Quick plays: DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS, 19th STREET BAND, PHIL VINCENT

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS Strangers No More Magnolia Music [Release date 09.06.23]

Ninth studio album from Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors who have been gaining critical plaudits and fans in the Americana field since they formed back in 2005.

The uptempo numbers are the ones that impress the most, be it the rock n roll of ‘That’s On You, That’s On Me’ – complete with a simmering guitar solo by Nathan Dugger – or ‘Dance With Everybody’ (a co-write with Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor), a surefire one to be added to their setlist.

‘Possibility’ is the album stand out, with the meldious vocals of Drew, backed by steel guitar and piano/keys, you can see why with songs like this the band do so well when touring the US.

Like fellow GRTR! scribe Pete Whalley has commented on past releases from Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, it is well played, arranged and produced, however, it just lacks that bit of magic to make it an album you will keep coming back to. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

THE 19TH STREET BAND Near Perfect website [Release date 28.07.23]

The 19th Street Band consist of Caolaidhe ‘Cally’ Davis (guitar/harmonica/vocalist), Meghan Davis (fiddle/mandolin/vocals), Greg Hardin (bass) and Patty Dougherty (drums), with ‘Near Perfect’ being the band’s third studio album.

Shades of Old Crow Medicine Show on jaunty ‘Crystal Ball’, with ‘Promises’ having a country air with a lead vocal from Meghan. Cally’s vocals have a Bob Dylan lilt to them at times, none more so than on the album’s title track.

They do a good cover of ‘Livin’ In These Troubled Times’, written by Sam Hogin, Roger Cook and Philip Donnelly and a hit for Crystal Gayle.

The 19th Street Band have made a lively album, built around the vocals of Cally and the fiddle playing of Meghan. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

PHIL VINCENT Divine Intervention Rock Company Records [Release date 23.08.23]

For an artist who has released over twenty solo albums to date, plus numerous albums under the Legion, D’Ercole etc. names, Phil Vincent never seems to run dry in his musical songs well. On his latest solo effort he produced and wrote the whole album, with Jacob Hansen once again on mastering duties. Music wise Phil plays guitars, synths, piano, organ & bass with Max Piccolo On drums & percussion and long-time musical collaborator Vince O’Regan on lead guitars.

The earlier part of the album has the metal side of his music as both ‘Grit’ and ‘Systems Fall’ are jam packed with riffs. ‘Running Away From Love’ is a good old fashioned melodic rock ballad, complete with piano and an instant chorus.

The album’s other ballad, ‘Into the Setting Sun’ – complete with an extended guitar solo – rounds the album off nicely.

Hard to summarise a Phil Vincent album as if you’ve not heard one yet, why not? And if you have, you will be sure to enjoy this one. Why he is not widely known more is one of the music world’s many mysteries… ***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.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

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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.

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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)