Donald Millers new book really covers this often told and perhaps glossed over period of WW2 history- with shocking realism and perspective.
We are aware of the Memphis Belle pilots via movies - however this book digs deep and gives…
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The New Wave social realism of Matt Johnson and his creative music in The The.
Throughout the 80’s and 90’s the music of The The and Matt Johnson ,offered an intelligent observation of society both in the UK and also internationally with globalization and the influence of American culture throughout the world.
He documented the…
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Remembering Soul and Gospel Singer Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations
We lost the great Cissy Houston this week at the age of 91.
I was reminded of her long career in music and especially the Sweet Inspirations whom she formed with Doris Troy and Dee Dee Warwick in 1963.
They…
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Larry Young : Hammond B3 Jazz organ innovator - from Blue Note to Miles Davis to Jazz Fusion
Larry Young started as a jazz organist - influenced by blues and gospel - but later progressed -unlike a lot of his organ contemporaries- to a more experimental and jazz fusion style.
His early 1960’s albums “Groove Street” and “Testifying”…
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All Or Nothing- a new book about the legendary Steve Marriott of the Small Faces and Humble Pie fame.
This new book by Simon Spence is truly a great read - meticulously researched and quoted directly from all those who were part of the story.
The book delves into one of the UKs best loved music stars from the…
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Johnny Marr “Set the Boy Free” : The Autobiography
This breezy autobiography of the Smiths co-founder is a great read and a delve into a working class Manchester upbringing in the 60’s and 70’s.
For those of us who grew up at this time in the UK - his…
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Bill Jennings - “Stompin’ With Bill” and other swinging delights!
I came across this amazing and obscure jump blues guitarist via his “Stompin’ With Bill” album accompanied by the Ray Bryant Trio - as well as Tiny Grimes.
This featured material recorded in the 40’s and 50’s.
He was known…
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Richard Wilson’s new album ”Let’s Be Free” : digging deep and finding soulful inspiration in blues and jazz
The title of soulful jazz and blues songwriter Richard Wilson’s new album is really emblematic of his approach to creating music.
Basically - by freeing your mind and writing all original music that touch on the great musical genres in…
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The Graham Bond Organization - pre-dating psychedelic rock and jazz fusion in the mid 1960’s UK
The Graham Bond Organization came to prominence in the UK the mid 60’s- earning a reputation for playing aggressive R & B and jazz with improvisation.
Bond was the primary songwriter - with contributions from the other band members.
The…
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Mable John - Motown and Stax Soul and Blues Pioneer
Mabel John has the honor of being the first female artist signed by Berry Gordy to Motown’s Tamla label in 1960.
Her early romantic blues singles were eclipsed by more popular acts like the Miracles and later Martha and The…
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