Live in 2014: Boo Hewerdine - The Chattery, Swansea, Wednesday 7th May 2014

It was another great night at my favourite Swansea venue when Boo Hewerdine came to town.

Boo is regarded as a musician's musician and a songwriter's songwriter - if that makes sense.

Highly regarded in the industry, Boo has written songs for many of the top names in the music business (more of that later) and has been in the music industry since 1983 when he joined his first signed band The Great Divide. Although he formed his own band in 1985. And called them The Bible. After 2 albums and 5 years Boo began is solo journey.

Throughout tonight's show, Boo told stories of various well known musicians who he has worked and come into contact with. He is an engaging narrator and some of his stories are very funny indeed.

 The show began with the title track from his forthcoming album - My Name In The Brackets and then he played Last Cigarette accompanied by a very good story about KD Lang - for whom he wrote the song.

I won't say too much about the stories that Boo told as it will spoil the show for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

Another new song that got an airing tonight was Boo's new single - Amazing Robot

Here is the video for the new single courtesy of  Folk Radio Uk

http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2014/04/exclusive-video-premiere-boo-hewerdine-amazing-robot/

Next up was Boo's most famous song which was recorded by his long time collaborator Eddi Reader, and one of Mrs Fleet's favourite songs,  the ever lovely The Patience Of Angels.

Boo played several songs from his forthcoming album which were all very good indeed - so forgive me if I've got the name of the songs incorrect.

The next one up was a new song - Snowglobe

Followed by he Bible's Honey Be Good.

It's amazing how Boo manages to keep up the quality of the songwriting, as every track he plays tonight is an absolute killer.

Part One of the evening concluded with the gorgeous, The Girl who Fell In Love With The Moon, which he dedicated to his friend an co-writer Jacob Eriksen who passed away very recently. The song has been covered by many artists but I still love Boo's original.

Part Two kicks off with a new song called maybe - We Never Get To Shine and is followed by another favourite  Dragonfly.

A new song Boo debuted tonight was My Secret Life which he has written for a band he is currently producing called Dark Green Trees.

A beautiful version of Slow Learner got some extra special applause from the appreciative & knowledgeable audience, many of whom had seen Boo on several occasions.

To close the show and with encouragement from the audience, Boo plucked out two old favourites, The Harvest Gypsies and 16 Miles.

The final song was a cover of the Bee Gees, I Started A Joke which was a lovely surprise.

Although he never played my favourite Bible track - the timeless Graceland. Here is Boo in the 80s.

I don't want to give too much away and spoil the surprises in the show but suffice to say that the audience showed it's appreciation and Boo seemed genuinely moved by tonight's response in a Sold Out Chattery.

Twitter - @boohewerdine 
http://www.boohewerdine.net/

New To Me: The Prefab Sprout Project

This is my biggest musical surprise of the year so far.

A group of fans set up a project to write and create music in the style of the great Prefab Sprout and Paddy McAloon. It is an homage and not imitation.

It contains songs written by fans and sung by Scott McPherson & Andrea Perry and various musicians provide the musical background.

These are NOT Prefab Sprout Songs but songs 'inspired' by Prefab Sprout. New songs.

Some of them are very good. All are at least interesting. I managed to get both of the cds.

Here are three videos of songs from the albums.

If you like Prefab Sprout or Paddy McAloon then check them out.

http://www.theprefabsproutproject.com/

Albums of 2014: Simone Felice - Strangers

Let me start by saying that I have thought long and hard about posting Albums Of 2014 so early in the year - but I know what I like and I like what I know (that sounds vaguely familiar in a Prog sort of way) - so for Albums that I know are going to make the list, well why not get them in early to give everyone an opportunity to seek out and get a few months more enjoyment if they feel so inclined as to invest

Simone Felice made his name as part of the band The Felice Brothers.

He left the band in 2009 to form his own band The Duke & The King (which are both worth investigating).

http://www.thefelicebrothers.com/favorite-waitress

Then in 2012 - Simone released his self titled debut album. The fact Simone is also a published author may come as no surprise when you look at how the quality of the lyrics and are highlighted even more by some of the simple instrumentation and sympathetic production which are featured on his debut.

His second solo release, this year's Strangers builds on his debut and has become one of my favourite albums of the year. The lead off single (are they still called singles?) ok, let's say song, was the uplifting Molly O. It reminds me somewhat of Bob Dylan, on a happy day, but Simone can actually sing! - 'Good trips and bad trips, we can still hold our lips to the chalice'

Simone's vocals are delicate and gentle and suggest a certain fragility and sensitivity which comes across beautifully in the track If You Go To LA with its sweeping string, acoustic guitar and banjo accompaniment.

