Category Archives: Music – concerts, lists, reflections

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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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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Two kinds of Indie: The Murder Capital at SWX Bristol; Gengahr at EartH Hackney

Posted on February 22, 2020 by John S

I’ve been to two concerts this week: one incredibly good, the other a bit disappointing. It’s prompted the thought: how many indie bands were at their best with their first album? All those ideas that built up over their youth … Continue reading →

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Angel Olsen at the Hammersmith Apollo, 11 February 2020

Posted on February 12, 2020 by John S

Angel Olsen is an American singer-songwriter with a bit of edge who knows how to rock. I first came across her music when she released her 2016 album “My Woman”, which met with a lot of acclaim. I liked her … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten Albums of 2019

Posted on December 14, 2019 by John S

I always enjoy compiling this list and it’s been particularly difficult this year to decide what should be No 1. There are four or five records that, at some point, I’ve thought, this is definitely going to be No 1. … Continue reading →

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A trio of concerts: Julia Jacklin, Fat White Family and Aldous Harding, 3-5 December 2019

Posted on December 6, 2019 by John S

A little burst of concerts this week: three in succession from Tuesday to Thursday. A bit of beauty and the beast, musically speaking. Julia Jacklin and Aldous Harding, with Fat White Family in between. Julia and Aldous are two great … Continue reading →

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