Best Ever Albums

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:21:09 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 03/11/2026 09:21

Saw Thurston Moore at Café Oto in Dalston, North London. Great venue which I've been to before but what a weird gig.

It would appear that Thurston is now into discordant / atonal jazz and the set and a bit that I heard was basically unlistenable (for me anyway). Others seemed to really love it and I don't mind a bit of discordant but this was off the charts.

After the first 40 minute set I was fearing the worst for the next set and after about five minutes of the same I had to say my goodbyes and leave.

This gig gets added to a very, very short list of gigs that I've left early because I couldn't take it anymore

Still, it was a good night out with friends, very decent beer and a great venue. disappointed yes, because the last time I saw him live it was brilliant but C'est la vie

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 09:27:44 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 03/04/2026 14:27

The Zac Schulze Gang

Saw them supporting Samantha Fish. Really good Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac sound. Did a great version of Oh Well!

Worth catching if they are playing in your area and you love a bit of blues rock[/u]

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 04:37:14 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 03/01/2026 09:37

Samantha Fish

Another great gig by one of the best blues rock guitarists around.

Saw her at the Empire, in Shepherds Bush here in London. Great crowd who really got into it. The sound wasn't quite right at the start but after a couple of tracks they got it bang on

The band started with a cover of MC5's Kick Out The Jams, as they did the last time we saw her and finished with RL Burnsides Goin Down South, as last time but in-between we 1 1/2 hours of tracks from her new album and some Fish classics.

All in all, a great gig. Already looking forward to next time

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:45:43 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 02/22/2026 15:45

Saw the intransigents play patchworks in SW London last week.

Great band who are getting better with each gig. Excellent musicians and material.

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 04:33:44 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 02/06/2026 09:33

An artists that I forgot to mention is Ben De La Cour

Saw him play In support of Lucinda Williams.

Very decent support act. Think a little Steve Earle / Townes Van Zandt.

A good start to the evening

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 04:22:09 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 02/06/2026 09:22

Really interesting afternoon gig yesterday at an amazing venue.

I saw The Karma Effect at the Gibson Garage here in Central London. For anyone who is a guitar aficionado, the Gibson Garage must be your nirvana. It Gibsons store in London with a small venue in the basement. You have to walk through the shop to get to the stairs to the venue and what an experience.

Glanced at the prices of some of the guitars, way out of my price bracket but such craftsmanship.

So, the gig. The Karma Effect are a UK rock band and they were playing acoustic for this gig. Think

Five Man Acoustical Jam (1990) by Tesla

and you get the vibe

Anyway, really good gig, loads of banter and I think that I'll try and catch these guys when they play a electric set next. Very enjoyable afternoon

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 04:37:41 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 02/04/2026 09:37

The last time that I saw Lucinda Williams play live was at a small venue in East London pre pandemic so maybe 2018. Last night I saw her at the very prestigious Barbican here in London. I'm guessing it holds 2500 so a very different experience this time around for many reasons.

For those of you who aren't aware, Lou had a stroke in 2020 and has made some recovery but she isn't the performer that I saw in 2018, she can't play guitar anymore and it was quite shocking to see how small she looks now compared to previous but what a trooper. If you read about how the stroke affected her it's amazing that she is performing at all. A real fighter

I wasn't sure what to expect from the gig but it was really good. The set list was clearly chosen to work around Lou's physical limitations and she has a band of really great musicians. Her voice, IMO, has improved over the years or maybe it's that she can't yell as well anymore but her delivery was really great.

All in all a top notch gig. Keep on rockin' Lou

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 04:20:58 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 01/31/2026 09:20

At the Garage in Islington (North London) last night. Have I just witnesses my gig of the year and its only January? Most possibly.

The Dream Syndicate gigs are always special, but this one was off the wall great.

40th anniversary of their 2nd album,

Medicine Show (1984) by The Dream Syndicate

(which also happens to be my favourite DS album) so they played 2 set, the first was their 21st Century output. Some fantastic psychedelic / jazz rock with the highlights being How Did I Find Myself Here and a blistering version of Glide.

