The music charts in the mid 70’s had an abundance of melodic pop artists - smooth in sound writing glorious melodies with pop hooks in abundance.
We think of the Carpenters , Gilbert O’ Sullivan , 10CC ,Paul Simon and…
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Never A Dull Moment : 1971 The Year Rock Exploded - an absorbing analysis by David Hepworth
Esteemed UK music journalist and presenter David Hepworth takes us back to 1971 in his book which examines the transition from pop to the rock era - and the changes in record labels, artists, producers and the audience itself.
Its…
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Caterina Valente: The Intimate Valente - her Bossanova LP from 1966
This is a wonderful LP from the great French Italian singer Caterina Valente.
A talented vocalist and guitarist - this album arranges standards from Cole Porter and Henry Mancini amongst others , and heads towards a sunny bossanova influence.
She…
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The Rolling Stones - Black and Blue album (1976) - a transitional masterwork
Although this album met more of a muted critical response at the time of its release - in retrospect this really is an underrated album.
Known as the “audition album” numerous guitarists were auditioned to replace the recently departed Mick…
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Matt Monroe - The Singer's Singer
British singer Matt Monroe was known as "The Man with the Golden Voice” and the “British Sinatra” - he was indeed “The Singer's Singer”.
His peak time was in the 60’s when the former London bus driver was signed to…
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The landmark year of 1966 and the "Beano" album
John Mayalls’ Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton album from 1966- to give it its correct name- was indeed a turning point for guitar rock and blues.
Hugely influential with Clapton’s 1960 Gibson Les Paul into a cranked Marshall 2 x12 combo…
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The enduring catchy melodies of Gilbert O’ Sullivan
In the early 70’s in the UK - there seemed like a steady flow of singer songwriters producing very accessible and catchy tunes about every day life.
The great Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’ Sullivan stands out with a stream of…
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Mei Semones and her original signature fusion of indie rock, bossanova, jazz and chamber pop
This new artist and her unique blend of bossanova and other pop and rock elements - caught my ear.
Equally impressive is the technique and production values this 25 year old artist has amassed and presented to the world.
She…
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Farewell Danny Thompson - bass player extraordinaire who inspired generations of musicians
The great bass player Danny Thompson recently passed away aged 86.
A virtuoso on the British jazz and jazz folk scene - he is fondly remembered with his freeform style that propelled Pentangle in the late 60’s as well as…
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Mose Allison - an influential jazz artist who inspired rock legends
The Mose Allison Sings album from 1963, is a great starting point for any listener looking to appreciate the understated style of the late great jazz pianist and singer Mose Allison.
Witty and laid back, the album comprises of tracks…
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