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New Musical Discoveries #4 – The Dreaming Spires

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I first heard The Dreaming Spires listening to the House Of Mercy radio show https://www.houseofmercy.tv/HOMstore.php and have since heard them on Bob Harris’s Radio 2 Sunday show.

Bio info from their own website http://www.thedreamingspires.co.uk/ :

The band is led by singing brothers Robin and Joe Bennett, who also handle most instrumental duties. Known to some as “the Notorious Bennett Brothers”, Robin and Joe have carved out some renown as accomplished musicians as well as being co-founders of acclaimed festivals – Wood & Truck, a label and even a record store.

The Dreaming Spires have been lucky enough to have 3 great drummers: Jamie Dawson plays drums and percussion on the new album, and Mike Monaghan and Loz Colbert played on Brothers in Brooklyn. Nick “Growler” Fowler (also of Gaz Coombes’ band) contributes guitar to many tracks and occasionally plays live with the band.

The brothers’ musical pedigree includes stints in Goldrush and Danny & the Champs, touring and recording with Mark Gardener of Ride, and collaborations with everyone from Gary Louris to Garth Hudson of The Band, Mercury Rev to Saint Etienne (the brothers are members of the present live incarnation of Saint Etienne). Joe also plays with fellow travellers » Continue Reading.

New Musical Discoveries #3 – Samanatha Martin & Delta Sugar

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It has taken Samantha Martin a little while to find the right musical vehicle for her astonishingly powerful, force-of-nature voice. She has worked within various roots music styles, taking a roots-rock approach with earlier group Samantha Martin and the Haggard. With current group Delta Sugar she has settled upon a soul meets blues meets gospel hybrid in which that voice is the key instrument.

Review from bluesinthenorthwest.com: Toronto based ensemble Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar have quickly been recognized as rising stars in the Canadian roots and blues music scene since the February 17th release of their exceptional recording Send the Nightingale. With extensive airplay and reviews from around the world, critics are hailing Martin as “a voice that comes along once in a generation” (Bob Mersereau) and “raw, urgent lead vocals that invite favorable comparisons to those of Bonnie Tyler.” (Duane Verh, Roots Music Report) Within a few weeks Send the Nightingale was featured on The Alternate Root Top Ten Tracks of the Week, and has reached #3 on the !earshot National Folk/Roots/Blues charts with several positions on » Continue Reading.

New Musical Discoveries #1 – Rebecca Downes

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I thought I would start posting my new musical discoveries on here and hope to see plenty of yours posted too.

I first heard Rebecca Downes on last night Paul Jones’ Blues Show on Radio 2 and have just listened to her 2014 album Back To The Start.

Below is bio info from her website:

Rebecca Downes is fast establishing herself as one of the star attractions amongst the new vanguard of blues performers in the UK, with her unique and powerful voice, drawing influences ranging from Blues and Soul to Jazz and Rock.

Rebecca’s voice and performances have been, quite rightly, likened to such legendary artists as the full on Tina Turner, the bluesy feel of Etta James, and the raw power of Janis Joplin.

Her passion for music comes from a deep belief in the power and authenticity of live music and a love for what she does.

Quote from Brewery Blues Club show organiser John Drummond; ” 5ft 2 in her high heels, but a pocket powerhouse with a voice which makes Janis Joplin sound like a choir girl”

Now she has taken this one stage further and produced an albums worth of original material, largely with » Continue Reading.