Poor display and the best team won on the day, sadly that wasn’t us. Woodgate again looked laboured at right back and no Palacios as according to Pulis it was ‘too windy’ and Delap was better for the ‘battle’ today. What a load of old cobblers! Still Wilson played well and Jerome scored again after coming on as a sub, well done that man.
Next Saturday’s Derby County FA Cup 4th round game has sold out for Stoke fans.
No real transfer movement although Ben Marshall must be considered an ‘out’ if he doesn’t sign a new contract. Hopefully he will stay as his displays with Sheff Wed last year won rave reviews. Fuller is another who may leave as his contract runs out in the summer but good to see we tuned down a loan move for him to Cardiff. Wigan’s Mohamed Diamhe could be an ‘in’ if rumours are to believed with a fee agreed and it is down to the player now.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300650448298?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
Truly humbled by the generosity of Pendragon fans…signed CD/DVD now up to £52!
Plus the Girlschool baseball cap & stickers finished at £28. The first £100 now raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. More goodies soon!
Keep up to date on the latest donated goodies at www.facebook.com/fiftyfifty2012
We parked the bus 
A great away point amid some blatant Liverpool diving. Good to see Fuller make a brief cameo but I do feel Jerome could have made a nuisance of himself to the Liverpool defence had he come on.
No real transfer news just lots of rumours on the Oatcake MB, Twitter and Facebook.
Pendragon have donated two signed CD’s, a t-shirt & baseball cap.
The signed ‘Passion’ CD and Passion tour baseball cap are now online
All proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK
BIG thanks to the band for donating these items. Keep up to date on the donated items and more on the Fifty Fifty Facebook page
Girlschool baseball cap and XXL t-shirt
Signed Jimmy Cricket panto flyer
Robin George’s Lovepower downloads
Also online soon items pledged by Pendragon, Patsy Matheson, Neonfly and more…
Midfielder Glen Whelan has penned a new three and half year contract with the club. Great news and a he has been a real rock in the central midfield role for us. Meanwhile, Tony Pulis has revealed he’s be happy to manage Wales but for one game only at the Gary Speed memorial game against Costa Rica. Mind you longer term he must be keen to have a go at managing his national side.
Nigerian international Michael Uchebo has returned to his Belgian club after a brief trial with us. It seems unlikely he will sign for us. At 6ft 6″ he would fit in well if we did sign him
Rumour time…Man Utd expressing interest in Ryan Shawcross…Wigan’s Diame rumoured to be subject of a £3m bid…Michael Owen on loan (could see this one happening as we have inquired before about him)…
A nice away draw again! The holders Man City are already out so there will be a new name on the cup this year.
Not much transfer news apart from Tom Soares could be heading for Sheff Utd, lets hope so as he needs games and won’t at Stoke.
Although Gillingham took the lead goals from Walters (will he ever get rested by Pulis?), Jerome and Huth saw us progress to the fourth round. Tony Pulis got a standing ovation before the game from all four corners of the ground after his successful stint managing Gillingham back in the 1990′s. Fulham away for me so I can see the game
Pulis is keen to agree new contracts with Higginbotham, Whelan, Huth and Delap although no mention of Fuller who is out of contract in the summer.
Kindly donated by Girlschool with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.
Look out as well soon for a Girlschool t-shirt and other goodies coming soon to raise funds for the charity including kind donations from Patsy Matheson, Neonfly and more TBA!
You can help support and spread the word bu ‘Liking’ the Facebook page here
Hello Everybody and a very happy New Year to you all.
An update on our news!
Bex and me are busy getting ready for our Spring tour. We’ve changed the strings on our guitars and worked out a route that includes most of the UK’s TK Max stores, so it’s all systems go from February onwards. We’ve been busy rehearsing - we’re going to be doing songs from our new CDs as well as Waking the Witch favourites.
