Curtis Mayfield Archives – Just Listen To This

Matt Andersen – Halfway Home By Morning

by Pete Sargeant | Mar 28, 2019

What will draw you, the discerning listener into the spell of Canadian songsmith Andersen is somewhat similar to US writer-performer Eric Paslay’ s core appeal, as in Matt‘s tales and tunes, you keep recognising people, behaviours, values and situations in your own experience.

Eric Gales – The Bookends

by Pete Sargeant | Feb 6, 2019

A release from the loose cannon Eric Gales always turns out to be intriguing. I reckon this is because he will listen to Holst, Howlin’ Wolf, Herbie Hancock..to Blues, bluegrass, Brahms and Billie Holiday – and that could be one of my record shelves.

Doyle Bramhall II – Tea, Tones And Tunes

by Pete Sargeant | Dec 25, 2018

With a new album coming out on Mascot and titled Shades it seems a good time to catch up again with the artist as he flies in from sunny California to overcast Shoreditch for press sessions. Pete and fellow guitarist Colin Howell grab a beverage and join Doyle at his hotel this morning to talk about the new record:

Doyle Bramhall II – Shades

by Pete Sargeant | Dec 2, 2018

It is evident that for any releases under his own name, Bramhall has his own sound, arrangements, compositional direction and execution

Cyril Neville – Endangered Species: The Essential Recordings

by Pete Sargeant | Sep 30, 2018

A collection that highlights the artistry and pure soul of this fine vocal stylist. His career began with The Meters and The Neville Brothers and more recently he has toured with Royal Southern Brotherhood.

Lenny Kravitz – Raise Vibration (Deluxe Edition)

by Pete Sargeant | Sep 25, 2018

The quirky musician/singer/songwriter/lensman/designer returns with a new set of compositions. This is an artist who seems to avoid rehashing past successes yet many of his records strike a chord with the public and become performance favourites.

Mahalia Barnes + The Soulmates – Hard Expectations

by Pete Sargeant | Sep 1, 2018

Mahalia Barnes and The Soul Mates return with a fresh set of songs, in the company of some notable guests. If the song titles look to be the stuff of human dilemmas and relationship matters..well, they certainly are.

Bluesfest London 2018 Announces Third Wave Of Artists

by Pete Sargeant | May 15, 2018

Bluesfest London 2018 Announces Third Wave Of Artists  Supplied By Event Organiser...

Jimi Hendrix -Both Sides Of The Sky

by Pete Sargeant | Mar 12, 2018

Nearly fifty years after the guitar adventurer’s passing, a new Jimi Hendrix record release is still – potentially – an exciting event for fans. The last one put out was the terrific Machine Gun live set with the Band Of Gypsys crew, sounding rich and powerful with a sparky set of tunes.

Mike Read

by Pete Sargeant | Mar 1, 2018

For a radio fan of many years’ listening, the chance to talk radio in depth with veteran turntable titan Mike Read was not going to be missed.

Chris Rea – Drive Time

by Pete Sargeant | Dec 24, 2017

The title of the Northern slidemaster’s new album is Road Songs For Lovers but don’t be fooled, there is real bite in with the romance and glad-to-be-alive moments.
Rea is one of music’s survivors and I have been glad of his advice when in my own dark times. The love of music and of communicating through music still beams out of the genial songwriter when we meet up once again in London to trade records and chat…

Gov’t Mule – Coming Round Again

by Pete Sargeant | Dec 17, 2017

A new album from the hard-hitting but remarkably versatile Gov’t Mule is always welcome in these parts. We happily accepted an invitation to meet up once again with bandleader Warren Haynes. With a view to talking about the record content and related matters… Plus a recent sad passing. Thanks Warren for your time and Pete hopes you enjoy that Splinter Group album

Black Country Communion – One Four All

by Glenn Sargeant | Dec 16, 2017

Black Country Communion – One Four All “Watch this space..” whispered BCC singer and bassist...

