John Murry seems to be on his own (smaller) version of Dylan’s never ending tour as he and his band resumed a UK tour which kicked off back in June and then had a short break. Murry was joined on the road once again by his new buddy Benjamin Folke Thomas (the pair seem to … Continue reading “John Murry + Benjamin Folke Thomas + Steve Grozier, Broadcast, Glasgow, 16th September 2018”
The Rails have delivered a contrasting follow up to their debut ‘Fair Warning,’ yet it is one that works like a dream. Husband and wife Kami Thompson, daughter of Richard and Linda Thompson, and James Walbourne, who has played with the likes of The Pretenders, Son Volt, Ray Davies, The Pernice Brothers and The Pogues, have … Continue reading “The Rails “Other People” (Thirty Tigers, 2018)”
Husband and wife duo Heart Hunters (Drew de Man / Brianna Blackbird) write and sing songs with an environmental and social conscience and, with ‘American Eclipse,’ they dive head first into the murky pond of 21st century American life. In de Man’s own words: “we can’t just indulge in driving around playing music – we have to … Continue reading “Heart Hunters “American Eclipse” (Independent, 2018)”
Now, some would say it’s a tad ironic to be doing a Van Life feature with a band whose very existence was threatened by their own van flipping over and causing somewhat of an unscheduled hiatus in terms of performing and recording. Thankfully, Charleston’s High Divers are beyond that roadblock and are set to release … Continue reading “Van Life: The High Divers”
Ruby Boots – real name Bex Chilcott – throws a handful of dust into the eyes on the opening two tracks of Don’t Talk About It, which come out of the blocks running, and punching out in a glam-rock way. It’s So Cruel stomps all over the leather clad tough talker who’s a little backward … Continue reading “Ruby Boots “Don’t Talk About It” (Bloodshot Records, 2018)”
Maverick Festival, nothing to do with the magazine in case you’re worried about being trapped in a line dancing, er, square for 3 days (this may have been a dream…) have announced their 2018 line-up which looks like an average americana fan’s wet dry and sunny dream. The bill includes North Carolina’s Jonathan Byrd (who without … Continue reading “Maverick Festival announces 2018 line-up”
Lovely news overnight from the Grammys with some so well deserved wins for Jason Isbell and Aimee Mann amongst others. RS reports: “Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes and Reba McEntire were early winners at the 60th annual Grammy Awards when the Americana and roots music categories were announced during the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony, streamed live online. … Continue reading “Isbell and Aimee Mann win best americana/folk album at Grammys”
Sometimes you just know when you have made the right choice and so it was that when The Deslondes struck up it was clear that the other attractions at tonight’s Celtic Connections would pale in comparison. From the very start this five piece New Orleans band transformed Oran Mor into a dusty American Roadhouse, the … Continue reading “The Deslondes + Underhill Rose @Celtic Connections, Oran Mor, Glasgow, 24th January 2018”
Here at AUK towers we used to quite often fall out over our end of year list, and even the stronger among us walked away in a sea of blood, sweat and tears (the things). It was the block vote what done it. And so, like Ed Miliband before us we moved to a one … Continue reading “Here they are! AUK writers’ best albums of 2017”
It was pleasing to see a near capacity crowd turn up on a wet and cold Sunday night in Glasgow to see Jim White. Often seen as a cult artist and with an idiosyncratic style that rarely bothers the airwaves, White is a bit of a polymath. Aside from his songs he has worked in … Continue reading “Jim White + Cicada Rhythm, Oran Mor, Glasgow, 19th November 2017”
