‘Tennessee and The 48th’ is the second album from London- based Americana/Folk Rock singer songwriter Dave Giles. Crowd funded, this impressive record was recorded in Nashville early in 2018 on the back of shows throughout the UK, Europe and Australia, building up a solid fan base along the way. Although he is clearly inspired by Jason Isbell and Zac Brown, Giles does exhibit a clear identity of his own and, refreshingly, sings in his own South-East of-England accent. Continue reading “Dave Giles “Tennessee and the 48th” (Independent, 2018)”
Andrew Combs’ debut gets re-release, with UK dates
Dashing Nashville native (but now Nashville based) Andrew Combs kicks off his European tour this week, which coincides with a re-issue of his first album, ‘Worried Man’. The deluxe digital edition includes new re-cuts of two tracks, including ‘Too Stoned To Cry’, which you can hear below. Hey, we’ve all been there. Continue reading “Andrew Combs’ debut gets re-release, with UK dates”
AmericanaFest UK 2019 Conference Showcase preview – part three
The AMAUK conference is now into its fourth year and one of the highlights is the two nights of showcases which take place before the awards ceremony featuring the best of americana talent, both homegrown and from around the world. At five venues across Hackney, all within walking distance and for the one wristband, plus you get to go back to a nice comfy bed each night. Over the course of this week we’ll be introducing you to all the showcase acts playing, ten at a time. Here’s part three. Continue reading “AmericanaFest UK 2019 Conference Showcase preview – part three”
Video Premiere: Andrew Leahey & the Homestead “Start The Dance”
Now, this is one of those songs that grabs you from the first chord. Shot at AmericanaFest 2018 in Nashville, this is a proper slice of rock’n’roll from Andrew Leahey, the man who might just be the heir to Tom Petty. His new album Airwaves is out on March 1st and here at AUK Towers we can’t wait.
Lucille Furs “Paint Euphrosyne Blue” – Listen
Lucille Furs are an LA based band who….you know what ? Singer Trevor Newton Pritchett has actually provided the perfect band description himself “You might hear the Zombies for their kind of haunting and contemplative quality” – yes we do – “the Kinks kind-of casual criticism” – again, yes. “The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band…Temples, Love…Charles Bradley…” Well, yeah. Although, Trevor, you might like to add Elvis Costello and the Attractions in their early pop pomp to that list. This is class.
Joe Blanton “Good, Bad, Right or Wrong” (Underground Treehouse, 2018)
It’s easy to get lost in the weeds these days as we find new ways to compartmentalize and format music. Rock and country seem to be endlessly hyphenated. Sometimes we need to stop the chin scratching, step out of the woods, and crank up the amps. Thankfully, Joe Blanton seems to do just that with his first solo effort, ‘Good, Bad, Right or Wrong.’ Continue reading “Joe Blanton “Good, Bad, Right or Wrong” (Underground Treehouse, 2018)”
Imperious sounding Portland quintet bring new album to the UK
The Delines head out on the road at the end of this month to promote latest release ‘The Imperial.’ Fans of the group will no doubt be excited at the prospect of seeing them since their last UK tour back in 2015. That lengthy hiatus is down to the horrific injuries sustained by lead singer, Amy Boone, shortly afterwards. She’s spent most of the last three years having extended treatment and rehab following a horrible car crash which caused both of her legs to be severely broken. Continue reading “Imperious sounding Portland quintet bring new album to the UK”
Celtic Connections kicks off this week
Glasgow’s annual celebration of roots and traditional music from around the globe opens for business this Thursday and then proceeds for the next three weeks with over 300 events scheduled to take place. Always a highlight of the cultural calendar it’s the largest festival of its type in the world showcasing world music, folk, roots, jazz, blues, Gaelic and Scottish music and, of course, Americana. Continue reading “Celtic Connections kicks off this week”
AmericanaFest UK 2019 Conference Showcase preview – part two
The AMAUK conference is now into its fourth year and one of the highlights is the two nights of showcases which take place before the awards ceremony featuring the best of americana talent, both homegrown and from around the world. At five venues across Hackney, all within walking distance and for the one wristband, plus you get to go back to a nice comfy bed each night. Over the course of this week we’ll be introducing you to all the showcase acts playing, ten at a time. Here’s part two. Continue reading “AmericanaFest UK 2019 Conference Showcase preview – part two”
The Long Ryders “Two Fisted Tales” (Cherry Red Records, 2018)
This is a great time to be an admirer of the Long Ryders – not only is the band back together but with this release the excellent series of expanded original albums is complete. The third – and so far last – Long Ryders album was originally released in 1987, the torturous tale of the process from demoing through recording and then mishandled releasing of which is told by Sid Griffin in the glossy booklet accompanying this sumptuous re-issue. You can read that in detail when you pick up this three disc box-set. Suffice to say that the final part of the story – the wholehearted getting behind the album by the record company – didn’t go exactly to any kind of plan the band might have had in mind. Continue reading “The Long Ryders “Two Fisted Tales” (Cherry Red Records, 2018)”