Artist of the month...
Wow! - I've recently bought Franka's CD 'Bridge The Roads' and have been immersing myself in Franka's music, regarding her videos, contemplating her photography, admiring her writing and following her social-media-musings. I strongly recommend that you do the same, as this is a lady that is going places! Be warned though, as this is not 'superficial' - sadly the province of some of her more 'popular' rivals.
I can certainly relate... so please take a few minutes out, turn up the volume or better still put on the stereo headphones. Next - watch and listen to the excellent animation and musical 'zakaska or aperitif' by clicking on the images - FULL SCREEN IS EVEN BETTER! - Lovely voice, music, animation, direction, writing and production - check out the credits!
Relax and enjoy this gifted artist's crystal-clear voice and creativity then show your support by buying the CD or Downloadable tracks - You'll not be disappointed!
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Why... Why Music Matters - Music is not only for musicians, it has important significance for all of us in different ways. How you listen to music is a matter of personal taste, however spare a thought for the artists, the industry, the process and their individual motivation.
Check out 'Alistair the Optimist', this stonking little tune, his other videos and his desire to cement a legacy...
What, Where, Who and When...
'Showcase & Record @ the Rec'
"Whoohoo!"
We're looking for young, up & coming and or bands that want a chance to showcase how good they are on a bigger stage, with a professional sound system. This can be mixed through a 24 - channel desk and digitally recorded for uploading or cd-rom creation. Further mixing using 'Pro Tools' is also available by arrangement...
If you are seriously good and have a supportive fan base then our main sponsors would like to hear from you. more...
A huge thanks to everyone who came along to support 2 brilliant local bands at the last showcase concert and were treated to a musical feast. The sound and lighting systems were phenomenal, which gave both bands a platform to showcase their considerable talents. PLAIN TRUTH are acknowledged as the musicians' musicians while THAW showed us just what they could do on a bigger stage and are no doubt heading for the top. We look forward to hearing more...
Who, What, When and Where...
Midnite Johnny - I popped back to landlord Steve's 'Bohemian Oasis' at the 'Thatched Tavern' on Friday night, deliberately to check out Midnite Johnny and wasn't disappointed. Their front man, Johnny himself, hails originally from The Bronx in New York and has the pedigree to match his substantial talents. The consensus was "best band seen this year" by the regulars and I probably agree. Gorgeous tones, clear as a bell, at just the right volume. I watched Johnny carefully polishing his strings before he started and soon realised that "this man can really play!" I see from his website that he also gives lessons, I certainly learned plenty!
It was also good to see some new faces in, enjoying themselves!
Who, What, When and Where...
SLUG - Slug played something for everyone. Slug's energetic front man 'Zeke' worked his sox-off to get the audience to join in with their set of rock and pop classics, everything from 'David Bowie' to 'Steppenwolf'. He'll always get you up and dancing! more...
SLUG were at The Witton Chimes - Thundersprint Weekend - Saturday 12th & 13th May - Always a top night out!
Who, What and Where...
The Power 3 - I popped into the 'Thatched Tavern' that landlord Steve is turning into a 'Bohemian Oasis' for great North West bands and aspiring talent. I certainly wasn't disappointed as these guys turned out to be one of the tightest bands I've heard in a long time. Tremendous virtuosity from Phil, Earl and Ray, as they served-up a classic rock feast! Check them out at a venue near you - Hendrix, Lizzy, Bad Company, Bonamassa, Gallagher, Travers, ZZ Top... they play the lot!
Who, What and Where...
SQUASH - Yep, I was back at the 'Thatched Tavern' again to have a look and listen to Stu Fielden's own band 'Squash' that he fronts when he's not playing with 'Ignition'. What a musical treat, as Stu's guitar work is gaining recognition from audiences and peers alike. His guitar and vocal virtuosity is backed-up by the 'Last Boys' Alan and Sam whose experience and youth make them a much sort after rhythm section. Expect classic rock covers from Whitesnake, Free, Lizzy, Hendrix, Healey etc.
What, When, Where and Why Not...
Richie Kotzen - Considered by many to be one of the world's top guitar players and vocalists; as well as a prolific song writer and performer, was touring Europe and came to 'Robin 2' near Wolverhampton in March. Click on the image for more information and see the video links to Richie in action below...
"Don't Give Up Your Day Job!" - Considered by many to be the worst guitar player and singer in the world, ande has put you a few links below... to demonstrate how not to do it. Life would be unbearable if I ever lost my sense of humour and perspicacity. - "3 chords and the truth"
What, When and Where...
