Author Archives: jason

Album review: HONEY AND THE BEAR – Wish & A Tide

Posted on April 5, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date 23.04.26] Honey and The Bear is a duo consisting of husband and wife Jon and Lucy Hart. Jon plays guitar and electric guitar with Lucy as the main vocalist, and they both play double bass and bouzouki. … Continue reading →

Album review: HANNAH JAMES & TOBY KUHN – Where All Our Names Belong

Posted on March 28, 2026 by jason

Hannah James and Toby Kuhn [Release date 27.03.26] The duo’s second album, featuring Hannah James on vocals, accordion and sansula, Toby Kuhn on cello, revolves around the theme of belonging. Hannah is part of the talented trio Lady Maisery and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, folk, Hannah James, Lady Maisery, review, Toby Kuhn, Where All Our Names Belong | Leave a comment

News: PAUL McCARTNEY, THE 69 EYES, JUDAS PRIEST (April 2026)

Posted on March 27, 2026 by jason

PAUL MCCARTNEY- 02 Arena, London, 18 December 2024

Capitol Records/UMe is celebrating the Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ album’s 60th anniversary with ‘The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights’, which is released on May 15. The set features 25 alternate takes, a cappellas, and tracking sessions, all making their vinyl debut. Joe … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Competitions, Exhibitions, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, Special Events | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, folk, gigs, Judas Priest, melodic rock, metal, news, Paul McCartney, re-issues, RIP, special editions, The 69 Eyes, tour dates | Leave a comment

Album review: JAMIE WILLIAMS AND THE ROOTS COLLECTIVE – In The Moment

Posted on March 23, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date 25.05.26] I’ve been following Rocking Americana artist Jamie Williams for some 20 years now, and watched his songwriting develop and mature through the years, and it’s always a pleasure when he/they (The Roots Collective) release a new album. This one being no exception. Rather than stay on the same … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged blues, blues rock, interview, Jamie Williams, review, rock, roots music, The Roots Collective | Leave a comment

Album review: JOE HICKS – Before It Gets Dark

Posted on March 23, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date 27.03.26] Session musicians – a necessary cog in the wheels of the music industry, particularly for solo singers. Sometimes the session musician wants to break out of his backing role and be seen. Take Jimmy Page and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Before It Gets Dark, Joe Hicks, melodic, pop, review, singer songwriter, Steve Winwood | Leave a comment

Album review: CASEY MAUNDER – Smash Down Jericho

Posted on March 7, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date 20.03.26] Album number three from Casey Maunder and pleased to report that he carries on with his high standards of penning catchy, melodic hard rock. Of the ten songs on here, only ‘Paint’ has been released ahead … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Casey Maunder, hard rock, melodic rock, review, rock, Smash Down Jericho | Leave a comment

Album review: GARY MOORE – Reissues (2006-2014)

Posted on March 7, 2026 by jason

BMG [Release date 24.04.26] Blues and rock guitarist extraordinaire Gary Moore, who sadly died in 2011, left quite a legacy, whether the solo blues or rock or with other artists such as Thin Lizzy. BMG continue their reissue campaign with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, blues, blues rock, BMG, Brian Downey, classic rock, Don Airey, Gary Moore, guitarist, Mark Feltham, reissue, review, Thin Lizzy | Leave a comment

Gig review: SAMANTHA FISH – The Ritz, Manchester, 4 March 2026

Posted on March 6, 2026 by jason

So on the way to Manchester I was listening to Planet Rock radio with Elles Bailey who I saw a couple of weeks ago in Bury, and she was playing a track by When Rivers Meet off the Matt Long … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 4 March 2026, blues, blues rock, gig, guitarist, Manchester, review, Samantha Fish, The Ritz, The Zak Shulze Gang | Leave a comment

Album review: IAN GILLAN BAND – Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story