Here’s some footage of us having a bit of a jam round at my house last month!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwR1leJ2WQY
This song ‘If You Ask Me’ is on my new CD ‘Stories of Angels Guitars’ which is released on 16th Jan. It’s available from all major retailers from that date, on CD and download. You can preorder it now online from Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stories-Angels-Guitars-Patsy-Matheson/dp/B006BJ5THI
It was really great to hear a track from the new album played by Mike Harding last night on his Radio 2 Folk Show. He said:
‘Patsy Matheson – A singer-songwriter lots of you will know cos she’s been on the scene for quite a time working with people like Clive Gregson and she was part of Waking the Witch…the lass has got a lovely voice…this song (Hundred Guitars) is one of those great songs that tells a story but does it in a very subtle way – she’s gigging all over the UK in February and March with her ex Waking the Witch bandmate Becky Mills – so look out for them, they’re going to be well worth checking out’
You can hear the show up until January 11th on the Listen Again option at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wrmz
So far the feedback for the CD from reviewers has been fabulous:
‘It is BEAUTIFUL – the opening track, particularly, is gorgeous’ – Andy Kershaw
The new album from former Waking the Witch member Patsy Matheson, has taken the music world by storm, not yet released but already greatly applauded by industry insiders – Jean Camp, Folking.com
‘This album’s also probably one of the most intimate musical experiences you could imagine, with each song so very lovingly crafted, assembled and executed… Stories Of Angels And Guitars is a stunningly fine album, which marks Patsy’s return to recording both as an artistic triumph and a definite contender for the 2012 best-lists (already!)’ – David Kidman, NetRhythms
‘Patsy, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and ex-member of Waking The Witch, has scored a mighty hit with this lovely album…This no-pressure collection of ten soul-searching, starkly beautiful songs has done wonders’ – Mick Tems, Folkwales
‘a gorgeously intimate late night album, full of lush harmonies and a wonderful stillness built of the sparse instrumentation and Patsy’s trademark husky fragility’ – Stephen Lambe, Classic Rock Soc Magazine
‘The vocals are simply stunning… The smoothly melodious voice draws you into a song; add a little acoustic guitar and what more can you want? I would urge lovers of singer/songwriter and folk music to buy this album’ – Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire
‘Patsy Matheson, returns from the world of recording with a fabulous album… “Stories Of Angels & Guitars” is not an album to be rushed, give yourself time to listen to it properly so you can get the reward due you.’ – Neil King, Fatea Magazine
‘From start to finish Patsy fourth solo album is like an expensive claret, smooth, rich and velvety which takes the listener into a warm glow of musical heaven.’ – Paul Abraham, www.leedsmusicpromotions.com
‘Patsy Matheson has produced a sensual, intimate and haunting album containing 10 superbly-crafted songs of love, longing and all the emotions in between… the result is a laid back delight that demands to be listened too, preferably with the lights turned low and a decent bottle of wine to hand.’ – John Metcalfe, Halifax Courier
‘The angels are present from the start …a confident strength and a belief in every word she sings’ – Allan Wilkinson, Northern Sky
I’ve also done a few interviews for various online publications, so please have look if you get a second:
http://reviews.getreadytorock.com/blog/_archives/2011/12/21/4963162.html
http://www.m-magazine.co.uk/featuresinterviews/interviews/30-seconds-with-patsy-matheson/
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1v6e0/MusosMagazineIssue13/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl
Becky’s new website is well on the way, see www.beckymills.co.uk and her new CD ‘Dandelion’ will be released later in the Spring and available to buy at our shows. It’s completely gorgeous.
Radio
Becky and me are calling in to do a bit of a sing on the Durbervilles Folk & Roots show at BBC Radio Leeds on the evening of Sunday 15th January. You can listen live on the BBC Radio Leeds website. Our plan is to get them to join in on a song! Watch this space!
