Yearly Archives: 2019

Gig review: STEVE HACKETT – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 11 November 2019

STEVE HACKETT - Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, 11 November 2019

The latest incarnation of Steve Hackett’s “Genesis Revisited” tour swept into Liverpool’s iconic, Eric Gill-inspired, Philharmonic Hall on an absolutely filthy November evening – not that it deterred a single one of the Hackett cognoscenti who filled the hall to … Continue reading

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Album review: SPARKS – Past Tense: The Best Of Sparks

SPARKS – Past Tense The Best Of Sparks

BMG [Release date 08.11.19] For many people of a certain age Sparks are famed for the high vocals and scary looking bloke on the keyboards, yet there is so much more to their music aside from the big hits ‘This … Continue reading

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Gig review – HRH FESTIVAL, DAY 1, Vauxhall Holiday Park, Gt Yarmouth, 7 November 2019

Day one proper of the HRH festivities found a change to the set up in the main arena following the awards ceremony. A VIP section had been placed directly in front of the main stage pushing back the main public barrier.  This meant the vibe definitely changed from the previous day from one of frivolity and … Continue reading

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News: CANCER ON THE ROCKS – charity gig at Bush Hall, London features Romeo’s Daughter, Piston and others (23/24 November 2019)

Romeo

Cancer On The Rocks, a two day festival in aid of Macmillan and The Royal Marsden Hospital, takes place for the first time this year in London at Bush Hall, 23/24 November.   The brainchild of Skyfire Records’  Rick Palin, … Continue reading

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Gig review: MASON HILL/Keylock/Cormac Neeson – The Black Heart, Camden, London, 5 November 2019

MASON HILL/Keylock/Cormac Neeson- The Black Heart, Camden, London- 5 November 2019

While classic rock may no longer sit in the mainstream, the contemporary scene has continuously been improving and is now arguably at its healthiest for many years, helped by sympathetic radio stations and websites (or both in GRTR!’s case!) This … Continue reading

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Album review: SPARKS – Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins

SPARKS - Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins

BMG [Release date 01.11.19] ‘Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins’ originally came out in 1994 and came after a six year gap by Sparks since 1988’s ‘Interior Design’ album. The band were said to be on hiatus, something Ron Mael takes … Continue reading

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Album review: INCOGNITO – Tomorrow’s New Dream

INCOGNITO – Tomorrow’s New Dream

Absolute [Release date 08.11.19] While the name may not immediately trigger recognition, acid jazz group Incognito are a group that have a long association with the London club scene. Formed in 1979 by Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and Paul “Tubbs” Williams, … Continue reading

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Album review: MOLLY HATCHET – Battleground

MOLLY HATCHETT - Battleground

SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 29.11.19] Formed in the early 70s by guitarists Steve Holland and Dave Hlubek, Molly Hatchet released their eponymous debut on Epic in 1978, and were at the forefront of the second wave of Southern Rock. Inspired by … Continue reading

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Gig review: SARI SCHORR – Water Rats, London, 4 November 2019

SARI SCHORR- Water Rats, London, 4 November 2019

2019 has been something of a breakthrough year for powerful blues rocker Sari Schorr. The New Yorker began the year with a prestigious Blues Week slot at the 100 Club then as a very well matched support for King King. … Continue reading

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Album review: BUCK AND EVANS – Write A Better Day

be_wabd1

Departure Records [Release date 15.11.19] Buck And Evans have called themselves a rock and soul band, but they also embrace a palpable West coast feel, especially so on Sally Ann Evans more introspective moments which recall Christine McVie. Then there’s … Continue reading

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Gig review: HRH AWARDS 2019 – Great Yarmouth, 6 November 2019

For 13 years HRH has seen some of the finest bands and singers in the rock world grace its stages. This will be the third time that the HRH Awards have been held prior to the main event with a … Continue reading

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Quick plays: WILDWOOD KIN, PAMELA SUE MANN, CATTLE & CANE, CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND

WILDWOOD KIN Wildwood Kin

WILDWOOD KIN Wildwood Kin Silvertone/Sony  [Release date 04.10.19] Alt-folkies Wildwood Kin – sisters Beth and Emillie Key, and cousin Meghann Loney follow up their 2017 debut (Turning Tides) with an altogether more ‘grown up’ sounding sophomore self-titled release. Majoring on … Continue reading

