Predominantly a blog of music reviews (albums, gigs, new music). All views & opinions are my own. Subject to status. Written quotations on request. Also one of the homes to Band of Badgers Presents...a music podcast introducing fantastic independent music. Also occasional ramblings of madness with perhaps the odd bit of sense. Eat Snacky Smares....because it's good for you! THIS BLOG HAS NOW MOVED TO http://bandofbadgerspresents.com/
Howdy ho folks! Yes that is what Mr Hankey the Christmas poo doth sayeth but let's not go to the gutter just yet. We have a whole post to go for that. Well, not exactly. Or rather a bit of a yes and no. A contradiction - that just about sums me up proper. What I mean is this is a post that could not wait. It's spontaneous. Not exactly random as I have so much music and music news queued up to share and some of it really needs sharing ASAP. So I figured why not add this to the vast mountainous pile I already have backed up so far I can't even see out the windows of the flat? And here it is. And I'm still waffling on. It is finally time to see if I can do it. A bite-sized Band of Badgers Presents. As the name suggests and my time available is pretty much zero, there will be as little waffle from me as possible. I just need to share this stuff with y'all. Let's get cracking then!!
JOYCE THE LIBRARIAN HIT THE ROAD
A band I've featured on the blog in some capacity before when they released the first single Follow Me I'm, Right Behind You. This was taken from their excellent album They May Put Land Between Us, which was also one of my top albums of 2012. I needed to share the news regards their May/June tour that is happening and as it is now mid-May I thought waiting until next week (with me being away at the wonderful Wood Festival this coming weekend) would be eating into that live date schedule. So, please see the dates for this below and ensure you have a jolly good reason for not getting to a show if the band are playing near you because you will have an amazing time. Also for your enjoyment is the latest video from Joyce The Librarian for the opening track on the album, Traps. Traps is out on Folkwit Records on 1st June as a download only. http://www.joycethelibrarian.net/
Way to go getting on the bill of the How The Light Gets In Festival. I've had my eye on that particular event for years now but never been able to go. Live music just cannot be beaten. As a huge fan of it and music in general, yes I am biased. But it is like Katriona Gilmore said at the Gilmore & Roberts gig I went to last October, live music really needs supporting right now and it makes for such a better night than slobbing in front of the TV watching half-arsed reality rubbish. Alright, I added that last bit but it is true. I'm all for slobbing about in front of the TV at times and have nothing against that. While there's music to go see though, that couch is staying lonely.
GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR CHRIS
With 11.3 million views on YouTube already I'm well aware this video needs no promotional assistance and it has done the rounds by now that most of you will likely have seen it already. The Bowie fan in me just couldn't not share it here, though. It is fantastic stuff. An amazing production and reworking of the classic, Space Oddity.
This song from Bowie, in particular has a special place in my heart and soul. Commander Chris Hadfield has done a remarkable job reworking it here.
VOTING BUTTONS AT THE READY
FOR JOSH SAVAGE
Well, voting clicks is more apt, I guess. I shared this video for the beautiful Mountains In Hurricanes a few posts ago and it is back here again. While watching it when I voted for Josh Savage to play as support for Gabrielle Aplin at her Bournemouth O2 gig, I found myself HAVING to watch again immediately afterwards. Then last night as I checked the link to Tweet about it again I watched it about four times. The song is just sublime. Please hit this link >>HERE<< and follow the instructions to vote for Josh to win the competition.
Josh has been working hard and performing a number of intimate gigs over the last couple of weeks. Please enjoy the above video but I do warn you to set aside some time to enjoy it on repeat. Then please please please visit this link right >>HERE<< and vote for Josh to win. He is in second place at the moment but needs your support to get right on top! Your assistance is much appreciated. http://joshsavagemusic.com/
To further demonstrate why Josh deserves to win the Gabrielle Aplin support competition you should check out and enjoy his most recent video for the new song Horoscopes, above.
JESS HALL'S LITTLE SONGS
WITH HUGE PRESENCE
I saw a Tweet from Jess Hall about her playing at Wood Festival on Friday. With having such little free time with everything I've got on I've not been able to check out all the acts on the line-up like I would usually. Just to put the feelers out, if you will please pardon the horrid expression. Anywho, I hadn't got a minute to spare but as she'd shown up on my musical radar during the day I checked out some of her tunes on Soundcloud.
Stunned! Speechless! The first song melted my ears with bliss. Bookshelves moved me. Jess' voice is phenomenally strong and beautiful. I am one lucky chappy to be getting to see her play live this Friday. Excited doesn't even come close. https://www.facebook.com/jesshallsongs
AIDAN LOGAN - TELL ME
**SINGLE RELEASE**
Yes, I did feature Tell Me from the excellent Aidan Logan a couple of posts ago when he put the single up to stream for your listening pleasure. You can read what I wrote about it by clicking >>here<<. I wanted to follow that up now it has been released (14th May) by diverting you to where you can purchase it.
It is available via Bandcamp by clicking on the above, of course. It is also available via iTunes and for which you just need to do a nice little click >>here<<.
NIC BENNETT - LONG TIME BLUES
It was thanks to a comment on a post by superb roots singer-songwriter Luke Jackson I saw that Nic Bennett was himself a musician. In the 'just in' category comes this stunning original song from Nic, Long Time Blues.
WOW indeed! This is great stuff and there are a number of other hugely impressive songs his Soundcloud page you need to be checking out. Now please folks. There will be much more from Nic in future posts I can assure you. In the meantime make sure you check out the FREE download he's offering via his bandcamp page below. This Is 6th Form Poetry (Not Keats Or Yeats) really is something.
THE DODOS HAVE CONFIDENCE
You can stream this stunning, epic and melodic return from The Dodos below. Confidence is the first single taken from their forthcoming album Carrier which is out on 27th August on Polyvinyl. There's a big international flavour as it gets releases in Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan and Thailand. The formats the release will come in are rather interesting too because as well as the standard CD and digital outlets, it is being produced on LP (180 gram blue vinyl) and cassette (100 limited edition white cassettes).
Confidence is a superb track to be released from the new (and fifth) record and acts as one rather delicious taster for what's in store. The single gets a digital release on May 21st so you can own it then. I will likely cover more on the release of Carrier in the coming weeks. http://www.dodosmusic.net/ My thanks to James at Prescription PR for this.
SABIYHA - LIESEL
Watching this Official video for her song Liesel it is easy to see why Sabiyha has already been played on Tom Robinson's BBC 6 Music show. Indie Music News say of her, '..music to cleanse the soul..' I agree wholeheartedly, which is why I just had to share this here on this brief post. There will most definitely, without any doubt of any kind, be more from Sabiyha on the blog in one of the next few posts. Of that I can assure you. I will also be playing one of her songs on the podcast.
The sound is wonderful isn't it? There are more stunning tunes up on her Soundcloud page, which you can get to by clicking on the below. Yes. Space and time are short on this post but I simply could not resist sharing Sabiyha's beautiful cover of House Of The Rising Sun.
Like I say, I will be featuring more about Sabiyha very soon, including something special from The Old Vinyl Factory. http://www.sabiyha.com
Thanks to Patrick at Sweet Luigi for this.
Okay folks, I thought I'd be able to add some more this morning but, ah, what am I saying it is now already afternoon and I have to get off on the road to Oxfordshire for the wonderful Wood Festival. I am simultaneously finishing off podcast #14 too. So I can get it up on my Soundcloud page and its main home on PodOmatic. This is multitasking! So, without further adieu as Justin Waylon Morgan said in a Tweet earlier this week I'm signing off but not before sharing some more great music below. All music with none of my waffleage. Peace all!
