releases include 2014’s semi-conceptual Starseeds And Dreamcatchers (influenced by the 'Starseed Theory' and Mayan Calendar prophecies) and debut release 7th Avenue in 2010.
Both albums feature Florida based Canadian guitar great Pat Travers.
Website: https://barrymyersmusic.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other album releases include 2014’s semi-conceptual Starseeds And Dreamcatchers (influenced by the 'Starseed Theory' and Mayan Calendar prophecies) and debut release 7th Avenue in 2010.
Both albums feature Florida based Canadian guitar great Pat Travers.
Website: https://barrymyersmusic.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modern melodic progressives Lifesigns will release a brand new double live CD album Live In The Netherlands on July 3rd.
Dovetailing with the release will be a special launch party at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, where the album was recorded, on the 1st of July.
Pre-orders (CD and/ or download options plus option to order a signed CD copy) can be made via https://lifesignsmusic.co.uk/live-cd-pre-orders
Additionally, the band hope to have stock of the album available in time to sell at their run of UK gigs in June (full list of 2023 dates below).
A DVD version of the album/ show will follow later (release date tbc).
Lifesigns – John Young (lead vocals, keys, composer), Dave Bainbridge (guitars, keys, backing vocals), Jon Poole (bass, backing vocals), Zoltán Csörsz (drums), Steve Rispin (studio & live sound) – released their third studio album Altitude in 2021 to critical acclaim.
LIFESIGNS – live dates 2023
(info/ tickets: https://lifesignsmusic.co.uk/shows )
Saturday, June 10 - Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 15 - Future Yard, Birkenhead
Friday, June 16 - The Cluny 2, Newcastle
Saturday, June 17 - Ivory Blacks, Glasgow
Wednesday, June 21 - BCKiH Wahadło, Brześć Kujawski
Friday, June 23 - Marillion Weekend, Berlin
Saturday, June 24 - Puschkin, Dresden
Tuesday, June 27 - Logo, Hamburg
Thursday, June 29 - Musiktheater REX, Bensheim
Friday, June 30 – Musiktheater Piano, Dortmund
Saturday, July 1 - De Boerderij, Zoetermeer
Saturday, September 2 - West End Centre, Aldershot
Sunday, September 3 - Nene Valley Rock Festival, Nene Park, Peterborough
Friday, September 8 - Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Saturday, September 9 - The Tree House, Frome
Sunday, September 10 - Walled Garden Festival, Brightling Park, Tonbridge
Thursday, September 14 – Tapestry Arts Centre, Bradford
Friday, September 15 - Corporation, Sheffield
Saturday, September 16 – headlining festival Songs From The 'Wood, Blackwood Miners Institute, Blackwood
Saturday, September 30 - John Young Solo Show, Aylesbury Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dovetailing with the release will be a special launch party at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, where the album was recorded, on the 1st of July.
Pre-orders (CD and/ or download options plus option to order a signed CD copy) can be made via https://lifesignsmusic.co.uk/live-cd-pre-orders
Additionally, the band hope to have stock of the album available in time to sell at their run of UK gigs in June (full list of 2023 dates below).
A DVD version of the album/ show will follow later (release date tbc).
Lifesigns – John Young (lead vocals, keys, composer), Dave Bainbridge (guitars, keys, backing vocals), Jon Poole (bass, backing vocals), Zoltán Csörsz (drums), Steve Rispin (studio & live sound) – released their third studio album Altitude in 2021 to critical acclaim.
LIFESIGNS – live dates 2023
(info/ tickets: https://lifesignsmusic.co.uk/shows )
Saturday, June 10 - Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 15 - Future Yard, Birkenhead
Friday, June 16 - The Cluny 2, Newcastle
Saturday, June 17 - Ivory Blacks, Glasgow
Wednesday, June 21 - BCKiH Wahadło, Brześć Kujawski
Friday, June 23 - Marillion Weekend, Berlin
Saturday, June 24 - Puschkin, Dresden
Tuesday, June 27 - Logo, Hamburg
Thursday, June 29 - Musiktheater REX, Bensheim
Friday, June 30 – Musiktheater Piano, Dortmund
Saturday, July 1 - De Boerderij, Zoetermeer
Saturday, September 2 - West End Centre, Aldershot
Sunday, September 3 - Nene Valley Rock Festival, Nene Park, Peterborough
Friday, September 8 - Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Saturday, September 9 - The Tree House, Frome
Sunday, September 10 - Walled Garden Festival, Brightling Park, Tonbridge
Thursday, September 14 – Tapestry Arts Centre, Bradford
Friday, September 15 - Corporation, Sheffield
Saturday, September 16 – headlining festival Songs From The 'Wood, Blackwood Miners Institute, Blackwood
Saturday, September 30 - John Young Solo Show, Aylesbury Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal’s rock and roll psyche revivalists The Damn Truth have released a new single entitled 'Lonely.'
The release dovetails with the band’s upcoming run of headline & festival dates in England and Wales.
Support, on selected dates, comes from The Cold Stares and Empyre, with Zac and the New Men and Tessio supporting at Sheffield (see tour poster further below).
Tickets from: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
Of the new single, The Damn Truth’s front gal Lee-La Baum says: "Lonely started taking shape in our touring van as we began a cross Canada tour -- three days into that journey, our van went up in flames with our acoustic instruments, personal belongings and our hopes to continue our long-awaited tour!
We put together a GoFundMe campaign so that we could rent wheels that would take us and our trailer of stage gear home. 24 hours later there was an incredible amount of money in our account.
It was enough to buy a new van, clothes, and rent the gear to continue our tour. It was the beginning of our love affair with the incredible hearts and souls that make up our rock n roll community."
The release dovetails with the band’s upcoming run of headline & festival dates in England and Wales.
Support, on selected dates, comes from The Cold Stares and Empyre, with Zac and the New Men and Tessio supporting at Sheffield (see tour poster further below).
Tickets from: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/The-Damn-Truth.htm
Of the new single, The Damn Truth’s front gal Lee-La Baum says: "Lonely started taking shape in our touring van as we began a cross Canada tour -- three days into that journey, our van went up in flames with our acoustic instruments, personal belongings and our hopes to continue our long-awaited tour!
We put together a GoFundMe campaign so that we could rent wheels that would take us and our trailer of stage gear home. 24 hours later there was an incredible amount of money in our account.
It was enough to buy a new van, clothes, and rent the gear to continue our tour. It was the beginning of our love affair with the incredible hearts and souls that make up our rock n roll community."
In 2021 the band - Lee-La Baum (vocals, guitar), Tom Shemer (guitar), PY Letellier (bass) and Dave Traina (drums), released the critically acclaimed Now or Nowhere, with six tracks produced by the legendary and Grammy Award winning Bob Rock (who will also be producing the band’s next album).
The singles spawned from the album experienced considerable radio play success in the UK, including ten weeks of rotation for 'This Is Who We Are Now' on Planet Rock and a spot play on the BBC Radio 2 Rock Show with Johnnie Walker.
The band have also been championed by the British music press including magazine coverage in the likes of Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, Record Collector, Fireworks and Blues in Britain.
The Damn Truth have extensively toured Europe and North America and opened tours for Z.Z. Top, the Sheepdogs, Styx and Rival Sons; they were also special guests on Joe Bonamassa’s worldwide 2021 Keeping The Blues Alive Stream-A-Thon.
"It’s an honour to open for rock and roll royalty but the magic of The Damn Truth is best experienced uncut, in our full set. Our connection with our audiences is the most important thing so don’t miss us in these intimate headline settings when we return to the UK!" - Lee-La Baum
The singles spawned from the album experienced considerable radio play success in the UK, including ten weeks of rotation for 'This Is Who We Are Now' on Planet Rock and a spot play on the BBC Radio 2 Rock Show with Johnnie Walker.
