Mike + Ruthy (of The Mammals) on Tour in April Those who were in the big tent when Mike + Ruthy rocked Cambridge Folk Festival (Northern Sky was), creating such a buzz that 3000 revellers packed the space to dance, whoop and cheer in what turned out to be a magical celebration, all know how … Continue reading What’s On

Blue #9BBDFA

Fifty Years Ago | For Your Pleasure | Island ILPS9232 | March 1973 I’m pretty sure For Your Pleasure is the only rock album to feature the voice of Judi Dench, delivering a perfectly audible few words at the end of the title track, in a sort of “Revolution #9” moment.   For Your Pleasure was … Continue reading Fifty Years Ago

Bob Marley and the Wailers | Jamming | Island WIP6410 | 1977 In 1977 Bob Marley and the Wailers had pretty much established themselves as the leading reggae band of the day, releasing their ninth album Exodus to both critical and commercial success.  Although Reggae balanced on the fringe of my musical palette at the … Continue reading Singled Out

Joni Mitchell | Clouds | Reprise K44070 | 1969 Joni Mitchell’s second album release Clouds, was eagerly anticipated at the time, her reputation having gone ahead of her with no less than two of the songs already known through interpretations by both Judy Collins and Fairport Convention prior to the album’s release in 1969.  Joni … Continue reading Flick the Dust Off

Mighty Poplar | Mighty Poplar | Free Dirt | 24.03.23 Connoisseurs of all things Bluegrass will no doubt remember banjo player Noam Pikelny and guitarist Chris Eldridge from their work with Punch Brothers, rubbing shoulders with the mandolin genius Chris Thile and fiddler Gabe Witcher.  Joining forces with Watchhouse multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marlin, Leftover Salmon bassist … Continue reading Featured Album

Bentley Urban Farm, Doncaster | 28.02.23

Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira | Bishop’s House, Sheffield | 18.02.23 Bishop’s House is an old yeoman’s house with a history that stretches back to the mid-16th century, to the times of Mary Tudor, its ancient stone floors and beamed roof a preserve for many stories and secrets.  Once you step into the house, it … Continue reading Live

Bishop's House | Sheffield | 18.02.23

PP Arnold | Soul Survivor | Nine Eight Books | 2022 There’s a bit of footage of the Small Faces performing “Tin Soldier” on a French TV show back in 1967, which features a guest appearance by one Patricia Ann Cole, aka  PP Arnold, who looks for all intents and purposes like a female version … Continue reading Book Review