THE MAROON MANE
FROM UMBRELLA HARBOR
WHERE WE'LL GO
FROM TROUBLE WITH TUESDAY
Big thanks to Mercia Events for sharing this and thus it coming my way. Great stuff. More news from Mercia Events coming VERY SOON!
HOLD YOUR CARDS
FROM JESSE WILL
STAY HOME, ELIZABETH (LIVE & ACOUSTIC) FROM REICHENBACH FALLS
Ooh, look at me go with the fancy Latin words. I am just fresh back from the wonderful Wood Festival so I'll be busy working hard on my full review as well as the mountain of other stuff on the 'to do and get done' list this week. It was an amazing event. A real treat of an experience. More on that soon though or else you know me, I'll end up getting into a preview of the review and extend this post by several long (even if interesting and informative) paragraphs.
I just wanted to chiefly embed Band of Badgers Presents...#14 in via my Soundcloud page. For anyone who wants a listen. I'm getting this up on PodOmatic now too and will try and get the full blogcast sorted this week too. Busy busy bumblebee. Ah, bees. The car park at Wood was next to the abode of rather a lot of bees and walking up to the car at one point on Saturday afternoon to see a massive swarm was rather enchanting. The sound as well. It was a magnificent experience. Anywho, more soon.
Pic by Andy Sheppard/Redferns/Getty taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk
Given how modern times have altered so much beyond what was, say the 60s and 70s, it is rare to find any kind of event that might even hope to shadow what some all-out peaceful festival of music and nature would have been like back then. Look no further though folks because have I found the festival for you! Wood seems to me to be a bit like literally stepping through a time portal directly into the summer of 1967 (whatever the British weather attempts to throw at us). This is a REAL nice small family-oriented 'something for all' kind of festival. For those watching their carbon footprint too (and this should be every single one of us by now - come on peoples), Wood is run on 100% renewable energy. Not only this but you pay a set price for the parking pass and if you have over a certain number of people/festival revelers in the car when you arrive, you will get part of that fee back. If there is just one of you, you will be asked to pay a bit more. It's a great way to encourage folk to car share so for any individuals who were planning to travel in alone, get in contact with each other and enjoy what is a wonderful little community. More money for pints too, of course...erm, I mean treats for the kids (if you have them that is - I don't so mine will go on pints). It describes itself as a celebration of music and nature set amidst the beautiful Chiltern Hills. Located in the grounds of Braziers Park in Ipsden, Oxfordshire, the surroundings are stunning. Add all of that top quality live music to the mix, with the rich blend of workshops and stalls, there is no finer way to kick-start your summer.
Organized by the Bennett brothers of The Dreaming Spires (who will be performing a set), this is their little beauty of a gathering of some of the best folk, roots, americana and alternative country acts out there although other genres are catered for as well. Going hand-in-hand with the theme of being eco-friendly, Woodalso cuts down on emissions in other ways by sourcing a whole host of top local talent from the surrounding area. I've previously nicknamed Oxford as being a bit like Seattle in the US. There are so many inspiring and fantastic bands/artists that come from and/or originate in this county. It's like a music hub. It must be something about the Oxfordshire air. Or perhaps something in the water. Whatever it is, there will be plenty of acts performing over the weekend to support my claim.You be the judge. Get your excellent value for money tickets NOW and you'll be privileged to see sensational acts from much further afield as well.
As part of its commitment to being ecologically friendly towards the environment - and also no doubt an important part of promoting the celebration of nature component of its ethos - there are many green issues highlighted. These come in the form of composting toilets, showers heated by wood-burning stoves, a solar-powered stage and a people-powered fairground (yes, I too am imagining people on bicycles
peddling as fast as possible to keep that merry-go-round going round -
but hey, perhaps this wouldn't be such a bad idea and ideal for burning
those extra festival calories). It really is all about being green. More importantly it demonstrates clearly how putting on something as potentially power-zapping as a music festival can still be achieved through more environmentally friendly means. Okay, it may become more of a logistical nightmare the bigger the festival but organizers of those larger ones should take heed. I hope the time is dawning when ALL such events will have little choice than to operate in such a way. And what's this? A bicycle-powered discotheque. I honestly cannot wait to check this out!
WORKSHOPS FOR ALL
Considering the small size of the festival there are more workshops operating at Wood than I've seen put on at any of the larger events I've been to over the years. These are wide-ranging too, both in terms of subject matter and targeted age. Indeed, many will cater and satisfy folk of all ages, from children to grandparents. The workshop village will be running ALL day Saturday and Sunday giving revelers time enough to try out more things than ever before.
Everything from making a willow lantern to light your way back to your tent (no need for wretched chemical batteries for invasive torches here), to getting creative with your junk by making funky stuff like wallets, jewellery, musical instruments and much more. These in particular cater for the nature loving environmentalist.
For the musician wannabes who have never really made it beyond strumming more than a G on a guitar (me then) there's things like learning to play the spoons. Hmmm - Spoon Idol....I'm thinking I should pitch this idea to ITV perhaps. If singing is more your thing but you sound like a fog horn crossed with a sheep, Katy Bennett wants you signing up for her Harmony Singing workshop. She will soon have you sounding like a choir of angels or a Barbershop quartet.
For me, it gets even more interesting with the likes of learning Acupressure massage techniques or how to give a Indian Head Massage. There will be tai-chi, which I have always wanted to get into but is one of those things I've not been able to find affordable lessons for. Perhaps with this taster I can find a way to develop a self-teaching path. Or at least become more confident in finding and joining a class. Then yoga, which again would be great to try but I am not in the slightest way bendy enough for such an endeavour. Even so, just having the opportunity to try these things out is one of the many fantastic things about this festival. There is even a Shamanic Ritual Theatre workshop (for 18+ only) if you'd like to open you third eye and your heart to become more informed about the energetic field within and around us.
AND JUST FOR THE KIDDIES
In addition to all the main activities available, most of which will be suitable for both adults and children, there will also be separate workshops in the Kids Tent.
There's so much more, to boot. From working with herbs, making a wormery and taking a soundwalk to wood working and carving out a totem pole. Nothing has been spared here with such a well-thought out and inspiring selection of choices. It's a wonder you'll have time enough left in which to eat. Fear not, for those who wish to sample the provided catering facilities, there will be ample opportunity for that too.
A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THE MUSIC
ADAM BARNES
As part of the homegrown mix is alternative folk singer-songwriter Adam Barnes offering, who's debut EP Blisters is available from iTunes (>>here<<). That in itself is enough to whet your appetite for what promises to be a superb live performance. There is more, however. Blisters is also available via Adam's bandcamp page along with a FREE download of Come Undone and a rather awesome live EP titled Live From Washington to York. There is even more. Adam has been working like a Trojan on his debut album The Land, The Sea & Everything Lost Beneath. I may have only caught up with his previous tunes over the last week or so but given the high quality I am really excited about hearing him perform live at Wood. And for the host of new tracks that will be on the album. In order to complete this album Adam has had to enlist the help of music fans via a Kickstarter campaign. Akin to the Pledgemusic programmes, fans and pledgers can offer up a certain amount of money (from as little as £1) that counts towards a set goal amount. Testament to the calibre of Adam's music making in just three little days he was already at £1920 of his £2500 goal. With still 23 days to go he has already smashed through the target and is currently sitting pretty on £3000! Now he will get the all-important financial support to enable him to complete and release The Land, The Sea & Everything Lost Beneath.
On a seperate note I need to enlist his assistance in beard growing because he sports one absolutely amazing beard and I find myself rather envious. I need tips on how to encourage my face fuzz to grow and look so cool!