The band have also been championed by the British music press including magazine coverage in the likes of Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, Record Collector, Fireworks and Blues in Britain.
The Damn Truth have extensively toured Europe and North America and opened tours for Z.Z. Top, the Sheepdogs, Styx and Rival Sons; they were also special guests on Joe Bonamassa’s worldwide 2021 Keeping The Blues Alive Stream-A-Thon.
"It’s an honour to open for rock and roll royalty but the magic of The Damn Truth is best experienced uncut, in our full set. Our connection with our audiences is the most important thing so don’t miss us in these intimate headline settings when we return to the UK!" - Lee-La Baum
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No sooner had the second Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock festival been completed than we have Solid Entertainments, staying true to their two-a-year word, announcing the next one.
On 19th November Solid Entertainments’ Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival series returns to Glasgow with another six band showcase at the Oran Mor.
Headlining the event in their celebratory 60th Anniversary year will be the Animals and Friends), led by founder member John Steel, to play their greatest hits for the Glasgow audience.
As per the previous two GBR&R festivals, the line-up is shaped to provide different shades of blues and rock.
Joining the Animals and Friends will be the 60s & 70s electric Chicago and Texas blues sounds of The Cinelli Brothers; the modern rock blues of one of the best new bands on the circuit, Brave Rival; the individualistic prog, pop & funk fusion of French blues rock exponent Felix Rabin; those acclaimed purveyors of soulful blues rock, Xander & The Peace Pirates; the contemporary British bluesman with the authentic sound, Mississippi MacDonald.
FabricationsHQ is once again pleased to be on-board as part of the promotion and press team for the event, for which Early Bird tickets are now on sale at http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/tickets.html
Please note when buying tickets by phone (number on poster below) tickets are face value (no booking fee) purchases; online purchases of tickets will include a 10% booking fee per ticket.
On 19th November Solid Entertainments’ Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival series returns to Glasgow with another six band showcase at the Oran Mor.
Headlining the event in their celebratory 60th Anniversary year will be the Animals and Friends), led by founder member John Steel, to play their greatest hits for the Glasgow audience.
As per the previous two GBR&R festivals, the line-up is shaped to provide different shades of blues and rock.
Joining the Animals and Friends will be the 60s & 70s electric Chicago and Texas blues sounds of The Cinelli Brothers; the modern rock blues of one of the best new bands on the circuit, Brave Rival; the individualistic prog, pop & funk fusion of French blues rock exponent Felix Rabin; those acclaimed purveyors of soulful blues rock, Xander & The Peace Pirates; the contemporary British bluesman with the authentic sound, Mississippi MacDonald.
FabricationsHQ is once again pleased to be on-board as part of the promotion and press team for the event, for which Early Bird tickets are now on sale at http://www.solidentertainments.com/blues/glasgow/tickets.html
Please note when buying tickets by phone (number on poster below) tickets are face value (no booking fee) purchases; online purchases of tickets will include a 10% booking fee per ticket.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso will release his debut album The Journey on July 21st via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group.
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/matteomancuso
The first song to be previewed from the album, 'Drop D,' has now been released.
One of the first songs written for the album, 'Drop D' pays tribute to Matteo Mancuso’s hard rock and prog influences such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Yes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Dream Theater, which he listened to as a teenager.
Of the song, Manuscio says "It is a mix of typical rock and prog elements and one of the most fun songs to play live!"
Pre-order the album here: https://lnk.to/matteomancuso
The first song to be previewed from the album, 'Drop D,' has now been released.
One of the first songs written for the album, 'Drop D' pays tribute to Matteo Mancuso’s hard rock and prog influences such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Yes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Dream Theater, which he listened to as a teenager.
Of the song, Manuscio says "It is a mix of typical rock and prog elements and one of the most fun songs to play live!"
Matteo Mancuso hails from Sicily, an island with a rich cultural heritage, from poets, writers, philosophers, and architects to painters and musicians.
Born in 1996 and raised just outside the capital Palermo, that artistic creativity runs deep in this young man’s veins.
At 12 years old Matteo took his first steps onto the stage at a local jazz festival.
Since then, his acquaintance with live performances has seen him blossom and develop through various line-ups and collaborations, including a duo with his father, where they explored the complexities of Django Reinhart's repertoire and contemporary jazz classics.
As a multi-faceted player, either classical or electric, what is astounding is his one-of-a-kind technique and use of his fingers instead of regular picking.
A YouTube sensation, Mancuso’s channel is now at 142k subscribers, with his international fanbase continually growing (including some of the world's most iconic, ground-breaking players who are declaring him as a force to be reckoned with).
His debut album was recorded at Fico d'India Studios, Casteldaccia, Sicily, by his father, Vincenzo Mancuso – a gifted player who also played on the record and co-wrote two songs.
The album also features Stefano India (bass) and Guiseppe Bruno (drums), with additional musicians Riccardo Oliva (bass), Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and Guiseppe Vasapolli (keys).
Matteo Manusco has performed with Tommy Emmanuel; he's shared the stage with Al Di Meola on classical guitar at the closing night of the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival; he played at the Lugano Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a guest with prog-rockers PFM; there was an incredible performance at the New Ross Guitar Festival in Ireland.
But 2023 and the debut album is where 'The Journey' really begins.
"I just want people to hear it. Music has always been my favourite form of communication, and the thing I love about instrumental music is that there isn't a language barrier. I'm sure that people that don't usually listen to instrumental music can find something interesting from this album. – Matteo Mancuso
"The evolution of guitar is firmly secure in the hands of these kinds of players… it's just a new level, the tone, the touch, the notes!" - Steve Vai
"An absolute talent; his improvisational ability is light years ahead. It was like when Jacko (Pastorius) came on the scene…how did he get so good and so fast?" - Al Di Meola.
"He's a virtuoso beyond virtuosos." - Tosin Abasi
"I have not seen anyone reinvent like this since Stanley Jordan." - Joe Bonamassa.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born in 1996 and raised just outside the capital Palermo, that artistic creativity runs deep in this young man’s veins.
At 12 years old Matteo took his first steps onto the stage at a local jazz festival.
Since then, his acquaintance with live performances has seen him blossom and develop through various line-ups and collaborations, including a duo with his father, where they explored the complexities of Django Reinhart's repertoire and contemporary jazz classics.
As a multi-faceted player, either classical or electric, what is astounding is his one-of-a-kind technique and use of his fingers instead of regular picking.
A YouTube sensation, Mancuso’s channel is now at 142k subscribers, with his international fanbase continually growing (including some of the world's most iconic, ground-breaking players who are declaring him as a force to be reckoned with).
His debut album was recorded at Fico d'India Studios, Casteldaccia, Sicily, by his father, Vincenzo Mancuso – a gifted player who also played on the record and co-wrote two songs.
The album also features Stefano India (bass) and Guiseppe Bruno (drums), with additional musicians Riccardo Oliva (bass), Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and Guiseppe Vasapolli (keys).
Matteo Manusco has performed with Tommy Emmanuel; he's shared the stage with Al Di Meola on classical guitar at the closing night of the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival; he played at the Lugano Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a guest with prog-rockers PFM; there was an incredible performance at the New Ross Guitar Festival in Ireland.
But 2023 and the debut album is where 'The Journey' really begins.
"I just want people to hear it. Music has always been my favourite form of communication, and the thing I love about instrumental music is that there isn't a language barrier. I'm sure that people that don't usually listen to instrumental music can find something interesting from this album. – Matteo Mancuso
"The evolution of guitar is firmly secure in the hands of these kinds of players… it's just a new level, the tone, the touch, the notes!" - Steve Vai
"An absolute talent; his improvisational ability is light years ahead. It was like when Jacko (Pastorius) came on the scene…how did he get so good and so fast?" - Al Di Meola.
