For any guitar player of any genre, the pure lyrical quality, finesse and technique of Roy Buchanan was admirable.
In particular his self titled “Roy Buchanan” second album from 1972 , showcased a master at his peak.
This album echoed…
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Artist’s Choice album: Bob Dylan (Music That Matters To Him) - a myriad of influences
I first heard this album when it was released via Starbucks in 2008 - I was not thinking too much about the significance of this album - but I was intrigued, thinking there would be at least a few cool…
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Soca Music - the Soul of Calypso
Influenced by African and Asian Indian rhythms - its a genre of music originating from Trinidad and Tobago.
Lord Shorty is acknowledged as its originator in the early 70’s -as an alternative to Jamaican reggae and soul and funk in…
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The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl LP- capturing the magic and power of the Fab Four in concert in 1964-5
This album was compiled from live shows at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964 and 1965 - and originally recorded on 3 track track tape. The convention being , record the band in stereo and put the voices on the third…
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Heralding in a new era for Yes - the creation of the Drama album from 1980
Released in 1980 - this album reflected a seismic shift in the band and reflected the post -Punk and New Wave environment that was happening at the time.
There were false starts with this album -as the follow up to…
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Hullabaloo TV Show - mid 60’s American Music Television Treasure!
Continuing the theme of forgotten but influential 1960’s TV music shows - we have Hullabaloo.
Broadcast on NBC from 1965-66 and directed by Steve Binder of Elvis ’68 Come Back Special fame.
Guests included Chuck Berry , Mamas and The…
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Pete Seeger’s “Rainbows Quest” mid 60’s TV show : preserving the legacy of American folk and blues
Pete Seeger’s “Rainbows Quest” TV show - filmed in black and white, ran for 39 episodes from 1965-66.
The show had an endearing homespun quality - no studio audience - just Pete Seeger interviewing and joining in with his music…
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Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel-an original voice in 70’s Pop
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel produced some memorable albums and songs in the UK in the seventies.
Contemporary artists like 10cc also had a similar original melodic vibe- and are definitely part of the soundtrack to my formative years in…
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The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - 1970’s theatrical originality in the time of pre-Punk
I first became aware of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in the mid 70’s with their cover of the Tom Jones classic “Delilah" in 1975.
This tough glam rock Scottish band had a theatrical quality to them, embodying everything from…
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Jean-Michel Basquiat - painting the dichotomies of life
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art focused on the dichotomies of life : wealth versus poverty , inclusion and exclusion- to name but a couple of concepts.
His art reflected his rich cultural background, born in New York City in 1960 to parents…
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