Also, on Sunday 22nd Jan, we are doing a live session with Simon Jones Folk Show on Moorlands Radio – listen live at http://www.moorlandsradio.co.uk/author/simon/
And James Blatchley at Chorley FM has invited us in for a return visit to his show on Tuesday 24th Jan – http://www.chorley.fm/
Gigs
Here is a list of our Spring gigs. We are delighted to announce an exciting addition to the list, which is the Acoustic Festival of Britain in May. Waking the Witch performed at this festival a few years ago, and it was definitely one of the nicest ones we’ve been to, so it would be great to see you there. For more info and how to book, check out:
http://www.acousticfestival.co.uk/
Spring 2012:
FEBRUARY
Frid 3rd Feb – Carlisle, Carlisle Folk & Blues Club www.carlislefolkandbluesclub.com
Wed 8th Feb – Lowdham, nr Nottingham, The Old Ship Inn www.warthogpromotions.com
Thurs 9th Feb – Leicester, The Musician www.themusicianpub.co.uk
Fri 10th Feb – Barton upon Humber, Ropery Hall www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/roperyhall/music.htm
Sat 11th Feb – Sheffield, Greystones www.mygreystones.co.uk
Fri 17th Feb – Chagford, The Ring O Bells www.ringobellschagford.co.uk
Sat 18th Feb – Torquay, Blue Walnut Cafe www.bluewalnutcafe.com
Mon 20th Feb – Farnham, The Maltings www.farnhammaltings.com
Tues 21st Feb – Battle, Hastings, Mrs Yarringtons @ Crowhurst Park www.mrsyarringtons.me.uk
Thurs 23rd Feb – York, Black Swan www.blackswanfolkclub.org.uk
Fri 24th Feb – Otley, Korks www.korks.co.uk
Sat 25th Feb – Burton, The Brewhouse Arts Centre www.brewhouse.co.uk
Sun 26th Feb – Birmingham, The Kitchen Garden Cafe www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Tues 28th Feb – Montrose, Links Hotel Folk Club www.linkshotelmusic.com/folk-music.php
Wed 29th Feb – Lanark, Horse & Jockey
MARCH
Thurs 1st March – St Andrews, Lathones, The Inn at Lathones www.innatlathones.com
Fri 2nd March – Ulverston, Social Club www.slmp.btinternet.co. uk
Sat 3rd March – Dumfries & Galloway, Sanquhar Arts Centre www.all-the-airts.com
Tues 6th March – Nr Beverley, Processed Pea, The Light Dragoon, Etton www.theprocessedpea.co.uk
Thurs 8th March – E. Devon, Otterton, Otterton Mill www.ottertonmill.com
Fri 9th March – Bridgwater, Arts Centre www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk
Sat 10th March – Wellington Arts Centre www.w-a-a.co.uk
Sun 11th March – Nr Gloucester Wotton under Edge, Arts Centre www.utea.org.uk
Fri 16th March – Grassington, Appletreewick, Craven Arms www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk
Sat 17th March – Preston, New Continental www.newcontinental.net
Fri 23rd March – Milton Keynes, The Stables www.stables.org
Sun 25th March – Hebden Bridge, Trades Club www.thetradesclub.com
April
Sunday 8th April – Barnsley Acoustic Roots Festival www.barnsleyacoustic.co.uk
Friday 13th April – Hinckley, Hinckley ACT www.hinckleyact.co.uk
Saturday 14th April – Pickering, Newton upon Rawcliffe, Village Hall Dennis.Wilcock@btopenworld.com
May
May 25th-27th Acoustic Festival of Britain – Uttoxeter Race Course www.acousticfestival.co.uk
Lastly, we will be posting regular updates throughout the Tour on our Facebook sites, so please check them out and send us a Friend request, or follow us on Twitter!
Thanks for listening.
We look forward to catching you along the way!
Best wishes
Pats & Bex
A question I have been asked a few times down the years (I’ve done at least one charity event every year since 1985) and the main reasons are the charities are personal or ones that support/help young people, like this year’s one the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Plus I love helping others as much as that sounds like a Miss World reply!
It is always hard coming up with a novel idea for fundraising be it Forty Nights for my fortieth birthday where I held a charitygig at Brentford FC and got a whole hostof bands to plug it at their gigs or webpages. The Shirt Of Hurt (kindly borrowed of Sports Relief/Danny Baker) back in 2010 saw me complete the Staines 10K in a P*** V*** top – I still have nightmares about it 
Still it raised over £550 for the Macular Disease Society. In fact running is a good way to raise funds as I did a 10K back in 2007 and rasied over £1,000 for the Parkinson’s Disease Society. I have even run between WHS Travel stores (train & underground stations) in central London in the late 90′s. A more leisrely fundraiser was last year’s All Booked Up where myself and my daughter (who has done some sterling fundraising herself and made me one proud dad) did a year long sponsored read for Surrey Young Carers.