CO-PILGRIM
There's a reason why Co-Pilgrim have been getting a lot of radio attention recently - because their music is AWESOME! Seriously, it is the kind that induces spine-tingles. Spine-tingles, folks! The charming velvety vocals from Mike Gale alone are enough to hook you to this wonderful group but one cannot neglect the tremendous talents of the other core members, Joe Bennett, Andy Reaney, Claire Bennett and Tom Wenzel. They recently released (in February) their 2nd LP A Fairer Sea which is available via iTunes >>here<< or via various other download methods, including a physical CD >>here<<. Last year I missed their set at Truck Festival *slaps own face* and I don't intend to make that mistake this year at Wood.
FLIGHTS OF HELIOS
Again, this is another band I'm sad to have missed at Truck last year. There was just so much to fit in and sacrifices are just part and parcel of trying to navigate a festival. It goes without saying I will not be missing out on the opportunity to see them here at Wood this year. Grief-wave is what their Facebook claims as their genre so this will be something very different to the more general americana offerings on the line-up.
Flights of Helios really do take you high up into the atmosphere with their post-progressive psychedelic drone pop. Had I seen them at Truck I have no doubt I'd have been raving about them from last July until now but with how I'm (happily) drowning in so much new music, I have neglected to go back and feature the band on the blog. My bad *slaps own face again*! I shall rectify this with the coming Wood review of course. Just listen to this, though. It is mesmerizing. This will sit perfectly with the likes of fellow progressive band Syd Arthur. Their sound takes in so much from Sigur Ros (yes, I am still on a high from that gig in March) to Enya via Talking Heads, Arcade Fire and more. Moreover, Flights of Helios prove how progressive music is completely ALIVE on the contemporary scene!
KATY ROSE & THE CAVALRY PARADE
From just the snippets I've heard and seen thus far, I must admit Katy Rose & The Cavalry Parade is near the top of my list of MUST sees at Wood. Head to the Reverbnation page >>here<< and just feast your ears (that's a thing, right? If it isn't then it should be!) on the likes of the haunting yet so so stunning Indelible Ink (the title track of her last album available below via Katy's Soundcloud page). Those vocals melt me each time I listen to it.
Katy has been rather busy over the last 10 years. Under the name KTB she's released three albums to critical acclaim, toured the UK folk circuit and supported the likes of Willy Mason and Karine Polwart to name just two. The rootsy folk nature of a musical collective comes into play by way of the Cavalry Parade. This includes an array of talented musicians varying from 1 to 10 (wow, that will sound out of this world!) including multi-instrumentalists Phill Ward, Julia Higgins and Joe Bennett (Mr Joe gets around a fair bit, Co-Pilgrim, The Dreaming Spires and The Cavalry Parade, you busy boy Mr Joe - good work man!). At this stage I can only use imagination to contemplate the heavenly dimensions Katy will take us with her beautiful music when played live. Excited doesn't even come close to describe my anticipation at how much higher she'll take us with assistance from her Cavalry. This is not a Parade to miss!
REICHENBACH FALLS
I featured the awesome EP I'll Never Go Anywhere Without Her Now from Reichenbach Falls as part of the blogcast on Band of Badgers Presents...#12, so I'm uber-excited to be getting to see these stunning tunes played live next month. I have no doubts of any kind that the super talented Abe Davies & Co will use their marvelous musical skills and render the tranquility of the actual Reichenbach Falls for us. This is a festival of music AND nature after all so this will be doubly appropriate come this set.
THE CEDARS
I did feature a little about this brilliant UK americana band on my most recent music sharing post (>>here<<) so I won't waffle too much. I just wanted to feature them again as The Cedars are one of the bands right at the top and who I'm super excited about seeing. Like I mentioned in that last post, when a UK band take the deep-set alternative country sound and make it completely their own, they need to be applauded. Heck, they deserve a standing ovation in my opinion. Make sure you go buy their recently released album Little Copper Still. Now please.
JACKIE OATES
It will be a treat to get to see Jackie Oates again for the first time since I saw her twice in 2011. First she was supporting on one of the numerous legs of Seth Lakeman's seemingly endless tour (keep going Seth because I get more chance of seeing you as you keep on touring - he's back on the road in the UK in about 3 weeks). Later that year she appeared at Beautiful Days Festival. It comes as no surprise she's been receiving more and more attention and gathering more acclaim as the years pass because she weaves such marvelous magical musical stories that completely captivate you.
As an accomplished singer and fiddle player, Jackie's beautiful, flawless and at times haunting (in a give you mega goosebumps kind of way) vocals have established her at the forefront of the recent English folk revival. Checking out the latest from her Soundcloud I've been freshly WOW'd by some absolutely stunning Bob Dylan covers she has recorded. As a big Bob fan, these are just fantastic and I highly recommend you check them out. Even if you're not so much a Dylan fan. You will love these versions of the songs.
JACK DAY
There are so many golden things to note about singer-songwriter Jack Day. For starters, his superb and original music slowly reveals a deep, mature soul. There's a uniqueness that echoes the greatness of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Christy Moore or a more contemporary comparison would perhaps be Willy Mason. There's no mimicry here though, trust me. What is further striking is that for his relative youth he already writes and plays at a level so accomplished, it would take most musicians an entire lifetime to reach.
Whether it is through the powerful and heartfelt piano-led No One Moves Like You, the lamenting guitar-led Isn't It Strange or the likes of Shadows In The Sun and I Often Think Of You, Jack opens himself up and let's you get right inside his mind. I wholeheartedly agree with Allan Jones of Uncut magazine because with such exceptional talent as this he is '..definitely one to watch out for'. Jack Day is going big places! I am stoked I get to see him play at this more intimate affair before he packs out venues in the years to come. And with guitar playing like that on >>this video<< for Birdsong, recorded for Songs From The Shed, I'm thinking Jack could provide green power for the entire weekend.
THE ARLENES
WOW! I've been tweeting bits here and there as I've been checking out these artists and bands and I have found myself WOWing a heck of a lot. None more so than when I watched a YouTube video from The Arlenes for Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone. Goosebumps galore. Even after the song had finished. I was somewhere out in deep space I was so blown away. Captivated by Stephanie's gorgeous vocals! Her voice cuts through EVERYTHING. It holds some kind of unparalleled vibration, resonating to just the right degree that stills me before I blow away into dust on a wisp of wind. Sublime!
MARY EPWORTH
Headlining the Friday night of the festival, Mary Epworth is a scoop indeed. She's been gathering rave reviews and plenty of attention following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Dream Life last year. An interesting blend of 1960s West Coast psychedelia with gospel and dream pop combine to produce a rather sensational sound. It is big. It is loud. It is tremendous and triumphant! Mary is another one on the line-up who is linked in with the whole progressive part of the musical spectrum, albeit in a different kind of direction compared to Flights of Helios and Syd Arthur. Her set will be one of the top highlights!
THE WOOD BROTHERS
It seems wholly fitting and ironically appropriate that highly regarded US duo The Wood Brothersare appearing at a festival bearing their good name. Taking the music they loved as kids - blues, folk and US roots -adding their own original evocative sound and mixing it all together with some hallowed heavenly harmonies, they are proving great things come to those who wait. They have both been heavily involved in separate musical projects but after 15 years they decided to fuse together for this current venture.
The brothers are performing at Wood as part of their European tour and judging by a few videos I've seen alone, this set will be something special. Chris and Oliver have such a rich blend of influences and have been perfecting their skills so much over the years they are masters of their art.
SYD ARTHUR
Featured now multiple times on this blog, whether it's via the review of debut album On An On I wrote almost a year ago (you can read that >>here<<) or the last few singles they have released off that album, Syd Arthur are a force to be reckoned with. Having been unable to get to one of their nearby gigs on the tours last year I may have expressed my excitement a little too loudly when I read they were to play at Wood.
