Live Music London

As reported to us by Hamish Birchall  The Live Music Bill, co-sponsored by Lord Clement-Jones and Don Foster MP, cleared its last Commons hurdle on Friday (20th Jan).
It is now on the home straight to becoming law.  Two minor amendments
agreed in Commons Committee must be ratified in the Lords, probably
within a fortnight, and dates set for Royal Assent. Implementation will
require secondary legislation.  A lead-in period of several months is
likely to allow time for the live music sections within statutory
Licensing Guidance to be rewritten.

The Bill represents a historic shift in the treatment of live music
under the law.  The Licensing Act 2003, and many preceding Acts,
embodied a presumption against most performances unless first licensed,
on pain of criminal law sanctions. This harsh treatment, dating back
more than 250 years, will end for performances within certain hours and
to a relatively small audience.  The potential risks are already
regulated by separate legislation.  While there were and are rational
grounds for licensing large events, there is also a puritanical streak
in English culture that was amplified by licensing legislation.  The
enduring puritanism was expressed in often unreasonable objections to
even the mildest live music licence applications, with absurd
over-regulation and enforcement by many local authorities.

The Bill could easily have been sunk by a combination of tedious
filibustering on Daylight Saving Bill amendments and arcane
Parliamentary procedure.  Indeed, it came very close to failing, not
because of insufficient numbers in the House to carry a vote (over 130
MPs), but lack of time.

Debate yesterday started at 9.30am and had to finish by 2.30pm.  The end
time arrived and MPs were still on the Daylight Saving Bill. Many
observers present thought the Live Music Bill had been lost.

Lord Clement-Jones said: ‘I was sitting there and I was absolutely,
completely confounded. I had no idea what was happening when the
Daylight Saving Bill was up.’

Then, as one observer in the public gallery put it, ‘something weird
happened’.   MP Philip Davies, the last in a succession of honourable
members grinding through DSB amendments, suddenly sat down as the
Speaker, Nigel Evans, stood up and shouted  ‘Order, order’.  The
remaining private members bills titles were read out. Next up was the
Live Music Bill.

There followed a short exchange between the Speaker and Don Foster, and
the Bill was passed to a loud chorus of ‘Ayes’, with no objections.
(View on Parliament tv, scroll to 4hrs 55mins:
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=9853 )

The good news flashed quickly around arts and music media:

Jo Dipple acting chief executive of UK Music, the UK commercial music
Industry’s umbrella body, said “This is a great day for music. The Live Music Bill will make a real and positive difference to lives of musicians. There is no doubt that the
current Licensing Act has created needless layers of bureaucracy -
making it complicated and expensive for pubs and other small venues to
host live gigs. The entire industry would like to thank Lord
Clement-Jones and Don Foster MP who have made this change possible.”

John Smith, Musicians Union General Secretary, added-
“We are delighted that the Live Music Bill has finally made it through
Parliament. It is a real achievement for a Private Member’s Bill to get
through and the MU would like to thank Lord Clement-Jones, Don Foster
and all of the other MPs who helped to pass this Bill.”
http://www.basca.org.uk/news/live-music-bill-passes-third-reading-and-report-stage/

Links to other press coverage:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16657152

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/34983/live-music-bill-close-to-becoming-law

Heartfelt thanks is certainly due to Lord Clement-Jones, Don Foster, the
licensing minister John Penrose, many other MPs and Peers who have
tenaciously campaigned within Parliament, especially John Whittingdale,
Chair of the Culture Select Committee, also to the civil servants and
lawyers who have worked hard behind the scenes on the bill, and indeed
to the Coalition government. But the time is not yet ripe to celebrate.
That should be saved for the day the new law comes into effect. And it
will take many months, perhaps years, for the full benefit to be
realised by musicians, venues and the music loving public.

The sharp decline of small gigs in pubs coincided with reform of
entertainment licensing in 1982, when local authorities were given
powers to set their own fees.  These quickly rose by several hundred
percent, and by 2000 the Home Office estimated fewer than 10% of pubs
had entertainment licences, although all of them could still have one or
two live performers (the ‘two in a bar rule’).  But even that modest
musical provision was abolished by the 2003 Licensing Act, legislation
that marks the highwater point of regulation of live music through
licensing.  It was under this Act that even providing musical
instruments became a potential criminal offence unless licensed.  This
ranges from pub pianos to instruments provided by schools for concerts.
The Live Music Bill does away with that requirement.

One long-time campaigner asked me yesterday what I would do next.  I am
not against licensing regimes per se.  Where there are serious risks to
the public, inadequately regulated by separate legislation, prior public
consultation may be necessary and proportionate.
To that end, perhaps MPs should be licensed.

THE DEVIL’S MUSIC IN THE KITCHEN – BURY ST EDMUND’S DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLECTIVE

ESTABLISHED AS A ‘REAL’ MUSIC VENUE WITH MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE – NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIAL FEATURES LONDON’S QUIRKIEST ROOTS BLUES ROCKERS ‘ELEPHANT SHELF’

The Devil’s Kitchen Collective is described as the most original jazz n’ blues club in the U.K -‘a winning formula of kooky volunteers, from hip teenagers to funky septuagenians’ We are a not for profit music club run by musicians, retired artists & live music lovers in Bury St Edmunds. It’s held on THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH at THE GREENE KING SOCIAL CLUB THE DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLECTIVE at The Greene King Social Club, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 THE DEVIL’S KITCHEN COLLE… St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 The venue has presented a very high standard of music in the fields of blues, jazz, roots and rock ‘n roll – artists who have appeared include – Mark Butcher, Hokie Joint, The Untouchables – Steve Downs –Gabrielle Ducrombie –Skip McDonald –Big Mama’s Door- Liane Carrol – past gigs have included acclaimed tribute gigs to Jimmy Smith and Ronnie Scott. Not only is the music acclaimed but so is the food – every gig features a superbly prepared menu that varies from the exotic – Creole Special – to traditional ‘Bangers ‘m Mash’ – spokesperson Fiona Kerr says “We pride ourselves on presenting great music and great food at a great price”

This New Year’s Eve special gig features one of the UK’s rising R&B / Roots acts ELEPHANT SHELF – the colorful band is fronted by two of the country’s leading transgendered musicians – Vicky Martin on Vocals and guitars, and Diana Stone – (acclaimed as a wonderful boogie pianist by London promoter Pete Feenstra) on piano and fiddle – the band’s exciting brand of swing based retro R&B has appeared all over the UK this year Festival appearances at Upton, Plumpton, glamorous Skegness, Cambridge and appearances at venues as far and wide as Swansea, Weston Super Mare, Sheffield Lincoln and Bethnal Green have all added to Elephant Shelf’s burgeoning reputation. Numerous gigs by The DELTA LADIES featuring Vicky & Diana of the Shelf have cemented a reputation for great musicianship and great entertainment.

.

The collective’s supporters are in process of setting up a “FRIENDS OF THE COLLECTIVE” too. They thank Paul Dennet & the team at Greene King for all of their help and kind support and on their website give thanks for the support of many honest local businesses & organizations.

The collective are VALERIE BOLTON, KRIS K, Patricia Routledge look-a- like FIONA KERR, ROGER POWELL, HATTIE (THE LEGEND) ASHTON, plus recent recruits RICHARD (‘DICKIE DARLING’) & RUTH (also known as RUTH & ROGER) you find out more about this wonderful venue and about these lovely people at. http://www.thedevilskitchencollective.com/

DEVIL’S KITCHEN VIDEO CHANNEL – http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=devil%27s+kitchen+collective&oq=devil%27s+kitchen+collective&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=5563l19750l0l21125l28l14l1l10l10l0l938l1156l0.2.6-1l3l0

ELEPHANT SHELF – www.elephantshelf.com

DELTA LADIES – www.deltaladies.com

Lord Clement-Jones’ live music bill, now sponsored by Don Foster in the
Commons, has just passed its 2nd reading there.

If implemented, the bill would create entertainment licensing exemptions
for performances of live music between 8am and 11pm to audiences of up
to 200.  However, it retains the licence review process for bars and
other alcohol-licensed venues if the exemption is abused.

The bill now moves to the Committee stage. A date has yet to be fixed,
but it could be before Christmas.

It is unusual for a private members bill originating in the Lords to get
this far.  However, while encouraging, its success today is no guarantee
that it will become law.  Potential pitfalls, and much hard work, remain.