Well - I had a first for me - I went to watch a 'Reggae' band at Jools Holland's famous ' Jam House' venue in Birmingham.
Absolutely brilliant! - I thoroughly enjoyed myself - what a stonking venue, fabulous band and a big thanks for the warm hospitality!
All come highly recommended, especially the band - 'Gabbidon' led by Basil Gabbidon whose pedigree rates along with the best. It's good to see an artist working with young people in the community by sharing his musical experience, supporting and mentoring them more...
I'd love to see them play up here, as they had everyone - including me - up and dancing to a very eclectic mix of 'Reggae Classics'. If you want to enjoy a great show, then drop us a line:
andemedia@live.com more details...
Who, What, Where and When...
The Thatched Tavern - GYPSY
What a professional sounding band Gypsy turned out to be. I hadn't heard them before and was genuinely impressed with their sound balance and quality. They have obviously invested in some really good equipment and it showed. The lead singer, Sara, has one of those really husky voices that reminded me of some of my all time favourites: Doris Brendel, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge. The band more than held their own and deserved a bigger audience, although those brave souls who ventured out on a filthy night were rewarded with some cracking entertainment. Check out GYPSY if you get a chance, well worth a look more...
What, When and Where...
The Thatched Tavern - IGNITION
Ignition are the band formerly known as 'Phoenix', who play classic rock covers with razor-sharp vocals from 'Kev' , driving rhythms from 'Hooky' and 'John' plus soaring solos from 'Stu' - rapidly becoming one of the top guitar men on the circuit!
Expect: Jeff Healey, George Harrison, Thin Lizzie, Whitesnake, Free, Bon Jovi and all your favourites!
What, When and Where...
April 18th 2012 - Doris Brendel - The Joiners Arms
Go - Doris! What a cracking venue, everyone who is anyone has played there! Check it out on 'Wikipedia' more... to see all the stars who put it on their 'must play there' list. I'm really looking forward to hearing and buying the new Doris Brendel album - 'Not Utopia', get a sneak preview at The Joiners!
http://dorisbrendel.moonfruit.com/#
What, When and Where...
Wednesdays - The Slow & Easy - Jam Night
contact Al SLUG
Come along and join in or just support the artists and your local.
Why... Emily's Song - With lyrics written as a letter from the heart by Emily's father and turned into a beautifully haunting song by Doris Brendel, Emily's Song is a modern anthem. The Reunite International Charity Organization seeks to raise awereness of international parental child abduction issues and offers advice, information and support.
The song was arranged, produced, recorded and distributed with Sam Blue singing the vocals, however we have a very rare copy of the original version sung by Doris herself with only piano accompaniment. Click on the images to hear both versions. We like them both but are absolutely blown away by the raw, husky and unforgetable uniqueness of Doris' voice. Come on Jools, let's hear and see her on 'Later' please!
What's new... Sky-Rocket Music Library - Has launched a fabulous new click and play music portal, which enables instant downloads of original material to multimedia clients. The download tracks are available for TV, film, advertising agencies, online game developers, home movies, You Tube videos etc. Sky-Rocket Records also offers full artist services to musicians, song-writers and performers, as an independent record and publishing company with years of experience. Check out their website, all their services and the brilliant tracks available from their online music library.
What Happened... Rock for Heroes 2 - What a brilliant night we had at the second 'Rock for Heroes' charity concert. The band played their 'socks-off' and were given tremendous support by an appreciative audience. They played an eclectic mix of tunes that included pop, rock, country, rhythm 'n' blues and slow dance classics; something for everyone. This left the audience demanding encore after encore that saw everyone up on their feet, arms swaying overhead and singing along to the end of 'Hey Jude'. The additional sponsorship gave the event another boost and the first prize of a 'Les Paul' replica electric guitar, generously donated by Northwich Music Centre, was won by a local family; one of many who spanned generations with their support. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who bought tickets and attended a great night out!
Where... Winnington Park Recreation Club - What a cracking venue this has proved to be. Room for everyone, parking, seating, tables, oxygen and great prices - awesome!
Who... Doris Brendel - "Whoohoo!" our March featured artist enterred the Pop Club charts and shot up 29 places to number 9 with her "Latest Fantasy Remix Vol.2" single. A big thanks to Doz and her band for playing at the 'Forces Festival' for free, their way of giving their support to the veterans' charities. Check out the single video here... then download the Mp3 from iTunes or Amazon to push it up to the top step of the charts! More Doz Brendel videos available here...
Where and When... Happy Birthday Abenaide - and congratulations on completing your 10,000 feet, free-fall parachute jump that raised £300 in aid of the charity 'MIND' more...