"He's a virtuoso beyond virtuosos." - Tosin Abasi
"I have not seen anyone reinvent like this since Stanley Jordan." - Joe Bonamassa.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Lukather has just released a second new song from his forthcoming new solo album, Bridges, which will be released next month.
'Someone' was co-written with ToTo alumni Joseph Willaims and David Paich (who both feature on the track), as were the majority of the songs on the album; the results are a song and album that are intentionally ToTo in musical nature, as Steve Lukather explains...
"Bridges could not be more accurately titled; I see it as a bridge between my solo music and ToTo Music.
The fact that Joseph Williams, David Paich and I wrote most of the record, and the fact I invited many of the old ToTo gang to come and play, and had co-writers like Randy Goodrum and Stan Lynch, brings all this together.
It also proves that most of my old pals and I are still great friends, and I wanted to do a record 'in the style of,' as ToTo will never record another studio album. This is as close as we will get.
We still love writing and creating and recording together, and we will no doubt continue to work with each other on our respective solo works. It's complicated, and at the age I am now, I do not wish to do anything complicated!"
'Someone' was co-written with ToTo alumni Joseph Willaims and David Paich (who both feature on the track), as were the majority of the songs on the album; the results are a song and album that are intentionally ToTo in musical nature, as Steve Lukather explains...
"Bridges could not be more accurately titled; I see it as a bridge between my solo music and ToTo Music.
The fact that Joseph Williams, David Paich and I wrote most of the record, and the fact I invited many of the old ToTo gang to come and play, and had co-writers like Randy Goodrum and Stan Lynch, brings all this together.
It also proves that most of my old pals and I are still great friends, and I wanted to do a record 'in the style of,' as ToTo will never record another studio album. This is as close as we will get.
We still love writing and creating and recording together, and we will no doubt continue to work with each other on our respective solo works. It's complicated, and at the age I am now, I do not wish to do anything complicated!"
Bridges, which features performances from past & present members of the ToTo family tree (David Paich, Joseph Williams, Simon Phillips, Shannon Forrest, Lee Sklar and Steve Maggiora) as well as Steve Lukather's eldest son Trev Lukather and Gov't Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson, will be released on June 16th on the Mascot Label Group.
The album will be available on Digipak CD, Digital and Vinyl. Pre-order: https://lnk.to/SteveLukather
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The album will be available on Digipak CD, Digital and Vinyl. Pre-order: https://lnk.to/SteveLukather
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Rob Blackham
London-based heavy rock blues exponent Jack J Hutchinson has announced an autumn 2023 UK Headline Tour. Additionally, Hutchinson will play the Planet Rockstock 10th Anniversary event in December.
All dates on tour poster below, with tickets availanle from:
https://jackjhutchinsonmusic.com/2023/05/03/autumn-uk-headline-tour/
Taking to the road, the trio, consisting of Jack J Hutchinson (vocals, guitar), Phil Wilson (drums) and Charlie Rachel Kay (bass), will be performing tracks from across Hutchinson’s rich catalogue, including material from latest and critically acclaimed album The Hammer Falls (produced by Josiah J Manning) and follow-on EP What Doesn’t Kill You, which was mixed by Kevin Shirley (Joe Bonamassa, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin).
Jack J Hutchinson is also currently recording a brand-new album, working once more with producer Josiah J Manning.
Of the upcoming tour Jack J Hutchinson says: "I am beyond excited to hit the road with my power trio. The run will feature a return to some of my favourite venues, plus some exciting festival appearances. We’ll be giving it everything we’ve got!"
Of the new album, Hutchinson continues: "I feel like I’ve returned to my roots with this next record; the blues and soul have always been key components of my songwriting and it’s been great to fuse this with the heavy rock of the last album. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been cooking up. Expect big riffs and big choruses!"
“An old school troubadour with a love of the heavy and a song in his heart... a gritty, honest take on blues rock, with a flourish of biker steel." - Planet Rock
"Jack J Hutchinson is as heavy and hard-hitting as the title of his last album suggests... The Hammer Falls, the reverberating impact is heard." - FabricationsHQ
All dates on tour poster below, with tickets availanle from:
https://jackjhutchinsonmusic.com/2023/05/03/autumn-uk-headline-tour/
Taking to the road, the trio, consisting of Jack J Hutchinson (vocals, guitar), Phil Wilson (drums) and Charlie Rachel Kay (bass), will be performing tracks from across Hutchinson’s rich catalogue, including material from latest and critically acclaimed album The Hammer Falls (produced by Josiah J Manning) and follow-on EP What Doesn’t Kill You, which was mixed by Kevin Shirley (Joe Bonamassa, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin).
Jack J Hutchinson is also currently recording a brand-new album, working once more with producer Josiah J Manning.
Of the upcoming tour Jack J Hutchinson says: "I am beyond excited to hit the road with my power trio. The run will feature a return to some of my favourite venues, plus some exciting festival appearances. We’ll be giving it everything we’ve got!"
Of the new album, Hutchinson continues: "I feel like I’ve returned to my roots with this next record; the blues and soul have always been key components of my songwriting and it’s been great to fuse this with the heavy rock of the last album. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been cooking up. Expect big riffs and big choruses!"
“An old school troubadour with a love of the heavy and a song in his heart... a gritty, honest take on blues rock, with a flourish of biker steel." - Planet Rock
"Jack J Hutchinson is as heavy and hard-hitting as the title of his last album suggests... The Hammer Falls, the reverberating impact is heard." - FabricationsHQ
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KL Photography
Having toured the UK either side of the pandemic to promote his two studio albums to date (Everything Is Fine and Born Against), unique and charismatic solo artist Amigo The Devil (aka Danny Kiranos) has announced his first ever tour on this side of the Atlantic with a full band.
Currently on a US trek supporting Clutch, Amigo The Devil and band will begin a month long European run in Paris on 1st June before arriving in Brighton in the middle of that month for UK & Republic of Ireland shows that conclude on 2nd July in Cork.
The full schedule is:
01.06.23 PARIS (FR) La Boule Noire 02.06.23 ANTWERP (BE) Kabka Oudaan
04.06.23 MUNICH (DE) Backstage Kulturzentrum 05.06.23 VIENNA (AT) Chelsea
06.06.23 WARSAW (PL) Chmury 07.06.23 BERLIN (DE) Privatclub
09.06.23 STOCKHOLM (SE) STHLM Americana 10.06.23 MALMÖ (SE) Malmö Americana
11.06.23 OSLO (NO) Oslo Americana 13.06.23 HAMBURG (DE) HÄKKEN
16.06.23 AMSTERDAM (NL) Melkweg OZ
16.02.23 COLOGNE (DE) MTC Cub
17.06.23 NIJMEGEN (NL) Kids ’n’ Billies
19.06.23 BRIGHTON (UK) Concorde 2
21.06.23 BRISTOL (UK) Trinity Centre
22.06.23 LONDON (UK) Islington Assembly Hall
23.06.23 BIRMINGHAM (UK) O2 Academy 3
24.06.23 MANCHESTER (UK) Gorilla
26.06.23 LEEDS (UK) The Wardrobe
27.06.23 NEWCASTLE (UK) The Cluny
29.06.23 GLASGOW (UK) Classic Grand
30.06.23 BELFAST UK) Ulster Sports Club
01.07.23 DUBLIN (IE) The Grand Social
02.07.23 CORK (IE) Cyprus Avenue
Tickets: https://www.amigothedevil.com/tour
Renowned for his dark and macabre yet humorous storytelling, 2021’s Born Against expanded Amigo The Devils' repertoire with romantic, philosophical and emotional narratives within his genre-bending style that has earned him critical acclaim and a passionate worldwide following.