A quick break and into Medicine Show. Words really can’t describe how brilliant this was. It would be churlish to have a favourite track, but it has to be John Coltrane Stereo Blues (JCSB). Always a live favourite with fans and this version, including a section of A Love Supreme thrown in for good measure mid-section.

Their encores would usually end with JCSB so this time it was the fantastic Days Of Wine And Roses. Phenomenal gig

A shout out for Dennis Duck (the drummer) who had an emergency and couldn’t play the gig. Hope everything is OK with him. Losing your drummer at the 11th hour, for most band would be a major problem, not for Dream Syndicate. In stepped Linda Pitmon, Steve Wynns wife who is a brilliant drummer and session musician in her own right. She was brilliant. No drum solos (the piss me off) just driving the songs forward at a ferocious pace alongside Mark Walton on bass.

As I’m namechecking the band, Steve and Jason Victor on guitars were brilliant as always. With Steve, Linda and Jason on stage together it was almost like a Miracle 3 reunion.

Amazing night and they played for over two hours.

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Wed, 3 Dec 2025 04:18:41 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 12/03/2025 09:18

Great night last night at the always excellent Patchworks in SW London. Saw two great bands.

First up were the Intransigents, a band of aging rockers with 1000's of gigs under their belts between then in various bands. Because they all play in other bands and this is a bit of a side project they play All covers but non that most people would know. Bands like Green On Red, The Au Pairs and Television. Think CBGB's in the early 80's. They did a great cover of Massive Attacks Safe From harm. Great energy and musicianship.

Topping the bill were The Fades a post punk band who have been around for at least 20 years and always put on a great chow.

All in all, a great night and met up with a few friends for a pint and a chat. What's not to love

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:37:35 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 11/10/2025 15:37

Paradigm Shift (2020) by Pandamoanium

First up at the Hackney Prog Festival were these guys.

Drum, bass & lead guitar and very much at the heavy rock end of prog. Excellent musicians, all instrumental. Very nice way to kick off the festival

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Sun, 9 Nov 2025 05:08:06 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 11/09/2025 10:08

I've not mussed in a while so thought that I'd share, over the next few days, the inaugural Hackney Prog Festival, held at a new venue to me, Signature Brew (SB) in Haggerston. I've lived in London for over 40 years and never ventured to Haggerston before. A rather interesting place with the Regents Canal running through it. Need to make a return visit soon and check out more than the area around SB.

Excellent venue with both indoor and outdoor areas and literally on the other side of a pedestrian section from the Regents Canal.

Holds at max, I'd say 200 so a very intimate setting. One stage and six acts on the bill starting at 2 and ending around 10.30. Very good venue in a converted arches, very nice staff, good beer and a very nice and appreciative crowd.

More to come on the acts shortly

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:22:36 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 10/31/2025 08:22

Brilliant gig at The Union Chapel from the Drive By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood. Just Patterson on acoustic guitar accompanied by a great pianist (shame I didn't catch his name). The perfect setting for an intimate acoustic gig.

He played tracks from both his solo albums, the new album is fantastic, and also tracks by the DBT's. About a 50 / 50 split.

A very engaging artist, with great stories interjecting between brilliantly performed songs. A thoroughly enjoyable night. Two sets as well so over two hours of Patterson

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:30:51 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/26/2025 08:30

Slade In Flame (1974) by Slade

Not quite a gig last night at the Exchange in Twickenham (SW London) but thought that I'd included it anyway.

50th anniversary screening of the film and, although the film is a little suspect, the music really stands up.

Interesting night and an audience of a certain age!

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:27:53 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/23/2025 08:27

Well, last nights gig was interesting!

Started off with Whitney K who was supporting Howe Gelb at the Denmark Street Rough Trade. First time that I had been to a gig at Denmark Street. A little too cramped for my liking.

