Tag Archives: jazz

Album review: RALPH McTELL – Hill Of Beans

Posted on September 12, 2019 by jason

Leola Music [Release date 20.09.19] ‘Hill Of Beans’ is Ralph McTell’s first album of originals since 2010’s ‘Down The Road’. This album also sees McTell reunited with producer Tony Visconti, who worked on his earlier albums. Another link to the … Continue reading →

Interview: BEN FEATHERSTONE

Posted on August 5, 2019 by jason

Ben Featherstone has just released his debut album ‘Prisoner to the Wind’, an album some ten years in the making. Ben tells us more about the recording and songs on the album, along with what inspired him to start playing music … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged album, Ben Featherstone, classical, folk, interview, jazz, melodic, Prisoner To The Wind, singer songwriter | Leave a comment

EP review: EMMA KING – The Sun and The Blues

Posted on July 21, 2019 by jason

Great British Songwriting Co. [Release date 26.07.19] The notion of “authenticity” is a difficult tightrope to walk. Go too far one way and you come off as pretentious and rigid, a slave to the past, too far the other way … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged Alison Krauss, Americana, bluegrass, Emma King, EP, jazz, melodic, Nikka Costa, review, singer songwriter, The Sun and The Blues | Leave a comment

Album review: JIMMY’S COUSIN – Wax Wings

Posted on June 18, 2019 by jason

Desertion Records [Release date 08.03.19] There is something endearingly conversational about the music of Jimmy’s Cousin. The new album from the Irish originating jazz man, ‘Waxwings’, is an exercise in raconteur style. Singer-songwriter Ian Dosdson aka Jimmy’s Cousin opens the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dave Keary, Ian Dosdson, jazz, Jimmy's Cousin, melodic, review, singer songwriter, Waxwings | Leave a comment

Album review: DANNY VAUGHN – Myths, Legends & Lies

Posted on June 13, 2019 by jason

Self-release [Release date 14.06.19] It has been eleven years since Danny Vaughn’s last solo outing, although this one was delayed by issues caused by Pledge Music going into administration. Luckily Danny Vaughn has a loyal fan following meaning this album … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, country, Danny Vaughn, folk, jazz, review, rock, singer songwriter, Solo, Tyketto, Waysted | Leave a comment

Gig review: ERIC GALES – Nell’s Jazz & Blues, London, 5 June 2019

Posted on June 6, 2019 by petefeenstra

An evening with Eric Gales is like a rock-blues therapy session. Every song is analysed, the crowd’s response is measured, the autobiographical stories are analytical in nature and the short burst of incendiary guitar are the proof of his God … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Blue Oyster Cult, blues, Byron Carter, electronica, Eric Gales, funk, guitar, hip hop, jazz, Jimi Hendrix, LaDonna Gales, psychedelia, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: TIM STAFFELL – aMIGO

Posted on June 2, 2019 by jason

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, aMIGO, Brian May, jazz, Jazz rock, Morgan Fisher, Mott the Hoople, Queen, review, Santana, Smile, Snowy White, Solo, Thin Lizzy, Tim Staffell | Leave a comment

Album review: ERJA LYYTINEN – Another World

Posted on April 23, 2019 by petefeenstra

Tuohi Records [Release Date 26.04.19] ‘Another World’ is a suitably titled album that reflects blues-rock guitarist Erja Lyytinen growing musical aspirations. She initially learnt her craft as a slide playing blues guitarist, but in recent years she’s brought a sharper … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Another World, blues, Celtic, Deep Purple, Erja Lyytinen, funk, fusion, guitar, hard rock, Harri Taittonen, Ipe Laitinen, jazz, Jennifer Batten, Jethro Tull, Martin Barre, Peter Green, prog, review, rock, science fiction, Sonny Landreth, Sue Foley, Todd Rundgren, vocal | 1 Comment

Album review: PAUL GILBERT – Behold Electric Guitar

Posted on April 14, 2019 by petefeenstra

Music Theories Recordings [Release date 17.05.19] ‘Behold The Electric Guitar’ is a delightful, passionate, adventurous and imaginative album. It’s full of technical mastery that is counterbalanced by a sense of humour as evidenced by the song titles. It’s a restless … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Asher Fulero, Behold Electric Guitar, blues, fusion, guitar, instrumental, jazz, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Gilbert, prog rock, review, rock, Roland Guerin, Santo & Johnny | Leave a comment