So times are hard but try & help where you can as the real stars are those who donate their money or signed goodies for charity auctions and spread the word as fundraising is no good if no-one knows you are doing it!
Please support this year’s fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK by:
‘Liking’ the Facebook page
Visting the JustGiving page
Texting £1.00 (or more if you wish) LGWC50 to 70070
Spread the word
Thank you all.
| Top 10 highest bidded items… | Final selling price | |
| 1 | Rebus whisky | £1,319.00 |
| 2 | Signed Red Dwarf script | £857.77 |
| 3 | Signed Harry James drumsticks | £103.00 |
| 4 | Vinny Burns guitar lesson | £62.00 |
| 5 | Signed FM CD | £41.00 |
| 6 | Signed Rodney Matthews ‘Sleepwalking’ poster | £35.27 |
| 7 | Signed Francis Dunnery CD | £35.00 |
| 8 | Signed Francis Dunnery CD | £31.00 |
| 9 | Signed Rodney Matthews ‘OASTN’ poster | £26.10 |
| 10 | Signed David Tennant photo | £21.00 |
| £2,531.14 |
Two goals for Peter Crouch secured our fourth away win of the season as we played football – are you watching Talk Sport?
Transfer update:
Danny Pugh has signed for Leeds Utd on a two and a half year contract. A very versatile player and one that will be missed – good luck!
Meanwhile Jermaine Pennant has denied reports he is leaving Stoke and will see out the remaining 18 months of his current contract.
Blackburn’s Junior Holliet, who is out of contract this summer, is attracting interest from us and Spurs.
Everton’s Leighton Baines gets a mention on the Oatcake MB as a possible target.
Next up Gillingham away in the FA Cup third round…
Two penalties, a sending off and Cameron Jerome bags his first Premiership goal for us – mind you the first half wasn’t much to write home about. Palacios played well and Jerome certainly took his chance when given the opportunity.
Transfer news: Andrew Davies will remain on loan at Bradford for the rest of the season when his contract runs out, so ta ta to him. Danny Pugh looks set to sign permanently for Leeds although Danny Collins is back from his loan at Ipswich Town. He may still end up on loan there again. Lot of interest in Ben Marshall with a bid from Sheff Utd rejected recently. Pulis will listen to offers for Michael Tonge, Tom Soares and Diego Arismendi.
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 15,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
It’s a point and that’s the highlight of a dire game 
No Fuller on the bench so only presume he’s being saved for the weekend game against Wigan?
Transfer rumours have both Pennant and Jerome supposedly wanting away but of more concrete fact is that Danny Pugh will sign for Leeds Utd where he has been on loan, provided the two clubs can do a deal. Danny Collins could be staying at Ipswich Town and if we are really lucky Bradford will take on Andrew Davies
Thanks for reading and wishing you all a peaceful & enjoyable Christmas time.
A little Darkness to get you in the festive mood:
Hey ho could have been worse as Man City seemed content with three. Good to see Palacios get a start and amazed a Stoke bench with no recognised defenders on it! Okay Diao can play there if needed.
Great news as Thomas Sorensen has signed a new two and half year contract with the club. Sorensen has been a superb signing and player for us since he joined on a free transfer. Equally great news in that fellow goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has signed a new contract for four and half years.
Early team news for Wednesday’s game against Man City will see Ryan Shawcross miss the game through suspension, Woodgate is likely to replace him. Palacios could start as Whelan and Delap are both carrying knocks.
Some recent reviews…
More over at the new GRTR! reviews and interviews blog http://reviews.getreadytorock.com/
PATSY MATHESON ‘Stories Of Angels & Guitars’ (2012)
Former Waking the Witch member Patsy Matheson returns with her new album, her first in nearly four years. Mind you not that she hasn’t been busy touring relentlessly including some very well received gigs with folk legend Clive Gregson. Patsy plays most instruments on here (including the xylophone!) with Jon Short on double bass and former Housemartin Hugh Whitaker on drums.
This is an album for concentration and enjoyment – with a wine/beer (or tea in my case) in hand along with the lyrics sheet. The vocals are simply stunning, from ‘Under Your Wing’ with a heavenly high vocal part midway through to ‘So The Same’, where Patsy joins her herself on harmonies, something her former band Waking the Witch excelled at. Lovely mandolin solo on ‘Water Is Over The Weir’ and again another song you can lose yourself in. The moving ‘Sylvia Jean’ closes the album, a tale of two young lovers whose romance is cut short after the young man dies in a flying accident.
