Luka Bloom - Head and Heart

Luka Bloom-Head and Heart Official Release May 2

So this Friday is the day……

Luka Bloom’s new album ‘Head & Heart’ to be released  on Planet May 2nd

Bloom’s song choices are interesting and at times inspired (his reading of Ewan MacColl’s The Joy of Living is just that: a joy)…. His guitar lines breathe fresh life into covers of John Martyn’s Head and Heart and the Keith Jarrett-inspired choice,My Wild Irish Rose. Siobhan Long / Irish Times 

With artists like Luka, for whom music is as fundamental as a heart beat, there can be no surprise that an album as fully realised as Head & Heart has come along so soon after 2012’s superb This New Morning. Luka explains that it has been an irresistible transition.

“After This New Morning’s release, and inspired by Jarrett’s approach, I found myself learning, re-learning and writing a whole raft of similar songs, and really enjoying it. But there was a problem: it would have been just so easy for me to take the material into familiar surroundings and record the songs with familiar arrangements and no risks. Something told me to be patient, that some of the songs needed something more.”

“Then one day I met my friend Paul G. Smyth outside Tower Records in Dublin. Paul is a great piano player. We got to talking about the songs and the seed was sown for piano involvement in the project. I sent Paul the songs. He voiced his approval and interest, but with typical magnanimity insisted I actually needed to work with the Phil Ware trio.”

The Phil Ware Trio – Phil on piano, Dave Redmond on double bass, Kevin Brady on drums – appealed to Luka immediately, not least considering the connection with Jarrett, and he contacted them.

“This was new territory for me,” admits Luka. “I wanted to create a landscape for the songs which would enhance them but also somehow expose them in a very naked way. So came about the mad idea to just meet with the lads for the first time in the studio and instantly record with no rehearsal. Just feel the songs; play them, serve them, record them and release them.” Luka admits that recording live and unrehearsed with unfamiliar musicians was a “terrifying” but a “fantastic” experience, “utterly rewarding”.

Six of the tracks on the record come from those two days in the studio with the Phil Ware Trio, including two new ones by Luka. Of the other six songs on the record, five are solo – many of which, like ‘Danny Boy’ and Ewan McColl’s ‘The Joy of Living’ might be seen as “standards”, songs that Luka’s fans will be eager to hear how he puts his own inimitable stamp on them. And the sixth? “Well,” Luka continues the story, “we had decided ‘My Wild Irish Rose’ would be best with just piano, vocal and guitar, and booked the studio for another day. On the day, Phil was ill and couldn’t come in. Brian Masterson and myself were in the studio in Wicklow wondering what to do when in came Paul Wade, piano-tuner for Phil. As he was tuning and playing away, I commented to Brian that he was a pretty tasty player. ‘Hey Paul’, says I, ‘Have you ever been recorded?’ ‘Nope’, says Paul. ‘Would you like to be?’ says I. ‘OK,’ says Paul.”

Head or heart? Head and heart!

Track listing 

1 HEAD AND HEART (John Martyn; Warlock Music, 3.26)

2 BANKS OF THE LEE (trad; arr Luka Bloom, 4.13)

3 EVERY GRAIN OF SAND (Bob Dylan; Special Rider Music, 4.14)

4 THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE (Ewan MacColl; Bicycle Music, 3.17)

5 GIVE YOU WINGS (Luka Bloom; IMRO Ireland / MCPS / Luka Bloom Music, 5.02)

6 GENTLE ON MY MIND (John Hartford; Acuff-Rose Music, 3.57)

7 MY WILD IRISH ROSE (Alcott; arr Luka Bloom, 4.14)

8 LONESOME ROBIN (Bob Coltman; Collegium Music, 4.12)

9 AND I LOVE YOU SO (Don McClean; Songs of Universal / Benny Bird Co. Inc, 4.13)

10 LIFFEYSIDE (Luka Bloom; IMRO Ireland / MCPS / Luka Bloom Music, 3.51)

11 DANNY BOY (Weatherly; arr Luka Bloom, 3.17)

12 THE JOY OF LIVING (Ewan MacColl; Bicycle Music, 4.16)

Stem Music / The Planet Company www.theplanetcompany.com

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Leroys Layabouts

Leroy’s Layabouts Re Emerge On The Scene

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Album: Smokin’

Out On: Smiling Crocodile

File Under: Classic Rhythm & Blues

Sounds Like: The Blues Brothers, Louis Jordan, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Location: Sydney & Blue Mts

LAUNCH DATE – MAY 17 PETERHSAM BOWLO

LEROY SUAVE(a.k.a. Brian ‘The Vicar’ Wakefield): vocals, guitar. “Leroy’s larynx should be preserved by the National Trust” – Daily Telegraph 1982. “Crooner who Walks, Boogie Beast that Cannot Die” – RAM Magazine 1986.

