120_Alarm comprises Steve Thompson (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nigel Kennedy, Robert Smith, Lisa Stansfield) on Electronics, Laser Harp and Keyboard, Tamar Osborn (Akram Khan, Collocutor, Kelis, Van Morrison, Billy Ocean) on saxophone and flute, Emma Bassett (Adele, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tim Minchin) on trombone, Alistair ‘Titch’ Walker (Divine Comedy, Doolally Tap) on trumpet, Ollie Weston (Amy Winehouse, …
This song is so strong.. vocals, lyrically, musically, it is so well put together and it’s not afraid to challenge what is going on in the world… What do I mean about the lyrics? Well the opening line is: “You got blood on your hands, There’s blood in my pants, what’s the difference? My …
Congratulations on the release of “Queen” how does it feel? Thank you, yeah, honestly it feels good to be able to show another aspect of my writing. “Queen” has a much more romantic feel than my previous releases. What’s the story behind the song? The story is actually based on a fictional scenario. …
Years ago I knew a kid in my neighbourhood called Chumbo. His family were from North Africa. I’m not sure exactly where. He was a bright kid, loved his football, and always had a big smile. When he moved, his friends around him were so sad, I never saw him again, and nothing on the …
Arizona brother and sister duo Dorsten are back and what a number! This song starts off with footsteps and claps slowly, along with finger picked guitars, then Sophie comes in with her signature powerhouse vocal. Careful. She will knock you off your seat. Little blonde girl with the big voice? Of course she is. This …
This track is interesting in so many ways. It’s a powerful ballad, which starts off guitar led, and I get the feeling that the acoustic guitar plays a vital part in the pecussion of the overall arrangement. I’ll explain why shortly. Christina’s vocals are warm, it sits right at the front of the mix, she …
For my throwback track review I thought I’d go back to the 1960s. On July 4th 1964 The Beach Boys began a two week run on the US singles chart with this song. This is probably the first Beach Boys record I ever heard, on a dusty TDK tape in 1989 that a friend of …
Too Many Zooz are NYC-based trio Leo Pelligrino on baritone sax, Matt Muirhead on trumpet, and David Parks on drums. London’s Jazz Café was the perfect venue for the trio, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the space was large, packed, and atmospheric. After the first set by pianist/rapper Harvey White who topped his piano playing, …
This track grooves on nicely! It reminds me of the music that we used to play in my house growing up in so many ways – the analogue sounds including the organ, which I’m going to hazard a guess at being a Vox. The synth lead gives it away that this artist is influenced by …
Well this is a slice of great R&B mixed in with a bit of a latin groove! I love the chords on this, led by a guitar with a touch of tremolo. The keyboards give it that sugar, and a lovely synth bass just to give it that bounce…. Kinsella’s voice rides in effortlessly handling …