Their sound is wonderfully progressive and it offers music fans something extraordinary. With the whole feel of Wood Festival being something akin to a bygone era, Syd Arthur will provide that direct link to the past (by way of a time portal or some such). They excel at what they do with their music, managing to transport you back through time. They don't stop there, however and they certainly do not mimic the psychedelia of the times they recreate before your ears. Their flare of originality is so bright it is blinding. Within the same instant as taking you back in time they will bring you crashing back into the 21st century, proving they are masters at work in creating a fresh contemporary subset of this genre.
THE BOSS AT WOOD:
CLUBHOUSE RECORDS PRESENTS...
NEBRASKA: A LIVE TRIBUTE
This little beauty of an event (well actually it's going to be a rather big beauty) will prove to be another magnificent and special part of the festival weekend. To mark the 30th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen's album Nebraska, Clubhouse Records gathered together a group of musicians at The Betsey Trotwood pub in London to pay tribute to this fantastic album. Throughout the course of that one day, 10 bands recorded the albums 10 tracks live and straight to a 4-track cassette tape. The sessions were filmed for prosperity and all the videos are available on the Clubhouse RecordsYouTube channel >>here<<.
An album of this stunning collection was produced and released as a limited edition CD which have now sadly (but quite rightly) sold out. You can still purchase a digital copy via iTunes >>here<<.
It didn't end there of course and all the bands involved performed the entire album live to a sold-out audience at The Slaughtered Lamb in London. Now, exclusively for Wood Festival the album will be recreated live once more by Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou, The Dreaming Spires, Danny The Champ, Jack Day, The Cedars, Case Hardin, The Redlands Palomino Company, Paul McClure, The Mad Staring Eyes and The Arlenes.
LET'S SUM UP & GET THOSE TICKETS!
Naturally I can't feature something about all the artists on the line-up as the festival will have come and gone by the time I've finished. And while all of them are worthy of a special mention I must single out those like The Dreaming Spires, Sally Archer, Band of Hope, Danny And The Champions, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou and Paul McClure, all of whom I am eager and excited to see.
Photo by Sterling Munksgard taken from Wood Bros Fbook
So, after reading this rather in-depth preview/feature of what promises to be one of the top highlights of your musical summer, what are you waiting for folks? It is only a mere 3 weeks away! Quite probably less depending on when you're actually reading this. So get clicking, get moving, get listing all those camping necessities you're going to need for your little adventure into the Wood! Don't forget this is no ordinary musical adventure either. Be prepared to travel back in time and be dazzled by how close you can get to nature. This is an opportunity for you to experience just how intimate and wonderful a music festival can be. Just how it used to be done in the good old days. This is more a cohesive community of approximately 1000 revelers all coming together to celebrate the good life. I can smell the magic already.
Ticket details and links are below!
FULL LINE UP
ADAM BARNES - ART THEEFE - AUGUST LIST
BAND OF HOPE - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S "NEBRASKA"
CASE HARDIN - CO-PILGRIM
DANNY AND THE CHAMPIONS - DUSTIN BENTALL & KENDALL CARSON
EDD KEENE - FLIGHTS OF HELIOS - HOUSE OF HATS
JACK CADE & THE EVERYDAY SINNERS - JACK DAY - JACKIE OATES
JALI FILY CISSOKHO - JESS HALL - JESS ROBERTS & THE SILVER RAYS JULIE HAWK - KATY ROSE & THE CAVALRY PARADE LA MORT SUBITE - LIGERS - LIZ LAWRENCE MAD STARING EYES - MARCUS CORBETT - MARY EPWORTH MEGAN HENWOOD - MILKY MOON NATUREBOY - NICK COPE OLIVER WILDE - OWEN TROMANS - OXFORD UKELELES PAPER AEROPLANES - PAUL MCLURE RAINBOW RESERVOIR - RALFE BAND - REDLANDS PALOMINO REICHENBACH FALLS - RYE WOLFE SALLY ARCHER - SYD ARTHUR THE ARLENES - THE CEDARS - THE DREAMING SPIRES THE WOOD BROTHERS - TREVOR MOSS AND HANNAH LOU UNTIL THE BIRD - WASHINGTON IRVING
Tickets are very reasonably priced considering this is a 3 day event. Click >>here<< to BUY NOW! ADULT WEEKEND TICKET:£75 TEEN TICKET (AGES 13-17):£65 CHILD (12 & UNDER): FREE *Under 15s MUST be accompanied by a paying adult over 21*
CAR PARKING:£10 - As mentioned, this charge varies depending upon vehicle occupancy, as part of Wood's environment commitment. For example, if the vehicle has one occupant you will have to pay a further £5; if it has 3 or more, you will receive a £5 refund.
CAMPER VAN: £40
What others say:
“an incredibly magical, inspirational and beautiful place, filled with
great music, plenty to do and an atmosphere you could never create with
bigger, more commercial festivals.” Flying With Anna
“this is
the greenest festival we’ve ever been to, and that’s some achievement.
Music wise Wood’s organisers seem to have pretty much hit the nail on
the head too… an eclectic and upbeat lineup of artists which for the
most part seem to appeal to both the adults and kids.” More Than The Music
“Wood
Festival was like those days you dream of… breezy sunshine, children
running through the grass, plenty of good music. From the workshops to
the music acts everything was timed to fit together and allow for
maximum participation without boredom.”
It didn’t surprise me in the
slightest when Luke Jackson revealed how tickets for his solo show at The
Stables in Milton Keynes had sold out in
advance of the night. I felt incredibly lucky I’d grabbed mine when I did
because missing out would have been wounding. Seeing the eighteen year old
roots singer-songwriter play live last October was enough to ensure I’ll be
snapping up tickets to any and all gigs within a reasonable-mile radius, even
beyond. Having been completely blown away by the sheer power and perfection of
that previous performance, this latest one far exceeded what have rightly
become even loftier expectations.
He wasn’t exactly lacking any
confidence beforehand but the 30 date tour supporting Martyn Joseph has managed
to unlock more of it from somewhere. There was a tweak here and there with some
of the songs I’d seen on that previous set. These were only minor things but
the detail they added made a huge difference, culminating in a finesse that was
quite frankly, spellbinding. Four months on and Luke didn’t just move things up
to the next level, he skipped a dozen in between and aimed right for the sun.
It’s impossible to not be totally
amazed by him, the way he commands such a presence up there on the stage. It may well
just be one man and his guitar but the exuberance with which he plays and sings
opens the listener’s mind up wide. When his voice is belting out a song it’s
like the force of a hundred folk, all concentrated through his captivating solo vocal.
Right from the off he showed he meant business with Run and Hide. It’s the
perfect opener. The power packed behind it grabs your complete attention as
soon as it begins. So you’ve had a terrible day and think your mind may not be
in the right place to relax and enjoy a night of live music? Wrong! There’s no
chance of that with Luke on the case. Whatever troubles you might have had are
smashed to smithereens. The throttle is opened fully and even this early on he
cements in your mind the cast iron certainty you’ll be leaving the place having
been well and truly awed.
As well as many songs from acclaimed
debut album More Than Boys, it was a treat to hear a few new numbers. Out of
Time transported me off on a sorrowful journey of heartbreak and Luke was spot
on with the emotional intensity his lyrics demanded. The music, while remaining
temperate throughout, complimented the full force of the voice behind the
words. It was compelling. Likewise with
Learn to Dance, written in Glasgow while at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards weekend, you can’t
but feel shocked he came away empty handed. Seeing him live again reinforces
that shock for me.
