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.

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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A Thames Journey: (7) From Hampton Court to Kew

Posted on March 13, 2021 by John S

Glide gently, thus forever glide,                                                                        … Continue reading →

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My Top Twenty Albums of 2020

Posted on December 24, 2020 by John S

2020… A year to forget in so many respects. But a year in which the music didn’t die, despite all the restrictions put on it. Quite the opposite in fact – without the solace and inspiration of music all the … Continue reading →

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