Best known as bandleader of Leroy’s Layabouts lets us in on some inside info….

Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show ?-

“The music is eclectic but centres on good-time sax-based rhythm & blues from the mid 1940s to early 1960s – spiced up with jazz/rock sensibilities and humour. Lots of room for spontaneity. Expect fun: clapping, cheering, good-natured heckling, dancing, a few intent enthusiasts watching guitar players’ fingers, lots of gorgeous women. (Okay, the last-mentioned was wishful thinking, but not entirely untrue.)”

 

What inspired you to become a singer/writer/band? and who are your early influences.?

The mid 1960s “British Invasion” R&B groups in interviews spoke of their American idols so I went in search of their records, digging further till I found more old blues artists who turned me on. Like many young white fans, I foolishly sort of wanted to be black. One of the hardest things for a white male (especially if non-American) is to sound natural singing the blues – most try too hard and it shows – but after a lifetime of absorbing the essence it just comes of its own accord without having to think. There’s a beaut anecdote about Dave Van Ronk finishing his set with a searingly intense rendition of “Hoochie Coochie Man”, to thunderous applause. As he came offstage, Muddy Waters, who was headlining, said “That was great, but did you know it’s supposed to be a funny song?”

And the influences….

“Little Richard’s line of dirty, dirty saxes and the absolutely filthy sound of the solos, Leadbelly, early Rolling Stones, Shel Silverstein, Chuck Berry, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Fats Waller, Fats Domino, Louis Jordan, Harry Belafonte, Elvis, Albert King, the Fugs, Jimmy Witherspoon, Jimmy Liggins, Carl Perkins, Big Joe Turner, Wynonie Harris, Professor Longhair, Cab Calloway, Jimmy Rushing, Python Lee Jackson, Max Merritt, Captain Matchbox….”

Favourite artists of all time?

“Ray Charles, Lord Melody, Dizzy Gillespie, Howlin’ Wolf, Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, Sam Cooke, Wynona Carr, Percy Mayfield, BB King, Albert Collins, Coasters, Drifters, Beatles, Basie, King Radio, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Tom Lehrer, Gatemouth Brown, La Vern Baker, Mills Bros, Ry Cooder, Miriam Makeba, Neville Bros”

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Luka Bloom (IRE)

Luka Bloom

Foghorn media is proud to announce we will be working with Luka Bloom on his upcoming Australian release.  With a poet’s heart and a rockster’s soul, Luka Bloom is regarded as one of Ireland’s best-respected contemporary folk artists, having produced 20 albums since the 1970s.  He has the power to bring audiences to a hush as his poetic lyrics bounce over melodies in a beautiful, captivating way.  Bloom continues to push the boundaries of what his music can do, and the new album ‘Head & Heart’ to be released here on Planet May 2nd proves he is still making provocative, poetic music that delves deep into the intricacies of the human soul and pulls out the nuggets and puts them in a song.

In the mean time, have a look at the single ‘My Wild Irish Rose’ off Luka’s new album – Head & Heart. Featured this month on Soundslikecafe Digital as well.

LLoyd Cole (UK)

Lloyd Cole Tour Dates – Australia 2014 Tour

Lloyd Cole will be joining us in Australia for his longest tour yet. He is also visiting as a Hawke Research Institute visiting fellow. Lloyd is apparently a very busy man.

JUNE 2014

Wednesday 18th June & Thursday 19th June:
Sydney, The Basement 

7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
NSW 2000
Tel. (02) 9251 2797
Tickets $49.00 + bf (show only) or $99.00 (dinner and show)
Book Online

Friday 20th June: Newcastle, Lizottes
Tickets $49.00 + bf (show only) or $91.00 + bf (dinner and show)
Book Online

Tuesday 24th June: Fremantle, Fly By Night
Tickets $47.00 + bf
Book Online or phone (08) 94305976

Thursday 26th June: Oakleigh, Caravan Music Club
Tickets $55.00 + bf reserved seating and $45.00 + bf GA
Book Online or phone: 03-95681432

Friday 27th June: Melbourne, Thornbury Theatre
Tickets $45.00 + bf (GA), $55.00 + bf (reserved seating) or $85.00 + bf (dinner and show)
Book Online

Saturday 28th June: Castlemaine, Theatre Royal
Tickets $49.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 03-54721196 or via the box office 30-32 Hargreaves St. Castlemaine.