Meanwhile, another hysterical denunciation of the government’s more
radical entertainment licensing deregulation proposals has been
published, this time by Wandsworth council:

http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=10856#makecomment

Entirely misleadingly it suggests that pubs and bars ‘…would not be
subject to proper safety checks with potentially no limits on the
numbers of people attending, nor on the hours of operation. This would
negate one of the reasons for introducing a licensing regime in the
first place which was to prevent tragedies where young people have been
injured in fires or as a result of overcrowding or crushing.’

This is complete nonsense and scaremongering of the worst kind.  The
safety of the public in workplaces is no longer regulated by
entertainment licensing, but by separate health and safety and fire
safety legislation, and this applies to all activities taking place.
Also, as alcohol licensing and conditions in alcohol-licensed venues
would remain under the deregulation proposals, enforceable opening hours
would remain.

In their consultation submission to DCMS, Wandsworth puts forward other
specious or contradictory arguments against more radical deregulation:

http://bit.ly/squeVN

For example, their Q1 response states: ‘Of the 579 premises in the
London Borough of Wandsworth with a licence to sell alcohol on or on/off
the premises, 213 also have a licence to provide live music. Of the 48
Private Members Club in the borough supplying alcohol, 32 have a licence
to provide live music. There are, therefore, many venues within this borough
that could allow live music performances (albeit with controls to
protect neighbours from noise nuisance). However, many of these licences
are not used and this Authority would, therefore, question whether live
music is not being promoted in venues because of market decisions rather
than because of bureaucracy and red tape.’

But it is impossible to draw any reliable conclusion from this data
about the reasons for having or not having live music.  How does the
council know that the licences are not being used?  Venues that have in
fact closed often remain on council licence registers as if they were
still in business.  And what licence conditions have been imposed?
These might include costly requirements to provide door supervisers
during performances, or to fit a noise limiter. Or they might restrict
the number of performers, or genres of music.  The venue may have
particularly intolerant neighbours.

And even if the amount of live music currently provided were entirely
determined by factors other than entertainment licensing, as the council
would like to believe, what then would cause the explosion in noise
nuisance that they warn so stridently against if entertainment licensing
is removed?

Petition to: request the Cabinet to reconsider its decision to introduce West End evening and Sunday parking charges before their planned introduction on 9th January 2012 in view of the considerable harm that the proposed charges will cause to residents, businesses and visitors

http://petitions.westminster.gov.uk/WestEndParking/?showall=1

Jump Jive and Shout

Jive Night

Dj: Jeniffer Jackson

Music:  Lively, pulsating 1940s/50s rhythm n blues, doo wop, jump jive, blues shouters etc.

Live: Blues from London’s Florence Joelle’s Kiss of Fire

Saturday 10t^h December  2011

8pm -12.30

Entry £5.00 on the door

Kennedy’s Bar

297 Caledonian Road

Islington

London N1 1EG

Noted Aussiec guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel, has a new album ‘All I Want For Christmas’ released on Monday November 7^th. This coincides with his UK tour starting on Thursday December 1^st at Hull City Hall. ‘All I Want For Christmas’ follows Emmanuel’s last studio album, ‘Little By Little’, released February 2011. Its released on Steve Vai’s ‘Favoured Nations Entertainment’ record label. Tommy Emmanuel was honoured as the Country Music Awards’ Global Artist earlier this year. He co-produced with veteran Nashville picker/arranger John Knowles, CGP. They collaborated on new arrangements of Yuletide classics including ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’, ‘The Christmas Song’, and ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Emmanuel also wrote one original for the collection, ‘One Christmas Night’, and arranged a second new composition, ‘The Magic Of Christmas Time’.

Click here for the official press announcement - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/tommyemmanuel/album.htm

Says Tommy Emmanuel “People have asked me about doing a Christmas album so many times over the last 20 years, and when I had time to really get into this project, it just had a life of its own, and was so easy to make because we all loved the music so much. I’m pleased that there will be so many fans happy about it’s release”

Most of the arrangements for ‘All I Want For Christmas’came together via Skype, while Emmanuel was on tour and fellow guitarist Knowles was home in Nashville..Everything was recorded at Beech Creek Studios in Franklin, TN with KimPerson, who has produced Emmanuel’s last five albums. Emmanuel used several guitars for the sessions, but relied mainly on a new Taylor model that he says, “has a singing quality to it, a beautiful voice
Tommy Emmanuel’s December UK Tour with special guest Gareth Pearson; 24 Hour Box Office: 0871 230 1101, Book online: www.seetickets.com (additional tour info – http://bit.ly/oVpnMD).

Hull City Hall (Dec 1)
Harrogate International Centre (Dec 2)
Buxton Opera House (Dec 3)
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (Dec 4)
Birmingham Town Hall (Dec 5)
Brighton Hove Centre (Dec 6)
Cambridge Corn Exchange (Dec 7)
Cardiff St. David’s Hall (Dec 13)
London Union Chapel (Dec 15)
Salisbury City Hall (Dec 16)

For interview opportunities, CD review copies, review tickets and photo passes, please contact:
Peter Noble and Will Taylor at Noble PR Consultancy
0207 272 7772, peter@noblepr.co.uk, will@noblepr.co.uk

In a year which has seen several new festivals this weekends’ festival at Bedford Esquires looks like being one of t he best. It runs from Thursday 13^th to Sunday 16^th October and features some of the most popular performers on the UK scene including LARRY MILLER, CHANTEL McGREGOR, THE NIMMO BROS, PADDY MAGUIRE and several more. We spoke to Larry Miller who said ‘this looks like being a really festival it’s a great venue and set-up’. Bedford Esquires is very popular as one of the best run venues around – its 60a Bromham Road Bedford MK40 20G and a very informative website – www.bedfordesquires.com and don’t forget you can win tickets for the festival right here on this page, just answer three questions and Larry’s yer Uncle…

1) Who wrote Ray Charles’ classic song ‘The Mess Around’?

2) Who wrote the song ‘Vigilante Man’ recorded by Ry Cooder?

3) Which Bob Dylan song did Jimi Hendrix play at the Monterey Festival

Answers by email to diana@lovemymusic.com

Fender Musical Instruments has just announced the arrival of the new EC Series Eric Clapton signature guitar amps, and who better to show what they’re capable of–besides Slowhand himself–than the legendary Buddy Guy. As he showed on his latest album, Guy is Living Proof that being 74 doesn’t mean you can’t tear up the frets like a 20-year-old. There are three new tweed tube amps in the Clapton series–the EC Twinolux, EC Tremolux, and EC Vibro-Champ–and all bear the famed picker’s design touches. Judging by the killer sound Guy gets, you might need one. Here’s the complete sales pitch from Fender:

Each is a specific variation based on three classic Fender tweed tube amps of the 1950s – the ’57 Twin, ’57 Deluxe and the ’57 Champ. Clapton has frequently favored these original amps for specific sounds at various points throughout his amazingly varied career, and the new EC Series amps represent both reverence for his musical legacy and the finest in Fender guitar amp craftsmanship. All three amps are handmade in the United States, with interesting mods under the hood specified by Clapton himself. These include a ’50s-era output tube bias tremolo circuit (which produces a more throbbing pulse than later Fender tremolo circuits) and a switchable power attenuator that reduces speaker output (and can disable one speaker in EC Twinolux for even lower output).

The 2×12″ EC Twinolux, 1×12″ EC Tremolux and 1×8″ EC Vibro-Champ are single-channel amps with high-gain and low-gain inputs, hand-wired all-tube circuitry on eyelet boards with premium components, custom transformers, and premium tubes and speakers.

The EC Tremolux has fixed bias for increased headroom and an internal speaker disconnect that allows use of an external 8-ohm speaker enclosure. The EC Vibro-Champ has an internal speaker disconnect that allows use of an external 4-ohm speaker enclosure, and a footswitch jack for an optional tremolo footswitch.

All three EC Series amps have a cosmetic treatment that elegantly befits an artist of Clapton’s stature. Each is ruggedly built with a finger-joined solid pine enclosure, and each authentically evokes Fender’s original 1950s golden era with lacquered tweed covering, vintage-style brown/gold grille cloth and a leather strap handle.

And in the most outwardly visible personal touch, each amp bears an “EC Series” badge at front lower right and Clapton’s signature on the control panel. Each amp also includes a deluxe fitted cover.

BLUES FOR HEROES a fundraising concert in aid of injured servicemen and women.will take place on October 22 at The Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, on the bill are The Blues Band, Matt Schofield and Ian Siegal London, in addition noted guitarist Robin Trower and ace pianist Paddy Milner will join the show as guests of the Blues Band.

The organizers have gathered some of the best of British Blues talent for the concert. Ian Siegal described by Mojo as ‘the cleverest writer and most magnetic performer of blues in the UK’ will open the show with a solo set. Ina Siegal will be followed by Matt Schofield and his band. Schofield is being talked of as one of the best British blues players of recent years. He is gaining an increasing world audience and comes to the Cadogan Hall from an extensive US tour.

