Jonathan Aird

Ray Davies continues his journey through Americana

May 3, 2018 Jonathan Aird 0

The quintessential English songwriter Ray Davies has had a long fascination with America, and the USA in particular. His 2013 autobiography was entitled “Americana,” and he went on to release an album of the same name […]

The Nautical Theme “Float” (Independent, 2018)

May 2, 2018 Jonathan Aird 0

With a band named ‘The Nautical Theme’ comprising a duo of piano and vocals (Tesia Mallory) and guitar and vocals (Matt Shetler) this might make the casual browser think they were about to stroll into folk […]

One Grass Two Grass “Praise You” – Listen

May 2, 2018 Jonathan Aird 0

On their second album ‘Horizon’, San Francisco Bay bluegrass band One Grass Two Grass have a hot mix of originals and a single cover which is this re-imagining of Fatboy Slim’s re-imagining of Camille Yarbrough’s ‘Take Yo’ […]

Bob Dylan does not recommend a bottle of wine

May 2, 2018 Jonathan Aird 0

Yes, it may be as Tom Paxton has it “the fruit of the vine”, but that does not shake the resolve of his erstwhile Greenwich Village compadre. Dylan himself – and this should come as no […]

Shakey Graves “Mansion Door” – Listen

May 1, 2018 Jonathan Aird 0

Shakey Graves (Alejandro Rose-Garcia) has a full album out on Star Wars Day (May 4th) called ‘Can’t Wake Up’, and ‘Mansion Door’ , which draws on nineties-indie influences – is one of the thirteen tracks on it. […]

More People Really Should Know About: James Hodder

July 14, 2026 0

A couple of years ago I saw James Hodder perform in the basement room of Farringdon’s Betsey Trotwood, supporting Casey Neill and Jerry Joseph. This spatially challenged, cosy venue facilitates close proximity to the artists and […]

Ismay “Half Truth”

July 14, 2026 0

Quietly adventurous songs that reward patient listening with emotional depth and subtle musical invention. For listeners drawn to the quietly adventurous music of Aldous Harding, Cate Le Bon or Jessica Pratt, Half Truth, by California songwriter […]

Jenny Gillespie Mason “Medicine Of Light” – a healing balm

July 14, 2026 0

On her new album In the Safety of the Light, Jenny Gillespie Mason is turning back to her musical roots. After a decade pursuing psychedelic pop, jazz, and electronic textures through her project Sis (and most […]

Articles by Jonathan Aird

Ray Davies continues his journey through Americana

The Nautical Theme “Float” (Independent, 2018)

One Grass Two Grass “Praise You” – Listen

Bob Dylan does not recommend a bottle of wine

Shakey Graves “Mansion Door” – Listen

More People Really Should Know About: James Hodder

Ismay “Half Truth”

Jenny Gillespie Mason “Medicine Of Light” – a healing balm

Video: Alex Southey “Green Sunday” – a constant giving-in

For The Sake Of The Song: Roger McGuinn “Car Phone”