What makes this album special? The smoothly melodious voice draws you into a song; add a little acoustic guitar and what more can you want? We all have our musicians and singers we like to rave about and I would urge lovers of singer/songwriter and folk music to buy this album.
****1/2
ROYAL HUNT ‘Show Me How To Live’ Frontiers (2011)
Royal Hunt are back after their last album ‘X’ seemed to disappear without trace but now they are back on Frontiers for their new album. Since the last album gone too are vocalist Mark Boals and guitarist Marcus Jiddell, with vocalist DC Cooper returning (he was the band’s vocalist in the mid-90’s) and new guitarist Jonas Larsen.
Now for the majority of Riyal Hunt fans the return of DC Cooper is like Ozzy back in Black Sabbath or Slash returning to Guns ‘N’ Roses. I however, must be one of the few who really enjoyed the John West fronted albums! This album is a back to basics one after the disappointment of ‘X’. It is not a concept album and Andre Andesen’s keyboards set to ‘stun’ along with DC Cooper on fine vocal form. ‘An Empty Shell’ contains wondrous keyboard runs coupled with just the right amount of guitar. A gentle harpsichord intro (not often you read that in a rock review) gives way to catchy ‘Hard rain’s Coming, a song chosen as the lead song of this album. The band’s use of layered choir backing vocals is used to good effect on this song. ‘Another Man Down’ brings in the band’s skill at creating a story set to music and again those keyboards are swirling all over the place creating a keyboard’s heaven. Again the band shows they haven’t lost the skill of penning catchy melodic metal. Those seeking some OTT guitar solos may feel short changed on the album but then this band has never dues them as a foundation of their sound.
A returning key member doesn’t always mean a return to form, (just ask Megadeth) but in Royal Hunt’s case they are back on form. Now for some live dates and a juicy big concept album next time…
****1/2
THIS IS FREEDOM ‘Welcome Home’ (EP 2012)
Debut EP that has been a work in progress since 2010. Now I am not ‘up’ on the band’s name-checked in the press release like You Me At Six and Francesqa, but This Is Freedom sound like the rockier end of Hard-Fi. Highlights are spiky rocker ‘Bitter’ complete with a nice synth intro and the slower ‘Hurricane’, adding some variety to the EP. Expect to see them in Kerrang! and becoming one of next year’s next big things…
****
Jason Ritchie
SAVATAGE ‘Handful Of Rain’ Ear Music/Edel (2011)
The Savatge re-issue campaign continues apace with the band’s 1994 release, their first after the death of Criss Oliva. Although the band are credited it is Jon Oliva playing all the instruments with Alex Skolnick on guitars (his only Savatage album).
Listening to this album you can see where the TSO came from, especially as Paul O’Neill helps on production. The title track is one of the band’s best for me, along with the epic refrain of ‘Chance’. This song has it all, the massive backing, OTT guitar solos and counterpoint vocals (one of the first Savatage songs to use these) so beloved of bands like Queen. For some straight ahead metal you have ‘Symmetry’ and ‘Taunting Cobras’ (great song title). The album closes with a tribute to Criss Oliva ‘Alone You Brethe’, again the band pulled out all the stops on the music and vocals.
The two bonus songs are acoustic versions of ‘Summer’s Rain’ and ‘Believe’ by Jon Olivia recorded this year. Both are full production numbers with keys/drums/acoustic guitar and in the case of ‘Summer’s Rain’ it sounds like a whole new song as it is played at a slower pace than the original.
One of my personal favourate Savatage albums as the band melded their prog metal leanings with big production values.
****1/2
CRAIG FINN ‘Honolulu Blues’ (CDS 2011)
Craig Finn is of course the singer in the Hold Steady and this is his debut solo single ahead of his album ‘Clear Heart Full Eyes’. Obviously being the vocalist of a band it is hard to escape the sound of your band and in this case it happens partly. Mind you, when your band are the Hold Steady that’s not really a problem. The song has less urgency and guitar than the Hold Steady but the storytelling lyric is still there, along with a vocal that sounds like singing and talking at the same time – if that makes sense! Based on this Craig Finn will have another hit on his hand.