Hey ande! - Having done the 'BT Swimathon' (5000 metres swim), the 'Cheshire Bikeathon' (60 miles on a mountain bike) and the 'London Triathlon' (Olympic Distance) for Cancer Research, we ask what's the next challenge for you?
"Watch this space!"
Who and What... andemedia53 - "The camera never lies"
Check out my uploads and favourites...
What and When... Northwich Festival - Limetree Festival
Who, Where and When... Pentire Head
"For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon is one of my very favourite poems. There's a bench on Pentire Head in Cornwall where Binyon supposedly wrote the poem. This is one of my favourite places on earth, it really hits the spot for me. I've been lucky to share it with some of my favourite people on earth and who knows...
Some things and people are worth remembering!
Who, What, Where, When and Why?
Don't Give Up Your Day Job! - OR - The 'Y?' Factor!
STEREO HEADPHONES & FULL SCREEN PLEASE!
Here's a selection of videos that illustrate how NOT to do it, compared with how it should be done by the experts. There's no substitute for talent, experience, know-how, ability, atmosphere and good musicians. A reality check indeed!
ande - cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower"
Dave Mathews - "All Along The Watchtower" Woodstock 99
ande - cover of Calvin Russell's "Crossroads"
Calvin Russell - The late - great Calvin Russell "Crossroads"
ande - cover of Bob Dylan's "One More Cup Of Coffee"
Frazey Ford - "One More Cup Of Coffee"
ande - cover of Pearl Jam's "Black"
Pearl Jam - "Black"
ande - cover of Terry Reid's "Seed of Memory"
Terry Reid - "Seed of Memory"
ande - cover of Tom Waits' "Green Grass" coming soon
Tom Waits - "Green Grass"
ande - "Feel the rhythm" - Godin LGX - Roland GR 33 'Human Drums'
Roland GR 33 - Show Reel
Who, What, Where, When and Why?
Some links to videos that we like - enjoy!
Sade - "Soldier of Love" - 'In the front line of this battle of mine'
Sade - "Love is Found" forget age - this lady is on top of her game
Sade - "Cherish the Day" Gorgeous 'Les Paul' tones
Sade - "No Ordinary Love" gorgeous tones and bones - nice abs!
Gaudium - Free the mind and the rest will follow
Melissa Etheridge - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers "Refugee"
Beth Hart - "Am I the One" - awesome live version!
Melissa Etheridge - "Like the way I do" - a thumping live performance
Karen Dalton - "It Hurts Me Too" - 12 string picker needed so I can sing this moving song...
Be Good Tanyas- "House of the Rising Sun" - Banjo picker needed or guitarist to play the Banjo on my Godin LGX and Roland 33 Synth so...
Alvin Lee - "The Bluest Blues" - awesome tone and timing
Chris Farlowe - "I'll Sing The Blues For You" 71 Brilliant!
Richie Kotzen - "Player" - awesome talent, check out the solo after 2' 15" he's taken to finger picking style like me - LOL!
Richie Kotzen & daughter August - Here with daughter August Eve playing a superbly laid-back version of "Electric Feel"
Richie Kotzen - "Paying Dues" - awesome talent, playing all the instruments himself
Matt Rach - Is this one possible future for music? He's already an Internet phenomenon and national celebrity in France. Another awesome talent
Skeleton Crew - "Where Do We Go From Here?" - musical masterclass
Plain Truth - "Oh Well" - Classic 'Fleetwood Mac' cover
Chris Cook - "Don't Go In There" - I must learn this classic
Fleetwood Mac - "Man Of The World" - Classic Fleetwood Mac anthem
Chris Cook & Jim Kirkpatrick's Heavy Weather - "Don't Go In There"
Jim Kirkpatrick - "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - guitar masterclass
We must get these guys to come and play up here for us!
The
Taming of The Shrew -
"One of the greatest stories ever written about empathy." William
Shakespeare's brilliant study of human emotion, self-delusion, frustration,
avarice and self-realisation. The work of a true superstar - Spanish soooooon!
Wuthering Heights - "Written by another literary superstar - Emily Bronte." Despite being her only published novel, it remains a classic of English literature; with a superbly haunting Ryuichi Sakamoto sound track!
Sting - "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free!"
Ragnar - "Cut My Bonds" - the epitome of empathy - great symbolism
"please cut my 'bonds' and set me free"
1970 - Isle of White Festival - Brilliant memories of carefree days. Now it's up to us to ensure that 'All tomorrow's parties' avoid any mistakes from the past. The future is not set, it's up to us, let's get it right!
"Enjoy!" - ande