Harnessing world music alongside inspiration from master storytellers such as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen plus contemporaries like Fiona Apple and Father John Misty, Born Against is packed with vivid, cinematic tales of flawed protagonists on songs full of beautifully haunting melodies embellished with crashes, clashes, clicks, clangs and stomps.
Currently on a US trek supporting Clutch, Amigo The Devil and band will begin a month long European run in Paris on 1st June before arriving in Brighton in the middle of that month for UK & Republic of Ireland shows that conclude on 2nd July in Cork.
The full schedule is:
01.06.23 PARIS (FR) La Boule Noire 02.06.23 ANTWERP (BE) Kabka Oudaan
04.06.23 MUNICH (DE) Backstage Kulturzentrum 05.06.23 VIENNA (AT) Chelsea
06.06.23 WARSAW (PL) Chmury 07.06.23 BERLIN (DE) Privatclub
09.06.23 STOCKHOLM (SE) STHLM Americana 10.06.23 MALMÖ (SE) Malmö Americana
11.06.23 OSLO (NO) Oslo Americana 13.06.23 HAMBURG (DE) HÄKKEN
16.06.23 AMSTERDAM (NL) Melkweg OZ
16.02.23 COLOGNE (DE) MTC Cub
17.06.23 NIJMEGEN (NL) Kids ’n’ Billies
19.06.23 BRIGHTON (UK) Concorde 2
21.06.23 BRISTOL (UK) Trinity Centre
22.06.23 LONDON (UK) Islington Assembly Hall
23.06.23 BIRMINGHAM (UK) O2 Academy 3
24.06.23 MANCHESTER (UK) Gorilla
26.06.23 LEEDS (UK) The Wardrobe
27.06.23 NEWCASTLE (UK) The Cluny
29.06.23 GLASGOW (UK) Classic Grand
30.06.23 BELFAST UK) Ulster Sports Club
01.07.23 DUBLIN (IE) The Grand Social
02.07.23 CORK (IE) Cyprus Avenue
Tickets: https://www.amigothedevil.com/tour
Renowned for his dark and macabre yet humorous storytelling, 2021’s Born Against expanded Amigo The Devils' repertoire with romantic, philosophical and emotional narratives within his genre-bending style that has earned him critical acclaim and a passionate worldwide following.
Harnessing world music alongside inspiration from master storytellers such as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen plus contemporaries like Fiona Apple and Father John Misty, Born Against is packed with vivid, cinematic tales of flawed protagonists on songs full of beautifully haunting melodies embellished with crashes, clashes, clicks, clangs and stomps.
Praise for Amigo The Devil and Born Against
"A starkly beautiful tapestry on which genres are seemingly picked from a tombola and emotions torn from the depths. Angular and brilliant" - Classic Rock
"Darkly romantic, hauntingly melodic and flecked with effective experimental embellishments; the devil truly does have all the best tunes." - Folk Radio UK
"An inventive genre mash-up of backwoods Americana, Spaghetti Western soundtracks and Eastern European folk, all shot through with eccentric jazz impulses." - RNR
"Innermost thoughts spill out of extremely powerful, compelling and challenging songs." - Blues Matters
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A starkly beautiful tapestry on which genres are seemingly picked from a tombola and emotions torn from the depths. Angular and brilliant" - Classic Rock
"Darkly romantic, hauntingly melodic and flecked with effective experimental embellishments; the devil truly does have all the best tunes." - Folk Radio UK
"An inventive genre mash-up of backwoods Americana, Spaghetti Western soundtracks and Eastern European folk, all shot through with eccentric jazz impulses." - RNR
"Innermost thoughts spill out of extremely powerful, compelling and challenging songs." - Blues Matters
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky contemporary rockers Black Stone Cherry will release a brand new album entitled Screamin’ At The Sky on the Mascot Label Group on September 29th.
The quartet’s eighth album, described as containing the band’s most thrilling musicianship yet, is chock-full of urgently-emotive pop-rock hooks, redemptive lyrics, headbanging riffs and powerful dynamics.
The forthcoming 12-song collection, which is also BSC’s biggest and best sounding album to date, is preceded by the release of the song 'Nervous.'
The quartet’s eighth album, described as containing the band’s most thrilling musicianship yet, is chock-full of urgently-emotive pop-rock hooks, redemptive lyrics, headbanging riffs and powerful dynamics.
The forthcoming 12-song collection, which is also BSC’s biggest and best sounding album to date, is preceded by the release of the song 'Nervous.'
Screamin’ At The Sky will be released on CD, Digital, White Vinyl and a very limited Vinyl Box Set edition.
The Box Set, limited to 1000 copies and only available via the Mascot Webstore, contains a copy of the album on Marble vinyl; a copy of the album on Picture Disc; a Black & White album sleeve with colouring pencils; Autographed cards of all four band members; Poster.
Pre-order the album for stream or download here: https://lnk.to/bsc-mlg
Click here to pre-order the limited edition Vinyl Box Set
Click here to pre-order the White Vinyl edition
Click here to pre-order the CD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Box Set, limited to 1000 copies and only available via the Mascot Webstore, contains a copy of the album on Marble vinyl; a copy of the album on Picture Disc; a Black & White album sleeve with colouring pencils; Autographed cards of all four band members; Poster.
Pre-order the album for stream or download here: https://lnk.to/bsc-mlg
Click here to pre-order the limited edition Vinyl Box Set
Click here to pre-order the White Vinyl edition
Click here to pre-order the CD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonically powerful Prog-metal trio WEBB, who will release their new album Deadly Sins and Virtues on June 30th, have preceded the album with a new single, Hope.
"If there is no hope, we wouldn’t have anything to get excited about." explains vocalist/guitarist Ryan Webb. "Hope is such an important feeling. We all have hopes of one kind or another, whether it’s hoping people will become kinder towards each other, or even hoping a war will end. It’s definitely something we all need."
Mastered by Grammy Award winning mastering engineer Dave Collins (Metallica, Alice In Chains, Slipknot) Deadly Sins and Virtues was produced and mixed by Ryan Webb in his studio.
Focused, potent and all prevailing, the new album delivers on the potential showcased by previous releases from the band, such as 2021’s Disenchanted EP.
Deadly Sins and Virtues was also written with a specific theme in mind, that of Good and Bad.
Centuries ago, a list of sins and virtues was created; evil actions vs good deeds, dark against light.
WEBB have created their own version of what they consider to be deadly (but not in the literal sense) sins and virtues - representing toxicity in a modern society (grappling with digital exhaustion) and a planet at crisis point, the album points towards a sense of renewed hope and a positive message that there’s always a way forward.
Ryan Webb continues: "Deadly Sins and Virtues is a concept we've had in mind for a while. Notably, the seven deadly sins have been a popular motif in art and literature, persisting as a concept through the centuries, that’s now entered into the realms of pop culture courtesy of the innovation of media.
We wanted to stamp our own take on this, with a few twists. With this new record, we have managed to unleash the WEBB sound that had been lurking in the shadows!
We hope you enjoy the new album as much as we enjoyed making it."
Along with the new single, Deadly Sins and Virtues also features a remarkable cover of the Moody Blues classic 'Nights in White Satin.'
Deadly Sins and Virtues is available for pre-order now on CD (digital platforms to follow soon): https://www.webbofficial.com/product/deadly-sins-and-virtues-pre-order-cd/
WEBB are:
Vocals, guitars - Ryan Webb
Bass - Luca Massidda
Drums - Nigel Powell
Strings (on 'Nights In White Satin') - Nigel Powell
Album produced & mixed by Ryan Webb; Mastered by Dave Collins
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focused, potent and all prevailing, the new album delivers on the potential showcased by previous releases from the band, such as 2021’s Disenchanted EP.
Deadly Sins and Virtues was also written with a specific theme in mind, that of Good and Bad.
Centuries ago, a list of sins and virtues was created; evil actions vs good deeds, dark against light.