Just when you think you’ve been
wowed to the max he pulls out another charmer by way of Dancing Gerrard, joking how this was one of his old songs. It
is one that shows the cutting-edge observational skills he had even four years ago, being about a character who left a mark on him. The story behind its conception revealed something endearing about
Luke himself. How thoughtful he was, and still is. This humbles you to him even
more, in addition to the natural charm of his cordial showmanship.
When the entire evening is of
such star quality, naturally it is hard to isolate any specific moments for
fear of detracting from the whole. However the gloves came off and were
launched into deep space with a cover of Sam Cook’s Change Is Gonna Come. It
was just astounding! Luke proves hands down his ability to sing and play the
blues with the likes of Fathers Footstep Blues among others. With this particular
cover though, he showed just how strong his grasp on another genre is. He sings
and plays those blues so damn good he puts musicians thrice his age to shame.
Originality and imagination are
key ingredients where his covers are concerned, making sure that although you know
their roots it is Luke’s versions you will be remembering from now on. His rendition
of Wayfaring Stranger, the first of two songs for his encore, was breathtaking.
Seriously, you will require oxygen. Starting off a cappella before bringing in a
bass-heavy punch which then eased into a striking strum, the flawless vocals
hit you like a gale force wind. Closing
with Hit the Road he demonstrated his inspiring creativity with a merging
medley of some well-known classics from the likes of Ray Charles, Coldplay, Mumford
& Sons, Lemar all wrapped in an exquisite parcel of his own unique input
and style.
Luke Jackson dazzles- lyrically, musically
and vocally. He excels at what he does and this night was amazing! There's a maturity to him but he never hides away from his youth. I’ve referred to him as a rising star but
this show made it clear to me he is already a blazing sun lighting up the music
scene. Given the current climate this is just what is needed right now. This year his sun will burn even brighter still as he goes supernova. I assure you when you've seen him once, you will not be able to keep away, just remember to take along some oxygen for when he steals away your breath. Indeed, if live music is a drug then I consider myself hopelessly addicted.
As the filming of any videos at The Stables is prohibited I've included ones from other sources. 1. We Are Not The Same at The Merchants Inn, Rugby - fimed by yours truly. 2. Out of Time from his intimate in-store gig at Union in Lewes last week. 3. Wayfaring Stranger at The Merchants Inn, Rugby.
Visit Luke's website at http://www.lukepauljackson.com/ and check out the gig dates up there. Do yourself and everyone you know a favour and book some tickets. You will have an amazing night.
This latest blogcast is even more overdue than my overlong overrunning overview/review. Never mind, with just the final part of that to go, featuring some of the top live gigs I was fortunate to get to last year, I've decided I just MUST get podcast #12 out there already. Especially as I've now already recorded podcast #13 and got that up on podOmatic! So much for that schedule encouraging me to get these done quicker. Ha! Ah well, I did make it quite clear I'm not really one for such schedules. They just mess things up anyway. *drinks to non-schedules* I shall continue scribbling things down on my multi-coloured post-it notes. That seems todo the trick.
Photo from the band's Facebook page
So....yeah....it feels a bit odd writing up this now given I've recorded podcast #13 already. Shock! I do believe I am doing what they call 'multitasking'. Or as UK comedian Miranda would correct me, it is what everyone calls multitasking, there is no need to add, 'what I call'. Miranda is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I may be isolating any non-UK readers/listeners here so apologies for that. It is a British sitcom based on a very silly thirty-something woman called, surprise surprise, Miranda. It really is just so silly but I do find it almost sidesplittingly funny. It seems to be rather divisive however. A bit like marmite in that people either love it or hate it. I say that about Marmite but I'm a fence-sitter when it comes to the yeast extract. I like it on a sarnie if I'm having cheese or crisps with it but not on its own. And it ruins toast in my opinion. Back to Miranda, some people just don't get it. I like that silly aspect of it, it is stupid but funny with it and at times even clever. Now, <best Heather Small voice please> 'What have you done today to make you feel prooooouuuuuud?' Well, I've almost finished writing a live review of Luke Jackson's recent gig at The Stables in Milton Keynes that he's going to post it up on his very own website. There's loads more I'm working on but I really need to be getting on with this so keep an eye out. Not literally remove your eye from your sockets of course. Oh dear. I think I have caught the Miranda bug. Best crack on with the playlist and stop all this buffoonary! Oooh, what a cool word. Buffoon. Boofunary. Me likes.
Naturally, this band featured in my list of top bands I came to last year. With a sound as grand as this I'm expecting big things to come for The Slow Readers Club. Reading off a list of radio plays they have enjoyed since releasing their debut self-titled album last May is like reeling off a list of all the ones that matter these days. From the hugely supportive BBC 6 Music (please give me a job, I make really good tea), BBC Introducing (I make really good tea & have a knack for finding some pretty amazing new music), NME, Q Radio and NME TV. Not only that folks, but also they've had exposure via Sky Sports and ITV.
Their video for the song Block Out The Sun was featured on Coldplay's website helping to bag their YouTube channel a staggering 155,707 views! Amazing. That exposure would certainly have helped but what's most important is the sheer awesome quality of their music which will of course leave listeners begging for more and thus guarantee their return. I find the video for Feet on Fire absolutely fascinating, which is why I've shared it above, for your viewing pleasure. It must have taken ages to animate but the end results are great! Now I want to see what a lego me would look like. My South Park avatar is pretty cool although I did that when I had long hair so it could do with revising a little.
You can sample the entire debut album via the band's Soundcloud page, which I embedded in that review post I mentioned. Alternatively, click on the song above to take you right there. Then get over to their official website and get buying it. These guys are going places. http://www.theslowreadersclub.co.uk
Face The King
There are some really strong big US rock bands out there at the moment. Ones it is a complete pleasure to keep stumbling across via the Twitterverse. Oh, Twitterverse I do love you so. Face The King are epic and anthemic. Their big atmospheric sound is more than capable of filling the biggest arena or stadium, even now. They're also fond of giving their supportive fans FREE downloads which here at the Badger's Set (I don't know why I refer to it as such but it sounds kinda cool - admittedly, cool in just my own freaky mind) we do love indeed. The latest song you can grab is You, Me & the SOUND which is very boisterous, just as it needs to be, but also wonderfully melodic. Visit their website for this FREE download and keep updated with everything going on with the band because things are set to move along fast for them this year.
They are no one trick ponies to be sure and they can do the slower rock ballads with just as much brilliance. Parachutes springs instantly to mind but having heard Due North, there is no way I cannot share it with you here. It is magnificent. To be so good and completely independent is testament to how great a group (and this goes for individuals too of course) can be when putting in all that hard work and commitment. I want these guys to make it bigger because if they do there's a chance I will get to see them when they hit the UK for a tour or festival run.
The song I played on the podcast, The Burning and the Falling Down is taken from their second EP which has received great critical praise and positive reviews not only in print and on the internet but also on local and out of state radio. You, Me & the SOUND is taken from their next EP due out soon. http://www.facethekingband.com
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
I was thrilled this contemporary folk couple won the Best Duo award at this year's BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards because they deserve this praise and industry acceptance so very much. Both coming from musical families and meeting each other many years ago when they were a part of the folk-pop group Equation, they have come a long way since those early days.
