Runnin On Empty

Where to start with the talent that is Minnie Birch? Plentiful as a Blackberry bush, she's a first-class female that puts the fact & fable into Folk.  About to self-release an AA-side single John BarleyCorn/ Emeralds on the 13th July to draw attention to her second full-length album Tethered released at the end of 2017 ....... Is there no stopping this Hertfordshire lass?  Minnie has a  distinct sound, so even before her vocals enter the track "Emeralds" at 17 seconds you know whose music you're listening to. She said it was written post Brexit referendum & coupled with a personal situation left her feeling at a loss with the world  & thinking "We're not in Kansas anymore" a line from the Wizard Of Oz where Dorothy realises nothing is what it seems. In fact, there is many a lyrical nod to the Film, amongst them: " With a Lions Mane & a Scarecrow Pride".  Minnie also created part of the percussion with her tap shows that are Rub...

Word Up!  it's only taken them 9 yrs, but holy moly some things are worth waiting for.  While Tom Craven has recorded & put out music as a solo artist over the past decade, The E.P  "Take Courage" out on 30th July is the first offering from Tom Craven & The Chapter under the band banner, but I believe it's been to their advantage because the growth, the maturity, lyrically, vocally & musically has been well & truly nailed, Chapter and verse some might say? With a perfect blend of Folk Rock, acoustic, "Take Courage" is like listening to the soundtrack of a West End Rock/Tragedy yet to be written.  Kicking off the E.P & also debut Single "Parisian (Trial by Fire)" dramatic yet melodic, the leading man takes to the mic.  "The kiss of  life, the kiss of death, they'll save this kiss for you, A pinch of salt, the word regret & it echoes through & through"                       ...

I've recently been contacted by a number of rather upset patients that come under West Herts Hospitals NHS trust, who while waiting for their Op date for medical conditions have suddenly received a letter to basically inform them they are too fat and can't have the Op after all.  The Trust have seemingly rolled out a new policy with a total lack of communication between departments, meaning even those at the hospital that should know about it......didn't. As a regular reader & follower of the Column I used to write at the Watford Obs, I know one of the patients involved and was shocked to say the least when she contacted me on this matter, because while like most of us she could do with losing a few pounds, which she readily admits herself,  she is not what you would describe as fat or obese.   When I started getting contacted by other patients with exactly the same issue I felt it needed bringing to public attention so that others can ...

As some of you will know, I've had Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) for 28yrs, M.E is a chronic complex physical debilitating illness. I also have other stuff like Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis,  hunchback, yada yada...apart from that, as most would say " I'm fine ".  On Sunday 22nd April  2018 I began having breathing problems, it's common with my conditions and impossible to pinpoint what causes what exactly. The muscular weakness seems to lead to inflammation and spasms where the back and chest feel like concrete and there's an inability to take a full breath and then due to the exhaustion it all becomes rather distressing.  I'm usually able to ride this out  but it became worse as the day went on and by the evening, with raging pins and needles shooting up my spine like fire and spreading throughout my body I asked my mother to call an ambulance. I was also at a bad level of M.E at this point, trouble with processing thoug...

A Film I haven't seen yet is the simplest way to describe the new album "I Want Blood" by Suburban Dirts, but it's anything but simple. Some of you may recall that back in December I reviewed the bands single Eli and spoke about my surprise at them coming from right here in Hertfordshire? Performing on the Americana/roots scene are John Wheatley- Lead vocal, acoustic guitar, harmonica, Chris Varley-Bass, David Austin-Drums, Vocals, David Moyes-Guitar, Jay Seymour-Keyboards & Joolz Addison-Violin.  As I opened up the thoughtfully wrapped rustic packaging that dropped through the letterbox, I smiled, realising it was just some of the words I'd use to sum up the band.  There has without doubt been a shed load of thought gone into the making of this album, and there's a lot to say about it.........The wrapped CD slipped out of a folded card, a story in itself, but as an eager beaver I placed it to one side to read later, I wanted to hear their musical offeri...

As someone who hears, analyses and can appreciate every element of a track in minute detail from lyrics, cowbells, brightening effects to an accidently recorded studio trump, I've always considered myself the queen geek/nerd of music..........But cue Folk-Inspired Singer/Songwriter   Zoë Wren who Is on another level, we're talking the chocolate hobnob of nerdiness here but it's fascinating for one so young, as is her new Six track E.P  Gold & Smoke out for official release on 3rd March.              First to the music, as someone who is a bit wary when it comes to that medieval folk vibe, I breathed a sigh of relief, not a Nonny-Nonny-No in earshot.  In fact, ther e's a significant continuity throughout the E.P that flows like a gentle stream in the form of Zoës vocals, beautiful is a thought that surfaces rather a lot, along with pure.  here were also some lovely lyrics, so simple and poetic it took me back to courting d...

I was introduced to Amy & The Calamities via the jam-packed talent that I recently reviewed on   Spiritual Live No.2 Album. Amy had a track on it "Now That I Know This". She is also releasing her own 6 track E.P this week titled:  "The Suspects"  I'd assumed Amy & The Calamities were a band?  If I'd checked out Youtube first I would've had my answer? DOH!.....it was time to find out more.  She is, in fact, Amy Wawn a solo singer/songwriter/ musician hailing from Zimbabwe, the added  "Calamities" came about after a jokey conversation with her best friend who coined the phrase after an open mic night in Cape Town, about the comedic mishaps on stage. It's also about the coming together of friends and spontaneous performances that give way to mistakes, As Amy believes, all part of being human, and part of learning and growing. Now that's sorted it was time for me to check out the E.P. and first track Bless, straight away I'm i...

                          I was looking to kick the new year off with some balls, when as if by magic along came "Great Reckoning"  a fairly new 4 piece hailing from  Tyldesley in Greater Manchester consisting of Lewis Tooby -Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar, Laiton Price-Bass/Vocals,  Andrew Pendlebury-Lead Guitar, Jordan Lawley White-Drums. I always think there's a pre-assumption when bands/artists come from this neck of the woods, it's like when a singer says they're from Wales and no matter your age you automatically think Tom Jones and expectations are high?  As for  "Great Reckoning"?  Manchester can add another corker to the list, they certainly don't disappoint.    Drawing their influence from bands such as Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters & Royal Blood the band wouldn't sound or look out of place sharing the stage with any of their superiors and are equally known for thei...

This time of year usually has us reflecting, looking back and looking forward, maybe thinking of  changes we'd like to make?  and as I stroll down what often feels like the psychiatric corridors of Facebook I can't help thinking  I haven't done too badly.   Each and every one of us has a story and most have their struggles but I generally find the best medicine for misery is to focus on others. As someone who  lives a Yogic life  it's the first mantra of my day "What can I do to make someone elses day better today?" it's not about big gestures it's about the small stuff and it's something that we are all able to do regardless of age, health or circumstances.  By thinking of others & helping others without any expectations for self, we can often learn alot and that in itself can be  healing. Talking of healing, can we make a deal to banish last gasp selfies please ? This year my feed has been awash with open backed hospital gowns...