WEBB have created their own version of what they consider to be deadly (but not in the literal sense) sins and virtues - representing toxicity in a modern society (grappling with digital exhaustion) and a planet at crisis point, the album points towards a sense of renewed hope and a positive message that there’s always a way forward.
Ryan Webb continues: "Deadly Sins and Virtues is a concept we've had in mind for a while. Notably, the seven deadly sins have been a popular motif in art and literature, persisting as a concept through the centuries, that’s now entered into the realms of pop culture courtesy of the innovation of media.
We wanted to stamp our own take on this, with a few twists. With this new record, we have managed to unleash the WEBB sound that had been lurking in the shadows!
We hope you enjoy the new album as much as we enjoyed making it."
Along with the new single, Deadly Sins and Virtues also features a remarkable cover of the Moody Blues classic 'Nights in White Satin.'
Deadly Sins and Virtues is available for pre-order now on CD (digital platforms to follow soon): https://www.webbofficial.com/product/deadly-sins-and-virtues-pre-order-cd/
WEBB are:
Vocals, guitars - Ryan Webb
Bass - Luca Massidda
Drums - Nigel Powell
Strings (on 'Nights In White Satin') - Nigel Powell
Album produced & mixed by Ryan Webb; Mastered by Dave Collins
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celebrated guitarist Philip Sayce will return to the UK with six dates in November (see tour poster further below).
Tickets, which are now on sale, can be purchased via www.philipsayce.com and www.thegigcartel.com
Special guest on all shows is blues rocker and slide maestro Troy Redfern, currently on a co-headline tour of the UK with The Commoners in support of his latest album The Wings of Salvation (a new album is due to be released later in the year).
The UK tour announcement precedes the release of a brand-new single scheduled for mid-May from Sayce’s forthcoming studio album, which will be released on his own label, Atomic Gemini.
The new single and album follow Spirit Rising; his seventh full-length album, it was released by Warner Music during the pandemic (with over 11 million streams on Spotify).
"I am beyond excited to return to the UK; it’s been a long time coming, and it is a privilege to return to the country where I was born to perform. I cannot wait to reconnect with the UK audiences, who are always so gracious, supportive, and welcoming. We are going to light it up with everything we’ve got!"
Tickets, which are now on sale, can be purchased via www.philipsayce.com and www.thegigcartel.com
Special guest on all shows is blues rocker and slide maestro Troy Redfern, currently on a co-headline tour of the UK with The Commoners in support of his latest album The Wings of Salvation (a new album is due to be released later in the year).
The UK tour announcement precedes the release of a brand-new single scheduled for mid-May from Sayce’s forthcoming studio album, which will be released on his own label, Atomic Gemini.
The new single and album follow Spirit Rising; his seventh full-length album, it was released by Warner Music during the pandemic (with over 11 million streams on Spotify).
"I am beyond excited to return to the UK; it’s been a long time coming, and it is a privilege to return to the country where I was born to perform. I cannot wait to reconnect with the UK audiences, who are always so gracious, supportive, and welcoming. We are going to light it up with everything we’ve got!"
On the tour Philip Sayce (vocals, guitar) and his band, bassist Sam Bolle and drummer Bryan Head, will be performing music from Sayce’s back catalogue, including fan favourites such as 'Alchemy' (from Peace Machine) and the delicate 'Aberystwyth;' the latter is lifted from the album Steamroller, which was produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Dave Cobb.
Hailing from Los Angeles, Phillip Sayce is the band playing protege of guitar legend Jeff Healey and the Grammy and Academy Award winning Melissa Etheridge.
Born in Wales, raised in Toronto and now an American citizen, his love of the guitar started at a young age when his parents introduced him to the greats, most notably Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Jeff Healey and Jeff Beck.
Over the past two decades, Sayce has performed at the likes of the Montreux Jazz Festival (with Jeff Healey), the Oscars with Melissa Etheridge (when she won best song for An Inconvenient Truth, where Sayce’s guitar playing shines) and worked with multi-platinum artist Uncle Kracker.
"Players come along and challenge what you thought was possible… Philip Sayce - I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone go that crazy in that direction for a long time." - Joe Satriani
Hailing from Los Angeles, Phillip Sayce is the band playing protege of guitar legend Jeff Healey and the Grammy and Academy Award winning Melissa Etheridge.
Born in Wales, raised in Toronto and now an American citizen, his love of the guitar started at a young age when his parents introduced him to the greats, most notably Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Jeff Healey and Jeff Beck.
Over the past two decades, Sayce has performed at the likes of the Montreux Jazz Festival (with Jeff Healey), the Oscars with Melissa Etheridge (when she won best song for An Inconvenient Truth, where Sayce’s guitar playing shines) and worked with multi-platinum artist Uncle Kracker.
"Players come along and challenge what you thought was possible… Philip Sayce - I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone go that crazy in that direction for a long time." - Joe Satriani
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There’s been a moan or three in certain fan circles of late about some bands or artists having the audacity to raise the price of CDs and/or merch as they continually search for ways to make a living in a music "business" that refuses to cut its own corners while those that ensure there is a business in the first place – the artists – get dropped further down the pecking order in every conceivable way, from just about every angle (other than those with serious money, a lottery win or an inheritance windfall; in short, talent does not now necessarily win out).
Nick Barrett of neo progressive band Pendragon has posted a very lengthy but extremely spot-on piece on the financial trials & tribulations of the working band at club/ small to mid-sized venue level, which by a very long way, makes up the majority of live music across the worldly miles.
Link: https://www.pendragon.mu/some-words-from-nick-about-stuff/
I haven’t spoken to or seen Nick in a very long time but what makes this all the more ‘I told you so’ galling is I recall a brief conversation with Nick a good few years ago when we both saw this coming (a particular bug bear, although not covered in Nick’s article, was the then emerging and now common eastern European download sites that rip albums to MP3 (or digitally copy vinyl editions) and sell them for 70p or whatever.
One Pendragon album at the time lost tens of thousands of pounds in potential European sales revenue because of such sites).
Well worth the read, if you have the please-support-the-artist inclination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick Barrett of neo progressive band Pendragon has posted a very lengthy but extremely spot-on piece on the financial trials & tribulations of the working band at club/ small to mid-sized venue level, which by a very long way, makes up the majority of live music across the worldly miles.
Link: https://www.pendragon.mu/some-words-from-nick-about-stuff/
I haven’t spoken to or seen Nick in a very long time but what makes this all the more ‘I told you so’ galling is I recall a brief conversation with Nick a good few years ago when we both saw this coming (a particular bug bear, although not covered in Nick’s article, was the then emerging and now common eastern European download sites that rip albums to MP3 (or digitally copy vinyl editions) and sell them for 70p or whatever.
One Pendragon album at the time lost tens of thousands of pounds in potential European sales revenue because of such sites).
Well worth the read, if you have the please-support-the-artist inclination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The musically creative Starlite & Campbell (husband & wife duo Simon Campbell (vocals, guitars) and Suzy Starlite (bass guitars, vocals)) have announced a headline tour of the UK for the autumn.
(See tour poster below, with more dates expected to be confirmed soon).
The duo, currently promoting latest studio album The Language of Curiosity along with two live albums (culled from earlier performances) that highlight the diversity and dynamics of the live band, have also confirmed the show at The Met in Bury will be a full multi-media presentation, to be recorded for a new live album and video.
Of the upcoming tour Simon Campbell and Suzy Starlite say:
"We are really looking forward to sharing a night of music together where we will be playing your favourite songs from our award-nominated and critically acclaimed albums Blueberry Pie,
The Language of Curiosity, Starlite Campbell Band Live! Albums and fresh, exciting music from our forthcoming new album Starlite.One, which will be released prior to the tour in September.
