Author Archives: John S

About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

A taste of the London Jazz Festival 2021

Posted on December 2, 2021 by John S

This year’s London Jazz Festival ran from 12 to 21 November. It took place in locations across London, ranging across the genres associated with jazz and in locations as large as the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican, to pubs … Continue reading →

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London Grammar at Alexandra Palace, 12 November 2021

Posted on November 15, 2021 by John S

London Grammar are a trio – singer and occasional guitarist Hannah Reid and multi-instrumentalists Dan Rothman and Dominic “Dot” Major. They’re Londoners, but formed at Nottingham University. Their debut album, If You Wait, was released in 2013. That was followed … Continue reading →

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Three concerts: Arlo Parks, Nubya Garcia, Holly Humberstone

Posted on November 10, 2021 by John S

November marks an upsurge of concert-going for me – a combination of rearranged gigs, new shows and the forthcoming London Jazz Festival. The month got off to a flying start with the three shows reviewed here. Three artists whose reputations … Continue reading →

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The Staves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 11 October 2021

Posted on October 13, 2021 by John S

On Tuesday I went along to Shepherd’s Bush Empire with my friends Jon and Shane to see the Staves. It was my first non-festival concert since March 2020. And it was the Staves’ first tour promoting their new album Good … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (8) From Kew Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge

Posted on September 26, 2021 by John S

In the previous instalment of this journey – Hampton Court to Kew – I envisaged this piece covering Kew to Putney, a distance of around 6 miles on the river as it snakes through west London. The Thames Path in … Continue reading →

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Lovelondonscenes 172 – The Battersea Power Station station

Posted on September 22, 2021 by John S

On Monday 20 September an extension to the London Underground Northern Line opened. A short one, south of the river, travelling south-west from Kennington to a spot not too far from Battersea Power Station. With the one intermediate station, Nine … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (168) – Premier League predictions for 2021-22

Posted on August 13, 2021 by John S

So, less than a week since the Olympics finished, and only 33 days since the European Championship final, the Premier League is back! And it starts tonight with a fixture that has me torn. My second team, Arsenal, away to … Continue reading →

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How do you know when you are finished? Reflections on Frank Bowling and the arts in general

Posted on August 9, 2021 by John S

I was in Bristol for a few days last week with my wife Kath. Exploring and enjoying that great city. On Friday morning we spent a bit of time in the Arnolfini art gallery down by the waterfront in the … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2021

Posted on July 29, 2021 by John S

  Hey boy, hey girl,                                                                        … Continue reading →

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Reflections on Bob Dylan as he turns 80

Posted on May 24, 2021 by John S

Today is Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday. The troubadour, the poet – with his Nobel Prize – the spokesman for a generation, even if he didn’t see himself that way. And now one of the great survivors, still playing, touring and … Continue reading →

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