Album review: ROBIN TROWER – Coming Closer To The Day

Posted on March 4, 2019 by petefeenstra

Provogue [Release date 22.03.19] Robin Trower’s conceptually titled ‘Coming Closer To The Day’ offers a big clue as to the introspective nature of an album on which his guitar playing makes the biggest impact. His vocal are a problem. He … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Bridge of Sigh, Coming Closer To The Day, guitar, jazz, Jimi Hendrix, Procol Harum, review, Robin Trower, rock, songcraft | Leave a comment

Album review: REESE WYNANS AND FRIENDS – Sweet Release

Posted on February 18, 2019 by petefeenstra

Provogue [Release date 01.03.19] It’s hard to dislike a guest filled covers album that beats with a southern heart, be it Texas rocking blues, white boy soul meets Muscle Shoals, or out and out Southern Rock. But it takes the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged blues, Boz Scaggs, Chris Layton, Double Trouble, Doyle Bramhall 11, funk, jazz, Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Keb Mo, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Led Dudek, Mike Bloomfield, Mike Henderson, Muscle Shoals, Noah Hunt, Otis Rush, Paul McCartney, Reese Wynans, Reese Wynans And Friends, Robbie Robertson, rock, Sam Moore, soul, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sweet Release, The Allman Brothers, Tommy Shannon, Van Morrison, Warren Haynes, Willie Mitchell | Leave a comment

Album review: CLIMAX BLUES BAND – Hands Of Time

Posted on February 8, 2019 by petefeenstra

Self release [Release date 05.01.19] The Climax Blues Band moniker has existed since 1972 when after 5 years as a blues-rock band they quietly dropped the Chicago part of their name to reflect a broadening of their musical palette. The … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Chris Aldridge, Climax Blues Band, Colin Cooper, funk, George Glover, Graham Dee, Hands Of Time, jazz, Lester Hunt, Michael McDonald, Neil Simpson, review, rock, Roy Adams, soul, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder | 1 Comment

EP review: INDIA ELECTRIC CO. – Tablelands

Posted on September 25, 2018 by jason

Shoelay [Release date 19.10.18] The India Electric Co. return with the final part of the EP trilogy which contrasts the city and country. The wonderfully talented duo Cole Stacey (vocals, percussion, gravel) and Joseph O’Keefe (violin, piano, guitar, accordion, harp, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews | Tagged acoustic, blues, EP, folk, India Electric Co., jazz, Midge Ure, pop, review, Tablelands | Leave a comment

Album review: TAYLOR’S UNIVERSE – Almost Perfected

Posted on August 5, 2018 by petefeenstra

Marvel Of Beauty Records [Release date 17.11.17] If it’s hard to retain a serious notion of progressive rock in a genre that arguably ran its short lived course in the early 70’s, then Robin C. Taylor takes the instrumental jazz-rock … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Almost Perfected, blues, Burnin' Red Ivanhoe, Danish Rock, fusion, Gentle Giant, Gong, guitar, instrumental, Jakob Mygind, jazz, Jethro Tull, John Sund's, keyboards, King Crimson, Neil Ardley, Pierre Moerles, Pink Floyd, psychedelic, review, Robert Fripp, Robin C. Taylor, rock, Steve Hillage, synth, Taylor's Universe, Thomas TV Ulstrupand | Leave a comment

Album review: BIG APPLE BLUES – Manhattan Alley

Posted on August 2, 2018 by petefeenstra

On Sunday 5 August in his weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Pete Feenstra chatted to Admir Hadzic from Big Apple Blues, playing tracks from ‘Manhattan Alley’ Stone Tone Records [Release date 19.04.18] Big Apple Blues is a … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Radio interview | Tagged Admir Hadzik, album, Anthony Kane, Barry Harrison, Big Apple Blues, blues, Blues Hall of Fame, Booker T, Chris Eminizer, funk, fusion, Ian Dury, interview, jazz, Jim Alfredson, Kevin Jones, Manhattan Alley, review, rock, soul, Tin Pan Alley, Zach Zunis | Leave a comment

Album review: JERRY HULL – Strange Afternoons

Posted on July 26, 2018 by jason

Facebook [Release date 18.05.18] Jerry Hull is a singer, pianist, songwriter, and arranger, from Memphis Tennessee who is now based in Hull in the UK. ‘Strange Afternoons’, his sixth album, follows hot on the heels of his last album ‘Celebrate In … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Billy Joel, blues, easy listening, jazz, Jerry Hull, melodic, pop, review, rock, singer songwriter, Strange Afternoons | Leave a comment

Album review: THE KATE GEE BAND – Legacy

Posted on July 12, 2018 by petefeenstra

Tigga Records [Release date: 01.11.17] ‘Legacy’ has a profound meaning for vocalist Kate Gee and her band who saw their original producer Mike Dolan die half way through a project that took 5 years. And while Kate Gee’s ethereal phrasing … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Bob Wilson, Carly Simon, Crispian St. Peter, Dave Gee, folk, James Taylor, jazz, John Broomhall, Joni Mitchell, Judie Tzuke, Kate Gee, Legacy, Mike Dolan, Patsy Gamble, Poli Palmer, review, Rob Mason, rock, Sandy Denny, The Kate Gee Band, vocal | Leave a comment

Album review: STANLEY CLARKE – The Message

Posted on June 9, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Mack Avenue [Release date 29.06.18] With Stanley Clarke’s rare gigs in the UK in 2017, my interest in his music was rekindled and not least as a result of a lengthy chat for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. I grew … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Doug E Fresh, fusion, jazz, Pat Leonard, review, Stanley Clarke, Steve Blum, The Message | Leave a comment

Quick plays: TALITHA RISE, GIULIA MILLANTA

Posted on May 28, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

TALITHA RISE An Abandoned Orchid House Sonicbond [Release date 01.06.18] This full length debut from Sussex based indie folk singer songwriter Talitha Rise is an ambitious, ethereal, set that at times bears the hallmarks of Robert Plant’s Zeppelin and solo … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, An Abandoned Orchard House, Conversation With A Ghost, David Fitzpatrick, folk, Guilia Millanta, indie pop, jazz, Parachutes In Hurricanes, review, rock, singer, songwriter, Talitha Rise | Leave a comment

Gig review: JACK BRUCE: SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE – Tribute Concert Screening – The Curzon, London, 14 May 2018

Posted on May 17, 2018 by petefeenstra

Introduced by Scottish DJ Edith Bowman who later anchors a Q&A session, the Kyla Simone Bruce directed ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’ is an aptly titled film. It represents the triumph of the collective spirit over potential adversity, as the musicians … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Aruba Red, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Bernie Marsden, blues, Chantelle Nandi, Charlie Watts, Clem Clempson, Edith Bowman, Frank Tontoh, gig, Ginger Baker and members of Jack Bruce's Big band - including Paddy Milner, gospel, Hugh Cornwell, Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, jazz, John McLaughlin, Joss Stone, Kip Hanrahan, Kyla Simone Bruce, Margarit Bruce, Mark King, Miles Brett, Neil Murray, Nitin Sawhney, Paddy Milner, Phil Manzanera, review, Ringo Starr, Robin Trower, rock, Sunshine Of Your Love, Tony Remy, Uli Jon Roth, Vernon Reid, vocal | Leave a comment

Gig review: BETH HART – New Theatre, Oxford, 18 April 2018

Posted on April 19, 2018 by jason

Opening for Beth Hart are the Kris Barras Band, who were performing as a three piece in acoustic mode (not sure where the fourth band member was!) and promoting the new album ‘Divine And Dirty’, which our resident blues guru … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 18 April 2018, acoustic, beth Hart, blues, gig, jazz, Kris Barras Band, New Theatre, Oxford, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, soul | Leave a comment

Album review: AL DI MEOLA – Opus

Posted on February 5, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

earMUSIC [Release date 23.02.18] Many will remember Al Di Meola from his three-album sojourn with jazz fusionists Return To Forever. After that time Di Meola pursued a solo career frequently incorporating world flavours and collaborating with other guitar icons. His … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Al Di Meola, album, fusion, guitar, jazz, jazz fusion, Jazz rock, Opus, Return To Forever, review | Leave a comment

Album review: GONG EXPRESSO – Decadence

Posted on February 5, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Gong Expresso [Release date 20.02.18] Once upon a time there was a band called Gong. They were hippy, trippy and certainly dippy. In their ranks was percussionist Pierre Moerlen who evidently saw an eye to the main chance. Pierre established … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Benoit Moerlen, Decadence, Gong Expresso, Hansford Rowe, jazz, Pierre Moerlen, review | Leave a comment

Album review: OSMOSIS (reissue)

Posted on February 5, 2018 by GRTR! HQ

Esoteric [Release date: 24.11.17] If the ‘assimilation of ideas’ inherent in the meaning of the term osmosis is also a process of ‘almost unconscious gradualism’, it is not reflected in the 1970 debut (and only) release by this US Bostonian … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, jazz, Osmosis, progressive, reissue, review | Leave a comment

Quick plays: LUKE JACKSON, TOM TOWNSEND

Posted on January 25, 2018 by jason

LUKE JACKSON Solo, Duo, Trio First Take Records [Release date 09.02.18] Luke Jackson has been steadily building a name for himself since his debut album ‘More Than The Boys’ was released in 2013. Indeed, he has been nominated for the BBC … Continue reading →