Category: Music

Jackie Leven


I just thought I would post this having just received an email today. Jackie Leven, the Scottish singer-songwriter is gravely ill, suffering from cancer. In all likelihood he only has a few days left to live.

“Leven is probably the most talented singer-songwriter never to have become a household name” – Neil McCormick

For those of you who have never heard of Jackie I suggest you take a look at the link below and some of the other offerings available on YouTube.

My thoughts are with Jackie, his family and friends.

Jackie Leven & Deborah Greenwood in Southsea – YouTube.

Footloose – Great Entertainment


Last night a group of us were treated to a fabulous show when Stage One presented Dean Pitchfords Footloose at Ferneham Hall.
As we have come to expect from the Stage One team the show was spilling over with energy. The kids in the cast positively glow with their enthusiasm.
Stand out performances for me were from Chris Hutton as the tense teen Ren McCormack, Matt Fisher as “slow” country boy Willard Hewitt, Luke Collins as the mean, moody and thoroughly dislikeable Chuck Cranston. For the girls it has to be Gilly Williams as the restrained and repressed Vi Moore, Ellie Jones as the disillusioned Ariel Moore and Connie Powell as Rusty.
Highlight of the evening and certainly the most emotive scene was when Vi Moore and Rens mother Ethel (Katie Winter) sing Learning To Be Silent.
The grand finale with the whole cast partying away with the title song had everyones feet tapping.

Once again Stage One have given a first class performance. I am looking forward, with anticipation, to their next production, Fiddler On The Roof.

RIP – Bert Jansch


This week the music world is a sadder place after we lost another legendary guitarist in the form of Bert Jansch.

I was introduced to Berts virtuosity when listening to John Peels programs on the radio back in the late 60’s. I was a fan of Pentangle, Bert being a founder member and it is surprising how often he would pop up on various radio stations over recent years.

A quiet man but a great guitarist who is cited by many current artists as having been a major influence.

 

RIP Bert

Bellowhead – What a blast


I had heard that they were brilliant live but so far I have not been able to get to see them. Spotted that they were on Sky Arts and recorded the 30 minute program “Bellowhead Live At Latitude”.

Boy was I disappointed.

The program wasn’t long enough. Talk about energy. These guys could power the whole of the UK with their stage show. They never stand still and they know how to entertain, keep the audience connected. Catch this show and you will see what I mean.

Needless to say they are now very near the top of my “bands to see” wish list.

Motown songwriter Nick Ashford dies at 70


The world just lost another bright star of the music industry.

Who can forget dancing to Ashford & Simpsons Solid (As A Rock). Nick Ashford, whose hand has touched so many well know songs has left a “solid” musical legacy for us to enjoy.

Take a look here for more information of the Ashford & Simpson influence on music over the years

BBC News – Motown songwriter Nick Ashford dies at 70.

Thick As A Brick


I’m in Prog Rock heaven as RP plays  Jethro Tulls “Thick As A Brick” in its entirety.

This was JTs latest album the last time I saw them live, Portsmouth Guildhall. Complete with indian teepee’s on stage and folks dressed in jockeys silks running through the audience that would have been around 1972. Pure theatre and bloody marvellous.

RIP Dan Peek


Dan Peek was a founder member of folk rock band “America”.

He co-wrote one of my all time favourite songs “A Horse With No Name” amongst many others. Only yesterday I was listening to another of their hits, “Ventura Highway“, and I have always wondered what an “alligator lizard” was.  Peek, with America, has left us with an enduring legacy from their collaboration during the 70’s. Their songs still regularly get airplay on the UK radio stations.

Sadly his demise won’t get as much coverage as that of Amy Winehouse, yet his contribution to music is probably as great.