Whitney K is Canadian Konner Whitney. Very nice stuff. Interesting lyricism, a little rough around the edges but a very engaging guy. Enjoyed his set quite a bit

Then came Howe. First time that I had seen him solo and, we all know him as a disrupter, well, last night he continually disrupter himself to such a degree that, for the first time in my life, I felt like leaving gone of his gigs. Too much. I stated because the ever excellent Stewart Lee (a UK comedian) was doing a Q & A with Howe. That was very amusing and the best part of the gig.

It was as if Howe was just making music up on the spot. Not what I want to see at a gig that I've paid money to go to. If it's free, maybe, but.....

Very disappointed

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 03:28:00 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/22/2025 07:28

Really interesting night at the iconic Royal Festival Hall last night. A celebration of the music used in the films of David Lynch.

Really wasn't sure what to expect.

A band of about 10 musicians and an array of guest vocalists and musicians including the fabulous Anna Calvi & Mick Harvey.

No introductions, no speaking to the audience, just a set of staged pieces which interwove beautifully. Totally enjoyable and immersive night.

NB - If you are ever at the RFH take yourself to the 5th floor bar. Fabulous views of Victoria Embankment from the House Of Parliament to St. Pauls (almost). Fabulous vista at night.

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:32:55 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/14/2025 09:32

I see a lot of bands playing in local pubs and don't tend to write anything about them because there's nothing of interest to write. Last night was a rare exception.

Saw a band of five young blokes from Bristol called Soft Kicks play locally and they were terrific. They played two sets of 45 minutes each and i was speaking to the lead guitarist at the interval and they usually play 2nd or 3rd on the bill so only have to play for around 30 minutes. Two 45 minute sets meant that they had to supplement their own work with some excellent covers.

What do they play? Think, Dinosaur Jr. meets Iggy Pop and Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Their own material was very decent but to be fair, the night really took off in the 2nd set with a few great covers the highlights being I Wanna Be Your Dog, Knocking On Heavens Door and a fabulous rendition of Cortez The Killer

Just to highlight the lead guitarist who can really wail and a great drummer who drove the whole thing all night and, by the end, looked like he had been caught in a heavy rain storm.

Great night and going to try to catch these guys when they are next playing.

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:44:24 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/10/2025 16:44

An afternoon of Smooooooooooth jazz today at the Rose In Kingston (London).

Saw the Half-Diminished Band take two sets.

Some really good musicianship and a lovely way to while away an afternoon with friends, one of whom plays in the band.

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 09:13:51 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 09/08/2025 13:13

I haven't "mused" for a while so thought that I'd share this.

One of the online groups that I participate in discuses tracks around a theme each month. Last nights theme was Colour

Each person pick a track, introduces it and them it gets played in it's entirety. I picked the title track from this album

Out Of The Grey (1986) by The Dream Syndicate

Others discussed were;

Hoist The colours by The Wellermen (I loved this acapella cover)

While your lips are red by Nightwish (To be honest, the least enjoyable track. A little pedestrian for me)

Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Phenomenal track that I know like the back of my hand - pun intended)

Orange coloured sky by Natalie cole (What a voice. Decent soft jazz track)

Fields of gold by Eva Cassidy (Already aware of this cover. Lovely mellow rendition)

&

Love On The Rocks by Neil Diamond (Not a bad track from a much maligned artist)

A very eclectic mix and a thoroughly enjoyable, and interesting evening

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 8 Aug 2025 07:47:34 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 08/08/2025 11:47

Worth a mention, Eddy Smith & The 507 supported JJ Grey & Mofro last night and were pretty splendid.

A blend of Americana, Blues and a bit of country, they complimented JJ Grey perfectly. So impressed was I that I'm going to be looking out for their albums

Re: My Musical Musings by Johnnyo

Johnnyo — Fri, 8 Aug 2025 07:36:22 GMT

Author: Johnnyo

Posted: 08/08/2025 11:36

Last night I Saw JJ Grey & Mofro at one of my favourite London venues, the Assembly Hall in Islington.

Third time that I've seen them play and yet again, a great gig. Muscle Shoals meets Southern Rock in perfect synergy. So much energy and great, nee fabulous, musicianship from these Floridians.

Can't wait for the next time.