Live music is where it's at for these guys and having seen them three times already I can assure you they well and truly knock your socks off. Kathryn's voice is so strong she manages to enchant you into a much better reality for the duration of the show and beyond. The most recent one I attended was at The Stables in Milton Keynes last November where the pair were joined by string musician Patsy Reid. As fantastic as the two are together, Patsy added a few more marvelous musical layers to a number of the songs as well as some pretty awesome backing vocals. During their acceptance speech when collecting the above folk award, Sean gave a big thanks to all the people who come out to their shows when they tour, saying they are (we're) the ones who makes these things happen and how incredibly grateful they are. As someone who is a regular show goer I will always try and get to theirs if they are nearby and with such quality on offer I urge anyone reading this to do the same. http://www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com/
Gilmore & Roberts
Another contemporary folk duo who deserve all the accolades coming their way. They lost out on that BBC folk award but there are many more they are sure to get. I voted for them in the Spiral Earth awards because what I find so wonderful is how they each combine their skills together so perfectly. The mix is just spot on. When one is playing up front, even though the other may appear to be just in the background, contributing an important element to a song, you come to understand how no, actually each of their performances is integral to any one particular piece.
Their third album, The Innocent Left is a remarkable record and one you really should own. What I also really enjoy is the alternating mix of one member dominating the main vocals for a song. Mix that up some more with an instrumental here and there like the awesome Over Snake Pass and you get an album with so much to enjoy you'll be wanting to lap up as much Gilmore & Roberts as you possibly can. Live, they are magnificent so that would be a wise and worthy choice for an evening of spectacular musical entertainment too. In fact, you can check out all the tour dates that are up on the website right now and before or after you do this, why not take advantage of their SAVER DEAL. Buy ALL three of their fantastic albums for just £25. For the high quality of music you're getting, this is a bargain. http://www.gilmoreroberts.co.uk/
Ben Glover
Photo from Ben's website
I sincerely hope I do get to catch Ben's gig in Milton Keynes in a few weeks when he is supporting the lovely Gretchen Peters. Ben is also off on the road again to support the wonderful Mary Gauthier. Sadly, there are only two UK dates for that forthcoming tour, both in Northern Ireland. I may well have to submit a claim to my as yet non-existent expenses account, so I can head over to one of the European dates. Or perhaps even catch them over in Nashville. Now that would be sweet. *stamps feet and screams, I want a TARDIS, please*
Ben has been over there in his second home for a few months now working on more music after the release of his latest fourth studio album, Do We Burn The Boats. This album impressed me hugely and I've enjoyed listening to his previous records too. While they themselves have a high level of quality, the progress he's made as he's continued working hard through the years is evident. Treat yourself to some top Americana-fused music from a guy at the top of his game. http://www.benglover.co.uk/
Flight Brigade
These guys were awesome at Bakewell Music Festival last August and deserve hefty praise for their self-produced debut EP. This is available as a FREE download from their website so what are you waiting for? Get on it folks. The Shaw Court Sessions is a collection of songs mixed in a bedroom and it sounds damn good for such humble beginnings. There are six great tracks for you to enjoy and they each showcase a quality that is a knock-out when playing live. Their sound is one that sticks with you and for all the right reasons.
Great news about their debut album having now been mixed, which is what the band have been up to over the past two months. There are also a bunch of gig dates up on the website so get along if you can. Take it from someone who has seen them, they are more than worth it. You will have an awesome time. http://www.flightbrigade.com/
Boat To Row
Regular readers/listeners/visitors will know Boat To Row are another band I caught live at a festival last summer. They were perfect at Truck Festival and I was frustrated I couldn't get to one of the dates on their November tour when they were on the road promoting the release of their latest EP, Loyal Light.
They're so vibrant with such cosmic energy if they play near you I highly recommend you go along. Likewise, check out their music and links via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/boattorowmusic
Beyond The Wall to Stornoway
Well, it is rather far north isn't it? You will have to forgive me for the Game of Thrones references for a while as I'm a tad too excited about the new season of the tv show. The new album from this Oxford-based band, Tales From Terra Firma is due for release on 11th March and is available for pre-order worldwide via both iTunes and Amazon. I am beyond ecstatic that Brian's beautiful solo numberNovember Song has made the cut to close the record. I'm not sure how the recorded version will sound, if there will likely be valid additions from other members of the band. I had the immense pleasure of hearing this tune when I saw Stornoway for the first ever time at Beautiful Days in 2010. That makes me feel old now we are already in 2013 but there you go. It is a really lovely song and I wish I could have filmed a better video. The video below via YouTube is much better than my own. The song is just so megagoosebump-inducing! I do hope it is on the set list at the forthcoming gig.
Before I share that oldie - although as it is a song on the new album I guess it is also a newie too - you need to check out the official video for the first single from Tales From Terra Firma, above. It's called Knock Me On The Head, and it is quite simply, stunning! Loving the moustache bassist Oli Steadman is sporting as the news reporter too. Hope that comes out for the song on the tour. Seriously though, the layers of instruments on this particular song, the lyrics, how it all comes together is sublime. It is also very catchy. Something to get into your head and stay there. In the making you want more kind of way, I mean.
I would have loved to have made
it to one of their Oxford
homecoming gigs at the Town Hall but not only would the fuel costs have been a
bit much as the month wears on, the tickets for those gigs were selling quick
and fast! I tried but by the time I could afford to buy some all the standing
tickets had been snapped up. So, on to Leamington Spa it was. Ironically I'll
be seeing them at the same place I saw Water Mountain
and Seth Lakeman exactly a year previous. I wonder who it will be come 2014.
Bring it on! If tickets haven't yet sold out to one of their shows near you on
this tour then do the sensible thing and get some quick. They are an awesome
live act and that one festival slot in 2010 was enough to get me hooked. Their
debut album, Beachcomber's Windowsill was one of my 'walk to work' albums last week,
reminding me of the bags of talent they contain and getting me all the more
excited for not only the gig, but the new album too. http://www.stornoway.eu/
Reichenbach Falls
This EP is a real delight! I'll Never Go Anywhere Without Her Now contains 4 stunning tracks. Kicking off with opener The Best I Could, which buffers you gently into the ambient sound with some neat delicate vocals. Listening to just this track cements in your understanding where the band get their name from. This is tranquility. This is musical beauty that would translate into something akin to the natural beauty of the Reichenbach Falls.
Blessed Blush you may have heard if you read a post I published a few weeks ago - prior to the release of the EP - and this just moves things along perfectly, stepping up a level. Hands aren't holding back on that lever and the level keeps cranking up with Risky. This third track would be my personal favourite of the lot, if I was forced to choose just one. In The Wreckage brings things to a beautiful close but be warned you really will be left wanting more! I'm humming this one in my head already, long after having listened to it. There's something that latches on to you with the music being made and put together here. The mix of instruments intertwine like the finely cooked meal of a master chef. It is indie folk verging on soft rock steeped in contemporary Americana. In sum, it is one heck of a tasty treat. Go buy it, please.
The beauty doesn't stop there either. The physical CD looks like a little vinyl record. Brilliant. This is such a wonderful touch and a tip of the hat to not only the resurgence of vinyl but a good nod to the past. https://www.facebook.com/ReichenbachFalls
Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou
Trevor and Hannah Lou have filmed
this new video for their single, For A Minute There, which is also available as
a FREE download. So much FREE music for you all this time round. This blogcast
was worth the wait wasn't it? There's more to come too. The song is taken from
their beautiful album, La Ferme De Fontenaille, which I highly recommend. It
was a real treat to see them live when they supported Tom McRae on the first
leg of his solo tour at the end of last year. They were amazing. Such
synchronicity when they stand and play together, it really is like they work as
one. And their harmonies are a thing of flawless beauty. I've mentioned how
they've been gigging it up crazy having gone out on their own unique tour of
working men's and social clubs. They also opened for the awesome Beth Orton
last December too.