Closing the night, Paul Jones and the Blues band who need little introduction. 30 years and 19 album releases says it all. As noted they will be joined by Robin Trower and excellent pianist Paddy Milner, who has been steadily carving a niche for himself as one of Britain’s finest blues pianists.

Press enquiries:
Richard Pavitt, Nugene Music +44 (0)7973 217140
richard@nugene.co.uk

Bert Jansch a major figure in the British folk revival of the 60s and one of the most respected musicians of his time has passed away, dying from cancer at the age of 67.Bert Jansch was a founding member of one of the UK’s most innovative bands Pentangle; he was a truly renowned as a guitarist of virtuoso standard and was sometimes compared to Bob Dylan.

Bert Jansch was born in Glasgow on 3 November 1943, he released 23 solo albums, the last of which was called ‘The Black Swan’, released in 2006 it featured collaborations with Beth Orton and Devendra Banhart. He was awarded two lifetime achievement prizes at the BBC Folk awards – the first in 2001 was for his solo achievements and the second, in 2007, was as a member of Pentangle. The band reformed in 2008. In June 2009, following what was at first a routine visit to the dentist; he discovered he had a golf ball-size tumor on one of his lungs. Following treatment, he went on to co-headline a US tour with Neil Young. Jansch had recently been forced to cancel a live show in Edinburgh due to ill health and was living in a hospice in north London at the time of his death. He influenced many including Jimmy Page, Nick Drake, Graham Coxon, Donovan, Bernard Butler and Paul Simon. According to fellow guitarist Johnny Marr: “He completely reinvented guitar playing and set a standard that is still unequalled today … without Bert Jansch, rock music as it developed in the 60s and 70s would have been very different.”

Neil Young has said “With deep regret Pegi and I acknowledge the passing of Bert Jansch. We were lucky to play with him on all of our shows for the last couple of years. He is a hero of mine, one of my greatest influences. Bert was one of the all-time great acoustic guitarists and singer songwriters. Our sincerest sympathies to his soul mate Loren. We love you Bert.”

What others said about Bert Jansch –

“As much of a great guitar player as Jimi [Hendrix] was, Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar…and my favourite” Neil Young

“At one point, I was absolutely obsessed with Bert Jansch. When I first heard that LP [1965], I couldn’t believe it. It was so far ahead of what everyone else was doing. No one in America could touch that” Jimmy Page

“He revolutionized the guitar…I don’t think anybody has ever been revered as much as he is” Dick Gaughan

“If you didn’t know he was a guitar hero to many – including Jimmy Page and Keith Richards – your ears might tell you” – THE EVENING STANDARD

Robin Denselow wrote: “Bert Jansch was that rarity, a musician who really did deserve to be regarded as a legend, and who retained that status throughout his career. He was an extraordinary guitarist and a thoughtful songwriter, and generations of would-be pickers sat at his concerts watching his finger-work with envy and astonishment.”

Bert (Herbert) Jansch, guitarist, was born 3 November 1943 and died 5 October 2011

Following the success of last year’s Zappa plays Zappa concert as part of the Roundhouse’s 70th birthday celebrations for Frank Zappa, Dweezil Zappa and The Zappa Family Trust are delighted to bring the show to the UK in November and December 2011 for a 13 date UK tour.

Frank Zappa’s eldest son Dweezil and his band ‘Zappa Plays Zappa’ will perform the classic 1974 album ‘Apostrophe’ in sequence and in its entirety, plus there will be a host of other Zappa favourites; and in a final twist, the performance will also feature a section – from grave to stage – in which Frank himself will perform with the band via synchronized audio/video technology using unreleased video footage.

Dweezil Zappa has said

“Not only will we be performing with Frank once again during the live performance via enhanced video;   we will also be performing the works from one of his most well known albums -’Apostrophe’, it’s always been one of my favourites and a fan favourite as well. My first experience playing to a large audience took place in the UK at the Hammersmith Odeon with my dad when I was 12.  Years later I still feel a connection to the UK because it’s part of a touchstone type of memory for me. One day I would love to come full circle and play at that venue again. I know the venue now lives on under a different name but there’s a parallel there. My father’s music is also living on under a slightly different name, Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa.”

“I’m really looking forward to this upcoming tour especially on the heels of the Roundhouse Zappa festival. That was a great experience. We’ll have plenty of surprises in the set as well. We always strive to learn new material each time we tour and this time we’re going to dig deep.” DZ

The dates are as follows: NOVEMBER 2011

Thurs 17th York, Barbican

0844 8542757 / http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk £24.50 / £28.50

Fri 18th Gateshead, The Sage

0191 4434661 / http://www.thesagegateshead.org/ £28.50

Sat 19th Edinburgh, Picturehouse

0843 2210100 / http://venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-picture-house/home £28.50

Mon 21st Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall

0151 7093789 / http://www.liverpoolphil.com/ £10.00  / £18.50 / £23.50 / £28.50 (main price) / £33.50 (boxes)

Tue 22nd Manchester, Bridgewater Hall

0161 9079000 / http://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/ £24.50 / £28.50

Wed 23rd Cambridge, Corn Exchange

01223 357851 / http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/portal/ £28.50

Thu 24th Basingstoke, Anvil

01256 844244 / http://www.anvilarts.org.uk/ £28.50

Sat 26th Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre

0247 6524524 / http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/ £24.50 / £28.50

Sun 27th Leicester, De Montfort Hall

0116 2333111 / http://www.demontforthall.co.uk/?cat_id=1&level=1 £24.50 / £28.50

Mon 28th Oxford, New Theatre

0844 8471585 / http://www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk/index.asp?VenueID=103 £29.50

Tue 29th London, Barbican

0207 6388891 / http://www.barbican.org.uk/ £29.50

Wed 30th Bristol, Colston Hall

0117 9223686 / http://www.colstonhall.org/ £25.00 / £28.50

DECEMBER 2011

Thu 1st Brighton, Dome

01273 709709 / http://www.brightondome.org/ £28.50

B.E.F. have confirmed “2manydjs (DJ Set) – a special and unique 80s set” to their “Music of Quality and Distinction” night at the London Roundhouse on Saturday October 15^th.  Other guest vocalists performing at the B.E.F. Roundhouse concert include La Roux’s Elly Jackson, Kim Wilde, Boy George, Sandie Shaw, Glenn Gregory, Scritti Politti’s Green Gartside, Midge Ure, Polly Scattergood, the Noisettes’ Shingai Shoniwa, and former Long Blondes singer Kate Jackson.  B.E.F. will perform songs from their first two “Music of Quality & Distinction albums, as well as songs from their upcoming third MQD album, “Dark.”

On the previous night, Friday October 14^th, the Roundhouse will see Heaven 17 perform the world premiere of their seminal 1983 album “The Luxury Gap,” for the first time, and in 3D sound.  H17 will perform their iconic hit single “Temptation” plus other songs from the Luxury Gap, including “Come Live With Me”, “Crushed By The Wheels of Industry” and “Let Me Go.”

Click here for additional info about the B.E.F. and Heaven 17 London Roundhouse concerts: http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/heaven17-bef.htm

Day tickets for “The Luxury Gap” concert in 3D sound on October 14^th and “B.E.F. presents Music of Quality & Distinction” concert on October 15^th are each priced £23.50.  Weekend tickets for both nights are £42.50.  24 hour ticket hotline: 0844 844 0444.  Book Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk (direct link for tickets: http://bit.ly/npTMBH).

Todd Rundgren, iconic rock and roller plays the Manchester HMV Ritz on Saturday October 1st. The Manchester date is the first of several UK concerts billed as “An Evening With Todd Rundgren”- the shows are described as “The greatest hits tour Todd fans have been waiting to see for years.” Todd Rundgren is widely regarded as the godfather of music and multimedia. He founded and The Nazz, a notable `60′s power-rock psychedelic band. He left in 1969 to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the classic Runt. It was 1972′s seminal Something/Anything, on which he sang and played all the parts, and acted as producer, that catapulted him into the superstar limelight.

Tickets for the Manchester HMV Ritz concert on October 1st are available from the 24 hour ticket hotline: 08700 603 777, www.seetickets.com. Meanwhile, Rundgren’s three night residency at the London Jazz Cafe (October 3-5th) is completely sold out. These are Rundgren’s first UK dates since 2010′s sold-out London Hammersmith Apollo concert where he performed his 1973 album A Wizard, A True Star.

