the UK home for americana music
Esquires is a grimy dyed in the wool rock venue that has hosted many of the aspiring greats over the years, including Coldplay, Oasis, Dodgy and Richmond Fontaine to name but the few I have seen (Oasis may have been the Angel – life’s journey has had some impact). So, The Magic Numbers on a … Continue reading “The Magic Numbers, Esquires, Bedford, 18th May 2018”
This courageous and beautiful new album from The Magic Numbers rocks in ways perhaps unusual for this band, which, early on, drew a large following due largely to the beauty of its melodies. This departure is apparent from the opening notes of the first song, ‘Shotgun Wedding’, a bass-heavy rocker. The album is aptly named. Two … Continue reading “The Magic Numbers “Outsiders” (Role Play Records, 2018)”
From their imminent new album Outsiders comes this single from the Magic Numbers, wherein they layer their sound and channel their inner Crazy Horse. Very good it is too.
Joe Harvey-Whyte is a highly regarded, London-based multi-instrumentalist renowned for his proficiency on the pedal steel, lap steel, dobro and guitar. He’s also responsible for putting on some of the best Americana and roots-based shows in London through his Honky-Tonkin’ Thursday evenings at the Betsey Trotwood and The Blues Kitchen.
An evening that’s sure to be of huge interest to London-based lovers of music documentaries and Americana music is a live recreation of the cult film, Heartworn Highways. Set in the unique and intimate surrounds of Wilton’s, the oldest grand music hall in the world, the evening on the 2nd of August will feature performances from … Continue reading “Heartworn Highways live tribute planned for August”
When Hannah Aldridge played at the Lexington in London last year it was to perform a show that was in the style of the Grand Ole Opry, with a selection of her favourite musical friends encouraged to perform along with her. The Lexington was also chosen as the venue to record a live album on … Continue reading “Hannah Aldridge + The Goat Roper Rodeo Band, The Half Moon, Putney, London, 23rd April 2019”
From their new album Tall Grass, out on March 18th on Bull Pup Records and produced by Romeo Stoddart of The Magic Numbers, this is the rather good Goat Roper Rodeo band. They’re on tour from today too and well worth catching if they’re in your neck of the woods.
We have been literally (OK not literally) drowning in news of festivals with an americana “bent” in 2018 and here’s another one to add to your money woes. Music Makers is a 2-day London-based independent music festival which will be taking place at The Half Moon, in the heart of Putney, on October 6th & 7th 2018. … Continue reading “Music Makers americana festival returns in October”
It’s no exaggeration to say that Alan Tyler has probably done more than just about anyone in the UK to keep the torch of americana music burning since the early ’90s. Alan and Steve Pulford of the Arlenes got some richly deserved recognition at the Americana Music Awards in January when they were awarded … Continue reading “Interview with Alan Tyler”
The Lexington near Kings Cross in North London has great appeal in the current heat wave as it has one of the best air conditioning systems on the London gig circuit and it proved its worth tonight as we were treated to an expansive set from Eilen Jewell and her slick band delivering some 25 … Continue reading “Eilen Jewell + Michelle Stodart, The Lexington, London, 6th August 2018”