Quick plays: BRICK BRISCOE & THE SKINNY, HANNAH JAMES & TOBY KUHN

BRICK BRISCOE & THE SKINNY www.brickbriscoe.com [Release date 15.10.21]

Brick Briscoe is a composer, filmmaker and producer, who has been working in ‘the biz’ for over thirty years now. Joining Briscoe (who sings and plays guitar) on his latest album are the Skinny, namely drummer Allen Clark III and bassist/backing vocalist Cory Folz.

Musically this is a rock ‘n’ roll trip, with a simple, yet effective, guitar/bass/drums musical backdrop. Cory Folz’s bass playing is a particular highlight. Check out the intros to ‘Henry II’ and ‘Capitol Hill’ for proof.

Recalls early R.E.M. on ‘Up Yours, Up There’ and Green On Red on ‘More Somgs About Boys and Ammo’. The upbeat ‘The Smile On My Face’ has single written all over it, with shades of Talking Heads on this one. Brick Briscoe & the Skinny have the knack of making timeless music that wouldn’t sound out of place on an 80’s US indie band compilation or a modern day themed streaming service playlist.

If you like your music with a rock ‘n’ roll beat meets alt rock then you will find much to enjoy on here. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

HANNAH JAMES & TOBY KUHN Sleeping Spirals Jigdoll Records [Release date 19.11.21]

This album brings together for the first time Hannah James (vocals, accordion, sansula, foot percussion), who has worked with the likes of Sam Sweeney, Seasick Steve, Kerfuffle and Maddy Prior, and cellist and composer Toby Kuhn.

They make for a good combination as, bar two traditional songs, Hannah provides all the lyrics and they share the music compositions between them, also composing two songs each.

Hannah James has one of those wonderfully soothing, emotive voices as ‘Too Far For You To See’ ably demonstrates. ‘The Faint and Weary Traveller’ has another fine vocal performance, however, it is the way the cello and accordion play off each other that really makes this one of the album highlights.

The instrumental pieces include a relaxing mix of accordion and cello on ‘Shelia’s Tune’, with ‘Vine Dance’ featuring scat-like vocals over a plucked cello (I think?).

Beautifully crafted folk music, perfect for the quieter, reflective moments in your day. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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