Running Through My Head is a lovely piano ballad with an insistent drumbeat and female vocals and build up with sweeping strings and organ like a slightly twisted gospel song.

photo courtesy of John Huba

A lone acoustic guitar starts of Our Lady Of The Gun which has an accompaniment of handclaps, layered voices, piano and strings, which form a percussive beat throughout.

The plaintive Bye Bye Palenville starts off with organ and builds into a gorgeous piano led ballad which is almost gospel and is a song which Elton would have killed for.

Photo courtesy of Uncut

Next up is the song Gettysberg which chugs along nicely with its simple acoustic backing and handclap percussion backing.

The Best That Money Can Buy recalls Paul Simon at his 60s best with Simone's quavering vocal, acoustic guitar and cello background with a lone violin and what sounds like a vibraphone and trumpet providing the colour to this relatively simple song. 'In this kingdom of slaves and radio waves where nobody ever cries'.

photo courtesy of Uncut

Heartland starts off with distorted piano and builds with electric guitar and strings - like a Daniel Lanois production on one of his own albums. It is definitely the most atmospheric track on an album of atmosphere.

An interesting feature of the album are the unusual rhythm patterns on some of the songs which may come from the fact that Simone is also a drummer.

photo courtesy of americansonwriter

Bastille Day is another piano led ballad with minimal glockenspiel and voices to add the colour to the track before it builds at the end into a multitude of voices, organ and drums. 

The album ends with the moving, hymnic, Gallows which is a song based around acoustic guitar, beautiful harmonies and sweeping strings. 

Strangers is up there with the best of Jackson Browne, James Taylor and all of the 60s & 70s classic singer/songwriter albums. 

WIDESCREEN FILMIC AMERICANA AT IT'S VERY BEST.

And it sounds totally fantastic on VINYL.

I urge you to investigate further.

photo courtesy of Leeds Music Forum

Twitter - @SimoneFelice 

http://www.simonefelice.com/

Live in 2014: Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth 40th Anniversary Show - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 4th May 2014

Can it really be 40 years since the release of Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. Where has the time gone? Since the average age of the audience tonight must be over 50, I guess I wasn't the only one asking THAT question.

Well, Rick rolled back the years tonight with the performance of Journey complete with rock band, choir and orchestra. This is a performance of the newly recorded version which is extended by over 10 minutes and is now the album that Rick wanted it to be back in 74 but could not because of the limitations of vinyl at the time.

Anyone who has seen Rick before or even caught him on TV will know what an excellent raconteur he is. He could have been a stand up comedian. 

The first part of the show comprises of songs by people that helped Rick in the gestation of Journey.

First up was Cat Stevens, and Rick talked about how he played piano on Cat's Morning Has Broken and played a rendition complete with choir providing the vocals. It is still a moving piece of music and Rick proves he's still got the touch on the piano.

Next up came David Bowie - Rick went on to explain how David helped him by telling him not to compromise on his vision for Journey, no matter what the record company wanted. Rick played keyboards on Hunky Dory and went on to discuss Life On Mars. He then played this with his female vocalist of the tour, Hayley Sanderson.

Next up was Gershwin's Summer Time sung by original vocalist for Journey, Ashley Holt with whom Rick has worked with since the 1960s.

Rick finished part one with a tribute to his father and the composer Prokofiev by playing a version of Eleanor Rigby in the style of Prokofiev. 

Anyone who thought that Rick might have lost his skills over the years was proved wrong at this point where he showed just what an amazing pianist he actually is.

After a short intermission, it was back with the complete album of the reworked Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.

Rick emerged, resplendent in sparkling cape to thunderous applause!

To hear the album live with the Choir and Orchestra is a completely different experience from the album. The power of the music is just immense.

The narrator for this tour is the actor Philip Franks who does a fine job in the chair providing the required gravitas which is spoken by Peter Egan on the new recording.

photo courtesy of Kevin Cooper

The New World Symphony Orchestra under Guy Protheroe were fantastic in giving the music it's dynamic range and allowed Rick to paint his pictures using his various keyboards to convey Jules Verne's classic novel to the audience.

Since it's recording back in 1974, yes, the original album was a live recording, the music has stood the test of time and doesn't sound dated at all. Probably due to it's classical leanings. 

The 50+ minutes of the album just flew by and it was great to be 14 again.

Here is the last track from Journey - Mount Etna - rubbish video but the sound isn't too bad

As an encore, Rick and the musicians played a track from the album's sequel Return To The Centre Of The Earth and brought the 2 1/4 show to a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.

photo courtesy of kevin cooper

There is a rumour doing the rounds that Rick may attempt his follow up album King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table next. Now THAT would be something to see. Even on ice!!