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Album review: KRIS BARRAS – Light It Up

Kris Barras - Light It Up

Provogue Records [Release date 13.09.19] Kris Barras is a contemporary rock-blues hero for the new generation. He’s got the chops, the back story, a booming voice, an eye for a good melody and a catchy chorus, topped by some coruscating … Continue reading

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Album review: KING OF HEARTS

KING OF HEARTS - King Of Hearts

MelodicRock Records [Release date 22.11.19] King Of Hearts are another band making a comeback many years after their first shot at musical stardom back in the late 80s. However, their label at the time didn’t release their debut album which … Continue reading

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Album review: RINGO STARR – What’s My Name

RINGO STARR - What

Universal Music Group [Release date 25.10.19] The world’s most famous drummer doesn’t need to keep bringing out new albums and could rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his past labour but no, here is a man who … Continue reading

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Album review: EMPYRE – Self Aware

Self Release [release date 05.07.19] This is the debut album from Empyre who hail from Northampton. The band formed in 2016 and have had a run of high profile outings including featuring on ‘BBC Introducing’ and recording a session for the … Continue reading

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Album review: SABATON – The Great War

Nuclear Blast [Release date 19.07.19] With the recent commemorations taking place to mark 100 years passing since the First World War it is the perfect time for Sabaton to tackle the war to end all wars. They have touched on the subject … Continue reading

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Gig review – DRAGONFORCE, Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 2 November 2019

Its 15 years since I first caught Dragonforce live at this very venue and although tonight is sold out we are still in a fairly small hall so what, if anything, does this tell us about the band’s career? For me it tells me … Continue reading

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Gig review: MARILLION – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 4 November 2019

MARILLION - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 4 November 2019

Rightly acknowledged as one of the bands at the forefront of crowdfunding, I’m beginning to think Marillion should also be given credit as pioneers in recycling. Because whilst I’ve been a fan since Fish jumped ship 30 years ago, I … Continue reading

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Album review: THE DARKER MY HORIZON – Seize The Day

THE DARKER MY HORIZON – Seize The Day

Winkelrant Records [Release date 01.11.19] The Darker My Horizon are back with their third album and one that sees them produce their best album to date. The core duo of Paul Stead (lead vocals, guitar) and Mark Stephenson (guitars, backing … Continue reading

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Album review: GRAND SLAM – Hit The Ground

GRAND SLAM - Hit The Ground

Marshall Records [Release date 22.11.19] Great things should have happened for Grand Slam when they emerged in 1984 from the dust that settled after the tangled and anti-climactic end of the great Thin Lizzy, who themselves were just seeing a … Continue reading

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Album review: LARRY MILLER – The Sinner And The Saint

Larry Miller - The Sinner And The Saint

Code7 – Big Guitar Records [Release date 06.09.19] Just given Larry Miller’s serious health issues alone, ‘The Sinner And The Saint’ double album is a remarkable achievement. Released exactly three years since his last self-titled album, it’s arguably his most … Continue reading

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Gig review: GOODBYE JUNE – Colours, Hoxton, London, 29 October 2019

GOODBYE JUNE- Colours, Hoxton, London, 29 October 2019

There seems to be a never ending series of hirsute young bands, influenced by their parents’ record collections, coming out of the USA, and the southern states in particular. One such is Goodbye June who first appeared on my radar … Continue reading

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Gig review: INGLORIOUS – 02 Academy, Oxford, 28 October 2019

INGLORIOUS, 02 Academy, Oxford, 28 October 2019

After their much publicised line up changes 2019 has been a year of inglorious putting in the hard yards to regain career momentum. A February tour and well-received festival appearances were followed by this second tour of the year, covering … Continue reading

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Gig review: FOCUS/Chantel McGregor – Under the Bridge, London, 25 October 2019

FOCUS/Chantel McGregor- Under the Bridge, London, 25 October 2019

This show in one of London’s more enjoyably upscale venues was an opportunity for me to kill two birds with one stone, as well as bringing together two contrasting acts in an interesting pairing. Chantel McGregor has been a rising … Continue reading

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