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.

Music for a Celtic Soul

Posted on April 1, 2018 by John S

Celtic soul is a term I use quite a lot when describing some of my favourite music.  I devoted a chapter to it in my book, I Was There – A Musical Journey. It’s music that almost always has a … Continue reading →

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Palace Winter at the Sebright Arms, Bethnal Green, 20 March 2018

Posted on March 24, 2018 by John S

Palace Winter are a band I’ve been dying to see live. Formed by an Australian, Carl Coleman, and a Dane, Caspar Hesselager, their debut album “Waiting for the World to Turn” came out in 2016. I made it No 4 … Continue reading →

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Four concerts: Catherine McGrath, Soccer Mommy, Jack Grelle and Rews

Posted on March 13, 2018 by John S

The concerts stacked up again last week. Four in six days. All incredibly enjoyable, in their different ways. First it was Catherine McGrath at the Camden Assembly on Monday. A pub with an upstairs venue, not far from the Roundhouse. … Continue reading →

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Sounds of London

Posted on March 3, 2018 by John S

A while back I put together a New York songs playlist. Well, if New York, then why not London too? Two of the great cities – very different and very similar. And one of the similarities is that they are … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

lovelondonscenes 142 – A walk along the Thames from Battersea to Hammersmith

Posted on March 1, 2018 by John S

As we freeze in the UK in temperatures and snowy conditions we’re just not used to – Canadians or Scandinavians would scoff at our woes – it’s nice to look back to a walk I did a couple of weekends … Continue reading →

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Alvvays at the Roundhouse, 23 February 2018

Posted on February 25, 2018 by John S

On Friday just gone, DC and I went to the Roundhouse to see Canadian indie band Alvvays. I first came across them at End of the Road last year. What stood out for me then, even when I was suffering … Continue reading →

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James Blake at the Roundhouse, 5 February 2018

Posted on February 11, 2018 by John S

Last Monday, James Blake played the Roundhouse in the round. All seating, which was the difference to usual. After all, the Roundhouse is round! It was a concert I just couldn’t miss, so I paid a bit over the odds … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 141 – Heron Tower, City of london

Posted on February 10, 2018 by John S

I took these shots the Friday before last. I was on London Wall, near the place I’m getting some physio for my back at the moment. The sun was shining through the clouds, and the side of the tower positively … Continue reading →

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Four concerts: Francis Dunnery, This is the Kit, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker and Honeyblood

Posted on February 3, 2018 by John S

I had a great little run of concerts recently. Got the New Year going. All small-to-medium in scale and based in West London, and including Honeyblood. The best band. The fun started on Sunday 21 January at Bush Hall in … Continue reading →

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The Guitar is the Star

Posted on January 27, 2018 by John S

I’ve been mucking around with a playlist on Spotify tonight, on and off. Inspired by my favourite tune of the moment, “Honey” by Pumarosa, which I wrote about recently. Since then it’s grown on me even more. The wonderful tension … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 7 Comments