****
INTENSE ‘The Shape Of Rage’ Pure Legend Records (2011)
Intense are back and also on a new label, German based Pure Legend Records. We’ve been waiting four years for this new one but it has been worth the wait. If you wanted to sum up the band’s sound it is intense (excuse the pun), classic metal with a vocalist, Sean Hetherington who can match the powerful music around him. Too often metal vocalists disappear under the metal bombast of their band colleagues.
If a song like ‘The Elemental’ does not get you air guitaring and riffing then you can’t call yourself a metal fan. This is a tune I am sure Judas Priest would love, both lyrically and musically. One of the band’s best songs to date. ‘Skull Of Sidon II (The Final Stand)’ shows off the band’s prog metal leanings building from a steady intro into neither mighty metal tune. An interesting diversion on ‘For The Fallen’, an almost ballad like song with a moving lyric and acoustic guitar. ‘One Man’s Word’ is one of those atmospheric metal songs so beloved of classic Iron Maiden and Iced Earth.
Three albums into their career and Intense, despite obstacles set in their path, continue to deliver powerful and enjoyable metal. It is about time they enjoyed a lift in success they so richly deserve.
****1/2
Estrella ‘One Love’/'Party’ (CDS 2011) www.facebook.com/Estrellarocks
The band comprise of brothers Paul Gunn (vocals), Luke Gunn (guitar) and Nathan Gunn (bass), with Leo McPherson (drums). They have been building up a decent following in their native Scotland and recorded their debut album with producer John Sinclair (Ozzy Osbourne/Uriah Heep).
‘One Love’ is a perfect arena rock anthem with a big, catchy chorus and a nifty keyboard riff. The sound is not overly slick either, like Def Leppard meets Shy. Not so keen on ‘Party’ which as the title suggests sees the band going all 80′s hair metal and Sunset Strip. They don’t quite pull it off plus they come from Aberdeen, hardly a sunny spot!
On the strength of ‘One Love’ this band have enough to leave you wanting more. Roll on the debut album release in March…
****
PAUL GILBERT & FREDDIE NELSON ‘United States’ Mascot Records (2009)
This album seemed to have slipped past me on its release but I am glad I read about it on a forum. It features Mr Big’s Paul Gilbert along with relative unknown singer Freddie Nelson. You may gleam a clue about Freddie Nelson’s vocal hero and style from his first name…
This is an album for Paul Gilbert not only to show his undoubted guitar prowess but he gets to play some tasty riffs. There isn’t really a bad song on here and for Queen fans check out ‘Paris Hilton Look-Alike’ or ‘I’m Free’ (marvel at those high notes and the frantic guitar solo) for some simply stunning Queen approved harmony vocals. But it is not all Queen as ‘Pulsar’ has a real Thin Lizzy flavour in the guitar parts and a Billy Sheenan like bass line. ‘The Answer’ features some beautiful acoustic playing from Paul Gilbert, adding variety to musical pot.
If I could travel back in time this album would make 2009 best of with ease. Not sure why this album didn’t make a bigger splash on its original release but you can remedy this now if you like Mr Big/Paul Gilbert, Queen, classic rock get this CD now!
****1/2
JOSH TAERK ‘Never Look Back’ (2011) www.joshtaerk.com
Josh Taerk is a twenty year old Canadian singer/songwriter who releases his debut album on the back of a recommendation on his work from E-Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, plus Terry Brown (Rush) produced the album.
‘Start Again’ is the album’s big rock anthem and naturally was released as single. Think Keith Urban with a bit more clout. ‘Smell The Roses’ is another strong song and features Styx’s Lawrence Gowan on piano. Much of the rest of the album is made up of reflective pieces that bring to mind Hootie & the Blowfish. Easy on the ear and stand up to repeated plays.
I do feel his success will lie in the US and Canada where this style of music does so well, sadly not here in the UK. Josh Taerk has produced an impressive debut album, so get in early and enjoy this album as he will get bigger and more well known as his career progresses.
