Lil’ Red & The Rooster – Wild’s Rising
Yeah, there’d be no pop music without the blues. That’s not simply an exaggeration meant to shine a light on the beauty of this music. It’s the truth, and it’s how things worked out. The first great pop bands first played the blues.
But where does this kind of music fit into today’s music world? Well, you can still hear it on many singles designed to appeal to a large audience. Like jazz or hard rock, it’s a flavour that pop stars will occasionally add to the recipe.
But Lil’ Red & The Rooster believe that it can be so much more. While some modern producers are busy adding sprinklings of the blues into their hits, others are taking a commitment to live with and within the music.
Inspired by BB King and looking to create a spiritual connection just as powerful as this great ambassador for this artform had with his work, Lil’ Red & The Rooster do more than just make music for “retro vibes” and fans of the oldies. The intention is clear – breathe life into those blue notes and keep the art alive in vibrant colours.
Timmy Skelly – Nowhere Land
“Put on a show! Don’t worry about what you’re playing or how many people are listening.” That’s the advice that older musicians and retired managers give to young bands expecting them to turn their basement club showcase into a Motley Crue 1988 touring experience. But, other than a neglect to consider musical ability and budget, they’re right.
There are a few bands that made it into the history books based on their personalities, their wackiness, or simply on how challenging it was to listen to them. The Shaggs, The Slits and GG Allin all have had books written about them and documentaries made in their honour.
But just as you get by easier in life while possessing a sweet smile and a wonderful physique, so do bands that can play marvelously well and create a show experience through their music.
The real question is whether Timmy Skelly’s “Nowhere Land” sounds a little too goo,d what with all the pitch-perfect singing and the feeling that you’re listening to a well-produced radio show about shipwrecks. Is this overdoing it? This certainly ain’t no punk rock, but if you appreciate your music smartly designed and well performed, you’re likely to enjoy this.
