This wonderful compilation album released in 1966 - is a sonic delight and a peep into an earlier simpler time for popular song.
The quartet of brothers (and over the years non family members) were active from the 1930’s and…
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Mary Wells - Motown’s First Superstar
“Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown's First Superstar” by Peter Benjaminson is an extremely well researched book that looks at the life and career of Mary Wells.
Of course we remember her huge singles in particular “My Guy” written…
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Candice Ivory : Upcoming album “New Southern Vintage” and the "Southern Surrealism” of her art
Grammy nominated blues and roots soul singer Candice Ivory, pays homage to this iconic Southern music tradition- and the pioneering artists such as Memphis Minnie.
Keeping this music tradition alive is encapsulated and continued in her forthcoming album “New Southern…
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Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures albums : a leading light getting American Soul Music into the UK in the 1960’s
I stumbled across this album (Deep Soul Treasures - Vol 5) containing the more obscure early soul artists from the 50’s and the 60’s- typically on more minor regional American labels and not the obvious Motown or Atlantic.
The deeper…
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Julie London - the taste and sophistication of her “Julie Is Her Name” album from 1955
This beautiful album was very well received when it was released.
Julie London and her smooth sultry vocals, magnificently presented the range of jazz tunes in a most intimate way.
In part, its the simple arrangements- with London accompanied only…
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Labi Siffre - defying musical boundaries and genres
The music of UK musician Labi Siffre, defied all boundaries , was unique to him and could uplift and galvanize emotions from subject matter that was in our ordinary lives.
His early 70’s heyday included hits such at “It Must…
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The late great Mick Ralphs , Mott The Hoople and All the Young Dudes
Earlier this week we lost the great Mick Ralphs (founding member and guitarist and songwriter) of Mott The Hoople and Bad Company.
In fact this past month has sadly seen the departure of both Sly Stone and Brian Wilson of…
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Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood- a story of redemption by Koren Zailckas
This book chronicles her real struggle with alcohol from the age of 14 until her early 20’s.
College life then work life and the expectation -especially in her work life in NYC -that alcohol was an expected part of growing…
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Joan Armatrading “Love and Affection” soulful and original songwriting
Great memories of this 1976 tune from Joan Armatrading - which was a top 10 hit in the UK.
Majestic , acoustic and soulful -Joan’s songwriting was confident -and thankfully record companies at that time allowed the artist’s personality to…
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Tanita Tikaram - looking back to her captivating “Ancient Heart” debut album from 1988
Tanita Tikaram burst on to the music scene in the UK in 1988 with this seemingly timeless and chart topping debut album- which still sounds fresh and vital today after 37 years.
Her original style transcended many genres and that’s…
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