Sunday 29th June: Elsternwick, Flying Saucer Club (afternoon show 3.00pm – 6.00pm)
Tickets $55.00 + bf reserved seating and $45.00 + bf GA
Book Online or phone 03-95283600

JULY 2014

In Conversation
Wednesday 2 July 2014: University of South Australia, Adelaide
Lloyd Cole: on music singles to Spotify hosted by the Hawke Research Institute
Register online for this free event

In Conversation
Friday 4 July 2014: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Hobart
Lloyd Cole: on music singles to Spotify hosted by the Hawke Research Institute and MONA
Tickets $20.00 + b/f
Book Online

Saturday 5th July: Launceston, Red Hot Music
Tickets $35.00
from Red Hot Music 10-12 Edward St. Devonport or phone: 03-64242286

Tuesday 8th July: Canberra, The Street
Tickets $49.00 (includes bf)
Book Online or phone 02–62471223 or via The Street Theatre: 156 Childers St. Canberra.

Thursday 10th July: Brisbane, Powerhouse Theatre
Tickets $49.00 + bf
Book Online

Friday 11th July: Gold Coast, Soundlounge
Tickets $40.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 07-55347999

Saturday 12th July: Lismore, Star Theatre
Tickets $45.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 02-66225005

LLoyd Cole (UK)

Lloyd Cole

Foghorn media is proud to announce we will be working with Lloyd Cole from April onwards in lead up to his Australian tour beginning June. See below for tour dates:

JUNE 2014

Wednesday 18th June & Thursday 19th June:
Sydney, The Basement 

7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
NSW 2000
Tel. (02) 9251 2797
Tickets $49.00 + bf (show only) or $99.00 (dinner and show)
Book Online

Friday 20th June: Newcastle, Lizottes
Tickets $49.00 + bf (show only) or $91.00 + bf (dinner and show)
Book Online

Tuesday 24th June: Fremantle, Fly By Night
Tickets $47.00 + bf
Book Online or phone (08) 94305976

Thursday 26th June: Oakleigh, Caravan Music Club
Tickets $55.00 + bf reserved seating and $45.00 + bf GA
Book Online or phone: 03-95681432

Friday 27th June: Melbourne, Thornbury Theatre
Tickets $45.00 + bf (GA), $55.00 + bf (reserved seating) or $85.00 + bf (dinner and show)
Book Online

Saturday 28th June: Castlemaine, Theatre Royal
Tickets $49.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 03-54721196 or via the box office 30-32 Hargreaves St. Castlemaine.

Sunday 29th June: Elsternwick, Flying Saucer Club (afternoon show 3.00pm – 6.00pm)
Tickets $55.00 + bf reserved seating and $45.00 + bf GA
Book Online or phone 03-95283600

JULY 2014

In Conversation
Wednesday 2 July 2014: University of South Australia, Adelaide
Lloyd Cole: on music singles to Spotify hosted by the Hawke Research Institute
Register online for this free event

In Conversation
Friday 4 July 2014: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Hobart
Lloyd Cole: on music singles to Spotify hosted by the Hawke Research Institute and MONA
Tickets $20.00 + b/f
Book Online

Saturday 5th July: Launceston, Red Hot Music
Tickets $35.00
from Red Hot Music 10-12 Edward St. Devonport or phone: 03-64242286

Tuesday 8th July: Canberra, The Street
Tickets $49.00 (includes bf)
Book Online or phone 02–62471223 or via The Street Theatre: 156 Childers St. Canberra.

Thursday 10th July: Brisbane, Powerhouse Theatre
Tickets $49.00 + bf
Book Online

Friday 11th July: Gold Coast, Soundlounge
Tickets $40.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 07-55347999

Saturday 12th July: Lismore, Star Theatre
Tickets $45.00 + bf
Book Online or phone 02-66225005

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Angel At My Table – Tour Dates

Loaded with lush guitars, catchy melodies and unique vocals, Angel At My Table from Luxembourg produces a fresh and distinctive powerpop sound. Original in their local scene, the group has been placed firmly on the Luxembourg music map, and became local heroes in no time. Angel At My Table are certainly one of the most promising newcomer acts ever to have emerged from the ‘bourg in the last decades. In only their third year, they are currently touring and promoting their debut album titled “Light”, recorded and produced by Paul Levitt in Baltimore (USA)

Back on tour again, here are their upcoming dates:

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Ken Stringfellow

Ken Stringfellow – Australian Tour

Ken Loved OZ so much last month he’s back in April

“An artist worthy of respect and a listen from any true fan of classic pop….uniformly flawless” PITCHFORK

Stringfellow is one of the most underrated songwriters of our generation” BILLBOARD

“Stringfellow’s clear, composed croon forgives all sins” ROLLING STONE

Tour Dates- April

Friday 11 – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham, NSW
thepbc.org.au Tickets on sale from oztix.com.au

Saturday 12 – The Homestead Hobart – TAS

Sunday 13 – The Grace Darling, Collingwood, VIC

Tickets on sale from thegracedarlinghotel.com.au

Tickets on sale from Friday 14 February