In the history of rock ‘n’ roll there can’t be many more important places on the planet than this modestly-sized building on the outskirts of Memphis. 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee is the home of Sun Studio, where Sam Phillips established his Memphis Recording Service back in 1950 with the aim of giving a recording … Continue reading Visit to the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis
I’m not normally a huge fan of musicals. However, I am a huge fan of The Kinks so when the opportunity to see Sunny Afternoon came up I was never going to say no. With most musicals I generally find the mix of dialogue and song unconvincing. The one musical I have properly enjoyed prior … Continue reading Sunny Afternoon (the musical based on the story of the Kinks) at The Theatre Royal, Brighton 22/12/16
From Hound Dog to Always On My Mind the original versions of six classic Elvis songs 1. Hound Dog Written by songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller when they were both still in their teens, ‘Hound Dog’ was created specifically for blues singer Big Mama Thornton. It was recorded in 1952 and released in … Continue reading Elvis songs before Elvis – the origins of six iconic Presley classics
London has been getting better at celebrating its rock ‘n’ roll history in recent years. More blue plaques are going up, you’ve got attractions like the Hendrix flat and generally more and more effort is being made to mark some of London’s historic musical legacy. One place you might want to take a look at … Continue reading Visit to the birthplace of British rock ‘n’ roll – the 2i’s coffee bar, Soho
A caravan site in Morecambe, Lancashire. My older stepsister returns with the morning paper and attempts to relay the day’s main news to my mum. “Elvis dead.” “Elvis’s dad? What about Elvis’s dad?” “No. Elvis is dead.” “Elvis’s dad’s dead?” No. Elvis is dead.” At this point my mum bursts into tears. It had always … Continue reading The death of Elvis is relayed to a caravan in Morecambe. August 1977
The Victoria & Albert Museum’s ‘You Say You Want a Revolution? Records & Rebels’ covers the period 1966-1970, a time I recall as one of starting nursery school, learning to ride a red plastic motorbike and amassing a collection of soft toys. The music I probably took in by osmosis while still in the womb … Continue reading Review: ‘You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970’ Exhibition at the V&A
77 and still putting out great albums, I’ve been eagerly anticipating each new Ian Hunter release for around three decades now. Fingers Crossed, Ian’s latest album with his superb Rant Band came out in September and it’s great to be seeing Hunter performing songs from that album live so soon afterwards. A raunchy, rocky ‘That’s … Continue reading Ian Hunter at Shepherd’s Bush Empire 11/11/16
Starting out his professional career as a drummer, Patrik Jansson performed with a variety of blues bands, jazz combos, hard-rock and metal acts in his native Sweden. Keen for change in direction he picked up a guitar and began honing his skills as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. Inspired by the heavy blues of the … Continue reading This week’s featured artist: blues guitarist Patrik Jansson – new album ‘Game Changer’
With all the performers originally booked for 2020, then rescheduled for 2021, then rescheduled again for 2022, a lot has happened since this festival line-up was first announced at the back-end of 2019. Festival mainstay, Richard Digance, could no longer make it. He had a booking at the Edinburgh Fringe this year so his Saturday … Continue reading Live review: Fairport’s Cropredy Convention August 2022
Tony Fox Sales featuring Clem Burke from Blondie – UK tour March 2023 Marking forty-five years since the release of the all-time classic Lust For Life album, esteemed former Iggy Pop and Tin Machine bass-player, Tony Fox Sales, sets out on a rare UK tour next Spring, his first in the UK since 1991. With … Continue reading Bowie and Iggy Pop icon, Tony Fox Sales, celebrates 45 years of Lust For Life with UK tour
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Sarah Torribio and her right brain. Music. Musings. Writing. Style.
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