Harking from Illinois, Pokey LaFarge previews his latest release inspired by the deep soul not just of the Californian shores, but from distant geographical places like Africa and Latin America. LaFarge sets out to create a body of work that paired emotional lyrics with a killer groove and grabby melodies.
Since his independent debut release in 2006 with Marmalade, LaFarge has made a steady name in the blues and folk scene, beginning in Nashville, working his way to Los Angeles and finally ending up in Mid-Coast Maine, where he began sowing the seeds of his next release, Rhumba Country, working 12-hour days on a local farm – a turn of events that catalyzed an extraordinary burst of creativity and redefined his sense of purpose as an artist.
As he immersed himself in the album’s creation, LaFarge began dreaming up a kaleidoscopic sound informed by his love of music from far-ranging eras and corners of the globe, including mambo, tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock-and-roll. Co-produced along with Chris Seefried and Bergman and recorded in L.A., the resulting Rhumba Country is an invitation to come together to celebrate life and love.
LaFarge now invites you to experience Rhumba Country in an intimate and memorable live show that will transport you to a plethora of eras and cultures all guided in the comforting and familiar vessel of blues and folk.
AGMP comes to Birkenhead to present alt-country pioneers The Long Ryders in the Future Yard live room on Friday 11th October, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their breakthrough album Native Sons, playing it live in full.
Often credited as the actual founders of the alt-country movement, a musical genre which did not exist before they burned so brightly in the eighties, The Long Ryders a key link in the Americana chain, uniting Gram Parsons’ Flying Burrito Bros with Wilco and the Jayhawks.
Author and musician Tom Kitching launches his new book and album, Where There’s Brass, with a special storytelling and music concert tour.
Documenting six months living in the London waterways community, making the long journey across England from Manchester on a traditional narrowboat built in 1937, Where There’s Brass tells the story of the contemporary London waterways – a floating slum at worst, a bohemian, alternative, vibrant community at best. It is a love letter to the waterways, and a rallying cry for what they can be in the future.
Stories old and new are interwoven with a specially composed suite of music, underpinned by Tom’s long-term accompanist, the brilliant Nordic mandola player Marit Fält.
Tom’s debut solo album Interloper was listed at #6 in the Sunday Express Albums of the Year 2015.
This cantata ‘Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ’ (Hold in your memory Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead) provides an account of the risen Christ’s appearance to his disciples; three times the bass soloist sings Christ’s greeting ‘Peace be with you’ and the chorus responds.
The chorus, three soloists and string ensemble are joined by trumpet, flute and oboes d’amore.
The hits earned their place in pop history. From Poison Arrow to The Look Of Love, from All Of My Heart, and Be Near Me, to When Smokey Sings, ABC were the band that redefined glamour and cool.
Led by the charismatic Martin Fry, they enjoyed TransAtlantic success as The Lexicon of Love proved as artful as a Warhol silkscreen, and glossier than Marilyn’s lipstick. ABC’s The Lexicon of Love was a brilliantly distinctive debut album, fizzing with bright ideas, and unapologetically flamboyant.
Frontman Martin Fry harked back to a golden era of luxe, as though Cole Porter had been re-imagined among the narrow streets of Sheffield. Little wonder his sleek, opulent, and beautiful debut retains the affection of listeners four decades on. With good reason, it has stood the test of time. And so has Martin Fry, who will bring an evening of stripped-back music and conversation to UK theatres in celebration.
His intimate tour follows a sold-out tour of the UK, which included three sell out nights at London Palladium, and coincides with the publication of his autobiography. That’s the look, that’s the look… The Look of love.
* Meet’n’greet packages and VIP packages are available.
Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits …Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, Whats in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe and often confused people with their band name (in fact just the brothers surname with absolutely no religious connotation!)
Still headed by enigmatic lead singer Garry Christian (who very much deserves the Daily Mirror’s description of him as having ‘one of the finest voices in pop) who has only gained in vocal stature (and wit) over the years! the band are enjoying a revival currently touring successfully in the UK and Europe.
Raised on the rallying cry of protest songs and influenced by the celtic sounds that make Liverpool so unique, Ian Prowse is a singer/songwriter who is renowned for his incendiary live shows and has cemented his cult following over twenty five years with indie bands Pele and Amsterdam.
In 2005 Prowse charted with his song ‘Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?’ and Radio 1 DJ John Peel was reduced to tears live on air each time he played the track. Irish legend Christy Moore then adopted the song in 2009, making it the centrepiece of his number 1 album, ‘Listen’.
Deeply impressed with Prowse’s 2019 album ‘Here I Lie’, Elvis Costello invited him to join every date of his national 2020 tour, ‘Just Trust’, as his special guest. Elvis is not alone in recognising Prowse’s ability to wow a live crowd as Prowse has previously rocked national tours with The Pogues, Damien Dempsey, Del Amitri and The Wonderstuff.
Following the outstanding response to their recent “Live Dates Live” tour – in which the band celebrated 50 years of their seminal multi-million selling live album – Wishbone Ash return with a show featuring songs from its follow-up… Live Dates 2.
Experience the legendary band – whose iconic twin-guitar sound inspired the likes of Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden – performing a stellar set that also includes much-loved classics from a remarkable back catalogue spanning an astonishing 55 years! Definitely one not to be missed!
This top tribute show is more than just a tribute – they are the complete package!
With their perfect combination of brilliant musicianship and tongue in cheek humour, they have had rave reviews throughout the UK. Playing the country-rock songs of the 1980s supergroup ‘The Traveling Wilburys’, the band also steal some choice numbers from the back catalogue of each of its five iconic members; Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne.
Legendary Liverpool band China Crisis play a special show at The Citadel Theatre, St Helens.
The excellent China Crisis had a string of synthpop hits in the 80s, their infectious melodies and classic songwriting have certainly stood the test of time, well worth checking out!