Todd Rundgren many production projects include albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, New York Dolls, Hall & Oates, and Meat Loaf’s multi-platinum debut Bat Out Of Hell.

Read the official online press release – http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/ToddRundgren.htm

Queen of Irish folk-song Eleanor McEvoy – new solo acoustic album & UK tour

Ireland’s noted singer/songwriter, Eleanor McEvoy, will embark on an intimate UK concert tour in support of her forthcoming new studio album ‘Alone’.

‘Alone’ is a beautiful collection of 12 stripped-down songs, recorded in a spontaneous studio session between tours, just Eleanor, her two guitars, and a sound engineer. The album is released on Monday September 12^th by Moscodisc. ‘Alone’ features new tracks, alongside re-workings of Eleanor’s best loved songs and including her world-wide hit smash-hit ‘A Woman’s Heart’.

Eleanor’s 17-date UK tour kicks off on September 21st at Birmingham’s Glee Club, she then continues nationwide to October 9^th, with concerts in London, Winchester, Nottingham, Brighton, Portsmouth, Stratford, Hedben, Kendal, Isle of Bute, Bellshill, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Essex, Owestry, Bury and Inverness.

For more information and to stream the new single “You’ll Hear Better Songs (Than This)”, click here – http://bit.ly/ke34OA

Los Angeles, CA (August 30, 2011) – Big D and the Kids Table have a new record ‘For The Damned, The Dumb & The Delirious’, ( released July 5^th, 2011 SideOneDummy Records) clenched in their teeth and a list of cities to sonically decimate. The US Ska/punk veterans are gearing up for a European Fall/Winter Tour. They’re coming off of a 7 week headline US Tour and a successful summer featuring on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour and will be hitting fans, new and old, hard. Joining Big D will be the British Ska band Random Hand.

The new album ‘For the Damned, the Dumb, and the Delirious’ is explosive with an impressive 17 tracks and countless number of performers; blasting punk, old school thrash, adrenalin charged Ska plus the good old traditional Boston bar room anthems. It is Big D’s most diverse record to date will provide listeners with endless new favorites and new classic for the future.

This is an album that all of Big D’s community of family, friends, and fans  have got behind and supported. When unforeseen troubles plagued the recording process, Big D turned to their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, for help and support. Multiple engineers, studios, guitar techs, drum techs and more put aside industry standards and opened their doors to the band offering their time and skills for free and showing true artistic friendship.  ‘ For the Damned, the Dumb, and the Delirious’ highlights the skill, creativity, and community that the band is known for.

A full list of the dates is below.

11/15 Kingston, UK  @ The Peel
11/24 Wermelskirchen, DE @ AJZ Bahndamm
11/26 Ulm, DE @ Betelgueuse
11/28 Berlin, DE @ Wild at Heart
11/30 Winterthur, SWZ @ Gaswerk
12/3   Dunkerque, FR @ Les 4 Ecluses
12/4   Nantes            , FR @ Le Ferrailleur
12/6   Paris, FR @ Les Combustibles
12/7   Melechen, BE @ Metteki
12/10 London. UK @ Underworld
12/11 Peterborough, UK @ Club Revolution
12/12 Manchester, UK @ Moho Live
12/13 Leeds, UK @ Cockpit
12/15 Belfast            , IE @ Speakeasy
12/16 Dublin, IE @ Grand Social
12/17 High Wycombe, UK @ Nags Head

Black Country Communion, the rock and roll band featuring Joe Bonamassa Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), release of their first ever live DVD & Blu-ray; “Live Over Europe”. on Monday October 24th UK and European

The double live DVD is released by Mascot records, and was filmed with 14 HD cameras and 5.1 Surround Sound during the band’s 2011 summer tour. I was recorded across three nights in f Hamburg, Munich and Berlin, the 18-song set includes tracks taken from both of BCC’s albums and from Thursday September 8th, fans will be able to download a live version of “Song of Yesterday” (taken from Live in Europe) absolutely free by visiting here. Bonus features include an exclusive 28-page collector’s booklet, and an additional DVD containing a 20-minute ‘behind the scenes’ feature and a photo collection.

Read the full “Live over Europe” DVD press release here – http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/blackcountrycommunion/liveovereurope.ht

Following the September 26th release of Beth Hart’s ‘Don’t Explain’  album collaboration with guitarist Joe Bonamassa -– she’ll perform two intimate UK concerts in November. The first date will be The Flowerpot, Derby on Monday 28th November, followed by London Dingwalls on Tuesday 29th November. Tickets for both concerts are available from 0845 413 4444, www.seetickets.com, www.ticketline.com and www.alt-tickets.co.uk. Further press information for Beth’s UK concerts is available here.

Beth is already a platinum selling solo artist across Europe, her collaboration with Joe Bonamassa on the Gil Scott-Heron classic, ‘I’ll Take Care Of You’, was recently BBC Radio 2’s Record of the Week and has been added to their playlist; the recently reached Nr 5 on the Amazon UK pre-order chart.

Beth has been compared to the likes of Janis Joplin and Etta James, and the concerts will showcase tracks from the new album, including a brilliant rendition of Tom Waits’ ‘Chocolate Jesus’, as well as songs from her back catalogue.

The album is produced by Kevin Shirley (John Hiatt, The Black Crowes, Black Country Communion), and combines Hart’s raspy and soulful vocals against Bonamassa’s signature guitar sound. They collaborate on an excellent collection of soul classics from such as Delaney & Bonnie, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. Tour and album details – click here http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/provogue/hart-bonamassa.htm

‘Tracer’ the exciting three-piece heavy rock band from Adelaide, Southern Australia, release their debut album, “Spaces In Between”, in the UK on Monday October 3^rd by the independent Dutch rock label, Cool Green Recordings.  If Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix made love to the sounds of Audioslave, it might sound something like Tracer – a distinctive sound reminiscent of 90’s grunge/stoner rock, mixed with the brio of 70’s classic rock. The line-up of brothers Michael (vocals, guitar) and Leigh Brown (vocals, bass) and drummer Andre Wise delivers a driving, sonic sledgehammer of sound.

Tracer join Royal Republic as special guest for the second half of their “We Are The Royal” European Tour, taking on 24 dates through France, UK, Germany, The Netherlands and Sweden. The UK leg of the tour starts at the Sheffield Corporation on Monday October 24^th.

The new album includes 12 catchy in-your-face songs and the first single “Too Much” includes an energetic promo video that will premiere on YouTube soon.

For tour details click here – http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/tracer/album.htm

BLUES  & ROOTS FANS – ONE OF THE HIPPEST CARTOON PARTNERSHIPS EVER – LONDON RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION!!

Exhibition: Ancient & Modern -Biff Cartoons & Strips 1976 to 2001

Dates: Thurs 1st to Sat 17th Sept 2011 – Private View: Wed 7th Sept 2011, 7 & to 9pm

Biff Cartoons by Mick Kidd & Chris Garrett are widely regarded as one of the hippest cartoon features of the past thirty-five years Biff cartoons have been running in British magazines and newspapers since 1976, most notably the Guardian. They’re especially noted for their satire of media people and places and of people who write the sort of stuff you’re reading now. The Original Gallery at Hornsey Library hosts a retrospective exhibition of their work from 1976 to the present day.

Mick Kidd and Chris Garratt met at school in Leicestershire around 1955 and they subsequently went to University, it was after that BIFF was borne. The Ancient & Modern exhibition follows the evolution of Biff cartoons as they went from homemade cut and paste comics to realising their motto ‘raising trivia to exciting new heights’. The prototype of Biff Interplanetary News was self published in 1976 followed by Biff Quarterly Nos. 1 & 2 in 1978 and 79. In addition to comics Biff was produced on badges, postcards and t-shirts selling from a stall in Camden Lock. The cartoons were picked up by the underground media and appeared in International Times (1976-80), City Limits (1983-88).  Subsequently they appeared in mainstream media -the Guardian (1985-2005). Since then Biff Cartoons have appeared in NME, Building, BBC History, History Today, Corgi and Methuen. Icon published various compilations of Biff between 1982 and 1996.

Mick has taken time out from running his sanctuary for small lost animals in Crouch End and Chris has taken time out from his cottage industry of carving wooden heads of famous people to give his blessing to the exhibition. The exhibition will be blessed and sanctified by the Right Reverend Father O’Jacobson Bishop of Golder’s Green and will also feature an appearance from the DELTA LADIES playing Delta Blues and Bluegrass.
Ancient and Modern will be on show at the Original Gallery from the 1^st to the 17^th September 2011. Visit www.haringey.gov.uk/theoriginalgallery for more information and opening times.

