Haçienda DJ legend Mike Pickering maybe not a household name in all circles - but his imprint on DJ dance culture , post punk , rave , neo-soul and beyond is groundbreaking - especially for those of us who lived…

In the mid eighties there was a move in the UK heralded by Sade , Stings first solo records, Simply Red, Spandau Ballet  etc- to a smooth sophisticated jazz aesthetic.

Amongst this polished pop jazz was the break out 1987…

This is such a good easy read by one of the sixties great drummers - who was in three of the top tier of bands between the 60’s and the 80’s : Small Faces,Faces and the Who.

Like so many…

Although not as well known as the other contemporary popular jazz singers of the time (Ella, Dinah or Sarah) - Irene Reid stands toe to toe with the best.

To quote from the album liner notes - she possesses the…

To quote a well worn cliche - but its true : it was hard to put this book down.

It recounts the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s doomed expedition to the South Pole in 1914.

Surrounded by pack ice and…

This wonderful LP (her second) really is a genre hopping masterwork.

She covers jazz and standards , show tunes as well as gospel and blues and some theater.

Orchestral arrangements come via Bob Mersey who would work with the first…

For those of us who look back on the early 70’s glam rock scene in the UK - the petite bass wielding Suzi Quatro was right up there having hits alongside Slade and T Rex.

Although only 5’ 2” she…

Though not totally regraded as her best work after the monumental “Cry Me A River” from her debut album “Julie Is Her Name” in 1955 -her “Our Fair Lady” LP from 1965 -still holds up.

The arrangements are fuller with…

This book came out in 2010 and is a great look at the 50 year recording career of audio engineer Phill Brown.

Even though the name may not be familiar to everyone apart from those in the recording industry -…

This album covers the smooth gentle sound of this vocal talent from the 40’s and 50’s - and is a good starting point.

There are novelty songs so typical of the 50’s - but also the warm and relaxing hits…