Twitter - @GrumpyOldRick

http://www.rwcc.com/

Albums of 2014: Doug Paisley - Strong Feelings

Let me start by saying that I have thought long and hard about posting Albums Of 2014 so early in the year - but I know what I like and I like what I know (that sounds vaguely familiar in a Prog sort of way) - so for Albums that I know are going to make the list, well why not get them in early to give everyone an opportunity to seek out and get a few months more enjoyment if they feel so inclined as to invest

I came across Doug Paisley by looking at the Amazon 'Also Bought' section on one of the albums I was looking at. I often trawl through these selections to see if I can find anything I like.

It was an earlier album called Constant Companion. From it, this song called At The End Of The Day. 

That was back in 2010. In 2012 he released an EP called Golden Embers. 

These tracks didn't appear on the follow up album, the exquisite Strong Feelings this year.

photo courtesy of Countryweekly.com

So I kept an eye out for Strong Feelings. Doug is a Canadian from Toronto, who sings with a warm, husky tone.

The album opens with the longing Radio Girl.

Some reviewers have classified Doug's sound as 1970s folk rock - but I think that a bit too simplistic. There is a warm glow to the album which elevates the songs to much more than the usual singer/songwriter fare.

However, I can see how there say that and although I'm loathe to pick out influences, I think there's a direct line from fellow Canuck Neil Young in acoustic mode, on several of the tracks including the excellent It's Not Too Late. I can even hear echoes of The Band.

.

photo courtesy of music.cbc.ca

Which might not come as a surprise as Doug gets some help on the album from the legendary Garth Hudson.

The instrumentation is quite sparse with Doug's acoustic often only accompanied by some percussion, piano or organ.

photo courtesy of endoftheroadfestival.com

The country feel permeates onto several of the tracks but it doesn't feel like a Country album somehow. It feels more than that.

photo courtesy of northcountrypublicradio.org

Listening to this album is like drinking a nice warm whisky and leaves a beautiful aftertaste for a long time after it's finished.

So let Doug envelop you in his lovely Canadian burr and sit back and enjoy.

Twitter - @Doug_Paisley 

http://dougpaisley.com/

Albums of 2014: Peter James Millson - Sweet The Love That Meets Return

Let me start by saying that I have thought long and hard about posting Albums Of 2014 so early in the year - but I know what I like and I like what I know (that sounds vaguely familiar in a Prog sort of way) - so for Albums that I know are going to make the list, well why not get them in early to give everyone an opportunity to seek out and get a few months more enjoyment if they feel so inclined as to invest.

I first came across Peter James Millson last year whilst searching for new music.

So I've been waiting for Peter to release his debut album for some time. Finally it's here. And it doesn't disappoint.

Last year, one of the best albums of 2013 was Stay True by Danny & The Champions Of The World.

http://macwoodfleet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/albums-of-2013-danny-champions-of-world.html

Now the guy who took the photo for that album cover is none other than Peter James Millson.

Peter is a very talented photographer and has decided that the call of the music was too much and has released his debut album this year. It has been produced by Danny George Wilson  - Danny Champ himself - and has been engineered and mixed by Chris Clarke (The Champs bass player) at his Reservoir Studios.

The ten tracks have Danny & Chris' fingerprints all over them. The album has the same feel as Stay True but with a lighter touch. 

On this album, Peter sounds like Danny's younger and more sensitive brother. The music has a more singer/songwriter feel than Stay True's triumphant Country/Rock/Soul mix. It's almost folky in places but never sounds twee.

Here is Peter playing a track from the album called Michael.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMfkI1WKmgI

The album is quite nostalgic and recalls childhood days on tracks such as the uptempo opener I Remember Us and Being Young.

The music is played with aplomb (as you would expect with the majority of The Champs contributing) and a special mention for Paul Lush who contributes some lovely and sympathetic guitar work.

Peter's vocals are dreamy and sensitive and very English - which is a nice counterpoint to some to the transatlantic musical settings. It reminds me in places of a more Country/folk Nick Heyward - a very good thing - and Peter has a similar gift for melody as Nick.

Danny has done a fine job on production duties with some gorgeous touches of Hammond and Harmonium to contrast the acoustic and electric guitar backing.

And another special mention for the pedal guitar work by Henry Senior, which adds a Country tint to several of the songs, especially the more atmospheric Midnight Bell.

My favourite track on the album at the moment is the achingly romantic In Winter, which sounds like it could have been written by Mike Batt, and that's a huge compliment. It contains some lovely Hammond organ and cello too.

