Who: John Shuttleworth
What: A Wee Ken to Remember
Where: Bloomsbury Theatre, London
When: 1st December 2014
Few artists have had a book published of their collected lyrics. Bob Dylan has had three (don’t try lifting the most recent one, you’ll do yourself a mischief), Paul Simon has had one, Sting has one (his Mum might have bought a copy) and so has John Shuttleworth. The difference between the first three and Shuttleworth is that John’s is self-published.
What: Luna Rossa
Where: The Borderline, off Manette Street, London
When: 2nd November 2014
Luna Rossa are one of the new kids on the block in terms of live shows. This was their second live show on a three-date stretch which precedes the release of their second album “Secrets and Lies”. That such a little known band is able to pull a decent sized crowd is primarily due to their connection with one of rock music’s best kept quality secrets: Panic Room.
Who: Daughters of Davis, supported by Lánre
Where: Ravenscourt Arts, Hammersmith, London
When: October 11th, 2014
About a year ago I heard an interview with a fairly major music industry figure who when asked what he would like to be doing if he wasn’t doing that interview, said he would like to be at home listen to the harmonies of the “Daughters of Davis”. Time to find out about the Daughters of Davis, I thought. Located them on the internet. Ordered their cd and dvd (I’m the archetypal guy who like to have the solid item in both hands. Not much time for mp3s here). Nearly a year later, it’s time to see them in concert. Can they cut the mustard live?
Who: Ian Hunter and the Rant Band
Where: Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
When: October 4th 2014
So we gathered at the front of the stage with all the old dudes, waiting for the band to take the stage and wondering what Mr Hunter would serve up for us tonight. In truth, it was to prove fairly predictable. But predictable isn’t always a bad thing if it comes with passions — and this did. Ian told us he has nothing new to sell. So consequently, we were treated to a collection of his best solo moments, and all the great Mott the Hoople hits from long ago and a smattering of more obscure songs from both eras to please the most dedicated fans.
Who: Roger McGuinn (An Evening with Roger McGuinn – solo , mostly acoustic)
Where: Cadogan Hall, London (Just off Sloane Square)
When: 26th September 2014
I last saw Roger McGuinn in concert in 1987. He was third on the bill behind Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and headliner Bob Dylan on “The Temples in Flames” tour as it stopped off in Birmingham at the NEC. Dylan was having an off night and McGuinn’s set was, for me, the highlight of a concert I wouldn’t choose to revisit.
What: The Children of the Light Trio – Danilo Perez, Brian Blade, John Patitucci,
Where: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Frith Street, Soho, London
When: July 14, 2014
Writing reviews of jazz concerts can be a difficult ask – especially when the artists communicate little with their audience. Here I am in Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London and I’m scribbling notes – mental and written – but those pesky musicians won’t give me song titles to hang my thoughts on. What can I say? Tonight was a night of beautiful music. Here are some random thoughts I came away with but they won’t make the most coherent review.
Who: Eagles
Where: o2 Arena, Greenwich, London
When: 16-21 June 2014
Something had made Don Henley slightly annoyed. “We don’t do this because we’re bored”, he informed the audience at the o2 arena in Greenwich.
In an interview two weeks before, Robert Plant had been informing the press why he wouldn’t join a Led Zeppelin reunion that Jimmy Page had suggested. Some old bands go back out on tour because they’re bored, he suggested, and he wanted no part of that. And then he went on to specifically mention the Eagles and Don Henley had obviously heard the reports.
As Eagles arrive in Europe to begin their tour, they have announced dates for next year for New Zealand and Australia. Here they are:
What: Judie Tzuke in concert
Where: Martletts Hall, Burgess Hill
When: May 3rd 2014
Support: Bailey Tzuke
Martletts Hall in Burgess Hill has become a regular stopping point for Judie Tzuke on her (almost) annual tours around the UK and tonight it is the opening night venue.
twilightdawning 