A Gallery of the Imagination Rick Wakeman’s musical collaboration with his band The English Rock Ensemble certainly has hidden depths, which incidentally is the appropriate title of the opening track on ‘A Gallery Of The Imagination’ Rick’s latest album release. Imagine this...a collection of songs that might inspire the listener to approach music making in the same way as Mr. Wakeman has set about creating
Books for the Music People Christmas may have come and gone but there is still time to buy presents for your nearest and dearest and those you know slightly in the queue for cat food at Lidl. There can be no greater gift to bestow than a good book, even if it’s only a re-print of the 1939 A-Z map of London, available at all
Ronnie Scott once hailed Phil Seamen as ‘Britain’s Greatest Jazz Drummer’ a man who achieved cult status during his lifetime and inspired generations of jazz and rock musicians including Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones and Ginger Baker of Cream. Phil is also described as a Percussion genius and a Legendary Rebel and Born Raver in a remarkable new book written and published by author
At soundcheck (From left to right) Peter Lemer, Ana Gracey, Phil Mulford & Billy Thompson Wicked Games at the Pizza Express October 9, 2022 It was a sunny Sunday afternoon when Ana Gracey descended the steps down to the Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, ready to sing her heart out. She was greeted by an audience of fans and friends all eager to hear the
Flying Home! Cadogan Hall London When Lionel Hamptons’s all-American big band stormed into flag waving numbers like ‘Flying Home’ and ‘Airmail Special’ it sent crowds wild with excitement. Never more so, than when the vibraphone king performed at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem in 1962 alongside an all star cast of legendary performers. Could such magical moments ever be repeated? Yes, they could and by a
Photos: Sari Toplek It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we last saw the Steve Eggs Band performing at the Oval Tavern, one of the best live rock music venues in Croydon. But they came back on September 16th, 2022 boiling with energy amidst a bubbling cauldron of creativity. It was in October 2021 that the band celebrated the release of its new
Live at the Beaverwood Club September 7th 2022 Is it possible? Yes it is! There is a great young blues guitarist on the scene that has all the attributes of the legendary names of the past, while establishing his own unique, distinctive style and musical personality. Which is a rather long winded way of saying simply...Aynsley Lister. It was Aynsley and his powerhouse trio who
Ronnie Scott’s Club, London September 5th, 2022 ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You!’ proclaimed Georgie Fame as the Guy Barker Big Band roared encouragement during their debut number on the hallowed stage at London’s Ronnie Scott’s Club. The audience couldn’t stop lovin’ Mr. Fame and his band of musical brothers either, during the first night of a long awaited week’s residency It was an emotional occasion.
Live in Chelsea 25 August 2022 ‘What a great band!’ That was the cry when Colosseum underwent the scrutiny of fans and supporters at Chelsea F.C. on a hot night in August. There were cheers and whistles too when the new team of strikers kicked the musical ball into the back of the net during a sensational performance. We say ‘new’ because there are youthful
The Mick Collins Legacy Jazz Orchestra Live at Farnborough Jazz Club If you love ‘King Porter Stomp’ and ‘Four Brothers’ then it’s pretty safe to assume you are a fan of big band jazz. For those are the fondly remembered classic arrangements long associated with the swing era orchestras famously led by Benny Goodman and Woody Herman. So when the Mick Collins Legacy Jazz Orchestra