We have concerts in England, Scotland and Wales along with special homecoming gigs in Ross-on-Wye (for Suzy) and Bury (for Simon).
Please buy your tickets early - it's great to support the venues, especially as some have limited capacity and will sell out quickly. We can't wait to see you!"
(See tour poster below, with more dates expected to be confirmed soon).
The duo, currently promoting latest studio album The Language of Curiosity along with two live albums (culled from earlier performances) that highlight the diversity and dynamics of the live band, have also confirmed the show at The Met in Bury will be a full multi-media presentation, to be recorded for a new live album and video.
Of the upcoming tour Simon Campbell and Suzy Starlite say:
"We are really looking forward to sharing a night of music together where we will be playing your favourite songs from our award-nominated and critically acclaimed albums Blueberry Pie,
The Language of Curiosity, Starlite Campbell Band Live! Albums and fresh, exciting music from our forthcoming new album Starlite.One, which will be released prior to the tour in September.
We have concerts in England, Scotland and Wales along with special homecoming gigs in Ross-on-Wye (for Suzy) and Bury (for Simon).
Please buy your tickets early - it's great to support the venues, especially as some have limited capacity and will sell out quickly. We can't wait to see you!"
Starlite & Campbell also recently released a cover of 'Our Lips Are Sealed.'
The song, co-written by Jane Wiedlen and the late Terry Hall (and recorded by both The Go-Go’s and Fun Boy Three), is a song Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell have always loved.
The song was originally intended for release last year but due to the sad passing of Terry Hall was held back out of respect until the time felt right.
'Our Lips Are Sealed' is available to listen to and buy exclusively on Bandcamp (click here).
Starlite.One, the forthcoming album from Starlite & Campbell, is an exciting new art-rock chapter in the band’s career; one that overflows with melody and double harmonies, vibrant guitars, deep bass grooves, explosive drums and analogue synthesised soundscapes -- musically explorative whilst keeping the narratives of melody, emotion, soundscapes and lyrical story-telling alive.
For this new project Starlite & Campbell are joined by one of the finest jazz-rock fusion drummers in Europe, Hugo Danin.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The song, co-written by Jane Wiedlen and the late Terry Hall (and recorded by both The Go-Go’s and Fun Boy Three), is a song Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell have always loved.
The song was originally intended for release last year but due to the sad passing of Terry Hall was held back out of respect until the time felt right.
'Our Lips Are Sealed' is available to listen to and buy exclusively on Bandcamp (click here).
Starlite.One, the forthcoming album from Starlite & Campbell, is an exciting new art-rock chapter in the band’s career; one that overflows with melody and double harmonies, vibrant guitars, deep bass grooves, explosive drums and analogue synthesised soundscapes -- musically explorative whilst keeping the narratives of melody, emotion, soundscapes and lyrical story-telling alive.
For this new project Starlite & Campbell are joined by one of the finest jazz-rock fusion drummers in Europe, Hugo Danin.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delta-blues inspired Scottish guitarist (and Resonator slide maestro) The Gator has followed up debut solo single 'Dunoon Boat Song' with a very personal take of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s 'See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,' featuring Candice Ivory.
Covered by a veritable who’s who of blues, roots and rock, from B.B. King and Lightnin’ Hopkins to Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Canadian bluesman Colin James, The Gator’s stripped back, old-blues version features Candice Ivory on vocals and Mike Gordon on handclap percussion.
While Miss Ivory’s engaging Gospel-soul vocal leads the song, The Gator’s deftness of touch on Resonator guitar and ability to 'pick' out poignantly placed, tearful (but never morose) notes is as important to the song as the mournful lyrics.
Covered by a veritable who’s who of blues, roots and rock, from B.B. King and Lightnin’ Hopkins to Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Canadian bluesman Colin James, The Gator’s stripped back, old-blues version features Candice Ivory on vocals and Mike Gordon on handclap percussion.
While Miss Ivory’s engaging Gospel-soul vocal leads the song, The Gator’s deftness of touch on Resonator guitar and ability to 'pick' out poignantly placed, tearful (but never morose) notes is as important to the song as the mournful lyrics.
'See That My Grave Is Kept Clean' was recorded in tribute to, and in memory of, The Gator’s mother, who passed in 2018 having never had the chance to hear her son perform live; making it all the more poignant (fair to say however she’d be mighty proud).
Available to purchase on The Gator's Bandcamp page, the song was officially released, rather appropriately, on Mothers’ Day Sunday 19th March.
The Gator’s previous single, a Celtic-blues inspired instrumental titled 'Dunoon Boat Song,' is equally poignant, telling the tale, through delicate and expressive guitar-lyricism, of a ferry trip to Dunoon to rekindle a loving relationship with mother and son.
The Gator is currently working on his Transatlantic blues album.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available to purchase on The Gator's Bandcamp page, the song was officially released, rather appropriately, on Mothers’ Day Sunday 19th March.
The Gator’s previous single, a Celtic-blues inspired instrumental titled 'Dunoon Boat Song,' is equally poignant, telling the tale, through delicate and expressive guitar-lyricism, of a ferry trip to Dunoon to rekindle a loving relationship with mother and son.
The Gator is currently working on his Transatlantic blues album.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
London based Nu-Blues singer-songwriter-guitarist Ben Hemming will release his latest single 'Holy For A Day' on 10th March.
The song will feature on his forthcoming Resurrection EP, scheduled for a summer 2023 release.
Of the single, which musically mixes blues grit with a distorted electric riff, Hemming says: "I wanted to weave a story that was in keeping with the tracks vibe and style; a tail of rising up from the gutter and facing up to what it means to be alive in today’s consumer led society."
'Holy For A Day' follows on from 'Baptise Me,' an angsty alt rocker that just poured out of Ben Hemmings, as the IBBA Top 20 Artist explains:
"Yes, I wrote it really quickly, a few hours really. It uses the topic of religion as its base, but it speaks in a wider form. It’s rooted in issues I had growing up and coming to terms with what it is to be a man.
Lyrically the song deals with gender issues facing modern men living in a world full of contradictions and hypocrisy."
The song will feature on his forthcoming Resurrection EP, scheduled for a summer 2023 release.
Of the single, which musically mixes blues grit with a distorted electric riff, Hemming says: "I wanted to weave a story that was in keeping with the tracks vibe and style; a tail of rising up from the gutter and facing up to what it means to be alive in today’s consumer led society."
'Holy For A Day' follows on from 'Baptise Me,' an angsty alt rocker that just poured out of Ben Hemmings, as the IBBA Top 20 Artist explains:
"Yes, I wrote it really quickly, a few hours really. It uses the topic of religion as its base, but it speaks in a wider form. It’s rooted in issues I had growing up and coming to terms with what it is to be a man.
Lyrically the song deals with gender issues facing modern men living in a world full of contradictions and hypocrisy."
'Baptise Me' was preceded by 'The End,' a song that emphasises the highly individualistic alt-rock-blues side of the Ben Hemming sound.
"The End is a song about how, at one hand, the world seems against you, and the next everything seems to be going your way" continues Hemmimg. "Things really can change that quickly with the right attitude I believe."
Ben Hemming’s self-released solo album Broken Man met with critical acclaim; follow-up City of Streets led to two tours around Europe before the musician immersed himself once again in the process of songwriting, leading to Broken Road and Marked Man.
That brace were breakthrough moments, as noted in no small measure by the music press ("visceral and gut wrenching musical experience" - Blues Matters. "Bleak, brooding, huge..." - RnR Magazine).
As can be gleaned from the recent singles, forthcoming EP Resurrection (recorded at Masterlink Productions with producer James Welsh) comes from a more alt-rock direction than previous albums; it still follows Ben Hemming’s dark and cathartic songwriting but with a new level of musical maturity that still holds true to his blues roots.