The single comes with the rare b-side Redemption Movement. Recorded at one of their first duo recording sessions back in 2008, it is a wonderful track. http://trevormossandhannahlou.com/
The Scholars *NEW SINGLE*
Love The Thunder
As I've featured the latest single from this top Oxfordshire-based alternative rock band a few times already I just wanted to point out again here that you can get the track from their bandcamp page for just 79 little pennies. Please do and let's get these guys snowed under with the response. Big time is coming a knocking. There's a storm coming but it's a good one that will see them smash it through to the big time. I'll be playing the song on the next podcast too.
Make sure you check in at their Facebook pageand bag yourself a bargain bundle. They are offering a Love The Thunder bundle. £15 gets you two neat physical CDs, a nifty new t-shirt and a mug. Some cool merchandise for you to help promote the guys wherever you're at. https://www.facebook.com/thescholarsofficial
"This is Epic.." BBC Introducing
"Really strong song" - Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music
"I really liked their previous single Wired and so I was eager to hear
the band’s new release Love The Thunder – the good news is that it
sounds even better.." - Glasswerk
"Love The Thunder has a faster pace and the mix of instruments is very well produced. The synth and guitar set the rapid rhythm but there is also a lovely piano melody that flits in and out. The drums are solid, while the bass growls. And above all of this the low pitched vocals are strong. The chorus has some fine backing vocal harmonies too and then a lovely guitar solo cuts in, before an abrupt ending leaves you breathless.." Glasswerk
King Sukh
It's not so much lions and tigers and bears oh no, but rather lions and penguins and bears in this official video for Sukh's recently released debut single, Kings. I featured this in a previous post but the video hadn't been published at that time so here it is again. He is one talented young chap destined for greatness in my opinion.
I'm keeping it brief here as I'll be playing Kings on the next podcast so there will be more featured on Sukh next time. The album is sublime though, I will reiterate that. If iTunes is your thing then click >>here<< to buy the single so it can continue whetting your appetite for the album. http://www.iamsukh.com
Wings of Apollo Flying High
Just randomly coming across bands like Wings of Apollo is one of the chief reasons I could not live without Twitter in my life now. What a huge sound they have! Some of their tunes hark back to some of the massive classic eras and other bands over the years but these guys not only pull things together superbly to sound original, they add so much of their own souls into the mix as well.
There is so much going on I'll admit it is hard to know where to begin. The guitar playing is exquisite. It is perfection. Think Jimmy Page at his experimental best and yes that is a lofty comparison but it's what I'm hearing at times, via this debut self-titled album. It is a FREE album too by the way so why not go grab it for yourself and see (or hear) what all the commotion is about. The ten tracks therein will well and truly rock you in to another week. There's a real heavy and wonderful blues to the likes of Can You Hear Me Now and this is mixed cleverly with the hard rock sound. Son Of A Gun is so hook-laden you'll be singing and humming along before very long. Jesse Korby's vocals cut right through everything to deliver lyrical parcels that remain crystal clear and poignant. It's great how he's able to showcase his range with the likes of In The Morning, too. Don't get me wrong, while it's important to share the huge talents of Jesse, Wings of Apollo is by no means a one-man band. Bassist Pat Graves and drummer Dave Martin are integral. Pat's appreciation for 90s grunge is evident and this spills out through the speakers in such a way it alters the whole in the most positive of ways. The transcendental qualities of the 9 minute closing anthem Temple is sheer musical bliss. The intro builds up with a gradual perfection lasting four minutes. What follows is nothing short of a classic!
In fact, it feels to me like they've done something akin to UK band Syd Arthur. With their debut album On An On they capture the magic and all that was great about late 60's and 70's psychedelia. Using their outstanding talents they rework this into something that's fresh and new. Something that is unlike anything else out there. This is one of the most important things about this kind of stuff. It really is original. It is unique. It is exciting! There's a foot firmly in the past but the eyes are well into the future. Wings of Apollo do something similar but with rock verging on the cusp of some grunge as opposed to the psychedelia. It's so brilliant. It is breathtaking. There should be a warning for listeners to ensure they stock up on oxygen tanks because they'll need them. Wings of Apollo are flying high indeed and making music like this it won't be long before they soar like the eagles of old! http://www.wingsofapollo.com/
The dashing Mr Fox has now released his EP Sorry For My Words. It features that first song he put out, Gunfight which I think caused him to be inundated for more. Where has he been hiding all this time? Well, he hasn't exactly been hiding I suppose. He is a successful actor and fatherhood has no doubt kept him rather busy.
I'm just happy we get to hear the awesome music he can make. Sorry For My Words is a gorgeous collection. You'll notice a familiar face in the video for So Be Damned. It is Laurence's cousin, fellow actress Emilia Fox. Now go and grab yourself a digital copy of the EP via iTunes >>here<<.
I bought the EP from iTunes myself only yesterday and tweeted the woes of forgetting my iTunes password yet again. Almost every single time I buy stuff from there I forget it and have to reset. I suppose that is kind of extra secure as changing it so often means it's less likely to be hacked. Anywho, I included @LozzaFox in those tweets and he replied, 'get in!'. I am still on a high from this. Great stuff. Now go, buy these wonderful tunes. http://www.laurencefox.co.uk/
Jesse Will
What another phenomenal find! So far away down on the other side of the globe but it would be so worth the trip to see this guy play live.AMAZING! It was thanks to the Facebook adverts again. Like with Andy Ruddy, an advert for Jesse's music page popped up while I was on the book of face. I clicked, I read, I watched, I listened. I am now hooked and need more. Luckily for me he has an EP due out imminently. In fact, he is playing a launch show for it on Friday 1st March but sadly that tricksy teleporter is on the blink so I'm unlikely to make it to Aukland in time. Sorry Jesse. Another time. I have Julie Lamb to catch live down in Wellington of course so I should get on with planning and saving for this trip shouldn't I? (Calling all those who would like to sponsor me again please? No-one? Well, you know where I'm at if you do!)
With quality like this, 2013 will be a huge year for Jesse and you'll be hearing lots more from him I have no doubt. More to come from him in future posts. Do keep up to date at his official Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/jessewillmusic
As a former member of the acclaimed Irish band Deanta, Mary is no stranger to music and listening to this debut solo album, you would not believe she has been absent from the scene for 15 years. The album was released on 4th February on Back Lane Records so I must apologise for the delay in sharing this.North is vibrant and so full of grace. It contains some wonderful traditional Irish folk songs which Mary delivers with an immaculate precision that enchants. As is only to be expected with many traditional songs, the subject matter is rarely on the cheery side of the spectrum. There is room for the more upbeat kind of song though, such as The Banks of
Claudy. This track is infused with eloquent strings rooting it to the traditional.
Even on songs such as this and the opener When A Man's In Love, Mary's voice rises above everything and
still moves you, albeit it in a differentand more gentle manner.
If forced to choose a favourite I'd say it would have to be Mary's original song The Boatman. This is easily one of the stand out tracks from an altogether very impressive record. It manages to capture you and pull you in. When Mary sings about that mist rolling in from the sea, you can feel it wrapping around you. It's cold and dark as it swallows up her dear beloved boatman. The fires lit on those shores roar with a ferocity at the loss. The fires are beacons of a desperate hope. The instrumental arrangement on the track is sublime. Let us also not forget the incredibly moving tale of John Condon. I've heard so many poignant songs over the years spanning so many different genres but I can honestly say I have never heard anything as truly moving as this one delivered via Mary's unique and beautiful voice. Likewise, The Month Of January deserves singling out too.