Red Leaves On The Cherry Tree has a faintly 60s kind of vibe with some great guitar work by Paul Lush and Hammond organ which sounds faintly Pink Floyd-ish in places. It's certainly the most experimental track on the album.

The album closes with the delicate Everybody Knows, which could have slotted easily onto any James Taylor or Jackson Browne album from the early 1970s - but here sounds contemporary and fresh - with Paul Lush's guitar to the fore and finishes with a touch of saxophone and guitar dueling.

PJM & Paul Lush

Here is a track from an EP that Peter released last year - and does not appear on the album.

 Sweet The Love That Meets Return is a great debut from Peter James Millson. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Stay True and anyone else who likes good songwriting and performance.

I highlighted Peter in an earlier blog post in the New To Me 2013 section - worth checking out.

http://macwoodfleet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/new-to-me-2013-peter-james-millson.html

Photos courtesy of peterjamesmillson.com & Peter's Facebook Page

Twitter - @pjmillson
http://peterjamesmillson.com/

Live in 2014: Neil Finn - Colston Hall, Bristol - Saturday 26th April 2014

Crowded House - one of my favourite bands. I've seen them quite a few times. But I've never managed to get to a Neil Finn solo gig. So tonight was a first.

The support act tonight was Hollie Fullbrook. Born in Bristol (yes, she played the hometown card) and emigrating to New Zealand as a child, Hollie is the leader of the band Tiny Ruins and she played a solo acoustic set of some of her songs while promoting her new band album Brightly Painted One (Bella Union). Her songs were rather good. And later she reemerged as part of Neil's band playing Cello & guitar/vocals

Freed from the shackles of the Crowded House repertoire, Neil opens up with the atmospheric and downbeat Impressions which is also the first track on his new solo album Dizzy Heights.

For anyone who hasn't heard solo Neil, he is a lot more musically experimental.

For this tour, he is joined by a young band which includes Mrs Finn on bass.

Tonight, Neil draws on Crowded House albums, His 3 solo albums - Try Whistling This, One Nil & Dizzy Heights, The Finn Brothers albums and even Split Enz!

This is from his performance on Jools Later - 4 nights before.

Neil was certainly on top form tonight and the 2 1/2 hrs just flew by.

With such a wealth of material to choose from, it was always going to be a varied and interesting show with Neil digging out the older songs as well as the classics.

It was nice to finally hear the solo tracks live, as they rarely get an outing in a Crowded House gig.

Early highlights included my favourite Crowded House track Distant Sun, which came in as song two and the title track of the new album Dizzy Heights. And I enjoyed hearing the Finn Brothers song Suffer Never for the first time live.

Although my favourite Neil solo song - She Will Have Her Way got me on my feet in this sit down show.

Neil stated that it was a pleasure to be able to play the piano on more songs than he does at Crowded House shows. I agree with this as Neil is an accomplished pianist, and we don't get to see that side of his talent very often. And it was nice to hear the songs played on the instrument on which they were written. 

And Neil's version of Don't Dream It's Over, played on piano on this tour , is a case in point. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye and always reminds me of former Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, sadly no longer with us.

Another highlight was the album track Divebomber from Dizzy Heights. On the album, it's a bit misplaced, with it's falsetto vocals, sound effects and experimental structure - but live, it's a different beast and works much better as a live performance. Reminded me of Pink Floyd funnily enough. Especially with the multi-coloured projections as the backdrop to the show.

The first encore included the rocky Locked Out and the Split Enz classic, I Got You and finally got the girls running down the aisles dancing and most of the crowd on their feet. Well Done Ladies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJU2xjAcjzs

As you can see, I've included various videos from the current tour to give you a taste of what the show experience.

Now Neil has always enjoyed a bit of crowd banter and throughout the gig talked to two guys, Derrick and Simon.

Neil mentioned that he would be sliding across the top of the piano at some point and when Simon interjected that he could do that, Neil said he would call on him later in the show - and he did. But he also made Simon work for his 15 minutes of fame. Check out the video I recorded below.

The Split Enz classic, I Got You was a nice surprise to end the first encore.

At the end of the show, Neil came back on to the stage alone and played a gorgeous version of Four Seasons In One Day, which I did manage to capture for posterity.

He ended the show with the band joining him for the Crowded House classic Better Be Home Soon. See the video on link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGZPnglwUzI

It was a brilliant show. The best I've ever seen Neil perform. And I even managed to get his personal set list from his piano.

One thing though Neil, next time, come to Wales. And play Recurring Dream again :)

Twitter - @neilmullanefinn

http://neilfinn.com/