Praise for Ben Hemming:
"A unique musical entity" - The Blues Magazine
"Songs of bleak beauty" - Blues Blast Magazine
"This is a new blues" - Americana UK
www.benhemming.co.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The End is a song about how, at one hand, the world seems against you, and the next everything seems to be going your way" continues Hemmimg. "Things really can change that quickly with the right attitude I believe."
Ben Hemming’s self-released solo album Broken Man met with critical acclaim; follow-up City of Streets led to two tours around Europe before the musician immersed himself once again in the process of songwriting, leading to Broken Road and Marked Man.
That brace were breakthrough moments, as noted in no small measure by the music press ("visceral and gut wrenching musical experience" - Blues Matters. "Bleak, brooding, huge..." - RnR Magazine).
As can be gleaned from the recent singles, forthcoming EP Resurrection (recorded at Masterlink Productions with producer James Welsh) comes from a more alt-rock direction than previous albums; it still follows Ben Hemming’s dark and cathartic songwriting but with a new level of musical maturity that still holds true to his blues roots.
Praise for Ben Hemming:
"A unique musical entity" - The Blues Magazine
"Songs of bleak beauty" - Blues Blast Magazine
"This is a new blues" - Americana UK
www.benhemming.co.uk
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh singer-songwriter-guitarist Bedwyr Morgan (and front man of Welsh melodic rock band MOjO) recently released his ‘cover’ of 'Heading Home to Belfast.'
Written by Keith Donald and Graham Henderson (of Irish Celtic rock band Moving Hearts), the song is actually previously unreleased, so it was quite the honour for Morgan to be asked if he would be interested in recording a version of the track, especially given he had never recorded someone else’s song before.
The delicately arranged number with a lyric of longing and hometown return, was recorded at Tyn Rhos Recording Studio and produced by Rhys Jones (who also engineered) & Bedwyr Morgan.
The song features Bedwyr Morgan (vocals/ guitar), Rhys Jones (guitar/slide), Tony Parisella (bass), Peter Elias Jones (drums), Dave Molloy (12 string Rickenbacker) and Graham Henderson (piano).
Written by Keith Donald and Graham Henderson (of Irish Celtic rock band Moving Hearts), the song is actually previously unreleased, so it was quite the honour for Morgan to be asked if he would be interested in recording a version of the track, especially given he had never recorded someone else’s song before.
The delicately arranged number with a lyric of longing and hometown return, was recorded at Tyn Rhos Recording Studio and produced by Rhys Jones (who also engineered) & Bedwyr Morgan.
The song features Bedwyr Morgan (vocals/ guitar), Rhys Jones (guitar/slide), Tony Parisella (bass), Peter Elias Jones (drums), Dave Molloy (12 string Rickenbacker) and Graham Henderson (piano).
In 2021 Bedwyr Morgan released his debut solo album Drychwn Ymlaen (Looking Ahead).
The album follows the dual language format of Bedwyr Morgan’s 2016 EP, where each song is featured twice, first in Welsh and then again in English.
"Bedwyr Morgan, dual language singer and dual threat musician – Celtic charm and melodically engaging."
- FabricationsHQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The album follows the dual language format of Bedwyr Morgan’s 2016 EP, where each song is featured twice, first in Welsh and then again in English.
"Bedwyr Morgan, dual language singer and dual threat musician – Celtic charm and melodically engaging."
- FabricationsHQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Belfast musician Dom Martin, winner of the 2023 UK Blues Awards Blues Instrumentalist of the Year and likened by many to fellow Irish guitarist, the legendary Rory Gallagher, will bring perform a full electric band tour in the autumn.
Martin will kick off his Buried In The Hail UK tour on October 8th at the Carlisle Blues Festival. The full band tour will then take him the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland until mid-November.
The tour is in support of Martin’s upcoming new studio album, the roots, Americana & blues steeped Buried In The Hail, which is due for release in September.
With 6 European and UK Blues Awards already under his belt, Dom Martin has attracted attention from Joe Bonamassa, featuring regularly on Bonamassa’s Spotify playlists and gaining an invitation to play on this year’s Keeping the Blues Alive Mediterranean Cruise.
"Absolutely wonderful stuff." – Cerys Matthews, The Blues Show, BBC Radio 2
"Dom Martin is the next rising star in the global roots scene" – Rock and Blues Muse
The tour is in support of Martin’s upcoming new studio album, the roots, Americana & blues steeped Buried In The Hail, which is due for release in September.
With 6 European and UK Blues Awards already under his belt, Dom Martin has attracted attention from Joe Bonamassa, featuring regularly on Bonamassa’s Spotify playlists and gaining an invitation to play on this year’s Keeping the Blues Alive Mediterranean Cruise.
"Absolutely wonderful stuff." – Cerys Matthews, The Blues Show, BBC Radio 2
"Dom Martin is the next rising star in the global roots scene" – Rock and Blues Muse
Click here for tickets for all upcoming Dom Martin shows
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sari Schorr, who has just completed her springtime run of dates through the UK and Europe, will join blues rock forces with Matt Pearce & The Mutiny later this year for a Double Headliner tour, backed by their full bands.
Sari Schorr and Matt Pearce are two leading blues rock artists currently among the genre's top new international touring acts.
"I’m so super-excited to announce the first Mutiny tour since before lockdown! And to be doing 10 dates around the UK in a double header with the force of nature that is Sari Schorr... that is just too cool! I’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to get out and promote last year’s #1 album ‘The Soul Food Store’, so this couldn’t be more perfect!" - Matt Pearce.
"I'm very excited to play with the outstanding guitarist Matt Pearce on this Planet Rock/Gig Cartel tour.
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are one hell of a band. I'm sure that together we will give audiences an unforgettable show! Much to look forward to this fall, including my own new album release!" - Sari Schorr.
The ten tour dates through October and November are as follows:
Wednesday 25th Oct - York, The Crescent Community Venue
Thursday 26th Oct - Glasgow, Òran Mór
Friday 27th Oct - Carlisle, Old Fire Station
Saturday 28th Oct - Birdwell, Birdwell Venue
Sunday 29th Oct - Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre
Tuesday 31st Oct - Newbury Arlington Arts Centre
Wednesday 01st Nov - London, The Garage
Thursday 02nd Nov - Gloucester, Gloucester Guildhall
Friday, 03 Nov - Birmingham, The Castle & Falcon
Saturday, 04 Nov - Grimsby, Docks Academy
Tickets available from: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Sari-Schorr-and-Matt-Pearce.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sari Schorr and Matt Pearce are two leading blues rock artists currently among the genre's top new international touring acts.
"I’m so super-excited to announce the first Mutiny tour since before lockdown! And to be doing 10 dates around the UK in a double header with the force of nature that is Sari Schorr... that is just too cool! I’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to get out and promote last year’s #1 album ‘The Soul Food Store’, so this couldn’t be more perfect!" - Matt Pearce.
"I'm very excited to play with the outstanding guitarist Matt Pearce on this Planet Rock/Gig Cartel tour.
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are one hell of a band. I'm sure that together we will give audiences an unforgettable show! Much to look forward to this fall, including my own new album release!" - Sari Schorr.
The ten tour dates through October and November are as follows:
Wednesday 25th Oct - York, The Crescent Community Venue
Thursday 26th Oct - Glasgow, Òran Mór
Friday 27th Oct - Carlisle, Old Fire Station
Saturday 28th Oct - Birdwell, Birdwell Venue
Sunday 29th Oct - Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre
Tuesday 31st Oct - Newbury Arlington Arts Centre
Wednesday 01st Nov - London, The Garage
Thursday 02nd Nov - Gloucester, Gloucester Guildhall
Friday, 03 Nov - Birmingham, The Castle & Falcon
Saturday, 04 Nov - Grimsby, Docks Academy
Tickets available from: https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Sari-Schorr-and-Matt-Pearce.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This worrying but absolutely spot-on video from Rick Beato video doesn’t need any introductory or conclusion words from me (AI generated or otherwise)…
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rootsy blues songstress Samantha Fish and Outlaw Country artist Jesse Dayton have released a 3-track EP entitled The Stardust Sessions.
