Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Spellbinding collaboration proves less is more
Life, John Clewley, Published on 21/06/2022
» I once had the rare privilege to see the great bluesman and songwriter Earl King, who wrote the New Orleans Mardi Gras anthem Big Chief, perform in a small club in Tokyo. Before he took to the stage another band performed, with a well-known young blues guitarist playing fast action licks and riffs at breakneck speed. In complete contrast, when Earl King played guitar he played far fewer notes, paring down the music to its essentials. I can still remember King's playing, but I can't recall anything the young pretender played.
Songs of hope
Life, John Clewley, Published on 07/06/2022
» The award-winning Canadian-Czech singer and composer Lenka Lichtenberg was going through her mother's effects in 2016 in Prague when she made a startling discovery. She found two small notebooks that belonged to her artist grandmother, Anna Hana Friesova (1901-1987). Inside each notebook, small enough to fit into a back pocket, were poems written while she was imprisoned in the Terazin (Theresienstadt) concentration camp during WWII.
Tracing the roots of The Big Easy's groove
Life, John Clewley, Published on 23/11/2021
» In March 1947, pianist and singer Cecil Grant heard Roy Brown sing Good Rockin' Tonight during a break at a small club in New Orleans. He was so taken with the song, he called the owners of De Luxe Records and had Brown sing the song over the phone. Brown was quickly signed with the label and recorded the song at J&M Studio with producer Cosimo Matassa.
Time for T
B Magazine, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 28/04/2019
» Despite the language barrier, most Thai pop stars dream of being recognised on the international stage. Some have made inroads. Pop rock outfit Slot Machine released an album of English-language songs, which helped get them on the international music festival circuit. Thai-German pop idol Jannine "Ploychompoo" Weigel has built up a significant fan base online with the help of a number of songs in English; she currently has more than 3.3 million followers on YouTube. Thanwa "The Toys" Boonsoongnern caught the eye of Korean fans with his performance at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards in South Korea. Last month, the 23-year-old was back in Seoul for a fan meeting.
Irresistibly funky
Life, John Clewley, Published on 14/11/2017
» Colombia's Disco Fuentes label is probably one of the most well-known record companies in South America. From the 1960s, the label pumped out funky cumbias, porro and such irresistible salsa that Cubans often said that they felt at home in Colombia; if I spin a Colombian track when I am manning the DJ decks, a dancer will come up and ask me which Cuban band I'm playing.
Ike Turner – rock and roll pioneer
Life, John Clewley, Published on 17/01/2017
» Many people regard the single Rocket 88, released by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats in 1951, as the first "rock 'n' roll" record. The seven-inch single was produced by Sun Records in Memphis and leased to the Chess label, a label known for its hard-driving rhythm 'n' blues, and is cited for its sound, lyrical content, walking bassline and distorted guitar.
A year of style
Life, Kanokporn Chanasongkram, Published on 27/12/2016
» As always, another vibrant and busy year for the cosmetic industry, with make-up and skincare innovations to update the beauty bag and switch from look to look, according to the latest YouTube tutorials. Western beauty, such as glamorous Hollywood strobing and Cara Delevingne's big bold brows, have reclaimed influence over Korean-style make-up. K-Beauty however continues to lead in certain skincare categories such as serious hydrators and facial masks to maintain a youthful-looking dewy complexion.
The Wild Sound of New Orleans
Life, John Clewley, Published on 26/08/2014
» Piano master, producer and arranger, composer and songwriter Allen Toussaint has done more than most to promote the musical legacy of New Orleans. With his partner Marshall Sehorn, he set up the Sansu label which brought the focus back to the city after musicians moved away in the 1960s, and proceeded to write and record hundreds of songs for such artists as Irma Thomas, Dr. John, Lee Dorsey and Ernie K-Doe. Later, he developed the New Orleans funk sound with the Meters, Dr. John and the Wild Tchoupitoulas, while rock'n'roll and pop stars from the Rolling Stones to The Searchers, The Hollies, Robert Palmer and even The Who covered his songs. He's also had a stellar solo career as well.
Anwar making last stand
Published on 18/08/2012
» KUALA LUMPUR Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he will end his 30-year political career if he fails to unseat Prime Minister Najib Razak at the next election.