Steve Hackett has joined fellow musicians to release a charity single for the, Parkinson’s Society UK. Featuring a new version of Spectral Mornings, originally from the album of the same name, it features new lyrics and an entire new recording of the song. Available on the 27th April it is a personal project and the new version sounds great. The lyrics work effortless, with a surprising familiarity.
According to the press release the project was the brainchild of Rob Reed (of Magenta & Jompendium). Rob says “I’ve always loved the piece Spectral Mornings by Steve Hackett, (the classic instrumental from his 1979 album of the same name). It had a great guitar melody and thought it would be amazing to re-record with the addition of some lyrics. I contacted David Longdon from Big Big Train who I wanted to sing it. David wrote the lyrics and we did a demo, which sounded fantastic.”
The artists involved have all lost a close relative to the disease.
Rob Reed, Cristina Booth and David Longdon
You can pre-order a digital EP or physical release here courtesy of Cherry Red for release on April 27th. The track combines the talents of Steve Hackett, Nick Beggs, David Longdon, Christina Booth, Rob Reed, & Nick D’Virgilo.
Ronnie Wood with his 1965 diary (Photo by Ross Halfin)
10 years before Ronnie Wood joined the Rolling Stones, he was already apart of one of the most lucrative music scenes in the golden age of Rock. Aged 17 Ronnie kept a diary detailing his triumphs and tribulations whilst with the Small Faces. Crossing paths through this story event is the finest cast of musicians: Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jeff Beck, Marianne Faithfull, and many more.
Wood will join Bob Harris at the Ambassadors Theatre, London on April 29th. Presenting his journal for the first time, the talk promises to combine rare photos, stories, and a discovery for avid music heads. With the upcoming release of Ronnie’s new book How Can it Be? A Rock & Roll Diary, the evening looks set to revisit the 60s in full technicolour and amusing anecdotes.
Tickets are available from http://ronniewood.ambassadorstheatre.london/
“I suppose my own private world is in the diary.” – Ronnie Wood
Rag Foundation are pleased to announce their latest single, Run, released 20th April 2015 via Rhondda Street Studio Recordings.
The single is taken from their upcoming fourth album, The Sparrow and The Thief, and is a wonderful showcase for their ability to create sumptuous vocal harmonies interlaced with intricate indie folk compositions which bear comparison to the likes of Noah & The Whale and The Decembrists with elements of Fleetwood Mac. Coming from a folk background, the band have always been fascinated by the dark stories behind certain songs – murder, betrayal, infidelity – essentially all the good things in life. While there are some definite themes interwoven throughout the track, Rag Foundation want people to discover them for themselves, as who knows what hidden corners and connections could be hiding inside?
Glastonbury line-up was revealed, with one gaping hole causing speculative mouths to run amok. Who is the third headliner? Is it Prince? It’s got to be Prince! Maybe it’s not Prince. Boy I hope it’s Prince.
As always dividing fans of the festival, especially in the wake of the Kanye controversy that seems to have ran out of steam rather quickly. A larger focus seems to have been placed on obscurer electronic artists than driving rock. Nevertheless, there is something for everyone. From the liquid soul of Lionel Richie, to the tripping beats of Flying Lotus, it has enticed this writer to man up and get a resale ticket.
Resale coach is today, 16th April. General admission resale is on Sunday. Get the last batch of tickets whilst they are available.