blues

Laura Evans – Out of the Dark

Laura Evans returns with a second album as good as the first. If ‘State of Mind’ was a revelation then ‘Out of the Dark’ cements her reputation. That signature Blues/Rock sound once again echoing from the speakers with anthemic precision. ‘Wherever You Are’ begins an album that is heavy on the beat. Expressing with intentContinue reading “Laura Evans – Out of the Dark”

Laura Evans – What I’m Made Of

We already know what Laura Evans is made of. But her latest EP firmly underlines her credentials. Through her signature combo of Blues/Rock, she creates an empowering message of confidence and self-belief. None more so than in the title track, ‘What I’m Made Of’. “When they think I’m too weak / and there’s no fightContinue reading “Laura Evans – What I’m Made Of”

Elles Bailey – Beneath the Neon Glow

After shining in the half light at the end of the pandemic, Elles Bailey is now standing beneath a neon glow. Her latest album is borne less from anger at lockdown inequality; more from a spirit at ease with life as an independent musician. She is one of the trailblazers in pursuit of this calling.Continue reading “Elles Bailey – Beneath the Neon Glow”

David Woodman – Family

David Woodman’s album “Family” explores the expansive concept of family, encompassing various relationships. The title track challenges traditional views of family by evoking Christian imagery, while other songs delve into themes of freedom, love, support, and human connection. The album delivers a powerful and uplifting message, encouraging listeners to take action and embrace the spirit of family.

Gareth Lewis – Roots

Gareth Lewis knows how to concoct the perfect musical cocktail. The Swansea singer-songwriter has come up with a delightfully eclectic mix for his latest record, ‘Roots’. Expect a strong taste of rock, with a dash of Blues and a pinch of Country, a drop of Gospel and a hit of electronica, guaranteed to fizz andContinue reading “Gareth Lewis – Roots”

Taynee Lord – Heavy Air

Taynee Lord is diverting down a darker road for her latest single. Country turns to Blues on ‘Heavy Air’: electric guitars creeping over her like shadows; haunted by the harmonies in the chorus. It perfectly resembles the situation in which she finds herself: trapped by a gaslit narrative that has moulded her into an anxiousContinue reading “Taynee Lord – Heavy Air”

Elles Bailey – The Night Owl & The Lark

The team around Elles Bailey has solidified over these past couple of years. And it’s only when hearing ‘The Night Owl & The Lark’ do you realise how integral they have become to her sound. Not that this latest EP disrupts in any negative way. There are notable differences though from her previous records. WhileContinue reading “Elles Bailey – The Night Owl & The Lark”

Elles Bailey – Shining in the Half Light

Elles Bailey’s latest album, ‘Shining in the Half Light’, has been forged in the fire of the last few years. It is a record that speaks to the experience and perspective of the independent musician over a particularly turbulent period. There are hints and nods to both Brexit and Covid without ever being explicit aboutContinue reading “Elles Bailey – Shining in the Half Light”

Elles Bailey – Sunshine City Tour

It may have been a feast of fireworks in and around Liverpool on Friday night, but there was a different kind of bonfire blazing inside the Royal Philharmonic Hall. The venue’s Music Room was set alight with a blistering performance from Elles Bailey, who is fast becoming the queen of UK Blues. On this, theContinue reading “Elles Bailey – Sunshine City Tour”

CC Smugglers – How High Tour

What a melting pot of genres CC Smugglers are. Bubbling over during their red-hot set at Manchester’s Soup Kitchen were sounds as diverse as jazz, country, funk, swing, soul, folk, and blues. It was like a hoedown one minute, a jazz club the next. There really is something for everyone with this band. And you’dContinue reading “CC Smugglers – How High Tour”