Thursday 19 March 2015

Happy Pre & Post St Patricks Day!

On last weeks New Traditions we pre-empted the St Patricks Day celebrations by chatting with Davey Cashin from The Kilkenny's about their latest tour and getting into the recording studios.

This week I chat with Irish born & UK based singer/songwriter Carl Finlay about his debut album, musical roots, life, the universe and reggae!

Check Carl's music out, he definitely has the wow factor and is one to watch out for in 2015. Follow him at www.facebook.com/carlfinlaymusic .

This weeks show features new music from Rhiannon Giddens, The Unthanks, Adam Wedd, Miles Graham & Stu Larsen.

Plus Classic tracks from Fairport Convention, Al Stewart and The Imagined Village.

Come and join me from 11pm at www.thebridgeradio.net or on 102.5fm .


Always glad to see you, I'll uncork the cab sav!

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Wednesday 4 March 2015

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Crazy times coming up, tomorrow I'm interviewing Katrina Leskanich , best known for fronting Katrina and the Waves, it's thirty years since Walking on Sunshine so no doubt we'll be talking about that as well as playing the song. I've no doubt we'll also play 'Love Shine a Light' the 1997 Eurovision winner, Eurovision seems to be on the agenda at the moment!



Later tomorrow I welcome The Robinson-Stone Brothers into the studio to record a session for New Traditions. Danny, Dean and sister Leyna are appearing at The Artrix on Saturday 21st March with their tribute to the songs and life of singer/songwriter Clifford T.Ward. We'll be chatting about the show, the songs and the great man himself.

New Traditions will feature loads of great music including some new stuff from Norwich based duo (?) Ginseng, Ken Stott, Karin Park (Who has previously represented Norway at Eurovision 2013 and hopes to do so again this year - Eurovision agenda geddit?), Lucy Spraggon and Maddy Rodriguez.

The Friday Afternoon Show is packed to the gunnels in addition to Katrina, on Friday morning I get to chat with broadcaster, singer and all around renaissance woman Claire Teale for a chat about her new show a tribute to the wonderful Doris Day. Claire appears at The Garrick in Lichfield on March 21st and at The Forum in Malvern on March 26th.

Plus, as it's the first Friday in March that means Dr Stephen Mann, The Business Forum and this months Dudley Arts Council update.

Featured artist simply has to be Doris Day, plus Geek of the Week from Mr Hedges and loads of terrific music.

Plus a special play out for Chas & Dave's Snooker Loopy - boy do I spoil you!

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GREAT BRITISH ALTERNATIVE FESTIVAL

If you're into a bit of classic alt rock then Skegness is the place to head to in October for THE GREAT BRITISH ALTERNATIVE FESTIVAL follow the link for words about the 2014 event from Sir Bob Geldof, Tim V, John Robb, John Otway and The Blockheads. This years lineup looks equally awesome!


Got to be a goodun!
9th -12th October 2015

Sunday 1 March 2015

Secret Guitar Club

 Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything… Without music, life would be an error. (Plato)

Launching in April,  The Secret Guitar Club is a safe & fun environment for people of all ages and abilities to pick up a guitar and play.

 The club will provide a relaxed and friendly social environment in which members of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to make music with others and even to sing along! The ethos of the club is very simple, to give members an opportunity to handle a musical instrument with no pressure to learn to play, no deadlines, no homework and no unreasonable expectations. Just a chance for members to revel in and experience the joy of making music for themselves and with other people.

 You never know , you could be the next Hendrix, Clapton or Jansch!

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Music has a power of forming the character and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young. (Aristotle)

Friday Afternoon Show (27.02.15)




On my show this week :



Paul Kilbride is a modern history graduate from Magdelen College Oxford who completed his MA at the University of London. He is also, as of September last year, the newly appointed Headmaster of Oldswinford Hospital School. Paul will be along to talk about the history and achievements of this wonderful local educational establishment, and discuss his vision for the future of the school. No doubt I'll also ask him about his personal taste in music!


My final guest is the folk singer, singer/songwriter Deborah Rose, Deborah is playing at The Artrix on Thursday 5th March along with family band O'Farrells Frolics and Americana trio Grey Wolf.


All this plus Geek of The Week from Mark Hedges, my featured Artist John Denver and new music from Unsung Lily, The Unthanks, and Rowan Ross.


New Traditions


On New Traditions this week:


New music from The Unthanks, Rhiannon Giddens and Samba Toure . Classic tracks from Madeleine Peyroux, Al Stewart, Claire Hamill and Bob Dylan. 

Plus a review of the latest album Fireflight by Scottish Singer songwriter Rowan Ross. Rowan has been a fixture on the Glasgow Alt Folk/Rock scene over the past couple of years and his latest album showcases his talent beautifully. Think mid seventies McCartney with a Caledonia twist and added harmonium!



Friday Afternoon Show


This week on The Friday Afternoon Show I welcome back Lorraine Newman from Viva Musica who is coming along to tell us all about their packed Spring Diary of Events. For full details follow the link to the Viva Musica website.



Lance Cartwright from Amblecote History Society is coming along to tell us all about the Society, it's own history, aims and ambitions, ongoing projects and give us a diary of talks and events. Once again, follow the link to their website for full details.


My final guests are from across the pond, The Platters have existed in a variety of forms for over 50 years, they are a Grammy award winning Rock n Roll Hall of Fame legend. The current crop Wayne Miller, Frank Pizaro, Cheo Bourne and Valerie Victoria are on tour in the UK from March. I caught up with them for a chat about life in the group, touring and the release of their latest album Back to Basics



My Featured Artist this week is Mr Swivel Hips, the one and only Shakin' Stevens, Mark Hedges will bring his latest Geek of The Week and I have new music from JAGMAC, Uncle Frank & Alexander Wolfe. 

Come and join me, you know it makes sense!