Posted on March 6, 2026 by jason

Edsel/Demon Music Group [Release date 27.03.26] After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, vocalist Ian Gillan dipped into a number of business ventures outside of music, before contributing to Roger Glover’s Butterfly Ball live show at the Royal Albert Hall, which … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Box sets, INTERVIEWS, Radio interview, Reissues | Tagged box set, classic rock, Deep Purple, Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story, Ian Gillan, Ian Gillan Band, jazz, Jazz rock, review, rock | 1 Comment

Album review: RAINBOW – Temple Of The King 1975/76

Posted on March 6, 2026 by jason

Edsel/Demon Music Group [Release date 27.03.26] Originally touted as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow were formed by Deep Purple guitarist Blackmore. In late 1974, Blackmore had wanted to record a cover of Quatermass’ Black Sheep Of The Family, and did so as … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Box sets | Tagged album, box set, Cozy Powell, Deep Purple, hard rock, Rainbow, review, Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio, Temple Of The King 1975/76 | Leave a comment

EP review: STUD FARM MAFIA – Did You Have a Good Weekend?

Posted on March 3, 2026 by jason

Weblinks [Release date 17.03.26] Oxford based Stud Farm Mafia consists of vocalist Cole Bryant, guitarist Nath Digman, bassist Rikard Ridemark and drummer Luke Evans. The EP was recorded with David Radahd-Jones (Wargasm, Heavens Basement, Chris Robertson – Black Stone Cherry) … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged alt rock, Did You Have a Good Weekend?, EP, modern rock, Oxford, review, Stud Farm Mafia | Leave a comment

Album review: SONS OF TOWN HALL – Of Ghosts and God

Posted on February 28, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date: 06.03.26] Sons of Town Hall formed nearly a decade ago in a London pub and consist of singer-songwriters Ben Parker and David Berkeley. Sons of Town Hall have crafted an elaborate fictional world to frame the album, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, country, folk, Of Ghosts and God, review, Simon & Garfunkel, singer songwriter, Sons of Town Hall, steampunk, traditional | Leave a comment

Album review: ROBIN TROWER – Live!

Posted on February 28, 2026 by jason

Chrysalis [Release date: 03.04.26] Guitarist Robin Trower made himself as a guitarist, originally with Procol Harum, before forging a successful solo career. Most will (or should) know his classic second album, Bridge Of Sighs, which was remastered and expanded last … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, blues rock, classic rock, guitarist, hard rock, live, Procul Harum, review, Robin Trower, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: NEAL MORSE BAND – L.I.F.T.

Posted on February 26, 2026 by jason

InsideOut Music [Release date: 27.02.26] The announcements that the Neal Morse Band’s fifth album, L.I.F.T.’ would be released in 2026 came as a pleasant surprise to many fans of NMB (as they now style themselves). That was the result of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dream Theater, L.I.F.T., Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Neal Morse Band, NMB, prog rock, progressive, review, rock, Spock's Beard | Leave a comment

News: RUSH, CRIMSON GLORY, VON GROOVE (March 2026)

Posted on February 23, 2026 by jason

Acacia Avenue release ‘Chapter V’ via Pride & Joy Music on May 29. Amberian Dawn release their latest album, ‘Temptation’s Gates’, on June 26 via Napalm Records. The band have also announced Nicole Willerton as their new vocalist. Deko Entertainment release a 50th … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Exhibitions, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Crimson Glory, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, news, re-issues, RIP, Rush, special editions, tour dates, Von Groove | Leave a comment

Album review: WILLE AND THE BANDITS – Salt Roots

Posted on February 23, 2026 by jason

Website [Release date 27.02.26] This latest album from Wille and the Bandits sees main man William ‘Wille’ Edwards and his band reaching new heights of epic story telling brilliance. Salt Roots is, in many ways, a homage to Cornwall, Edwards’ county … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, blues rock, Cornish Surfer Blues Rock, review, rock, Salt Roots, Willie And The Bandits | Leave a comment