Mary's is one of those voices you will want to hear sing to you ceaselessly. How she manages to pack such emotion and feeling into it is magnificent. It's as though she has some supernatural ability whereby her vocals wrap themselves around your heart. Depending on the accompanying musical arrangements and the subject matter in question your heart will be gently massaged or probed deeply to the core of your soul. She is deeply affecting, a crucial quality in the diluted music market we find ourselves in today. She may have been away for those 15 years but Mary Dillon is back and with North, she proves without any shadow of a doubt how she stands mountains above her contemporaries.
Once again I must start off with a sincere apology. Story was released way back at the start of January so it is near unforgiveable I am only just featuring it here now. You all know my issues with lack of time by now though but yes, I have slapped myself many times for being so slow with this one. It's madness considering how much I rate it. It is still in the car stereo so that alone shows how much I'm still enjoying listening to it after what amounts to about three months. Story is part one of a 22 song cycle collectively titled as The Long Lost Story. Part two should be out later this year.
This is a really interesting record. Opening track The Turns does just that. It turns in some way, incorporating a fair bit into this first four or so minute introduction to David Bronson's music. From the softer parts where his vocal gets to shine to the maniacal parts where he struggles to be heard. This is executed beautifully as the subject matter calls for something just like it. And that guitar riff in the final act is quite simply put, magnificent! The wild guitar and rockier tones continue with Times which feels very much like an extension of its predecessor. Now it is time for the journey to begin. So far, quite big in scope but don't get too comfortable just yet. This hectic feel is reigned in a little with If. The pace soon picks up again but producing something akin to what real pop music should sound like. That is before the rock guitar riffs return to dazzle you.
Easier takes a step back, puts its feet up and pulls on the heart strings of contemporary Americana with perfect precision. It is a welcome change of pace and demonstrates a contemplative rest on this journey we've embarked upon. There's another explosion into heavier rock with The Ones. This is a fast-paced romp, razor sharp both in terms of its music and the lyrics. It's time for more melancholic contemplation with the stunning Us. I can really appreciate how amazing this must sound as a live acoustic song as part of a set. Complete with some outstanding backing vocals from Maria Neckham who must get credit for her flawless appearances throughout earlier tracks as well. Us is gentle and delicate. It jumps back into Americana with both feet on the back of some nifty bass. This is a standout track for sure. Momentary too, contains so much within it you can't but keep putting it back on to discover new gems that blend together so seamlessly.
Just when you think all the avenues this journey will take have been explored you'recast Adrift. This is yet another standout track managing to launch you up as if on to a comfortable cloud filled with fluffy calmness. Let yourself be guided by this marvelous music. Float away and enjoy it completely, as is intended. Likewise with Outside. The gentler tones persist and Maria Neckham gets her own solo lines. After all of her exquisite backing vocals so far, these bring with them a tremendous depth. Unending (Underture) brings the album to an adequate close and it is in direct contrast to its opening. The journey has been somewhat a rollercoaster but Unending puts it nicely at rest. End of Part One. To Be Continued...
I must admit Story isn't an album I put on and loved instantly. After really soaking up the talented offerings of David Bronson though, it is one that did grow on me very quickly indeed. That is the most important thing here and where it differs from many other 'growers'. I really wanted to listen again and again. You may well love it instantly but even if it takes a listen or two to bed in, after a couple of times you will wonder why on earth it took you so long. Then you will just keep on listening to it. Like I mentioned, it is one of only two albums I've put in the car that has remained there for quite a number of months. Mixed by legendary producer Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Aerosmith) the end result is well-accomplished and I'm left excited about part two.
IN BRIEF...
Just before I manage to completely collapse this page thanks to all the bits I'm embedding to share I have a couple more things to add that really need your attention.
John Grant
I was fortunate enough to catch John live at Beautiful Days a few years ago and he is mesmerizing. I love his debut album Queen of Denmark which he brings completely to life on stage with his flawless performances. Pale Green Ghosts is the follow up and due out next month. This video proves it is going to be something special. John is also over in the UK on tour in May so don't miss out. Believe me, it is well worth it!
BELLOWHEAD ROLL THAT WOODPILE DOWN
It is wonderful to watch how Bellowhead get their loyal hoards of fans jigging about on their feet. With music so incredibly jig-inducing it is not surprising and none more so than with this video for the latest single from their most recent award-winning album Broadside.
This 11-piece juggernaut of a band are without much doubt one of the best live acts around and this video showcases them in their element live at a sold out Glasgow gig. Bellowhead will be setting out on a UK tour in November. Yes, it is quite a while away yet but given it is only days away until March hits it will be here before you know it. With their tendency to sell out venues you'd be wise to grab your tickets in good time.
07/11 - Bury St Edmunds - The Apex08/11 - Warrington - Parr Hall
09/11 - Cheltenham - Town Hall10/11 - Blackburn - King George's Hall
15/11 - Wrexham - William Aston Hall 16/11 - Portsmouth - Guildhall
17/11 - Exeter - Great Hall 18/11 - Truro - Hall for Cornwall
19/11 - Frome - Cheese & Grain 20/11 - Leicester - De Montfort Hall
21/11 - Aberystwyth - Arts Centre 22/11- Chesterfield - Winding Wheel
23/11 - Folkestone - Leas Cliff Hall
Paul McClure is a Master of War
Well not literally of course but I think you'll agree how mighty fine his version of the classic Bob Dylan song is. What a treat this is. Paul has recently gone solo and is signed with Clubhouse Recordswhom I rate very highly so get checking out more from Paul and other acts on this wonderful label. I shall be keeping my own eye on Paul and feature more on him in the coming months.In the meantime, I think this cover is stunning! https://www.facebook.com/paulmccluremusic
ANY OTHER BUSINESS?
ACTUALLY YES..JUST ONE MORE THING..
The Spiral Earth Awards 2013 *CAST YOUR VOTES PLEASE*
Please please please get to this website and vote for your favourites across the categories because votes like this from the public, from fans themselves really means a huge amount to bands and artists. http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/spiralawards2013/
This mention here is particularly for you to consider voting for the hugely talented and rather wonderful man that is Nick Burbridge. He is nominated for Best Songwriter and you can read more about why I've personally voted for Nick by reading that post >>here<<.
My appeal here is to point out that although an incredibly strong contender, Nick is a complete outsider insofar as promotion and being out on the gig circuit goes. His unique and poignant songs rarely secure much in the way of high profile airplay and he does not enjoy the support and back up that comes to most in the business. Further, I'd like to point out a few important things about his recent album Gathered, which secured him this nomination. It was made at zero cost; publicised entirely from home; reviewed only on merit; and with nothing more in mind than the desire to fulfill a creative need in writing songs. From the numerous albums I was introduced to last year I selected Gathered as one of a select few top favourites. This is because here is a quality Nick brings to the table that in between records is sadly missed and rarely, if ever, matched. Get yourself to the bandcamp page where you can listen to Gathered in full then hop on to the Spiral Earth Awards website and support this outsider to win an award he so clearly deserves. http://gathered.bandcamp.com/
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT:
Go go Emo Rangers....you mighty moshin emo rangers! Yes, that's right. This is actually a thing! Awesome stuff! Seriously, this is an actual thing. No, this is not what I've been working on since the last blogcast. If it had have been though, I'd be mightily impressed with the results.
And that just about wraps things up folks. I really had better draw this blogcast to a close. Sincere apologies for all delays but these are just a given when juggling a full time job and all the rest of it. I'm still absolutely loving it all so there will be tons more to come. I'll have the Luke Jackson at The Stables gig review up in a matter of days. This will be followed by the fourth and final part of my overview/review of 2012 (yes finally). Then there's the blogcast for podcast #13, which as mentioned is already live so I have made a start on that.
As always there's heaps more stuff I want to share right now but there must be an end at some point. Peace to you all and thanks for your continued support!