To visit Biff’s own website click here http://www.biffonline.co.uk/

The Delta Ladies can be found at www.deltaladies.com

Father O’Jacobson’s web-site has sadly been compromised

Chickenfoot, featuring Joe Satriani, and Sammy Hagar New album ‘III’

Chickenfoot, featuring Joe Satriani, frontman Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and noted drummer Chad Smith, have confirmed multiple UK release dates and formats for their second album Chickenfoot III. The album follows their 2009 award-winning debut album. It will be released in the UK initially as an exclusive Limited Edition Fan Pack, coinciding with the international album release date of Tuesday September 27th. The album is produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica) comes in special 3D packaging.

The Fan Pack includes exclusive bonus tracks - Down The Drain and Oh Yeah! Both live in Phoenix- and a 132-page magazine dedicated to the band approved , the fan pack magazine contains exclusive interviews with each member talking about the album and their careers. It also details the making of the band’s new video, and the creation of the 3D album cover. The magazine includes rare photos of the band, an exclusive muso section, a Guitar Pick Pack, 3D glasses, and a 3D CD digital book pack with postcards.

On Monday October 24^th, Chickenfoot III will be released in the UK on CD, Deluxe Edition CD & DVD, and 12″ vinyl. The Deluxe Edition CD & DVD will include a Chickenfoot III EPK, Big Foot promotional video, Turning Left (live in Phoenix) and the Sexy Little Thing promotional video. The official promotional video for the Big Foot single is available on YouTube and details of the band’s September 27^th worldwide web simulcast concert, will be announced shortly.

The forecast for August Bank Holiday is good and the music promises to be even better. The ever popular Abbey Fest at Merton Abbey MIlls in London SW19 has a great line up of classic blues & R&B, running from Friday 27th to Monday 29th August. Some of the finest up and coming acts in the UK will grace the stages of the bandstand and the lovely Colorhouse Theatre.

The Line-up includes -The Robin Bibi Band with guitar master Robin Bib, Bad Influence featuring the wonderful blonde bombshell Val Cowell, Crosstown Traffic with Charles Shar Murray and Buffalo Bill Smith, Elephant Shelf featuring the boogie piano and red-hot fiddle of Diana Stone, Roadhouse with the elementally powerful guitar of Danny Gwylim, Incredible Blues Puppies with harmonica virtuoso Alan Glen, the Dave Raphael band with (yes you got it) Dave Raphael, B’Mused, and others.

Bandstand events are free Colorhouse Theatre events incurr a door charge – BOX Office is 0208 542 5511 and a full list of events is on www.abbeyfest.co.uk

Canary Wharf Jazz Festival

Friday 12 – Sunday 14 August 2011

Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London

FREE EVENT

Canary Wharf becomes the hub of all things jazz on 12-14 August when some of the best performers on the circuit take the stage at the Canary Wharf Jazz Festival.

The diverse line-up, announced today, is arguably the best in the Festival’s five year history and includes the sparkling jazz-folk talent of Gwyneth Herbert, influential purveyors of rare groove The Herbaliser, brilliant BBC Award winner and Mercury Prize nominee Kit Downes and world class Canadian jazz trumpeter Jay Phelps performing with special guest Clare Teal and a brand new 16-piece Big Band. This will be the premiere performance by Jay Phelps and his new band.

The Canary Wharf Jazz Festival opens on the evening of Friday 12 August with the gentle fusion of jazz and traditional Yoruba Song performed by Femi Tomowo and band at 7pm, followed by the slick trans-Caribbean rhythms of big Band Ska Cubano at 8.30pm.

Saturday’s programme commences with the laid back vocals of special guest Cousin Alice and the Boisdale Blue Rhythm Band. Next up, the quartet Aquarium led by pianist Sam Leak perform material from their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, released earlier this year.

Following a bewitching performance from Gwyneth Herbert, the stage will be filled with the infectious Latin sounds of Cuban Combination. The evening will close with the extraordinary and über-established sound of The Herbaliser featuring James Morton of Porkchop fame on alto saxophone.

Sunday’s line up will kick off with a highlight performance by the Kit Downes Sextet, followed by the Latin jazz flavours of Grupo X. The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Gillespie with her quartet, featuring guest maverick sax player Gilad Atzmon will perform her unique mix of jazz, blues and urban folk. Superlative trumpeter Jay Phelps provides a fitting grand finale featuring Clare Teal and his 16-piece Big Band.

Part of the festival for the first time this year is Jazz on the Screen; a series of stylised documentaries shown on the big screen in Canada Square Park in collaboration with Rich Mix Cinema and Arts Centre. Ben Stern’s landmark Jazz on a Summer Day (1966) features the Newport Jazz Festival of 1958. The Monk and Monk in Europe (1968) films provide insight into the complicated life of Thelonius Monk, one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.

The Canary Wharf Jazz Festival is part of a summer-long array of free performing arts and music concerts in Canada Square Park. It also comes hot on the heels of April’s opening of Boisdale of Canary Wharf, which is one of the capital’s best new live music venues featuring nightly jazz and soul performances overseen by Patron of Music Jools Holland.

Sian Astrop, Arts & Events Manager at Canary Wharf Group plc said: “The Canary Wharf Jazz Festival is going from strength to strength and Canary Wharf itself is growing in stature as a music hot-spot. We are particularly pleased with the diversity of performances this year and it’s all free to enjoy. It’s going to be a memorable three days in Canada Square Park this August.

MOVING FROM A PUB VENUE TO A DEDICATED LIVE MUSIC VENUE – The Old Bell Enfield
Live Blues – rock ‘n roll – rockabilly-ska & reggea- swing -jazz-regular live music

Vicky Poyser and Pete talk about live music at Enfield’s  Old Bell

At a time when pubs and music venues are  struggling to survive it is really good news to see a long established pub making the step to a dedicated music venue; that’s exactly what’s happening at The Old Bell Enfield – its been established for over 35 years, as a music pub –now it’s being transformed and is set to become the live music place in Enfield North London. It’s a tale of community spirit and of the fans making it the place they want to it to be – the proprietor Vicky Poyser and partner Pete asked the regular customers and local people for their contributions to the look of the place. The result was astonishing; locals showered the couple with rock & roll, pop and blues memorabilia from the 50’s right through to the present day. The result is a trip down memory lane with tables covered in cuttings and pictures from the great days of live music with highlights that include a signed cheque from George Harrison to Donovan Leitch plus a signed picture of Buddy Guy. The tables are laminated so that customers can enjoy the memorabilia and the walls are covered with old 45’s, vinyl albums and covers, posters and flyers. Its fascinating to look around at and has a real rock ‘n roll vibe. The venue is featuring some of the local acts and acts from Hertfordshire. As it fully establishes through 2011 they are looking to feature acts from the national blues / roots / rock circuit which will bring them to the attention of many more people. For once a venue seems to be doing everything right and the future seems assured, the venue is valued by and performing a service to the local community; it’s something that’s long been needed in the area and at last its happening.

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Merton Manor Club 76 Kingston Road SW19 1LA Nearest tube :South Wimbledon (Northern Line)
Tel: 0208 542 9340
Saturday 20th August 2011 8pm TILL Midnight
£12 advance from Ticketweb £14 on door tickets available from Ticketweb via this link: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=448396

Chas and his band play all the Chas and Dave hits including “Rabbit”, “Gertcha”, “Ain’t No Pleasing You”, “Sideboard Song”, “Margate”, “London Girls”, “Snooker Loopy” and more.Plus songs from his new solo album plus his special Jerry Lee Lewis tribute from the time he played in the band.
Although Chas is now sin Dave, it’s nevertheless still a rip-roaring, knee-shakin’ rock ‘n’ roll affair of oompah proportions.

Lord Clement-Jones’ live music bill inches closer to becoming law with its Committee stage in the House of Lords this Friday morning, 15 July: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/livemusichl.html

The bill would roll back draconian licensing restrictions imposed on live music by the Labour government’s 2003 Licensing Act. It is supported by the music industry, campaigners and performers’ unions.

As amended, it would exempt from entertainment licensing performances of live music between 8am and 11pm to audiences of up to 200. The exemption could be disapplied in pubs and bars if noise complaints were upheld at a licence review.  Performances in hospitals, schools, and other workplaces, often caught by the existing regime, would be exempt.  The entertainment facilities provisions would be removed entirely. Unamplified performance would be exempt, subject to the hours condition, and recorded as well as live music could accompany morris dancing (only unamplified accompaniment is allowed at present).

