STILL MOTOR BIKING...SPEDDING IN THE SPOTLIGHT Iconic guitarist Chris Spedding celebrated his remarkable career in music with a splendid 50th Anniversary concert in London on June 29. He performed with a special All-Star group and also took part in a Face to Face Question and Answer session with Melody Maker’s Chris Welch in front of a large and appreciative audience. Fans had come from as
We were sad to hear of the death of Roy Carr, one of the NME’s most popular and influential writers during the 1970s and 1980s, who also contributed to the MM, Uncut and Vox. Roy, a jolly, outgoing personality, blended his enthusiasm for many strands of popular music with a sly, witty humour. He championed many newly arrived artists, notably Bruce Springsteen and Elton John
Fans raised their arms in supplication as the Quintessential Yes roared towards the climax of their 50th Anniversary Show at London's 02 Arena (June 17th). They were moved by the sheer power of 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart, ' the hit song that revived the band's fortunes in 1983 and ensured another 35 years of classic rock excellence. It was just one of a series
MAGICIAN OF THE DRUMS When Jon Hiseman passed away in the early hours of June 12, 2018, he left a huge void in the lives of family, friends, fellow musicians and all those he had met and inspired during a lifetime of dedication to music. Photograph Phil Mulford (above) Wolfgang Gonaus (below) An inspirational force of energy, he tempered his enthusiasm, ambition and passion for
It was a hot and wild night at the Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst, when American guitar hero Ryan McGarvey flew into town and into action. Backed by a powerful rhythm section, the charismatic performer sang and played a selection of songs from his album 'The Road Chosen'. He simultaneously entranced, and partially deafened a crowd of his most loyal British fans, who clapped and cheered every stomping, blues
RADIO 3 JAZZ JAMS One of the best jazz record programmes on air is Geoffrey Smith's 'Jazz' on BBC Radio 3. Tune in at midnight on Saturdays to be treated to a succession of profiles of some of the finest performers from the golden age of swing to bop. Most recent was a show devoted to the recordings made by Billie Holiday and Lester Young
Wailing at the Pizza Express When Pete Lemer recorded Local Colour in 1966 he could hardly have believed it would be celebrated 52 years later with the re-release of his critically acclaimed album and a triumphant ‘live’ performance. Yet, when Peter sat at the Steinway grand on stage at the Pizza Express jazz club on a cold February night, (21/02/18) he was warmed by the
"It's getting rather monotonous to say that Jon Hiseman played the greatest drum solo of his career at Colosseum’s last gig. But the music Jon played on drums at the Lyceum, London on Sunday, was breathtaking. It may be unfair to single out the drum solo from a long concert of brilliant band playing, but Jon’s performance was unique. From the construction point of view
Sad to see the demise of the New Musical Express in its print edition, the last one appearing on March 9th 2018. By coincidence The Raver recently acquired a copy of their 10th Anniversary Souvenir Book, full of fascinating fax’n’info, as sub-editors used to proudly boast. Our diligent research reveals the first issue appeared on March 7, 1952, edited by Ray Sonin, a former Melody
The group combines the talents of former Humble Pie guitar supremo Clem Clempson, bass player and singer Mark Clarke and drummer extraordinaire Jon Hiseman. All former members of Colosseum, their debut album Heroes is released by Repertoire in April on vinyl and CD and has already been hailed by critics as ‘amazing.’ They are off on tour soon, so check out dates and details on