The EP is available digitally via https://found.ee/SFJDStardust
In what started out as a co-writing session between the two musicians, where blues was married with alt-rock, the last day in the studio saw the pair jamming together in the company of bassist Austin Clements (Omari Neville) and drummer Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones, Les Claypool Garage Jazz Band) and the tape rolling.
The results were The Stardust Sessions, featuring 'Feelin' Good' by Magic Sam, 'I'll Be Here in The Morning' by Townes Van Zandt and a punkabilly take of 'Brand New Cadillac' (made famous by The Clash but written in the late 1950s by Vince Taylor).
The EP is available digitally via https://found.ee/SFJDStardust
In what started out as a co-writing session between the two musicians, where blues was married with alt-rock, the last day in the studio saw the pair jamming together in the company of bassist Austin Clements (Omari Neville) and drummer Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones, Les Claypool Garage Jazz Band) and the tape rolling.
The results were The Stardust Sessions, featuring 'Feelin' Good' by Magic Sam, 'I'll Be Here in The Morning' by Townes Van Zandt and a punkabilly take of 'Brand New Cadillac' (made famous by The Clash but written in the late 1950s by Vince Taylor).
The Stardust Sessions precedes a full-length album entitled Death Wish Blues.
The album, a collection of ten new original songs written by the pair and produced by Jon Spencer, will be released in late spring of 2023 via Rounder Records.
In early December the pair embarked on the first of a number of dates together including a live-stream show at LA's famous Whiskey-A-Go Go.
Award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Samantha Fish has released six albums over the course of her acclaimed career, with 2019's Faster and 2021's Kill or Be Kind both appearing on Rounder Records.
"It's not pure rock and roll, it's not pure blues, it's not pure soul, it's not pure pop — it's a mixture of everything," she says of her genre-bending sound, which has taken Fish around the world, performing 200 shows yearly, domestically and abroad.
Jesse Dayton has been bringing his unique mashup of East Texas/Louisiana Blues, old-school country and punk rock to the world since he released his debut album in 1995.
Thirteen records later he remains a staple on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and the Americana Radio charts, where his debut LP Raising Cain reached Number 1.
He has recorded with legends such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Willie Nelson and recorded three soundtracks for filmmaker Rob Zombie.
You can read about Jesse Dayton in his 2022 memoir, Beaumonster.
SAMANTHA FISH UK TOUR DATES OCTOBER 2023
Oct 19 Sunderland - The Fire Station
Oct 20 Glasgow - Barrowlands
Oct 21 Manchester - Ritz
Oct 22 Bristol - SWX
Oct 24 York - Barbican
Oct 25 Cambridge - Junction
Oct 26 Bournemouth - O2 Academy
Oct 27 Bexhill De La Warr - Pavilion
Oct 28 Birmingham - O2 Institute
Tickets:
www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets
www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
www.samanthafish.com/tour
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The album, a collection of ten new original songs written by the pair and produced by Jon Spencer, will be released in late spring of 2023 via Rounder Records.
In early December the pair embarked on the first of a number of dates together including a live-stream show at LA's famous Whiskey-A-Go Go.
Award-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Samantha Fish has released six albums over the course of her acclaimed career, with 2019's Faster and 2021's Kill or Be Kind both appearing on Rounder Records.
"It's not pure rock and roll, it's not pure blues, it's not pure soul, it's not pure pop — it's a mixture of everything," she says of her genre-bending sound, which has taken Fish around the world, performing 200 shows yearly, domestically and abroad.
Jesse Dayton has been bringing his unique mashup of East Texas/Louisiana Blues, old-school country and punk rock to the world since he released his debut album in 1995.
Thirteen records later he remains a staple on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and the Americana Radio charts, where his debut LP Raising Cain reached Number 1.
He has recorded with legends such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Willie Nelson and recorded three soundtracks for filmmaker Rob Zombie.
You can read about Jesse Dayton in his 2022 memoir, Beaumonster.
SAMANTHA FISH UK TOUR DATES OCTOBER 2023
Oct 19 Sunderland - The Fire Station
Oct 20 Glasgow - Barrowlands
Oct 21 Manchester - Ritz
Oct 22 Bristol - SWX
Oct 24 York - Barbican
Oct 25 Cambridge - Junction
Oct 26 Bournemouth - O2 Academy
Oct 27 Bexhill De La Warr - Pavilion
Oct 28 Birmingham - O2 Institute
Tickets:
www.alttickets.com/samantha-fish-tickets
www.gigantic.com/samantha-fish-tickets
www.samanthafish.com/tour
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alt rock quartet Skinny Knowledge have released a new single entitled 'Class A Dummy.'
The fast paced, punk infused rock song is available now on all digital platforms: https://lnk.to/ClassADummy
"Class A Dummy does exactly what it says on the tin! It’s a tongue n’ cheek song about partying, getting wasted, and having a good time, featuring a catchy singalong, big riffs, guitar solo and a whole heap of energy… everything you’d expect from a Skinny Knowledge song!" says front man/ guitarist Andy L Smooth with a grin.
Accompanying the track is a fun and engaging video directed by Joe Hoey (Blackwater Country).
"What you see is what you get with us. This is 100% what to expect at our shows, you’re going to have a good time and possibly a hangover the next day!" continues Andy L Smooth.
The fast paced, punk infused rock song is available now on all digital platforms: https://lnk.to/ClassADummy
"Class A Dummy does exactly what it says on the tin! It’s a tongue n’ cheek song about partying, getting wasted, and having a good time, featuring a catchy singalong, big riffs, guitar solo and a whole heap of energy… everything you’d expect from a Skinny Knowledge song!" says front man/ guitarist Andy L Smooth with a grin.
Accompanying the track is a fun and engaging video directed by Joe Hoey (Blackwater Country).
"What you see is what you get with us. This is 100% what to expect at our shows, you’re going to have a good time and possibly a hangover the next day!" continues Andy L Smooth.
'Class A Dummy' was written by the band and co-produced/ mixed by Andy L Smooth and Tom Auton (Chanel Yates); additional engineering was by Joe Burgess at The Ranch Production House in Southampton and mastering by Grant Berry of Fader Mastering.
Hailing from the south coast of England and formed in 2020 by Andy L Smooth, the Skinny Knowledge sound captures the vibrancy of the raw and raucous, early 90's grunge and pop-punk scenes.
The band has had praise and airplay from a number of high-profile music platforms, including Kerrang!, Classic Rock Magazine (the single 'I Wonder' was voted Classic Rock Magazine's 'Track of the Week'), Planet Rock, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Emerging Rock Bands and many more.
Since the release of their well-received debut album Don't Turn Out the Lights in 2021 the band have gone on to release a number of singles, undertaken tours and played at various festivals.
They are currently in the process of writing and recording a second album for release later in 2023.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hailing from the south coast of England and formed in 2020 by Andy L Smooth, the Skinny Knowledge sound captures the vibrancy of the raw and raucous, early 90's grunge and pop-punk scenes.
The band has had praise and airplay from a number of high-profile music platforms, including Kerrang!, Classic Rock Magazine (the single 'I Wonder' was voted Classic Rock Magazine's 'Track of the Week'), Planet Rock, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Emerging Rock Bands and many more.
Since the release of their well-received debut album Don't Turn Out the Lights in 2021 the band have gone on to release a number of singles, undertaken tours and played at various festivals.
They are currently in the process of writing and recording a second album for release later in 2023.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten