The Lounge Photo Gallery 30/9/19
With a review in the pipeline, check out today our Photo Gallery here of Saturday night's final date of Piston and Collateral's Stand Up, Shout It Out co-headline tour at Archway's The Lounge (formerly Club Kolis) in London, which also saw great support from Sons Of Liberty (pictured). And if you missed the gig, don't despair as a Pistonless Collateral play one final date at Gravesend's Leo's Red Lion this coming Friday 4th October. As for Piston, the band are then back on the road next month with Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones and Gorilla Riot for UK “Roadstars” - a live extravaganza that sees each band alternate as headliners, giving them an equal share of the limelight.
Hollis Brown Academy Tonight 30/9/19
New Yorkers’ Hollis Brown kick off their UK tour at London's O2 Academy, Islington, tonight, ahead of a string of shows following the release of their new album ‘Ozone Park' in June, and will also be calling through Nottingham, Newcastle and Oxford. Formed by singer-guitarist Mike Montali and lead guitarist Jonathan Bonilla, the hard-working Rock 'n' Roll band, along with keyboardist Adam Bock and drummer Andrew Zehnal, has been releasing music since 2013. The 10 album tracks were recorded at Unity Gain Studios in Fort Meyers, FL and produced with Adam Landry (Deer Tick, Rayland Baxter, Nikki Lane, Vanessa Carlton). The songs weave together in a cohesive, dynamically exciting ride that ranges from the soulful buoyancy of 'Blood From a Stone' and 'Stubborn Man to the ringing Americana guitars of 'She Don't Love Me Now', the funky flavour of 'Go For It' and the fuzzy Hard Rock of 'Bad Mistakes'. Highly recommended for fans of The War On Drugs, Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile and The Decemberists.
HRH Blues 7/Crows 3 2020 30/9/19
HRH Blues 7 featuring HRH Crows 3 will take place between Thursday 12th and Sunday 15th November next year, at their new Five Star Camp HRH (featuring top quality accommodation, multiple eateries and incredible facilities) in Great Yarmouth, creating a three day, three arena affair with over forty bands from around the planet! Heavy Southern Hard Rock 6-piece Molly Hatchet (Track Of The Day), from Jacksonville Florida, with new frontman Jimmy Elkins, headline on Thursday night as part of their 45th Anniversary World Tour. Whilst Friday night's headliner is none other than Roger Chapman & The Short List. Roger rose to fame with Family (Video Of The Day) in the late ‘60s, and it's a rare chance to see a unique Blues set from a true legend of British Rock ’n’ Roll. And last, but not least, Saturday's headliner is a project spearheaded by ex Bad Company and Humble Pie guitarist Dave “Bucket” Colwell, Buckets Rebel Heart.
Stand Up, Shout It Out! 29/9/19
Last night's final date of their Stand Up, Shout It Out co-headline tour at Archway's The Lounge (formerly Club Kolis) in London, saw Piston and Collateral go out with a bang. And if you missed the gig, don't despair as a Pistonless Collateral play one final date at Gravesend's Leo's Red Lion this coming Friday 4th October. As for Piston, the band are then back on the road next month with Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones and Gorilla Riot for UK “Roadstars” - a live extravaganza that sees each band alternate as headliners, giving them an equal share of the limelight. Anyway with a review plus a Photo Gallery to come, check out today's Video Of The Day.
CRO-MAGS Underworld Tonight 29/9/19
New York's seminal Hardcore Punk crossover legends CRO-MAGS began their headlining tour across Europe in support of their landmark album, 'Best Wishes' 30th Anniversary, in Germany on Friday, and the trek sees the band stop off at London's The Underworld in Camden tonight. Support will come from US based crossover newcomers Red Death, and the tour will continue into France and Austria, among other countries, as well as a stop at Belgium’s Limburg Hardcore Fest. Founded and fronted by Harley Flanagan, they are back - freshly signed Europe-wide with Arising Empire - releasing their brand new EP 'Don't Give In' at the beginning of last month.
Jack's Wishing Well 29/9/19
With four albums out to date, Jack Broadbent is poised to release a brand new record ‘Moonshine Blue’ on Friday 15th November. It's produced by Jack himself with Bruce Cameron and contains a slew of musical surprises including today's Track Of The Day 'Wishing Well' which was released as a single on Friday. Hailed as ’the new master of the slide guitar’ by the Montreux Jazz Festival and 'the real thang’ by the legendary Bootsy Collins, Broadbent has spent the past few years wowing international audiences with his unique blend of virtuosic acoustic and slide guitar playing, as well as his poignant Folk and Blues inspired vocals. Born in rural Lincolnshire, his live shows exude warmth, humour and an energy that has electrified audiences worldwide, so make sure you catch Jack at one of his November UK/European live shows that includes supporting Ronnie Wood, no less, at London's Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Thursday 21st November.
Piston CD Review 28/9/19
"Newlands drum intro on their second single from the album 'Rainmaker', heralds a cracking vocal from Angelico plus equally awesome guitar work from both the Fender wielding Allatt and Edwards' White Falcon, on this slice of Foo Fighters high octane style Rock 'n' Roll, that deservedly got a lot of Planet Rock airplay on its May release. Based on striving to feel free, it's also one of two bonus tracks on the album remixed by Grammy Award nominated Romesh Dodangoda (Motörhead, Bring Me The Horizon). 'Go Now' is all about life's journey and making decisions, but despite its serious side, it's another catchy, Funky track that emphasises the solid spine of the band, namely Egan and Newlands, whilst another thought provoking track, the slower 'Carry Us Home', all about relationships, is a brilliant emotional riff and vocal rollercoaster."
Today read the whole of AJ's review of Piston's eponymous debut CD here, which was released earlier this month. PIston are also playing Archway's The Lounge (formerly Club Kolis) in London at 8.15pm tonight as part of their Stand Up, Shout It Out tour, with Collateral (Track Of The Day) on stage at 9.15pm.
Dog Eat Dog 28/9/19
Dog Eat Dog (Video Of The Day) continue their 'All Boro Kings' 25 Year Anniversary European Tour, stopping off at London's The Underworld in Camden tonight. 25 years ago the New Jersey band set a milestone in the then still young Cross Over genre with their debut album 'All Boro Kings', which was not only very well received by fans and critics alike, but also included the hip club hit 'No Fronts'. Just in time for the jubilee, a completely renewed edition will be released on Friday 25th October including two bonus tracks from their rare 'Warrant' EP from 1993, plus at the same time a live CD/DVD with recordings from 2019's Rock Am Ring Warm Up and 2017's W.O.A. will also be released, on which Dog Eat Dog celebrate their classics together with their fans.
Camden Delta Today 28/9/19
Today Camden Rocks presents another all-day Rock-n-Roll bonanza featuring Healthy Junkies, Rich Ragany And The Digressions, The Creeping Terrors, Prisoners Of Mother England, Soho Dukes, Zetra, Kaprica and High Viz Jackit Theory - all live at The Monarch. Just an hour later at Blues At Barleylands, Barleylands Social Club, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UF, it's going to be another epic with the Thames Delta Blues Day, a whole day of the Thames Delta's finest taking to their little stage between 2pm and 10pm!
On The Other Side 27/9/19
Edenbridge, Austria’s primary Symphonic Melodic Metal act, have lined up the release of their compelling tenth studio album, ‘Dynamind’, on Steamhammer/SPV on Friday 25th October, and their Irish-inspired single ‘On The Other Side’ (as in ‘The Grass Is Always Greener’), taken from the album, is today's Video Of The Day. The band formed by composer, multi-instrumentalist/main man Lanvall and striking singer Sabine Edelsbacher, and also consisting of Dominik Sebastian - lead and rhythm guitars, Johannes Jungreithmeier - drums and Stefan Gimpl - bass, have yet again succeeded in raising the bar even higher on ‘Dynamind’ than on their predecessor ‘The Great Momentum’, which was released in February 2016 to great acclaim.
Crossing Abbey Road Tonight 27/9/19
"After writing what became Purson’s 2017 posthumous single, ‘Chocolate Money’, Cunningham recorded and issued a 50th anniversary cover of The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ with her musician/journalist father, Mark Cunningham. She also formed a Beatles 'late period' covers band, The Sky Diamonds, an occasional live band with her Dad and her new partner, guitarist Rosco Levee. They have performed a few times at The Railway Hotel in Southend, Essex, and will do again on Friday 27th September 2019 to play the whole of The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album live!" That was part of our take on Rosalie Cunningham's recent gig, and indeed tonight, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 'Abbey Road', The Sky Diamonds & friends will be performing the entire album live at a special event at The Railway Hotel in Southend, that will also raise money for Off The Streets, the organisation seeking to support Southend's homeless.
Best In Blues Club 27/9/19
The Blues Club Podcast Track Of The Day returns today with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat featuring New Releases, Classic Tracks, UK IBBA Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week comes from Giles Robson Band, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Ronnie Earl, Nine Below Zero, Jon Cleary, Vince Agwada, Arsen Shomakhov, Red's Blues, Sha Na Na, Gracie Curran & The High Falutin' Band, Joe Jammer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd (pictured), Jack Blackman, Keb' Mo', Country Joe & The Fish, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Steppenwolf, Delbert McClinton, Whitey Somers, The Byrds, Peter Frampton, Janis Joplin, Wentus Blues Band, Joe Cocker, Dan Burnett, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Karen Lawrence & Blue By Nature, Jefferson Airplane, Osborne Jones and more.
Thousand Island Mutiny Tonight 26/9/19
Matt Pearce & The Mutiny are headlining at London's The Grace (Upstairs at The Garage) tonight ahead of their national November/December tour, as special guests of the Laurence Jones Band, which includes London's Oslo on Saturday 23rd November. Their hugely successful debut album 'Gotta Get Home' was released in May through Mutinear Records, and not only was it #1 in the Amazon Best Selling Blues Albums and Hot New Releases charts, it also went on to glean an impressive array of glowing reviews from the Blues and Rock press. Indeed, given the energy and musical talent invested in the project, the band's first bold steps into the live arena have been a resounding success, with a series of storming festival appearances, such as at HRH Blues in April 2019, preceded by Winterstorm 2018 and The British Blues Invasion in Moscow in November 2018.
Danko Jones Academy Tonight 26/9/19
Rock ‘n’ Roll ain’t no luxury item. It’s essential. It’s the blood in our veins and the fire in our hearts. And nobody does it better than Danko Jones (Track Of The Day) who begin their tour tonight supporting Volbeat at London's Brixton Academy. Formed in Toronto in 1996, this six-legged riff ‘n’ refrain machine have spent the last two decades delivering huge, jolting doses of stripped back ‘n’ strutting Hard Rock with the relentlessness of men possessed. Led by Danko himself, the closest thing the modern world has to a credible king of Rock ’n’ Roll, and now deftly supported by suave bass maestro John Calabrese and loose-limbed drum God Rich Knox, this pumped-up Canadian power trio grabbed the world’s attention with a flurry of early EP's, before exploding fully into action with 2002’s full-length debut 'Born A Lion'. Fast forward to April 2019, and they were back with a brand new album, 'A Rock Supreme', serving up precisely what its title promises, another non-stop blitzkrieg of irresistible, energy-packed anthems.
Rituals Of Surrender 26/9/19
Cold in Berlin return with a dark slab of Gothic Doom just in time to soundtrack a burning world, with today's Video Of The Day, ’The Power’, created by Chemically Sinister Productions. Their new album 'Rituals of Surrender', due to be released on Friday 11th October via London label New Heavy Sounds, offers up thunderous modern fables, crawling from the wreckage of an ordinary life - dark and hopeful - standing tall in the debris. Over nine songs you are submerged into the dense, heavy sounds of their fourth album: A witch crawls from the ocean as the world is born looking for a new life, a woman recalls the painful love she needed to feel alive, a man cracks wide open looking for secrets, and love burns two desperate lovers - the songs are filled with heroic and overwhelming loss wrapped in the hope of what comes next. Cold in Berlin also have two upcoming shows on Saturday 5th October at The Lending Room in Leeds and then on Thursday 10th October at The Victoria in London.
White Feather Shortlisted 25/9/19
Cormac Neeson's stunning debut solo album ‘White Feather’ has been nominated and is on the short list for the prestigious NI Music Prize 2019 Album of The Year. Released earlier this year, the album has propelled the lead singer of Irish Rock band The Answer into the life affirming world of the singer/songwriter with a series of beautifully crafted, introspective songs that draw on a recent past that has served up its fair share of challenges and heartache. The NI music Prize, now in it’s sixth year, celebrates the pinnacle of Northern Irish music and nominees are shortlisted by people from across all areas of the music industry – media, live music, retail, promoters and others from elsewhere in the arts. This is a huge achievement for Neeson, as not only is it his solo debut, but he’s stepping away from the more familiar Rock arena and entering new territory with this sound that embraces American Blues and Soul. A phenomenal effort from this exceptionally talent singer songwriter.
Papa Roach Hit The Mark 25/9/19
Papa Roach recently launched a poignant music video for mental health awareness track ‘Come Around’ taken from their tenth studio album Who Do You Trust? on Eleven Seven Music, which is today's Video Of The Day. Shot on their Who Do You Trust? U.S. tour - their largest headlining tour to date - at New York’s Pier 17 on 11th August, the video features longtime fan Mark Moreno, who has followed the band since 2000. Papa Roach played a massive UK tour earlier this year where they collaborated with the Young Minds charity for their London date, and recently finished their Who Do You Trust? Summer tour visiting 25 major markets, which featured an all-new production and a stellar career-spanning set list. Next they head out with Shinedown and Asking Alexandria for 23 US dates. They will also play at Slipknot’s Knotfest on Saturday 30th November in Mexico.
Rock On The Ridge Lazys 25/9/19
Today's latest Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day features music from Wicked Stone, Piston, Those Damn Crows, Danko Jones, Blacktop Mojo, Alter Bridge, Howie G, The 69 Eyes, The Irontown Diehards, 50 Year Storm, The Struts, Wayward Sons, The Cult, Spread Eagle, Crobot, Reverend And The Makers, Gin Annie, Scarlet Rebels, The Lazys (pictured), The Mentulls, JFK Blue and on their 'Introducing Stage, two in a row from Pröwess.
Danny Bryant Dingwalls Gig Review 24/9/19
"I suppose it was no coincidence when the big man stepped on stage with his red strat and matching belt, that his opener was taken from 2016's 'Blood Money', namely 'Holding All The Cards', with Bryant's cool fret work immediately complemented by the Blues circuit legendary keys of the very talented Stevie Watts, previously of Danny's Big Band and who we had the pleasure of seeing at the aforementioned Beer Festival. This fusion of Bryant and Watts pretty much set the scene for the rest of the set as Danny welcomed the healthy audience before launching into the slower but superb 'Guntown' from 'Temperature Rising' - the stand out from that wet but memorable Maidstone tent four years ago. Cue the infamous Bryant solo grimace, thankfully not for the last time tonight. It was then time for Danny to debut a brace from 'Means Of Escape'. Whilst some of the Blues Rockers of recent years are moving to a more mainstream Rock direction, the awesome combination of Bryant and Watts were sticking to their guns, firing loud and proud on the Walter Trout influenced 'Tired Of Trying'."
Today read the whole of AJ's gig review here from Danny Bryant + Kelvin Davies at London’s Dingwalls in Camden last Friday night, plus check out our updated Photo Gallery here, courtesy of Bruce Biege.
Tuesday 100 Club Blues Tonight 24/9/19
After its August sabbatical, Tuesday Blues returns for a new season at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street tonight, featuring headliners Stevie Nimmo Trio with special guests Big River and Deep Blue Sea (Video Of The Day). WRC members can still get discounted admission for the gig by going here. Further down the line, on 26th November, Pat McManus headlines, with support from JFK Blue and When Rivers Meet, and WRC members will also get an exclusive bonus TBA if they book their tickets by going here!
Sean Webster Band At TNMC Tonight 24/9/19
Today's latest Blues On The Radio Track Of The Day has music from 24Pesos, John Mayall, Philipp Fankhauser, Black Market III, The Achievers, Hound Dog Taylor, Giles Robson, Martin McNeill, Connie Lush (pictured), Connor Selby and Amanda St John, all bracketed by tracks from Sean Webster Band, ahead of their show at The Tuesday Night Music Club, The Comrades Club, Coulsdon CR5 2NF, tonight.
Sam Millar EP Review 23/9/19
"Without just continuing where Bigfoot left off, he’s adding diversity to his self-penned material even including some subtle electronica on the final track ‘Strangers’."
Today read the whole of Geoff C's review of ex-Bigfoot guitarist Sam Millar's 'Holy Sass' EP here, which was released late last month, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day.
The Ghost Xperiment - Awakening 23/9/19
The new album from German Progressive Metal masters Vanden Plas, 'The Ghost Xperiment - Awakening' (Track Of The Day), due to be released on Friday 11th October, is part one of a two part concept project and is based on an actual documented paranormal experiment. The ninth studio release by the quintet, once again offers up a perfect combination of heavy and melodic styles, albeit with the orchestral arrangements less to the fore in comparison to their previous album and the band returning closer to its roots via Progressive elements heard in songs such as ‘The God Thing’ or ‘Far Off Grace’. Overall, the six lengthy tracks achieve an impressive and fascinating effect via band-oriented arrangements, so that the clear, intense urgency of the songs shines through naturally. A product of the band’s trusted collaborations with Markus Teske at Bazement Studios, ‘The Ghost Xperiment - Awakening’ is a phenomenal album that yet again proves why Vanden Plas are among Prog Metal's elite class.
Wrinklystock 8 - 11 Weeks And Counting 23/9/19
Tickets priced £20, for this year's Wrinklystock 8, are still available online here, or alternatively you can call the MJC Box Office on 01322 291100. Following on from the success of last year’s Wrinklystock 7 charity concert with The Kast Off Kinks - and with support once again from Wrinklystock legends The Replicants, there are two, yes two awesome tribute bands playing this year’s Wrinklystock 8 at the Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford, on Friday 6th December at 7.15pm! Jamie & The Jets present the 'Don't Shoot Me, I'm Not Really Elton John' Show, featuring a full set of non-stop classic Elton hits including 'Your Song', 'Candle in the Wind', 'Bennie & The Jets', 'Saturday Night', 'Sad Songs', 'Nakita', 'Funeral For A Friend', 'Love Lies Bleeding', 'Take Me To The Pilot', 'Tiny Dancer' and many more! Meanwhile, Status Quo tribute act Just Supposin’ capture the raw energy and excitement of the original ‘Frantic Four’ line up of this classic British Rock band. From 'Caroline' to 'Rockin’ All Over The World', through the epic '4500 Times' and the mighty 'Roadhouse Blues', all the elements of a classic Quo concert are here and delivered with all the energy, power and humour of the original.
Dingwalls Photo Gallery 22/9/19
With a review to come, check our initial Photo Gallery here of critically acclaimed British Blues Rock guitarist Danny Bryant's London's Dingwalls gig on Friday night. Danny is currently out on the road in the UK, supporting the release of his eleventh studio album, 'Means of Escape', which also came out on Friday. Making his debut as a producer, Bryant assembled a truly stellar collection of world class personnel to help him to craft an album that he has been waiting his whole career to create, featuring nine tracks of blistering Blues Rock of the highest calibre.
Behold Electric Guitar Tonight 22/9/19
With two thirds of his September UK tour completed, guitar pioneer Paul Gilbert stops off at London's O2 Islington Academy tonight, following the release of his new album 'Behold Electric Guitar', in May via Mascot Label Group/Music Theories Recordings. The Illinois born, Mr. Big co-founder and Racer X star's 15th solo studio album received a wave of critical praise, as Gilbert teamed up with legendary producer and engineer John Cuniberti. Joining his band on the album were Brian Foxworth (drums) and Asher Fulero (keyboards), who were both obvious choices to play Paul's mix of Rock, Blues, Jazz and Pop flavours, with New Orleans bass legend Roland Guerin also coming on board.
Black Heart Acres Tonight 22/9/19
Acres complete their extensive UK and European headline tour, their biggest live run to date, at London's The Black Heart in Camden tonight, where they will be joined by rising Metallers Parting Gift (Track Of The Day) as well as Captives. The Post-Hardcore Rockers released their striking full-length debut 'Lonely World' last month via A Wolf At Your Door Records and their atmospheric track ‘Lullaby’ is today's Video Of The Day. The delicate vocals and instrumental melodies beautifully layer to create an enchantingly cathartic soundscape, which enhances the empathetic emotion of the lyrics.
Danny's Great Escape 21/9/19
Danny Bryant, the critically acclaimed British Blues Rock guitarist, released his eleventh studio album, 'Means of Escape' yesterday, and to support its release, Danny is now out on the road in the UK, which included a launch gig at London's Dingwalls last night. Making his debut as a producer, Bryant assembled a truly stellar collection of world class personnel to help him to craft an album that he has been waiting his whole career to create, featuring nine tracks of blistering Blues Rock of the highest calibre. Anyway with great support from Kelvin Davies, and a review plus a Photo Gallery to come, check out today's Video Of The Day.
Space Rocks Today 21/9/19
Mascot Label Group recently announced the signing of Anathema (Track Of The Day), ahead of tonight, when the band will be performing a special one-off set at Space Rocks at the Indigo O2, London. Entitled The Space Between Us, the set promises to be a musical and visual extravaganza. Led by brothers’ Daniel (vocals, guitar, keys) and Vincent Cavanagh (guitar, keys, vocals) along with John Douglas (percussion), Lee Douglas (vocals) and Daniel Cardoso (drums), the Award winning Alternative Rock masters have released 11 studio albums of fearless and uncompromising beauty, and they will be heading into the studio in 2020 to work on a new album. Ever since their debut ‘Serenades’ in 1993, they’ve refused to be pigeonholed and have continuously evolved; all the way up to their most recent studio album, 2017's conceptual masterstroke ‘The Optimist’, which revealed some of the darkest, most challenging music they ever put their name to, as well as a series of live albums and compilations.
Papa Monarch Today 21/9/19
Today sees a special gig combining two great bands, namely Papa George and Bad Influence, as Val Cowell joins George and Pete Stroud on the Blues At Barleylands stage from 2pm at Barleylands Social Club, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UF. Meanwhile, half an hour later, from 2.30pm till 9pm, Camden Rocks presents another all-day Rock-n-Roll gig featuring Modern Hinterland + The Crooked Kings + Maxx Palmer + The Knievel Dead + The Good Tenants + Aiko - all live at The Monarch.
Sophie And The Giants Gig Review 20/9/19
"Enter Sophie Scott, power dressed in an open suit followed by her ‘Giants’, Toby Holmes on lead guitar, Antonia Pooles on bass and Chris Hill on drums, to a warm welcome from the expectant crowd. And we are not disappointed - Sophie has a fantastic voice that has a great depth and warmth, powerful, but not overbearing. The quality of the music is tangible. Catchy riffs, powerful tunes, enough to get the crowd quickly singing along in empathy. The band are clearly enjoying their performance, Chris on the drums is absorbed and producing endless energy. How Antonia contorts with her bass is beyond me!"
Today read the whole of Chris Bourlet's gig review here from Sophie And The Giants + Novacub at London’s The Lexington last Thursday night, plus check out our Video Of The Day.
Danny B At Dingwalls Tonight 20/9/19
"While some of the Blues Rockers of recent years are moving to a more mainstream Rock direction, Danny is sticking to his guns firing loud and proud in the two openers ‘Tired Of Trying’ and ‘Too Far Gone’. In at number three, the soon to be released single and title track ‘Means Of Escape’ which should satisfy the Blues-Rock radio guys with some hints of ‘All Along the Watchtower’ in it’s make-up. Song of the Album for me (apart from the instrumental masterpiece at the end) is ‘Nine Lives’ hitting deep into riff country. ‘Skin And Bone’ brings a break in an acoustic form, while ‘Warning Signs’ brings us back into the heavy Blues rhythm machine." That was part of our take on Danny Bryant's new album 'Means Of Escape' released today on Jazzhaus Records, and to coincide with its release, the big man is playing a show at Camden's Dingwall’s tonight, with Danny on stage at 9pm supported by Kelvin Davies at 8pm.
Deep Blues Sea Club 20/9/19
Today's Blues Club Podcast returns with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat, featuring New Releases, Classic Tracks, UK IBBA Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week comes from Nick Moss Band, Mindi Abair, Altered Five Blues Band, Delbert McClinton, Misty Blues, Toronzo Cannon and The Chicago Way, Eyal Vilner Big Band, Annika Chambers, Davina and The Vagabonds, Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, Connor Selby (pictured), The Mojo Preachers, Lucky Peterson, Jack J Hutchinson, Jon Cleary, Born Healer, Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers, Bonnie Raitt, Dee Miller Band, Little 'A' and the Allnighters, Moonshine Society, JP Soars, Ronnie Earl, Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, Dawn Tyler Watson, Coco Montoya, Deep Blue Sea and more.
Quireboys Forum Gig Review 19/9/19
"Spike’s ongoing banter with the crowd was as natural as a chat down the pub - we all raise our glasses with him on every possible occasion. Between every song, virtually. The clearly adoring fans are enraptured by what is The Quireboys firing on all cylinders and showing their very best. You could even describe it as emotional, although the bands sense of fun would never let anything get too heavy. As an encore we all get invited to a 'Sex Party' - its not just part of the VIP package - before they finish with 'Mayfair', their very first single from 1987. And a couple of confetti cannons to send us on our way. They are the canines cajones."
Today read the whole of Mother's gig review here from The Quireboys sold-out 35th Anniversary date at London’s Kentish Town Forum last Saturday night, with great support from Tequila Mockingbyrd (pictured), Massive and Pig Iron (Video Of The Day) plus check out our updated Photo Gallery here.
The Kids Are Alright 19/9/19
A week ago, Geoff Carne & The Hatz released their latest EP 'The Kids', which includes four different versions of the Robbie & Kylie classic - today's Track Of The Day. On the road, Geoff is armed with vocals and guitar while Mick provides the beats with drums/percussion, giving a fresh direction to the Blues based British Rock genre, lying somewhere between the Classic Rock/Blues of Bad Company, the alternative Blues of The White Stripes plus the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - hence the Indie Rock/Blues tag they've acquired. Their next gig is at Wolverhampton's Codsall Beer Festival on Saturday 5th October at 4pm, whilst the following day at 7.30pm, Geoff will be doing a live solo acoustic and interview on Sue Marchant's 'Big Night In' on BBC Cambs, Essex, Suffolk & Norfolk.
Eel Pie Donegan Tonight 19/9/19
A talented musician in his own right, Peter Donegan, the son of Lonnie Donegan, the King of Skiffle, is playing The Eel Pie Club, The Patch, 67 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SZ, tonight. A songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, banjo, as well as lead vocals. He has toured with Van Morrison and Crystal Gale and his band will perform some of Lonnie Donegan's classics and lesser know recordings, combined with original numbers from his latest albums, the first which he wrote and recorded in Nashville a couple of years ago, and the second recorded earlier this year at Decca Studios. Peter recently made headline news when he appeared on The Voice and duetted with Tom Jones in a song his father wrote for him. All in all, this will be a great night of Blues, Country and Skiffle, and a lot of foot-stomping fun from a first class entertainer. Doors open at 8.15pm with music from 9-11pm. WRC members are reminded that they can use their cards to get discounted admission.
Suzi Quatro CD Review 18/9/19
"Suzi Q’s singing is in great shape, just like the lady herself, easily handling the opening fast paced straight ahead Rocking romps of ‘No Soul/No Control’ and ‘Going Home’ as well as the subsequent change of tack on a number of the following numbers. ‘Strings’ is a bouncy number led by synth horns, featuring a number of key changes, not to mention some real horns. ‘Love isn’t Fair’ has a carnival atmosphere with a Caribbean feel and another jaunty horn arrangement. ‘Macho Man’ has that chugging groove reminiscent of those 70’s hits and features the first guitar solo on the album, a great little Rocker. The collection is full of surprises; ‘Easy Picking’ features some Bluesy harmonica and sounds a bit like it could have been recorded by a 70’s group like Blue Mink (albeit with some souped up backing), another catchy melody with very nice keyboard work."
Today read the whole of Simon Green's Suzi Quatro 'No Control' CD review here, which was released earlier this year, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day.
Ocean Alley Earth Gig Review 18/9/19
"On their recordings, Ocean Alley present a wide dreamy sonic soundscape that it very appealing, with lots of interesting nuances. In the confines of Earth the sound engineers did their level best to create the aural equivalent of the mosh pit – the physical representation of which, incidentally, covered 90% of the available floor space in this crammed sweaty venue, rammed full of students who treated every song as if it was ‘Mr Brightside’. The sound was heavy on the bass and drums with, aside from occasional spacey guitar, only the heavily reverbed vocals of charismatic frontman Baden Donegal floating high above the backing like a seagull looking down on the surfer dudes slowly moving across the ocean."
Today read the whole of Simon Green's Ocean Alley gig review from London's Earth in Hackney from Friday 30th August here, plus check out our Photo Gallery here.
Rock On The Ridge Mojo 18/9/19
On today's Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day there's music from The Dust Coda, Wolf Jaw, Fozzy, Blacktop Mojo, Trucker Diablo, The Big Dirty, The Cruel Knives, Kris Barras Band, Whitesnake/David Coverdale, Piston, The Dead Amigos, Gypsy’s Kiss, King Crimson (pictured), Grande Royale, Jack J Hutchinson, Brandon Gibbs, Black Star Riders, Black Pistol Fire, The Magpie Salute, Twin Peaks, Greta Van Fleet, Five Finger Death Punch, and on their Introducing Stage, two in a row from Chains of Daisy.
Laurence Jones Band CD Review 17/9/19
"Things brighten up with a pair of Blues in ‘Mistreated’ (electric) and ‘Long Long Lonely Ride’ (acoustic), both of which feature some fine guitar work. Sandwiched between these Blues, ‘Quite Like You’ introduces Di Reed, a backing vocalist for Rod Stewart, and seeks a Clapton vibe without quite finding it. ‘Beautiful Place’ was written for Laurence’s mum, who has suffered with depression; although it and the following ‘Low Down’ are both rather light, there is some nice guitar to cheer any mother up."
Today read the whole of Gary Smith's Laurence Jones Band CD review here, which is due to be released next Friday 27th September, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day.
Detraktor - Grinder 17/9/19
What happens if a Chilean, a Brazilian and a Bulgarian, decide to come to Hamburg to start a Thrash Metal band? Well, Detraktor got off to a lightning start, releasing their first EP 'Sunday Thrash' in 2015, then represented Germany at the worldwide Wacken Metal Battle, before recording their second EP 'Size Matters', and then finally winning the Metal Hammer Award for “Newcomer of the Year 2018”. Susequently, the band consisting of Henrique Queiroz (drums/vocals), Rafael Dobbs (guitar) and Boris Pavlov (guitar), recruited Chilean bassist Juan Orellana, in order to release their full length debut album 'Grinder', via Violent Creek Records, this Friday 20th September, that coincides with their release-show at Reeperbahn Festival´s Metal Dayz.
Mentull Tuesday Night Music Club 17/9/19
Today's latest Blues On The Radio Track Of The Day is an hour filled with music from Connie Lush, The Achievers, Toronzo Cannon, The Herbal Remedy, Sean Webster Band, Lena & The Slide Brothers, Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, Dom Martin, Laura Holland, Coco Montoya, Mike Ross, Martin McNeill, Jack J Hutchinson and, of course, The Mentulls (pictured), ahead of their show at the Tuesday Night Music Club, The Comrades Club, Coulsdon CR5 2NF, tonight.
Samantha Fish CD Review 16/9/19
"The opener ‘Bulletproof’ hits the tarmac running, with an insistent boogie that feels like it’s made up of ZZ Top and Seasick Steve in equal parts; wonderful stuff! The title track introduces the horn section to good effect, as well as featuring some fine keyboard and guitar work. The horns are there again on ‘Love Letters’, while the Southern Soul feel increases further with the introduction of the two female backing singers on ‘Watch It Die’, which also boasts a fine guitar outro."
Today read the whole of Gary Smith's Samantha Fish 'Kill Or Be Kind' CD review here, which is released this Friday 20th September, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day.
Forum Photo Gallery 16/9/19
With a gig review to come, check out today's Photo Gallery here of The Quireboys sold-out 35th Anniversary date at London’s Kentish Town Forum on Saturday night. With great support from Tequila Mockingbyrd, Massive (pictured) and Pig Iron, as expected, following their latest critically acclaimed album, 'Amazing Disgrace', Spike, Guy, Paul and Keith excelled. Seemingly never off the road, the band are currently on a worldwide tour that takes in Australia, SE Asia, the USA, Canada, various European and UK dates.
Friends From The Orchestra Tour 16/9/19
Marillion return to the UK for 13 shows in November with an extended line up of musicians joining the band for their With Friends From the Orchestra Tour, beginning at Liverpool Philharmonic on Friday 1st, and concluding at London's Royal Albert Hall on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th. The band consisting of Steve Rothery – electric/acoustic guitars, Pete Trewavas – bass guitar, backing vocals, Mark Kelly – keyboards, samples and effects, backing vocals, programming and Ian Mosley – drums, percussion, will be playing songs spanning their 14 album-career with Steve Hogarth, lead vocals, lyrics, keyboards, guitars, percussion, this year celebrating 30 years since joining Marillion. The shows will also feature the In Praise of Folly String Quartet plus Sam Morris on French horn and Emma Halnan on flute, featured on select numbers. In December 2017, Marillion played a sold-out show at The Royal Albert Hall, and a recording of the show, “All One Tonight” was released on DVD (see today's Track Of The Day).
Enuff Z'nuff Underworld Review 15/9/19
"Chip himself is an engaging large-than-life front man with a kitsch look, his hat and glasses resembling Elton John in his early seventies pomp. His constant banter with the crowd ensures the feel-good mood bubble along. He brags of his bass guitar belonging to the bassist of Cheap Trick who wife ran off with his ex-wife, but Chip got to keep his guitar - the better half of the exchange in his opinion! He goofs around with other members of the band: the lead guitarist nonchalantly glugs on his bottle of beer (or more likely a large bottle of wine) whilst Chip does his fretwork and strumming for him from behind his back and at one point the support act, Last Great Dreamers, join the stage in the backing vocals."
Today read the whole of Ivan De Mello's Enuff Z'nuff + Last Great Dreamers gig review from London's The Underworld in Camden from Monday 2nd September here, plus check out our Photo Gallery here.
Quireboys Amazing Disgrace 15/9/19
The Quireboys are seemingly never off the road and are currently on a worldwide tour that takes in Australia, SE Asia, the USA, Canada, various European and UK dates including a sold-out 35th Anniversary date at London’s Kentish Town Forum last night. As expected, following their latest critically acclaimed album, 'Amazing Disgrace', Spike, Guy, Paul and Keith excelled, with great support from Tequila Mockingbyrd, Massive and Pig Iron. Anyway, with a Photo Gallery and a review to come, check out today's Video Of The Day.
Blues At The Tropic Tonight 15/9/19
Was it really just over six years ago that Larry Miller headlined our BluesFest at Leo's Red Lion in Gravesend, Kent? Well Larry's bassist that day, Derek White (pictured) is opening the show at 8.15pm tonight with his award winning contemporary Blues band Storm Warning (Track Of The Day) at a new monthly Blues club at The Tropic in Ruislip, West London, with Stray's legendary guitarist Del Bromham headlining. Door open at 7.30pm with the gig finishing around 10.30pm. There will also be a sale of new CD's/DVD's at bargain prices and some vinyl as well. If you like Blues and Blues Rock, and want to keep music live, then go here!
Piston Blow It Away 14/9/19
Yesterday, Piston released their third single ‘Blow It Away’ (today's Video Of The Day) – the same day they released their eponymous debut album. With a CD review to come, the Cannock-based 5-piece Rock band and Kent-based 4-piece Rock band Collateral have currently joined forces on a co-headline UK tour that includes London's The Lounge in Archway on Saturday 28th September. The band will also be joining Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones and Gorilla Riot on the 'Roadstars' tour which stops off at London's O2 Islington Academy 2 on Friday 11th October.
Quireboys Forum Tonight 14/9/19
The Quireboys are seemingly never off the road and are currently on a worldwide tour that takes in Australia, SE Asia, the USA, Canada, various European and UK dates including a sold-out 35th Anniversary date at London’s Kentish Town Forum tonight. Very apt too, as Spike, Guy, Paul and Keith's stunning recent single 'Original Black Eyed Son' - taken from their latest album, the critically acclaimed 'Amazing Disgrace' - portrayed life as a singer in a Rock ’n’ Roll band – on the road in dodgy hotels and staying up until the sun rises just to do it all over again! The Rock ’n' Roll legends headline at 9.40pm, with support from Tequila Mockingbyrd at 6.45pm, Massive at 7.35pm and Pig Iron at 8.25pm.
Camden Daydream Today 14/9/19
Roy Mette and Mandie Graham bring Dangerous Daydream (Track Of The Day) to the Blues At Barleylands stage from 2pm today at Barleylands Social Club, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UF. Later on, from 3.30pm till 9pm, Camden Rocks presents another all-day Rock-n-Roll gig featuring River Hounds + Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison + Louis Coupe + Five Points Gang - all live at The Monarch.
Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones CD Review 13/9/19
"'Mama Said’ calms things a bit and reminded me a little of Waddy Wachtel’s guitar work with Stevie Nicks, while ‘On The Road’ perhaps has a hint of Sheryl Crow about the vocal. ‘Crushin’ then ramps up the volume again and ‘Strawberry Moon’ is described as having “power ballad intensity”; that feeling continues through ‘Too Close To You’ and ‘Meet You Again’. The acoustic closer ‘Shadow Boxes And Porcelain Faces’, which is the latest single apparently, was, for me, the album’s best track; the volume elsewhere is rather relentless and I wonder whether Shadow Boxes might have appeared earlier in the track listing to break things up a little."
Today read the whole of Gary Smith's Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones eponymous CD review here, which is released today, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day.
Big Vex Red Tonight 13/9/19
Vex Red are now back, reborn and reenergised to Rock, including a headline show at Camden Assembly tonight. The band are on full form with a brand new EP 'Give Me The Dark', coming out on Friday 4th October, having already released a new single 'Tarantula' at the end of July, taken from the EP. They exploded in 2002 internationally with their debut album ‘Start With A Strong And Persistent Desire’ via Virgin/EMI and built a very loyal following. After a hiatus, the band regrouped with a hunger to create new music and get back on the road. Meanwhile, on the subject of Red, and just a month after The Borderline shut it's doors for the very last time, another London venue, The Big Red in Holloway Road sadly hosts it's last gig tonight with Badlands - One For The Road.
Woodstock Blues Club 13/9/19
The Blues Club Podcast Track Of The Day returns today with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat, featuring New Releases, Classic Woodstock Tracks, UK IBBA Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week comes from JFK Blue, The Teskey Brothers, Mark Cameron Band, Johnny Winter, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Jack J Hutchinson, Joe Jammer, Canned Heat, Davina and The Vagabonds, Jared Deck, Little 'A' and the Allnighters, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Mark Butcher, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Michael Mills, Rick Estrin and The Nightcats, Jimi Hendrix, Bobby Rush, Big Dave McLean, Redfish, The Who, Sean Webster Band, Billy Price, Martin McNeill, The Band, The Achievers, Toronzo Cannon and The Chicago Way, Blood Sweat & Tears, Delbert McClinton and more.
Flight Brigade CD Review 12/9/19
"Infectious … A Gem … Unique … Masterful Storytellers … Excellent Songwriting …Artists … Musically Brilliant … Emotionally Stirring … Lovely Harmonies … just a few words to describe Indie Rock band Flight Brigade’s new studio album ‘Chased By Wolves’! It will be released tomorrow Friday 13th September on Rebel Cinema Records via Wixen Music Publishing. The new album follows their debut album ‘Our Friends Our Enemies’ (2016) and a number of singles. I first heard them play in March this year at Camden’s Dingwalls on a photo assignment and this band continues to be a highlight of the year and the new release does not disappoint. The gig itself was truly spectacular. For a relatively unknown band performing, sadly, to a small, but very appreciative audience, to pull off a professional, energetic and enthusiastic performance is very rare and Flight Brigade definitely delivered that."
Today read the whole of Bruce Biege's Flight Brigade 'Chased By Wolves' CD review here which is due to be released tomorrow, plus check out today's Video Of Of The Day of their latest single 'Heartbreaker'.
Leprous Pitfalls 12/9/19
At the end of last month, Norwegian Rock outfit Leprous launched their first single, 'Below', off their sixth and most ambitious studio album 'Pitfalls', which is due to be released on Friday 25th October via InsideOutMusic, and the single's intense video, directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz, is today's Track Of The Day. The band consisting of Einar Solberg - vocals/synth, Tor Oddmund Suhrke - guitar, Robin Ognedal - guitar, Simen Børven - bass and Baard Kolstad - drums, recently performed a stunning set at Germany’s Summer Breeze Open Air, and upon release of the new album, Leprous will be heading out on a comprehensive European headlining tour together with The Ocean and labelmates Port Noir, including London's ULU on Friday 8th November.
Old Blue Last Photo Gallery 12/9/19
Today check out our Photo Gallery here (courtesy of Bruce Biege) of ambient Cornish Rock band Haunt The Woods' plus support band Beautiful Thing's gig at London’s Old Blue Last from Tuesday night. Last month Haunt The Woods released their new single 'Amethyst', which they included in their set, which reflected the expansive verses and explosive choruses which underpin singer Jonathan Stafford’s expressive vocals, reminiscent of Thom Yorke and Jeff Buckley. Blending sounds from Alternative, Prog, Folk and Pop and channelling influences from the likes of Pink Floyd, Muse, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, Haunt The Woods have crafted a distinctive sound, glistening with ambient swells and underpinned by expressive rhythms and masterly songwriting.
Deadthrone Premonitions 11/9/19
Britain’s Northern Metalcore bruisers Deadthrone recently released both their new single 'Revival' (today's Video Of The Day) and their debut record, 'Premonitions', via Arising Empire! Hailing from Greater Manchester, Chris Bissette - vocals, James Bolton - guitar & vocals, Sam Clough - guitar and Benj Speight - drums, came together through a mutual love of Heavy music. Formed in early 2016, Deadthrone came out of Chris and Benj’s former band that was created after they met at University. Having played together previously they decided to come together to create a new project, recruiting talented and like-minded local musicians to fill out the ranks. The group’s music is fueled by the band’s shared background growing up in an industrial city that promises the world but delivers very little to those not already born into privilege.
100 Club Blues 11/9/19
After its August sabbatical, Tuesday Blues returns for a new season at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street on 24th September, featuring headliners Stevie Nimmo Trio with special guests Big River and Deep Blue Sea. WRC members can also get discounted admission for both gigs by going here. Further down the line, on 26th November, Pat McManus headlines, with support from JFK Blue and When Rivers Meet, and WRC members will get an exclusive bonus TBA if they book their tickets by going here!
Rock On The Ridge Airbourne 11/9/19
The Rock On The Ridge Track Of The Day returns today with music from Airbourne (pictured), Those Damn Crows, Empyre, Therapy, Wicked Stone, At The Sun, Silverthorne, Diamond Head, Black King Cobra, Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown, Crobot, The Butterfly Effect, Jethro Tull, Kris Barras Band, Whiskey Myers, Black Stone Cherry, Black Star Riders, Jack J Hutchinson, The Treatment, The Howling Tides, Black Tree Vultures, Alter Bridge, Tainted Lady, and on their Introducing Stage, two in a row from When Rivers Meet.
Bigfoot Underworld Review 10/9/19
"Most of the set comes from their self-titled album from 2017, the year we last saw them at this very same venue, with the big numbers ‘Tell Me A Lie’, ’The Fear’ and ‘Uninvited’ all delivered perfectly. The mix of stomping Rock and some swirling Rock ballads has something for everyone. The show was evidently well rehearsed with a confident performance (even when your drummer changes the set order) and there was no sign on stage of a band about to split up."
Today read the whole of Geoff C's Bigfoot gig review from London's The Underworld in Camden last Friday including StOp,sToP! and headliner's SOTO (pictured and Video Of The Day) here, plus check out our Photo Gallery here.
Haunt The Old Blue Last Tonight 10/9/19
Last month, ambient Cornish Rock band Haunt The Woods released their new single ‘Amethyst’, ahead of their headline show at London’s Old Blue Last tonight. With close-up shots of the band performing, accentuating the track’s intimate sentiment, the accompanying touching and emotive video reflects the expansive verses and explosive choruses which underpin singer Jonathan Stafford’s expressive vocals, reminiscent of Thom Yorke and Jeff Buckley. Blending sounds from Alternative, Prog, Folk and Pop and channelling influences from the likes of Pink Floyd, Muse, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, Haunt The Woods have crafted a distinctive sound, glistening with ambient swells and underpinned by expressive rhythms and masterly songwriting.
Achison At TNMC Tonight 10/9/19
Today's latest Blues On The Radio Track Of The Day includes new music from Giles Robson, Nine Below Zero, 24Pesos, Arsen Shomakhov, Martin Harley, Marco Cinelli & Danny Del Toro, Beth Hart (pictured) and Bill Filipiak and The Herbal Remedy. There's also IBBA albums of the month from The Achievers and Sean Webster Band plus music from Geoff Achison & The UK Souldiggers who are playing the Tuesday Night Music Club, The Comrades Club, Coulsdon CR5 2NF, tonight.
Bush Hall Photo Gallery 9/9/19
With a review in the pipeline, today check out here our Bush Hall, London, Photo Gallery from last Thursday (courtesy of Tim Russell) with Nashville's Austin Jenckes (pictured) sandwiched in between the Country of Sam Lewis and the Blackberry Smoke sounding The Steel Woods. Austin has recently been named one of Rolling Stone Country’s “Artist You Need To Know" and is managed by Neil Mason of The Cadillac Three. Singer-songwriter Jenckes released his debut album ‘If You Grew Up Like I Did’ at the end of May via Red Dot.
Should Have Been There 9/9/19
"Well not to be outdone JFK Blue (as they are sometimes known) were also launching their debut album 'Rough Round The Edges'. A London/Surrey five piece - they could also boast some pedigree as we virtually stood next to keyboard player Paul Blount who has worked with Jeff Beck, drummer Sol Ezra (ex-Talk Talk) who stood on one our feet when he dismounted the stage, ex-Blockheads bass guitarist Les Victor, lead guitarist Iago Banet and vocalist/guitarist Chris Elliott. Needless to say we were treated to some great Blues Rock with a twist of a Jazz and a touch of Gypsy influence - stand out songs from the new album for mine being 'Shadowlands' and very appropriately 'Having A Real Good Time'." That was our take on JFK Blue supporting Erja Lyytinen at London's 100 Club in April 2017 (pictured), and their tweet yesterday challenging us "isn’t it time you played this little opus guys ?" has resulted in today's awesome Track Of The Day - 'Should Have Been There'.
Vibe Sucker 9/9/19
Today's Video Of The Day is Sick Joy's single ‘Vibe Sucker’, revealed ahead of the release of their new EP, 'Them Days', due out this Friday 13th September via SO Recordings. 'Vibe Sucker’ is the second track to be taken from the EP, following the release of ‘Shoot Your Lover’ earlier in the year, to support from Radio 1, 6Music and Radio X. Armed with a suave and effortlessly cool swagger, the video shows the band and a few friends casually waltzing through the track on their patio, accompanied by a genuinely impressive amount of a certain famous carbonated beverage. The band will be heading out on an extensive run of dates throughout October and November, with headline shows across the country including Liverpool, Glasgow, London and Bristol, and festival slots at Neighbourhood, SWN and Live At Leeds.
Underworld Photo Gallery 8/9/19
Bigfoot signed off with a bang at their very last gig in London, at Camden's The Underworld on Friday night, and with a review to come, check out our Photo Gallery here. Currently on their Farewell Tour, they were sandwiched in between the manic antics, but brilliant music of StOp,sToP! (pictured) plus the American Rock of Jeff Scott's headliner's SOTO, complete with a guest appearance from Inglorious's Nathan James. However, it was business as usual with Bigfoot's trademark commanding vocals, a twin guitar attack that meshed fierce staccato rhythms and lightning lead guitar lines, plus a stomping beat. The good news is that you can still catch them, as this was the first of seven UK dates, plus the fact that guitarist Sam Millar has just released a solo EP entitled ‘Holy Sass’. RIP Bigfoot 2014-2019.
Signals Erased 8/9/19
O.R.k. who feature Italy’s celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson's Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree's Colin Edwin (bass) and Marta Sui Tubi's Carmelo Pipitone (guitars), have released a digital EP of remixes for the track 'Signals Erased' (today's Track Of The Day). Taken from their latest studio album 'Ramagehead', their first for Kscope, it was created from the band’s collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The resulting epic contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres.
Dancing With The Moonlit Knight 8/9/19
Today's Video Of The Day is from legendary guitarist Steve Hackett's sensational 2018 UK tour, and is taken from the forthcoming release of a 2CD + Blu-Ray digipak titled 'Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live at the Royal Festival Hall', due out on Friday 25th October via InsideOutMusic. The set includes tracks from Steve's time with Genesis and also from his extensive solo career. The album was recorded on Thursday 4th October last year in London during the 2018 Genesis Revisited Tour, which fulfilled a long held ambition of Steve's: to perform the music of Genesis with a live orchestra. The concert featured Steve's regular touring band of Roger King (keyboards), Gary OToole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxes/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass, together with special guests John Hackett and Amanda Lehmann, and augmented by the 41-piece Heart Of England Orchestra conducted by Bradley Thachuk.
Bigfoot Kick Out One Last Time 7/9/19
Last night, Bigfoot signed off with a bang at their very last gig in London, at Camden's The Underworld. Currently on their Farewell Tour, sandwiched in between StOp,sToP! and headliner's SOTO, it was business as usual with their trademark commanding vocals, a twin guitar attack that meshed fierce staccato rhythms and lightning lead guitar lines, plus a stomping beat. The good news is that you can still catch them, as this was the first of seven UK dates, plus the fact that guitarist Sam Millar has just released a solo EP entitled ‘Holy Sass’. RIP Bigfoot 2014-2019. Anyway, with a Photo Gallery and a review to come, check out today's Video Of The Day.
Applause Of A London Crowd 7/9/19
Copenhagen’s hottest young Prog prospects Vola (Track Of The Day) kick off their first European headline tour tonight, starting at London's Boston Music Rooms and then calling through the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and France. They will also be joined by Arch Echo and Rendezvous Point as support. The quartet enjoyed a triumphant festival slot at Ramblin’ Man Fair in July as well as blazing a trail on recent tours with Dream Theater, Haken and Monuments, playing songs from their most recent release, 2018's ‘Applause Of A Distant Crowd’. The album is the follow-up to 2016's ‘Inmazes’ as Asger Mygind (vocals/guitar), Martin Werner (keys), Nicolai Mogensen (bass) and Adam Janzi (drums), probe society’s distractions from thoughtfulness and examine the way human relationships have evolved whilst touching upon fear and anxiety.
Other Saturday Gigs Today 7/9/19
Before he returns to Australia, Geoff Achison takes to the stage from 2pm today for a special solo set at Blues At Barleylands, Barleylands Social Club, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UF. Later on, from 3.30pm till 9pm, Camden Rocks presents another all-day Rock-n-Roll gig featuring The Dirty Strangers + Angerland + 10 Gauge + Black Lightning + White Raven Down - all live at The Monarch. And finally, 2018 WRC 'Best Reviewed CD' award winners Bad Pennies (pictured) are playing Sidcup, Kent's, Iron Horse at 9.30pm tonight as part of this month's Summer Sounds Festival in Bexley.
London Bigfoot Farewell Tonight 6/9/19
"The set continued with commanding vocals, a twin guitar attack that meshed fierce staccato rhythms and lightning lead guitar lines, and a stomping beat. The tempo and volume eased slightly for ‘Free Falling’, a tribute to Tom Petty, but soon accelerated again, particularly in the breathtaking ‘Bitch Killer’, with its enduring vocals and express guitar duets. As is often the case, Bigfoot saved the best till last: their set finished with the first single taken from their album, ‘The Fear’, a dark and frantic song about how the fear in our heads can take over our lives. ‘The Fear’ mixes heavy in your face Rock guitar with searing melodic anthems and big, uplifting vocals – a fitting finale to a compelling set and an awesome evening of complementary Rock music." That was part of our take when we saw Bigfoot at Camden's The Underworld nearly two years ago (pictured), and sadly they return to the same London venue tonight for the very last time as part of their Farewell Tour sandwiched in between StOp,sToP! and headliner's SOTO.
What About The Kids 6/9/19
Hands Off Gretel frontwoman Lauren Tate releases her solo debut album on Friday 20th September, and her recently released single ‘What About The Kids’ is today's Video Of The Day. Moving away from the Grunge/Punk of HOG, the album ‘Songs For Sad Girls’ sees Lauren taking on a softer, more Americana sad-Pop sound, but with lyrics and topics that hit just as hard as anything vented in HOG. Lauren not only self-produced and recorded all instruments, but she also designed all the album artwork and merchandise too. Pisces baby born 1997, Tate is a singer-songwriter, producer, director and artist from South Yorkshire. Growing up the eldest of three, Lauren was a secondary school dropout, writing and self producing music from her bedroom from the age of fifteen.
Blues Club Experience 6/9/19
The Blues Club Podcast Track Of The Day returns today with another two hours of non-stop Best in Blues with More Music and Less Chat featuring New Releases, Classic Tracks, UK IBBA Presenters' Picks and much more. Music this week comes from The Teskey Brothers, Bobby Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, The Riotous Brothers, Nick Moss Band, Little Feat, Sean Webster Band, Amanda St John, The Allman Betts Band, Jose Ramirez, The Kentucky Headhunters, Deep Blue Sea, Kelly's Lot, Jack J Hutchinson (pictured), Ken Tucker, Ten Years After, Bad Day Blues Band, JP Soars, Brandon Santini, Al Kooper & Mike Bloomfield, Alex Lopez, Paul Gillings, Joni Mitchell, The Terry Hanck Band, Jimi Hendrix and more.
Deep Tuesday Blues 5/9/19
After its August sabbatical, Tuesday Blues returns for a new season at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street on 24th September, featuring headliners Stevie Nimmo Trio with special guests Big River and Deep Blue Sea. It's the usual iconic venue's arrangement - with Deep Blue Sea starting at 7.30pm prompt in order for everything to finish in time for trains, planes and automobiles to all points. In fact it's the first date of Deep Blue Sea's album launch tour and their new single is today's Track Of The Day. WRC members can also get discounted admission by going here.
Eel Pie Kings Tonight 5/9/19
Five piece 'Blues 'n' Rock 'n' roll' band The Cadillac Kings (Video Of The Day) are playing tonight at The Eel Pie Club, The Patch, 67 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SZ. Their 2016 album 'The Secret of my Success' ended up on so many playlists that in two months it was voted one of the top three Blues CD's of the year by the IBBA. Throughout 2017, the CD continued to make inroads into US radio and one of the album tracks reached no. 1 in Cashbox Magazine's Blues & Boogie Chart, and stayed there for four weeks, holding off acts such as The Fabulous Thunderbirds, John Primer, Coco Montoya, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats etc. Indeed, the band were the only UK act to figure in the chart during 2017. This year sees the band celebrating its 19th birthday, with the multi-talented Tim Penn on piano, accordion and vocals, Mal Barclay on guitar, Mike Thomas on vocals, Paul Cuff on double bass and Roy Webber on drums. Doors open at 8.15pm with music from 9-11pm. WRC members are reminded that they can use their cards to get discounted admission.
Skinny Molly Photo Gallery 5/9/19
Today check out our Photo Gallery here from Skinny Molly and Born Healer's gig at Chislehurst's Beaverwood Club in Kent, from Tuesday night. Take a huge chunk of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a slice of Blackfoot and a sprinkling of Grand Ole Opry - and you had Tennessee's very own Skinny Molly - the best in Southern Rock and Country. Add to that a smokin' hot unplugged Blues support set from special guest vocalist Helen Turner and guitarist Iain Black - half of Born Healer - and it was certainly an evening to remember. The good news is that, if you missed out, they're doing it all over again at The Boom Boom in Sutton this Friday 6th September.
Good Golly Skinny Molly 4/9/19
Last night in the deep South of England, at Chislehurst's Beaverwood Club in Kent, to be precise, it was appropriate, therefore, that we were lucky enough to witness the best in Southern Rock and Country. Take a huge chunk of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a slice of Blackfoot and a sprinkling of Grand Ole Opry - and you have Tennessee's very own Skinny Molly. Anyway, with great support from Born Healer, and with a Photo Gallery to come, check out today's Video Of The Day.
Underworld Photo Gallery 4/9/19
With a review to come, today check out our Photo Gallery here (courtesy of Bruce Biege and Ivan De Mello) of Enuff Z'nuff and Last Great Dreamers London Underworld gig on Monday night. Following their appearance at Sheffield's O2 Academy's HRH Sleaze III the night before, Enuff Z'nuff returned to Camden following the band's previous gig this year at Lounge 666 on Valentine's Day. Initially the band's bass guitarist, since 2016 Chip Z’Nuff (Gregory Rybarski) has also taken on the role of lead vocals, supported by Tory Stoffregen (lead guitar and backing vocals), Ultravox’s Tony Fennell (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals) and Dan Hill (drums). Originally formed in Chicago in 1984, Enuff Z’Nuff have released no less than 14 studio albums over the years and naturally included their two biggest hits: the power Psychedelic ballad ‘Fly High Michelle’ and the trippy ‘New Thing’ in their set.
Tommy's Anniversary 4/9/19
At 72 years old, the supremely gifted guitarist Jan Akkerman will be releasing ‘Close Beauty’, his first studio album in eight years on Friday 25th October, and a track from the album, 'Tommy's Anniversary', is today's Track Of The Day. Akkerman was a founding member of Focus from 1969 to 1976 where he recorded a number of breakout albums including ‘Focus II/Moving Waves’ (1971), which spawned the mega-hit ‘Hocus Pocus’, plus ‘Focus 3’ (1972) which featured another hit single ‘Sylvia’. That year Melody Maker declared him the ‘Best guitarist of the world’, above Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page! ‘Close Beauty’ is the return of the distinctive ‘Akkerman-sound’, which runs like a thread through twelve compositions; acoustic, electric, solo performing and accompanied by his own band, Marijn van den Berg (drums), David de Marez Oyens (bass) and Coen Molenaar (keyboards).
Beaverwood Molly Tonight 3/9/19
"Take a huge chunk of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a slice of Blackfoot and a sprinkling of Grand Ole Opry - and what have you got? You have Tennessee band Skinny Molly, here with a new CD released late last year. 'Hear for a good time' is a mixture of older Mike Estes songs along with some brand new tunes. As soon as you hear the opening riff to the title track you are pulled in for a ride of the best Southern rock and country, and these lads have just got better and better. Formed in 2004 just for a one off UK tour, this has now grown into a major undertaking with regular visits to UK, Germany, France, Spain as well as a growing fanbase in the US." Was it really well over four years ago that we reviewed Skinny Molly's 'Here For A Good Time' CD? Well they're back tonight for a good time at Chislehurst, Kent's, The Beaverwood Club with special guests Born Healer.
CoreLeoni's Queen Of Hearts 3/9/19
Today's Video Of The Day is CoreLeoni's new single 'Queen Of Hearts' recently released in advance of their new album 'CoreLeoni II' due out on Friday 27th September on AFM Records. Leo Leoni, the man behind CoreLeoni, and Gotthard founding guitarist, is one of the truest and most passionate Rock musicians of the last decades. He named his band CoreLeoni after his passion for big, timeless Classic Rock and for pure music nostalgia, and has added a modern sound. Along with Gotthard songs from the early days, the new album contains two brand new tracks and a cover of John Lee Hookers 'Boom Boom Boom'. Together with Rainbow-singer and Lords Of The Black founding member and ex-singer Ronnie Romero, Hena Habegger (drums, Gotthard), Jgor Gianola (guitar, ex-Gotthard/U.D.O./Jorn Lande), as well as Mila Merker (bass, Soulline), Leoni shows that Classic Rock doesn't need to be old fashioned.
September Blues 3/9/19
Today's latest Blues On The Radio Track of The Day has three new IBBA picks of the month, as it's the first show of September, plus a stack of new releases and previews of who's coming to The Tuesday Night Music Club in Coulsdon, Surrey. Indeed it's an hour packed with music from Geoff Achison & The UK Souldiggers, Martin McNeill, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, The Achievers, Doug MacLeod, Dom Martin, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, The Sean Webster Band, The Mentulls (pictured), Elles Bailey, Roadhouse, Toronzo Cannon and Jack J Hutchinson!
Camden Rocks Tonight 2/9/19
Following his sold out intimate ‘Room To Spare’ acoustic four show UK run in May, Multi-Platinum US singer/songwriter and Nashville-based artist Kip Moore (pictured and Track Of The Day) returns to the UK at London's Roundhouse tonight, this time with his full band for a second run of three full-throttle electric UK headline dates. Also, just down the road at The Underworld, Enuff Z'nuff return to Camden following the band's previous gig this year at Lounge 666 on Valentine's Day.
The Girl On The Bike Anthology 2/9/19
Well loved favourite of Blues fans across the UK, and a regular on the Blues Festival circuit, Ged Wilson (pictured) releases his new album 'Anthology' today ahead of both his forthcoming appearance at the Poole Blues Festival and his French tour. This accomplished album draws together the finest and most popular tracks from Ged’s three previous albums. Also today, Jenny Wren And Her Borrowed Wings (Video Of The Day) release their new album 'The Girl On The Bike (Are You The Girl On The Bike?)' - their third album - made up of eleven songs with unique and powerful vocals and impressive musicianship. If you enjoy original music, anchored by acoustic Rhythm and Blues, but soaked in the spirit of speakeasys. sing-a-longs and sunrises - then this is a must.
Stonedeaf Photo Gallery 2/9/19
"If this does not win the award for the best small festival, I will eat my hat. One of the real beauties of it is that it is being run by people like you and I who have gone to festivals for years and noted the short comings, the failures, the usual moans and groans and are attempting to create a festival free of those issues. So; will 2020 be perfect? I would guess at no it won’t, but it will be an improvement on this year. The misses of 2019 will, I am sure be ironed out, but new ones will occur. Download, Glastonbury, Leeds, Reading, Bloodstock - all have issues and they are relatively huge by comparison, but I genuinely sense that the passion and drive behind Stonedeaf is they want to be the best of the best. I never spoke to anyone who had a gripe against it, that put them off attending in 2020. Everyone seemed to love it, and it looks like we will all be congregating in a field near Newark next year. See you at the bar."
That was part of Tony Burgum's Stonedeaf Festival review from the Newark Showground on Saturday 24th August, and today you can check out our Photo Gallery here courtesy of Tony and Phil C.
Bury St Edmunds Blues Today 1/9/19
The Bury St Edmunds Blues Festival kicks off at The Apex today with the Mojo Preachers starting proceedings at 2pm, followed by Lee Ainley's Blues Storm (2.50pm), Southbound (3.45pm), Connor Selby Band (4.45pm), Zal Cleminson's Sin'Dogs (5.50pm), Stevie Nimmo Trio (7.10pm) and finally headliner's Nine Below Zero (8.30pm till 10pm).
Annisokay Good Stories 1/9/19
Metalcore powerhouse Annisokay recently released their brand-new music video for 'Good Stories' off their newest album 'Arms' - which is today's Track Of The Day. The band, consisting of Dave Grunewald - vocals, Christoph Wieczorek - vocals/guitar, Philipp Kretzschmar - guitar, Norbert Kayo - bass and Nico Vaeen - drums, have laid their musical foundation with a driving rhythmic and melodic backbone that brings to life both soulful singing and aggressive shouting. They've toured several times throughout Europe and the UK and even Eastern Europe. The band has played several headlining-shows in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and have already established a massive following and an ever-growing fan base. Highlights include sold-out support-shows for Parkway Drive in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
September WRC Bulletin Out Today 1/9/19
Today's September 2019 WRC Bulletin not only looks back at our August gigs/festivals including Rosalie Cunningham, Southbound, Danny Vaughn, Bloodstock and Stonedeaf plus our The New Roses, Runrig and The Allman Betts Band CD reviews and Inglorious and Elles Bailey Ramblin' Man Fair interviews, but we also look forward to Wrinklystock 8 plus our September gigs/festivals including Bury St Edmunds Blues, Kip Moore, Enuff Z'nuff, Skinny Molly, Bigfoot (Video Of The Day), Vola, Bad Pennies, Haunt The Woods, Ian Moss, Vex Red, The Quireboys, Danny Bryant, Paul Gilbert, Acres, Stevie Nimmo Trio, Matt Pearce & The Mutiny, Piston, Cro-Mags and Hollis Brown. Don't forget that if you ever want to contribute a gig or CD review to our website then please get in touch!