Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Keep on rockin' in a lockdown
Life, John Clewley, Published on 14/04/2020
» The sonic landscape of my life in central Bangkok has changed dramatically over the past few weeks of social distancing. Gone are the sounds of construction drills, booming pile drivers, honking horns, unmuffled motorcyles and throbbing tuk-tuks. I can hear birdsong of all kinds in the mornings and, at dusk, the whirring and squeaking of different bat species as they zoom around hunting for insects.
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.
The great gig in the sky
Life, John Clewley, Published on 09/02/2016
» Musician David Bowie was the biggest name in the music business to pass away recently. His death at 69 prompted extraordinary media coverage across the world. Bowie was more than just a rock musician, he was also a pop culture icon. Like many people, Bowie was part of the musical landscape I grew up in, from his art/glam rock early days when I was at school to his Thin White Duke days when I was at university, Bowie was always there as part of the sonic furniture.
New releases for June
Life, John Clewley, Published on 23/06/2015
» Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba continue to dominate the top spot on this month's European Broadcast union Top 10 World Music chart. The Malian, who has brought the ngoni or Malian lute, to global fame, is on a hectic summer touring schedule that sees the band play in European and US festivals. Catch him if you can but if you can't get his new album Ba Power.
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.