Project Mama Earth – Project Mama Earth

by Pete Sargeant | Dec 10, 2017

This release really has an interesting list of participants – Joss Stone, Nitin Sawhney, Jonathan Joseph, Etienne M’Bappe, Jonathan Shorten. I really liked a previous gathering including Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart and called SuperHeavy but how does this fare ?

Hue & Cry with Special Guest Olly Flavell, November 2017, Islington Assembly Hall, Islington, London, United Kingdom

by Pete Sargeant | Nov 16, 2017

Seeing Hue & Cry in a live performance underlines many things, not least the high quality of their new album material.

The Isley Brothers & Santana – Power Of Peace

by Pete Sargeant | Oct 8, 2017

A few copies of this release should be dropped over North Korea, I think..and then over Washington. Both these Sony acts have long promoted peace, love and understanding and their linking up to create and combine is a laudable notion.

Simo – Rise & Shine

by Pete Sargeant | Sep 3, 2017

‘Rise & Shine’ …a phrase I heard many a time from my late father, too early in the morning ! But his military background as a Sergeant Major never left him, we his hapless offspring his platoon…but the phrase also heralds the return of funky psych-rock trio from Nashville.

Devon Allman – Riding Hard

by Pete Sargeant | Aug 7, 2017

The US musician is on a series of UK dates promoting his Ride Or Die album and after a classy and soul-soaked set at the Boom Boom Club in Sutton, Pete and Devon speak about all manner of things, after he has met the attending fans and checked in with home. His guitar playing is fluid and spiky, but you’d hire him as a singer anyday…

Doyle Bramhall II with special guest Jon Allen, May 2017, Under The Bridge, Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom

by Glenn Sargeant | May 29, 2017

This was a very special one-off UK headline performance by guitarist Doyle Bramhall II at the comfortable Under The Bridge club and music venue which is nestled under Stamford Bridge (Chelsea Football Stadium).

Paul Weller – A Kind Revolution (Deluxe Edition)

by Pete Sargeant | May 16, 2017

I liked a lot of Weller’s last release Saturn’s Pattern and its playful sonic energy and range. Weller seemed to be getting best out of his players and his own playing had the boldness that fans cherish.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Strong Like That

by Pete Sargeant | May 15, 2017

Kim Wilson has become over time an almost John Mayall figure within US music – sticking to the music that brought him initial fame and always changing his backing musicians. I read a piece a while ago wherein Wilson opined that touring with younger players was refreshing as the old-timers did little but say how good things were Back Then….

Naturally 7 – Both Sides Now

by Pete Sargeant | May 15, 2017

The accomplished American singing group return with a new album. It’s good to hear their voices again, blending mellow and enthralling, smooth and rousing. This time around they have some guest artists aboard.

Devon Allman – Ride Or Die

by Pete Sargeant | May 13, 2017

As any rational human being should really be, Devon Allman cares about the Earth and his fellow Earthlings, but does not let his fears and concerns taint his music with the negative.

Gary Clark Jr. – Live North America 2016

by Pete Sargeant | Mar 31, 2017

Well if you are a fan of the fuzz-drenched band sound and earnest vocals of Mr Gary Clark Jnr then this live set gives you just what you want. He features some popular tracks and two unfamiliars and they are pretty much all delivered raw, filth-soaked and from the way these cuts play very loud.

Ronnie Baker Brooks – Times Have Changed

by Pete Sargeant | Feb 23, 2017

This artist’s father is the great Lonnie Brooks of warm voice and fluid guitar fame and his albums were essential purchases in earlier decades. Big shoes to fill. But R&B seems to come naturally to Ronnie Baker Brooks.

Robin Trower – Sonic Voyager

by Pete Sargeant | Sep 30, 2016

Robin’s new album ‘Where You Are Going To’ is stacked with effective songs, inventive and soulful guitar playing and some very personal lyrics as the artist continues his travels around the world. Pete tempted him temporarily out of the studio to talk about the new record and its inspirations.