****
TOMMY EMMANUEL ‘All I Want For Christmas’ Favored Nations Acoustic (2011)
Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian acoustic guitarist famous for his picking style of playing, based on one of his main influences Chet Atkins. This is his seasonal offering featuring fellow guitarist John Knowles, who along with the other players recorded this album by Skype and downloads.
This is a wonderful instrumental Christmas treat, up there with the Californian Guitar Trio’s classic Christmas album from 2002. The musical styles incorporate a little jazz, some blues, plenty of classical guitar playing and a lot of good music. Hard to pick highlights but ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ (lovely playing on this one), ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ (nice, gentle jazzy feel to the music) and the only new song on here, ‘One Christmas Night’, stand out.
Christmas music is often naff and thankfully only played for a short time each year but don’t let this little gem slip you by. Buy it for your loved one/parents/grandparents and then sit back and enjoy over the Christmas period.
****1/2
JON AMOR BLUES GROUP (2012) www.jonamorbluesgroup.com
The highly talented Jon Amor is back with a new album with a line-up featuring two fellow members of the Hoax (the Doherty brothers), the band he rose to prominence with and drummer Simon Small. Recorded in a fortnight it means the album has a proper live feel to it and the band would have no trouble reproducing the music on here in the live arena.
This is good old fashioned blues rock album with some modern twists. There is much to enjoy on here from the blues rock stomp of ‘Juggernaut’ through to the Muddy Waters influence on ‘The Underdogs’. ‘Repeat offender’ may have a simple refrain but it is one that sticks in your head and won’t let go.
Mention must be made of the drums and percussion, some wonderful fills and crystal clear percussion on the album which really help to give the songs an earthy feel. The guitar solos are kept concise, never extending their welcome into one of those endless blues rock solos that leave all but the hardened blues fan bored.
If like you me you only dip into the blues now and then, make sure you get this album as it will keep you in blues heaven.
****1/2
My fundraising for 2012 will be for the Make-A-Wish Foundation they make wishes come true for children and young people with life threatening diseases. I will be raising funds by auctioning off various signed or unique items donated by celebrities and musicians/bands via EBay.
Why fifty fifty? Well those who kindly donate an item I will split the final selling price on Ebay between the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a charity chosen by the donating celebrity/band.
You can help by:
* ‘Liking’ the Facebook page
* Donating on Just Giving
* Bidding on a Ebay auction
* Leaving a message of support
For more details please click here
One nil down at half-time but we never give up, coming back with goals from Doyle (OG), although Huth may want to claim it and Peter Crouch bagged the winner. Four wins on the trot is a new record for the Premiership and we face Man City next…
We take on Valencia in the Europa League KO stages and we are at home first. If we win this tie we face the winners of TRABZONSPOR/PSV EINDHOVEN. Ties to be played w/c 16th Feb with return legs w/c 23rd Feb.
Come on Stoke!
Bang goes our 100% record in Europe but then we had already qualified and Pulis fielded a second XI including a start for Arismendi and Salif Diao in defence! Fuller gave us an early lead but in the second half it fell apart with Upson red carded. We finished a respectable second in our group.
Fulham failed to qualify after a late equaliser saw them go out.
What a great win! Two goals from Etherington sealed a massive win for Stoke. Good to see Shotton doing well on the wing – no Pennant with the rumour mill going into overdrive over whether he had fallen out with Pulis. Time will tell I guess but the BBC reported he had a minor knock…
http://stokebeat.yolasite.com/
Includes bits on United Nations, proggers Grace and of course the mighty Demon! Well worth a look…
No major new injuries for us although Ledley King may be out again for Spurs. Be interesting to see if Woodgate keeps his right back position from last week’s game at Everton!
Enoch Balotelli, the teenage brother of Manchester City’s Mario, is currently having a trial with us and played in a reserve game against Burton Albion this week.
Ben Marshall, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, could possibly sign permanently for them in January, although Huddersfield Town are also inetrested in Marshall. Hope we keep him as he does seem to be one for the future or even a FA Cup run next year.
For all things rock & metal please visit www.getreadytorock.com
Please feel free to comment as opinion on here is free but no spamming please.
Check out the interview pages that feature some older 10Q's interviews that have only posted on a Yahoo Group plus a couple of interviews with two crime writers.
Feel free to contact me at papa_bear70@hotmail.com Happy to review music & books!
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