Membran [Release date 01.07.16]

Way back in 2009 I reviewed the eponymous debut by Beggar Joe a promising Manchester quintet that fell into the blues jazz genre, tempered by a side salad of rock and soul.

A ‘late night/early hours’ set aimed well away from the mainstream, the focal point of the album was front man Jon Kenzie’s distinctive vocals provided a real stamp of authenticity to a set that ranged from Delta blues to jazz tinged gospel soul balladry.

I said at the time that the band may have been too cultured to make much of an impact and so it proved.  Since that time Kenzie has continued to pursue his blues, folk and soul roots through two solo releases  Not The Technical Stuff (2012) and Sing A Little Higher (2013) which have been sold online, at gigs and while busking (which he continues to do wherever he plays).

Now partnered with a record label, From Wanderlust doesn’t look to break the mould, and sees Mackenzie delivering another acoustically rooted set steeped in the blues (the stripped back ‘Sleep And Sunshine’ backed by Mat Owens double bass being particularly impressive), folk (the poignant ‘Soothing Whisper’, and ‘Clicking Needles’ being highlights) and reaching as far ragtime (‘With Draw’).

It’s another quality release that will delight fans, but a bit like Beggar Joe – and Kenzie’s previous solo output – From Wanderlust may prove a little too niche to significantly broaden his commercial appeal.  ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley

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Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)

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