EP review: RIOT WEEKEND – Table4Four

Posted on February 21, 2026 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 27.03.26] RiotWeekend hail from Guildford, with a line-up consisting of Holly Nunn (lead vocals and bass) Tomma Moulard (guitars), Rab McGowan (guitars) and Salvatore Bertolone (drums). They released their self-titled debut EP in 2022 to favourable reviews … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged EP, pop punk, punk, review, Riot Weekend, rock, Table4Four | Leave a comment

Gig review: FORTY ELEPHANT GANG – Harwell Village Hall, February 20 2026

Posted on February 21, 2026 by jason

First gig of the 2026 season of gigs hosted and promoted by Big Ginger Tom Music, which includes a sold out show by Seth Lakeman in the autumn and the Urban Folk Quartet in May. Support act is Warwickshire based Lauren … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Americana, blues, folk, Forty Elephant Gang, Friday 20 February 2026, gig, Harwell Village Hall, indie, Lauren South, review, soul | Leave a comment

EP review: SPREADING THE DISEASE – Purgatory Carnival

Posted on February 20, 2026 by jason

Facebook [Release date 28.02.26] Kent based Spreading the Disease are back and heavy as ever! The band’s current line-up consists of Steve Saunders (bass), Thorsten Giertsch (guitar), Donal McGee (drums), Daniel Stevenson (guitar) and Jonny P (vocals). Spreading the Disease … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews, Single and EP reviews | Tagged EP, extreme metal, metal, Purgatory Carnival, review, Spreading The Disease | Leave a comment

Single review: PARKER BARROW – Glass Eye Cryin’

Posted on February 20, 2026 by jason

Ooooh yeah there it is again, that voice, ranting, raving and raising hell on this slice of southern tinged rock n roll. Whose voice you may ask – Megan Kane I answer, hear it loud and hear it proud. The … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged blues, Fanny, Glass Eye Cryin', Parker Barrow, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, single | Leave a comment

Book review: TONY BANKS: MAN OF SPELLS -THE MAGICIAN OF GENESIS by Mario Giammetti

Posted on February 17, 2026 by jason

Kingmaker Publishing Anyone with the slightest knowledge of, or interest in, the history of Genesis will quickly acknowledge the importance of keyboard player, songwriter and founding member Tony Banks within its various line-ups. Like me then, they would probably be … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS | Tagged book, classic rock, Genesis, MAN OF SPELLS -THE MAGICIAN OF GENESIS, Mario Giammetti, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, prog rock, review, Tony Banks | Leave a comment

Single review: SAMANTHA FISH – Rusty Razor

Posted on February 16, 2026 by jason

This song hits you like an early Led Zep riff, then Samantha launches into some vocals so brimming with attitude they blow you back and pin your ears to the wall. This song is already getting airplay on Planet Rock, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged blues, blues rock, guitarist, Paper Doll, review, rock, Rusty Razor, Samantha Fish, single, Zac Shulze Gang | Leave a comment

Album review: VOODOO RAMBLE – Live Made In The UK

Posted on February 13, 2026 by jason

Facebook [Release date 01.02.26] On side 2 of Savoy Brown’s A Step Further, the singer announces – this is the boogie the Savoy Brown Boogie, and then they launch into a full album side of a live cut of blues boogie. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, blues rock, Boris Zamba, Live Made in the UK, Pete Feenstra, review, rock, Voodoo Ramble | Leave a comment

Album review: BIG BAND OF BOOM

Posted on February 12, 2026 by jason

Ragtime Records [Release date 13.03.26] “Imagine the Kill Bill soundtrack played by Rage Against the Machine with an orchestra” is the blurb used to entice the wary listener into the music of twelve piece, Birmingham based, Big Band of Boom. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, alternative, big band, Big Band of Boom, fusion, indie, jazz, metal, review, rock, swing, System Of A Down | Leave a comment

Album review: PHIL VINCENT – Thirst Trap

Posted on February 12, 2026 by jason

Rock Company Records [Release date 25.02.26] Phil Vincent has been releasing albums since 1996, as a solo artist or as a member of bands like Tragik and D’Ercole. ‘Thirst Trap’ is his 24th solo album to date, and it is … Continue reading →