Album review: FRANKA DE MILLE – Bridge The Roads

Franka De Mille - Bridge The Roads

London based singer songwriter Franka De Mille has the distinction of being the only independent artist to be selected for the British Phonographic Industry’s Why Music Matters campaign alongside icons such as Nina Simone, The Beatles, Kate Bush, Louie Armstrong and the like.

Her classy debut Bridge The Roads – in which she exudes the same effortless cool as say, Rumour, explains why.  There’s a similar easy listening pleasure exhibited, in De Mille’s case inhabiting Vaya Con Dios territory – an stylish blend of Americana, jazz, classics, folk and blues delivered by a largely acoustic line up that relies heavily on restrained, but intelligent use of guitar, piano, violin and cello playing.

It’s a fairly unique blend, and topped by De Mille’s powerful vocals is one the with a little exposure (a spot on the next Jools Holland series must be inevitable) will surely see her reach iconic status.  Just sit back and listen to the epic centrepiece – Gare Du Nord – and tell me you’re not moved.  A future Brits nominee, for sure.  ****

Review by Peter Whalley


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Next session: Sunday 19 January


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



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 1 December 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 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply