Chris Quinn 2021 Acoustic Masterclass

Over the past two decades acoustic guitarist and songwriter Chris Quinn has made a great name for himself in the world of folk, blues, jazz and acoustic music. His performances have been described by fellow musicians as “a masterclass in the acoustic guitar”, his songs have been critically acclaimed in publications such as Acoustic Magazine […]

ALBUM REVIEW: BEN LEVIN – CARRYOUT OR DELIVERY (VizzTone)

Whilst a lot of the world has been in lockdown, the question Carryout or Delivery has been one that we have all pondered during 2020. Recorded amid the pandemic, US-based blues artist Ben Levin chose to make this present-day conundrum his album title. The twelve-track release is very much a family affair, with Father Aron […]

Gary Moore releases new album: How Blue Can You Get

Provogue will be releasing a new album, featuring previously unreleased material, from the iconic blues-rock master Gary Moore. How Blue Can You Get will be released on 30 April. This month marks ten years since the tragic passing of the iconic Northern Irish musician and singer-songwriter. He left behind, not only an incredibly formidable back […]

ALBUM REVIEW: BILLY J – RISE ABOVE (Independent Release)

This is Billy J’s debut album on which he has drawn together a superb pedigree studio band that has Dave Fields at the helm producing and playing slide guitar and piano. Additionally, there is a rhythm section that includes the late Yonrico Scott, Charlie Wooten and Todd Smallie who ply their trade in bands like […]

ALBUM REVIEW: JOHNNY NICHOLAS – MISTAKEN IDENTITY (Valcourre Records)

Regular readers will be aware that I am particularly fond of artists who set their stall out from track one, and Johnny Nicholas comes out of the traps running with She Stoke My Mojo, a cautionary tale about getting mixed up with a woman who has shady talents in southern magic. This album is so […]

ALBUM REVIEW: BEN HARPER – WINTER IS FOR LOVERS (Reservoir Music)

An album of short and sweet instrumentals written for solo Lap Steel Guitar may not be an album for partying to, but there are times when music like this has a place in any record collection. With a soundscape that takes as much from the work of Brian Eno, Erik Satie as it does Blind […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Kevin Coyne & Brendan Croker – Life is Almost Wonderful

Those of a certain age and a penchant for nostalgia will remember the somewhat quirky, poetic songs delivered by Kevin Coyne, an English musician, singer, composer, filmmaker, and a writer of lyrics, stories, and poems. He was a John Peel favourite and did several sessions for the much-missed DJ. Brendan Croker is also in possession […]