Moscodisc [Release date 12.07.19]
Tim Staffell’s 2006 solo album ‘aMIGO’ gets a timely re-issue, given the ongoing success of the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ film, plus Tim Staffell released his latest solo album ‘Two Late’ last year (the title a nod to the time elapsed since ‘aMIGO’ was released).
Tim Staffell was the singer and bassist in Smile, the band that when he left saw the two remaining members Brian May and Roger Taylor, hook up with Freddie Mercury and Queen was born. Staffell went on to join Humpy Bong and Morgan (featuring former Mott the Hoople keysman Morgan Fisher, who guests on this album) amongst others. He also has a career as a model maker for such TV shows as ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and ‘A Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy’.
The songs on ‘aMIGO’ were written between the late 60’s and 2003, meaning the album has a variety of styles, although there is a distinct jazz feel running through most of the music on here.
Of interest to Queen fans are ‘Earth’, a duet with Brian May, who adds a little rock to the proceedings and ‘Doin’ Alright’, a song that was re-recorded for the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ film, featuring Tim Staffell singing again with Brian May and Roger Taylor. The version on here has a more pop, country feel to it and Brian May duets on vocals, as well as playing some laid back guitar.
Elsewhere highlights include, ‘The Land’ an evocative song with a folk air thanks in part to the mandolin playing of Richard Lightman. ‘Sudden Moves’ is a tasty blues number with a New Orleans feel to the sound. Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Snowy White guests on ‘Just Couldn’t Say’, a smooth jazz number with a hint of a Latin sound, not unlike Santana.
Tim Staffell went his own way musically, totally different to Smile or indeed Queen, which is as you’d expect and for a jazz/blues rock fan ‘aMIGO’ is well worth investigating. The whole album has been remastered and good to have it available again via this re-issue. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
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.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
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 7 April 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 2 April 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 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
