Lived less than 20 miles from the Mercury theatre in Colchester since 1996 and finally got round to visiting! Well, it might have taken 14 years but at least we went twice in the space of 10 days or so…
redandwhiterag
Scottish Highlands
Three railway journeys, excellent scenery and it didn’t rain (well, not much anyway). Pretty good way to get a taste of the area for the first time….
Suzy Bogguss at Sheffield Memorial Hall
What do you mean, you’ve never heard of her? For those who think country music is just honky tonk and cowboy boots read on….
Culture….but far from high!
Just recently had what seems like a spate of ‘events’, all taking place in April and May. Culture maybe, but not as the somewhat “up their own backsides” critics of the broadsheet press would have you believe
Murray and the Slams
Watched Murray’s first round match at the French Open yesterday as he just squeezed through. Whilst he should clearly be applauded for coming through what was undoubtedly a tough first rounder, seems to me it was largely down to the frailty of his opponent rather than an upswing in Murray’s performance.
Strikes, Spares and Splits!
We have recently decided to have a go at tenpin bowling in an effort to get at least a little exercise into our somewhat lethargic lifestyle.
After all, it’s only been about 20 years since we last played, so we should be able to pick up just where we left off. 🙂
Decisions, Decisions….Follow-Up
In the end I suspect that most commentators will say that this was the only practical solution. Still difficult to reconcile the ‘progressive’ left of centre ideals that the Lib Dems hold so dear with the compromise coalition which the party has now engineered.
Decisions, Decisions…..
Quick post as the aftermath of Thursday’s ‘decision day’ begins to unfold. Just wanted to add a comment before the political manoeuvring is completed.
It Seems It’s True…
that tastes in music seem to adapt as you enter into your twilight years. Not necessarily more MOR I hasten to add, more in terms of scope and breadth.
The Atlantic Label
A (Very) Brief History
Founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson, Atlantic was the label that did most to popularise the breadth and depth of popular black music – jazz, soul and R’n’B. Initially set up as a jazz label, it moved into Rhythm and Blues in 1949 with the Stick McGhee recording ‘Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Doe’.
Chess Records – Not Just The Blues
A Thumbnail Sketch
Leonard and Phil Chess were already the proprietors of several Chicago nightclubs when they bought into the Aristocrat label in 1947. Initially, most of the material which came from the label was jazz or jump blues but this all began to change with the arrival of Muddy Waters.
Fire and Fury – An Independent Tale
Luck and business acumen combined and the emerging R&B scene ensured early success. Independent record producers started to visit the store and dalliances with Ahmet Ertegun (The Atlantic Label) coupled with the showcasing of demos of local talent convinced Robinson there was a future in independent record production. He cut his first record in November 1951 – Robin was the first label he set up, …