A number of amendments will be put forward at Committee:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldbills/012/amend/am012-a.htm

Most are technical, reflecting the complexity of the Licensing Act’s music provisions, but include changing the exemption cut-off time from midnight to 11pm. This was one of the conditions required for government support announced by Baroness Rawlings during the bill’s 2nd Reading on 04 March: http://bit.ly/ol4H3A

After Committee, two further stages remain in the House of Lords, Report and 3rd reading, before the bill can go to the House of Commons.

There is no sign yet of the more radical entertainment licensing deregulation consultation promised by culture minister John Penrose in May (see The Stage 26 May: http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/32313/dcms-looks-to-cull-live-entertainment )

A number of recent developments emphasise the urgent need for reform. The Olympic Stadium, for example, has failed to apply for entertainment facilities authorisation for live music: http://bit.ly/o4c3nw [see p4, box i]

Without such authorisation, no live music using stadium-provided amplification, staging or lighting, could take place.  Last week I asked Newham Council for comment. To date they have not replied.

In St Leonards, Cafe Relax is applying for a variation to permit a DJ 7 days a week between 11:00 and 23:00hrs. Live music is to be restricted to Thu to Sat 19:00 to 22:00hrs, and Sun 14:00 to 17:00. It is further restricted to a maximum of 3 musicians plus a potential jazz genre restriction: http://bit.ly/pc6gmp

Hounslow Council has banned outdoors live music at Kings House School Sports Ground. Restrictions on indoor live music include: ‘Events will not be open to the general public’ and ’Security and trained staff will be present at all events’: http://bit.ly/qJIz3h

South Oxfordshire District Council has restricted live music to two days a week at Magoo’s, Henley-on-Thames. This is further restricted apparently to no more than two musicians playing acoustic guitar and saxophone, but not both at once!

http://bit.ly/qAsNME

Last but not least, the Red Lion in Whitehall, where in 2001 the Lords Redesdale and Colwyn, in the company of Billy Bragg and others, famously got ‘thrown out’ to draw attention to the daft ‘two in a bar rule’, is STILL restricted to two musicians.  It is free to host 3 or more DJs, however, and – like every pub or bar - unlimited big screen broadcast entertainment. See: http://bit.ly/rsI3ak

My thanks to campaigners John King, Charlotte Collingwood and Roger Gall for these examples

On Monday 26th September by Provogue Records release ‘Don’t Explain’ the
debut album collaboration between American singer-songwriter Beth Hart and
the acclaimed rock /blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. The album is made up of
intimate soul cover versions and will be released in the UK and Europe.

The album is produced by Kevin Shirley who produced albums for Aerosmith,
Black Country Communion, The Black Crowes and John Hiatt. The album
perfectly combines Beth Hart’s soulful vocal with Joe’s guitar sound to
produce a superb collection of hand-picked soul covers from such as Gil
Scott-Heron, Tom Waits, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and others.

Joe has crossed paths with Beth and her band numerous times on the road, he
recalls how ‘Don’t Explain’ came about; “I was up late one night, I couldn’t
sleep. I was playing songs on my iPod from the reissue of Get Yer Ya-Ya’s
Out, which included all the opening acts from that Stones show. As soon as
the Ike & Tina tracks came on, I just said out loud, ‘Beth Hart.’ I emailed
Kevin, saying, ‘let’s do a soul covers record with Beth,’ and he replied
back, ‘Actually, that’s a great idea.’”

To read the full tracklisting and further info -
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/provogue/hart-bonamassa.htm

THE RETURN OF THE VOICE OF ATLANTA… ANDREW BLACK… ON TOUR IN THE UK WITH ROBIN BIBI JULY 2011

All the way from Atlanta USA the renowned Andrew Black soul / blues singer guitarist extraordinaire is back in the UK for a short tour with Robin Bibi and the Robin Bibi band. Andrew and Robin between the have connections with some of the great names of blues / R&B and soul – Luther Allison, the Pretty Things,  BB King, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and jazz singer Helen Shapiro. London promoter Pete Feenstra has compared Robin Bibi as rocking like SRV,Steve Vai,  and also being as mellow as Albert King, his jazz tinged playing style has elements of Kenny Burrell and Miles Davis’ guitarist John Schofield. Andrew Black has been described as a blues soul man with elements of Bill Withers, Otis Redding and Robert Cray. If these shows are anything like as good as his last tour then punters are guaranteed a great night’s music.

TUESDAY JULY 19…BARNES ROCK at the Homeguard Club 76A Richmond Park Rd East Sheen London SW14 8LA with special guests including JOHN WARWICK

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR NOVEMBER UK TOUR

Following her successful May tour in May, blues rock guitarist/singer Joanne Shaw Taylor returns to the UK for a 10 date November, opening at the Buxton Arts Centre on Tuesday November 15th.

Tour dates are: Buxton Arts Centre (15), London Islington o2 Academy (16),

Bristol Tunnels (17), Exeter Phoenix (18), Falmouth Princess Pavilion (19),

Wolverhampton Robin 2 (22), Glasgow o2 ABC (23), St Helens, Citadel (24),

Huddersfield Lawrence Batley Theatre (25) and York Fibbers (26).

 Tickets are available now from 0871 230 1101 and www.seetickets.com

Joanne who has become a major figure on the UK blues rock music scene was discovered as a 16-year-old guitar prodigy by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. She will perform songs from her debut album ‘White Sugar’, and the 2010 follow-up ‘Diamonds in the Dirt’

CHICAGO, one of the most successful US bands ever, with their self styled
‘rock ‘n roll with horns’ are to perform a special one-off ‘Greatest Hits’
UK concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 6th July.
Tickets are available from 0844 888 9991 and 0844 847 1642.  Book online:
www.ticketline.co.uk, www.ticketmaster.co.uk.  This will be their only UK
date this year.

The multi-million selling band’s had a massive string of hits starting with
’25 or 6 to 4′; the greatest hits set will include classic songs such as ‘If
You Leave Me Now’, their biggest ever UK hit and trans-Atlantic chart
topper, Colour My World, Hard to Say I’m Sorry and Saturday In The Park. The
current line-up includes original founding members Robert Lamm, Lee
Loughnane, James Pankow and Walt Parazaider, plus Jason Scheff, Tris
Imboden, Keith Howland, Lou Pardini and Drew Hester.

The band’s long list of achievements includes multiple Grammy Awards,
American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their record
sales are in excess of 100 million; including 21 Top 10 singles, 5
consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles.
Twenty five of their 32 albums have been certified platinum. One of London’s
live music events of the year and not to be missed.

For Immediate Release, London, England -

CHICAGO, one of the most successful rock’n'roll bands of all time, will
perform a special one-off “Greatest Hits” UK concert at London’s HMV
Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 6th July.  Tickets are available from 0844
888 9991 and 0844 847 1642.  Book online: www.ticketline.co.uk,
www.ticketmaster.co.uk.  The London show will be their only UK date this
year.

The multi-million selling band’s greatest hits set will include classic
songs such as Colour My World, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, Saturday In The Park,
and If You Leave Me Now, which topped the singles charts in the UK and
America. The current line-up includes original founding members Robert Lamm,
Lee Loughnane, James Pankow and Walt Parazaider, plus Jason Scheff, Tris
Imboden, Keith Howland, Lou Pardini and Drew Hester.

Chicago’s numerous lifetime achievements include multiple Grammy Awards,
American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their record
sales are in excess of 100 million; including 21 Top 10 singles, 5
consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles.
Twenty five of their 32 albums have been certified platinum.

US INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL GIG AT THE BULLS HEAD BARNES

One of London’s most active promoters PETE FEENSTRA is presenting an Independence Day Special on Monday 4^th July at the BULLS HEAD BARNES, the event features South London rockers ROADHOUSE, a major success at last year’s Glastonbury Festival. They’re flying on the success of their latest album ‘DARK ANGEL’ which has received massive air-play in Europe and will be really hot after their short Dutch tour, here’s a video link to some footage from the Skegness Festival appearance last year http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpgN_OrP6DQ . There will be a special appearance by former Roadhouse guitarist DREW BARRON http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaK-5aYMBtE&feature=related noted for his exceptionally fast and fluent playing style. Drew is flying in especially for this one so it’ll be a real treat for guitar fans. Support will be by North London’s rootsy quartet DELTA LADIES – click here for the DELTA LADIES MOVIE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i37ONyvMap8 they’ve expanded to four and will feature the outstanding fiddle and boogie piano of Diana Stone -the ‘Ladies’ have secured several notable support slots including Larry Garner, Hans Theesink and Chris Farlowe plus festivals including Upton Blues Fest, plus gigs at several prestige roots venues including Cambridge Folk Club. They’ll open and make it sure it’s all grounded right down in the roots before the guitar gods bestride the stage. It starts at 8.30pm and its just £8 to get in and hear a great evening’s music

Internationally renowned rock band TOTO perform their only UK concert this
year at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 26th June, 2011.

Ticket Hotline: 0844 888 9991 or 0844 847 1642.

Book Online:  www.ticketline.co.uk or  www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

TOTO will perform all their hits including Hold
The Line, Rosanna and Africa. The current line-up features Joseph Williams
(lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards), Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals),
Steve Porcaro (keyboards), Simon Phillips (drums), and Nathan East (bass
guitar). TOTO will also perform songs from their twelve studio albums
including their eponymous debut TOTO (1978).

LOU REED RELEASES NEW LIVE DVD

Lou Reed’s new DVD ‘Lollapalooza Live’, is released in the UK and Europe on
Monday August 1st, it features eight Reed classics including ‘Sweet Jane’,
‘Senselessly Cruel’, ‘Dirty Boulevard’, ‘Waves Of Fear’, ‘Mad’, ‘Paranoid
Key Of E’, ‘I’m Waiting For The Man’, and ‘Walk On The Wild Side’. It was
filmed at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago on August 9th, 2009. The band
line-up on the DVD is Lou Reed (vocals, guitar, continuum, Rob Wasserman
(bass), Tony ‘Thunder’ Smith (drums), Mike Rathke (guitar), Steve Hunter
(who played on Lou Reed’s ‘Berlin’), Kevin Hearn (keyboards), Ulrich Krieger
(sax), Sarth Calhoun (electronics, fingerboard continuum, processing) and).
‘Lollapalooza Live’ has the added intensity and challenge of a 15-minute
mid-set section of instrumental noise performed by Lou’s Metal Machine Trio.

Named in honour of the famous Richmond venue that spawned so much of the 60’s blues boom, such as the Rolling Stones, the New Crawdaddy has run for around 13 years, every Thursday night. Its part of lively Essex Blues scene which has run through Doctor Feelgood and Wilko Johnson, Tim Aves and the Rockin’ Armadillos, and more recently bands such as Hokie Joint with their Keith Richard look-a-like drummer Stephen Cutmore, and Elephant Shelf. Several major names have played here including Buddy Whittington, Larry Miller, Joe Bonamassa and Connie Lush. The music is of a consistently high standard – Blues, R&B and Roots. If you’ve enjoyed anything in R&B from Muddy Waters, James Brown through to the Rolling Stones and Oli Brown there is something for you to enjoy.

There is a superb dedicated team behind the scenes led by Paul Dean, and the sound team is also the house band the Heaters who open every club evening. A highly versatile unit playing the whole range of classic sounds the Heaters are at this year’s Cambridge Rock Festival alongside Essex favourites such as the Hamsters, Larry Miller, Elephant Shelf and Roadhouse. One of Essex’s finest nights out!

New Crawdaddy Club

The Belvedere, Hardings Elms Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UH

www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk

POKEY LAFARGE & the SOUTH CITY THREE –US RAGTIME BLUESERS’ LONDON SPECIAL AT BROOK’S BLUES BAR

POKEY LAFARGE & the SOUTH CITY THREE –US RAGTIME BLUESERS’ LONDON SPECIAL AT BROOK’S BLUES BAR

 From the USA Pokey Lafarge & the South City Three renowned ragtime blues band play at one of London’s premier blues venues on Saturday 18^th June – Brookes Blues Bar at Parsons Green Sports & Social Club, Broomhouse Lane, Fulham SW6 3DP. Brooks Blues Bar is regarded as the acoustic blues & roots venue – it regularly presents the very best; Pokey Lafarge & Co are no exception – proprietor Tony Bell says “It’s one of the year’s highlights when Pokey & Co play here  – the musicianship is brilliant and the entertainment value is second to none”. It all part of a very busy time for the band which has a new album ‘Middle of Everywhere’ out on 19 July. Catch a preview of the album on www.pokeylafarge.net which also features a video channel. For information on the venue go to www.brooksbluesbar.co.uk

Ace Dutch guitarist HANS THEESSINK plays a one-off concert at London’s renowned HALF MOON PUTNEY on Thursday 23^rd June. Management announced ‘Hans is really pleased to have the opportunity to play a show at the famous Half Moon. Hans is renowned as a master of the acoustic guitar and especially the 12 string guitar

Hans Theessink is more or less constantly on tour and plays an average of 200 concerts a year – regarded as a modern day troubadour and entertainer he keeps right on spellbinding audiences world-wide with his rich and emotional sounds.  He is one of the most sought-after artists of the international blues scene and it’s a real coup for the Half Moon. Once described by Bo Diddley as ‘one helluva guitar player’ tickets for Hans’ show can be obtained from www.halfmoonputney.co.uk . Hans Theessink will be supported by London roots / blues act DELTA LADIES

 

 Hans Theesink interved by Vicky Martin [11:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

MAJOR NEW BLUES & REAL ALE FESTIVAL IN EAST SUSSEX

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The first PLUMPTON BEER & BLUES FESTIVAL takes place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September at the grounds of the PLOUGH INN Plumpton East Sussex. The event will present 14 live acts and over 60 cask ale Beers, Ciders and Perrys. It is set in 3 acre field overlooking the South Down Way. There will be two stages and a main bar. Headlining the main stage on Saturday will be DEBORAH BONHAM with her powerful blues/rock; the day will also feature the soulful Blues of TODD SHARPVILLE, London favourite – slide player PAPA GEORGE, and. Sunday’s main stage headliners are NINE BELOW ZERO, and the stage will also 24 PESOS (the New Brunswick Festival contest winners), the highly original roots based R&B of ELEPHANT SHELF, and the mellow acoustic blues of local man ROBERT BROWN.

The locally sourced second stage will feature an excellent mix of R&B, roots , bluegrass, Gypsy swing and Ska; including – Smokestack, Simon & Sleeze, Porchlight Smoker, Harry’s Tricks, The SkaToons, Zarbo & Maunder.

It promises an excellent and varied festival in wonderful surroundings and the proprietors are keeping ticket prices at a very reasonable level – Weekend tickets £35 + £10 camping per tent – Under 18’s £20.00.  Day tickets are £20.00 adults + £5 camping. Parking is free of charge.

Tickets will be available from 1st June by calling 01273 890311. Full information by emailing robandjo@theploughatplumpton.co.uk

PAUL COX ONE OF BRITAIN’S FINEST AND THE FRENCH CONNECTION

It’s a busy time for Paul Cox he has a new album with French guitarist Charlie Fabert ‘THAT’S WHAT WE WERE BORN FOR’; that’s about to be released, and there is a whole run of live shows that includes one at the prestigious Pheasantry as part of the London Blues Festival organized by Shades of Soul. Paul is one of the very best vocalists on the UK Blues & Soul scene with a voice that has long been regarded as being in the same league as Chris Farlowe and Joe Cocker. He’s a truly talented performer and has the key ingredients- determination for hard work and an unabashed enthusiasm- that look like bringing long overdue success. We caught up with Paul at various venues and at Roger Cotton’s Kent studio. Paul was always expansive and talked about the ups and the downs of his career so far, and his French connection his musical partnership with Charlie Fabert.

Before we talk about musical background lets catch up with where you’re at right now – we know, having met you at the studios, that you’re well on the way to completing an album with Charlie Fabert – can you tell readers first of all who is Charlie Fabert? And how’s the album coming along?

Charlie is a 22 year old French Blues guitarist I met in 2009 at Christmas during a gig at The EEL PIE club Christmas party. I saw him playing with the house band and was moved by his expressive playing, and a musical maturity way beyond his years. We talked after the gig and I realised he was a big fan of mine. So we discussed working together in 2010. He organised a DVD recording which I am a guest on and we toured later that year in both Britain and France to really encouraging responses. The obvious next step was to record which is what we are doing at the moment. His musical taste was very similar to my own so we had common ground to work from and I have found him a good sounding board for ideas; something that I have missed over the last few years.

Apart his work with me Charlie has built up a glowing reputation on the Blues scene in France with some spectacular reviews for his shows and playing. His French band is wonderful and a joy to work with, as is my line up in the U.K. We can consider ourselves blessed in that department. The CD is coming along nicely; it features four original compositions, two each from Richie Milton and Roger Cotton. There are also a couple of other great songs that we play live; ‘Be Good to Yourself’ and ‘You Were Never Mine’ which is beautiful song by Delbert Mclinton and Benmont Tench. We’re hoping to have the CD out at the beginning of June.

What else have you got going on at the moment?

I have dates with Charlie lined up from late May through to the end of the year in Britain and in France to help promote the new CD and DVD. I’ve also got shows under my own name including the London Blues Festival on May 18th at The Pheasantry in the Kings Road. The dates with Charlie start on May 27th at The Rooster Bar in Lamberhurst and May 28th at The Jook House, Grand Victorian Hotel, Worthing followed by the Eel Pie on June 1st and The Boom Boom Club on June 5th with more to come later. Check out www.cox-fabert.com , or www.note-music.co.uk for all gig listings.

There’s a magical chemistry between you and Charlie when you’re on-stage – that sort of intuitive partnership is very rare –can you comment?

Musical respect I guess, we had no idea how it would work until we tried it and it seems to work, long may it continue!

I’m intrigued at how much your style crosses the blues and soul field – its individual but if was to make a comparison I think it might be to Delbert McClinton – comments

Most definitely, I have always worn my influences on my sleeve and have no qualms with making that obvious but I don’t think that is a problem as long as you put yourself in there at the top of the list. I have been compared with many people over the years, I guess people need a reference point to put you in a place they understand but I always endeavour to put my own stamp on things as much as I can. Charlie does as well, its probably why we work so well together

We’ve trawled around You Tube, etc. and seen lots of video and your song choice is pretty wide ranging- I wonder if you could talk about your influences and in particular if there is one seminal influence that really inspired you – a sort of role model?

Not one in particular but I feel I am carrying on a line that started with Long John Baldry and runs up to today with the likes of James Hunter, you know, can Blue boys sing the whites? I reckon my earliest influences came from Radio and singing styles I heard when I was a teenager in the 70′s. It’s probably subconscious but more readily Soul/ Blues style passionate voices, Otis Redding, Al Green, Paul Rogers, Joe Cocker, Robert Plant, etc.

Do you differentiate styles – this is blues – that’s soul – or is it all just ‘songs’?

It’s always the song, hence so many covers I guess. I am an interpreter first and foremost; a song has to have something I feel I can give something of me too. I would love to write a song that could be covered, I think we have one on this new CD, but I will always bow down to the greats in the song-writing department, I know my place!!

Let’s go back now – how did you start out in music?

My first pro gig was in 1978 with a rock band in Rugby called Oyster, great guitarist in that band called Robin Jones, he was a phenomenal talent and I believe he still plays. We met at Printing college in Birmingham and swapped cassette tapes of each other, he was playing along to John McLaughlin and I was singing ‘Black Dog’ to the record!!, very early recording I can tell you!!

What would you say were career highlights so far?

There are several I guess; the first time you hear yourself on the Radio is always nice, working with great guitar players is another, Snowy White, Ray Minhinnett, Henry McCulloch, the late lamented John Slaughter…and of course Charlie! Also making 5 CD’s of my own plus various memorable concerts and festivals, Montreux, Ronnie Scott’s, London Palladium (great blues venue!) Royal Festival Hall, opening for Ray Charles and Eric Clapton, singing with Paul Rogers, Bonnie Tyler, Sam Brown, Ruby Turner, Debbie Bonham; the list goes on…

You’ve been around a while and I imagine there’ve been a few low points as well?

There are always low points, but as the old sage once said ‘without the lows you can’t appreciate the highs’, although the balance has tilted somewhat into the former just lately! As you and many of our musical kin know that this game is like constantly entering the lottery and occasionally getting 4 numbers, just a little better than normal but not long before the ticket needs to be replaced!!

You’ve got a great voice, great performance, and in my view you should be up there alongside Farlowe and the rest – it must have been a hard struggle to keep going – what’s your philosophy in all of this?

I suppose never give up. There are times when the well of self belief runs a little dry but something or someone comes along to perk it up a little, i.e. Charlie. If I had as much belief in myself as others do then I should be a superstar. But hearing that all the while, the flattery, can in itself compound the frustration, but don’t stop saying it … PLEASE!!!! I guess its the love of doing it and the buzz etc., I mean what else could I do that I am good at, get paid for, have a ball, meet wonderful talented people who consider me an equal, and get a round of applause!!(Actually don’t answer that!)

Let me say without flattery, you’ve got a great voice and you are a great performer – do you think the best is yet to come?

For sure, I am just getting going! With this CD and a great band it can only get better, watch this space!! I mean fifty is the new thirty and I feel that I am a damn site better singer now than I was then.

What are you aiming for?

I always wanted Respect and a regular income from music to sustain my life without being too grandiose. It has never really been about the money, though I have to say it is a bit more these days I… but being remembered and talked of in the right way; and I want people to LOVE ME!, but seriously getting people out to gigs, buying the CD’s and leaving a lasting musical legacy, not a lot you see!!

How do you see the music scene in general in these days?

It’s evolved in a way which I feel has marginalised a lot of live music in the U.K. The average good music venue, pub or club etc. is thin on the ground and there is a whole generation who have never really experienced good live music at a fledgling level. Nowadays it’s all O2 Academy and big sponsored gigs, it’s tough…

…the internet has opened up so many opportunities for people but there is no quality control so anyone can say they are a musician or songwriter but they’re not always gonna find an audience, I know! It reminds me of the Punk days but I feel that this revolution is technology led rather than talent based. As for the Xfactor, well that’s just another New Faces or Opportunity Knocks. We had those shows when we were young and this generation has their chance now, but it’s not a true barometer of what’s out there, it’s just Saturday night TV making money for Mr Cowell.

When we watched you at the Jook House last week, you were on the edge of the stage and the band was swinging and you were into that classic gospel style call and response thing – it was a great moment. But I wonder how do you see all of that in the light of modern culture – I mean the Dance Music / Rave / X factor culture – are we in the death throes of a musical style that’s just a preserve of the over 40’s or something else?

Well Charlie is only 22, Oli Brown is young, Chantel McGregor, etc., but I know what you mean, it’s the audience which needs to get younger too or this great music we love is gonna die out!

Musically, tell us how you go about arranging songs – are you a player as such, do you score charts – or use as form of short-hand – how do you do it?

None of that, I just sing. I use my recorder on my mobile, sing an idea then whoever I am writing with helps find the chords and we work it out from there, no set way. For instance on Ain’t Nuthin’ Doing’ I just sang the lyrics as we were putting down the vocal, it’s just whatever works.

Your career has already run a while – have you got any songs that you always come back to?

A few- in truth, like many muso’s, it’s the new ones that you want to play- but there are a couple, ‘Damn Your Eyes’ and ‘Dangerous Mood’ and ‘Walking on Sunset’ have become staple fayre these days.

So having reflected on a career that definitely seems to be on the rise – Paul was up and raring to get on stage for yet another show.

Paul Cox & Charlie Fabert Tour Dates

May 23, Bulls Head , Barnes

May 27 Lamberhurst

May 28 Jook House, Worthing

June 1 Eel Pie Club

June 2 Sullivans, Weybridge

June 5 Boom Boom Club, Sutton

July 7 Beaverwood Lodge, Chislehurst

July 8 Sunbury Sports Club, Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury

LARRY GARNER ONLY LONDON APPEARANCE THIS SUMMER 15^TH MAY A SPECIAL OFFER!

LARRY GARNER the noted US Bluesman is doing just one London show this summer; he’s accompanied by the NORMAN BEAKER BAND, and there’ll be support from North London’s highly original Roots/R&B band playing songs from their forthcoming album ELEPHANT SHELF. To enhance London’s mood of celebration following the Royal Wedding the promoters are offering a special price ticket including a free pint of Real ale or a single shot of choice to anyone ordering tickets and quoting this advert for just £15.00

LARRY GARNER plus Norman Beaker Band plus Elephant Shelf plus a drink £15.00

Click here or Google Half Moon Putney or click the Ad on this page for a super bargain deal

Claire Hamlin one of the only women rockin’ blues, boogie woogie and rock n roll pianist in the UK & Europe for that matter,and founder of the excellent

Claire Hamiln Live @ Jump Jive and Shout

Saturday 14th May 2011
8pm -12 Entry £5.00 on the door

Slammer’s Maximum Jive band. Making a welcome return to Jump Jive and Shout expect an invigorating live set.

Also performing on the night is Chuck Berry inspired rock n roll guitarist/singer
Danny J with his exhilarating take on 50s rock n roll & blues.

With dj Jeniffer Jackson spinning some of the best in pulsating, energy driven 1940s/50s rhythm n blues, jump jive, boogie woogie, doo wop and more.

Positively 4th Street

119 Hampstead Road

Camden

London NW1 3EE

Buses 24, 27,29,88,134

4min walk from Warren Street. Euston Square or Mornington Crescent Tubes

Saturday 23 April Delta Ladies at Rogers Birthday Bash at the Cats Back Putney

A few suprises on Rogers Birthday night!