Q: The Genius of Quincy Jones
I have been enjoying the BBC programme Q: The many lives of Quincy Jones. I came across his name on albums back in the 80s, but then came across his name on some great jazz recordings and on film scores. True music legend. Part 1 can still be found on the BBC iPlayer for a...
The sound of a film: Ajit Varman
Whilst in Dubai, I met up with Nisha Varman of the BBC. Fascinating chat which led to talking about her father Ajit Varman. A well respected musician/music director, Ajit Varman has created some stunning soundtracks for film. I was led to this fabulous blog that highlights his work on a famous Bollywood film Vijeta. Nisha...
Aquarius: 1976 programme on the UK reggae scene
Came across this recently. Anyone who has an interest in the UK reggae scene from the 1970s, must watch this programme. Interviews with people such as Lloyd Coxson, Roy Shirley and Joe Mansano, along with clips of Matumbi amongst others. I have found two clips, and am hunting down the rest. The Delroy Washington performance...
Goodbye Hip Hop, hello Jazz?
Saw Jose James at the Jazz Cafe recently. So many reasons to thank Gilles Peterson for introducing me to so much great music over the years, and Jose James is one of them. Already raved about him in the past, but his gig at Jazz Cafe earlier this week was truly phenomenal. The incredible jazz...
If music be the food of love, play on…
One of the big problems we all have when we go into a music store to browse, be it in the high street or online, is what do we want to buy? For many of us it might be what fits with our mood at the time. Music stores are generally rubbish at trying to...
Music I Recommend: Steve King from Zenith Optimedia
citizensound bumped into Steve King recently, and he kindly gave us his five recommendations. Some classic choices in this list, along with a surprise or two from the Global CEO of Zenith Optimedia! Thanks Steve. 1 Favourite album at the moment? The Clash – London Calling. Of current albums probably Mark Ronson latest mix. 2....
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Sonic Retail Rant 4: The Sound of Silence
In the citizensound sonicRetail survey, we found a few stores decided on a policy of a music-free zone in–store. Shops such as Church’s shoes had the sound of people talking and shoes being squeezed on to feet, nothing more. And this worked for the environment and the clientele. A sense of calm away from...
Music I Recommend: Wayne Arnold of Profero
Met up with Wayne Arnold recently, who provided me with these recommendations 1. Favourite album at the moment? The Hours – Narcissus Road. “With lines like " I can understand how someone can go over to the dark side cause the devil he's got all the tunes" you can’t go wrong!” says Wayne 2. A...
The One to Watch for 2008: Tawiah
I saw Tawiah at the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards last week at Cargo in London. She completely blew me away. She has everything. A great band, well crafted songs, an amazing presence on stage, confidence unlimited (for a second performance no less!) and a voice that drifts from Carmun Lundy to reggae, back to Jill...
Lloyd Bradley at In The City
The music journalist Lloyd Bradley interviewed Jazzie B at In The City this year. Great conversation (see recent post). I had to have a chat with Lloyd about how it was his fault I nearly went broke, thanks to him writing Bass Culture. What a book. The definitive guide to reggae. You read it and...
Officially ‘The Hardest Working Band in the Business’ – Red Star Rebels
So many young bands were looking for their first break at In the City. Many paid their own way there to showcase their art, in the hope that some music industry person will spot the talent and sign them up. I have heard at recent panels on the future of the music industry, where someone...
Tim and Sam’s Tim and The Sam Band with Tim and Sam…yes really…
Saw these guys at In The City. Beautiful sounds floated around the venue, almost cinematic. And they used an ironing board on stage too – great music and practical…what a mix! On top of that a name that defies logic: Tim and Sam’s Tim and The Sam Band with Tim and Sam