Author Archives: John S

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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 Thames Journey: (2) From Cricklade, via Lechlade, to Newbridge

Posted on June 3, 2020 by John S

This stretch of the river, winding its way through Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire involves a walk of just under 28 miles. We did it over three days at two different times. The walk from Cricklade to a spot between Highworth … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 169 – Return to the Canal

Posted on May 21, 2020 by John S

I walked along the Grand Union Canal for the first time since lockdown today. It’s not that far away, but I have diligently been doing circuits of the local park, listening to podcasts, over the past nine weeks. I was … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (1) From the Source to Cricklade

Posted on May 14, 2020 by John S

Sweete Themmes, runne softly, till I end my song. (Edmund Spenser, 1596) One of the things I’ve missed most in this time of lockdown is being able to walk along the banks of the River Thames. I’ve whiled away many … Continue reading →

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Graceland – the Book and the Place

Posted on April 28, 2020 by John S

This is a blog I’ve been meaning to write since last year. One of the many pleasures of the End of the Road festival are the interviews that take place in the mornings and early afternoon in the literary tent, … Continue reading →

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Moses Boyd at the Electric Brixton, 12 March 2020

Posted on March 15, 2020 by John S

Moses Boyd is a leading member of the new generation of jazz artists who have been causing a bit of a sensation in recent times. His new solo album “Dark Matter” ventures far and wide in its musical influences, but … Continue reading →

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BBC 6 Music Festival – the Roundhouse, 8 March 2020

Posted on March 12, 2020 by John S

The BBC 6 Music festival was held in London this year – Camden, in north London, to be precise. Tickets for the three day event sold incredibly quickly, but I managed to get a couple for Sunday for the main … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 168 – Sunshine on the Canal – or is it the River?

Posted on March 7, 2020 by John S

A familiar scene, the Grand Union Canal – and the River Brent. The two become one on this lower stretch, which leads at Brentford into the Thames. After two days of incessant rain and most of the news being about … Continue reading →

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Big Thief at Hammersmith Apollo, 27 February 2020

Posted on March 5, 2020 by John S

Big Thief are one of my favourite bands at the moment. I love their combination of folk, Americana and indie with an off-kilter element which reminds me a little of Radiohead. Singer Adrianne Lenker has a fragile but versatile voice … Continue reading →

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GospelbeacH and Danny George Wilson at the Betsy Trotwood, Clerkenwell, 1 March 2020

Posted on March 2, 2020 by John S

On Sunday I went down to Clerkenwell, early evening, to see a gig at the Betsy Trotwood pub which had been organised by a friend of mine, Paul. I think I’m keen on music, but I’m absolutely not worthy in … Continue reading →

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Fontaines DC at Brixton Academy, 25 February 2020

Posted on February 28, 2020 by John S

Dublin band Fontaines DC have had a pretty meteoric rise over the past year, powered by their terrific album “Dogrel”. Anyone who has any liking for punk and indie must surely find “Dogrel” irresistible, and that was reflected in the … Continue reading →

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