Fresh off three UK Blues Awards—including Album of the Year—Elles Bailey returns to ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ with a stripped-down studio reimagining, uncovering new emotional textures and adding two previously unreleased tracks that expand the album’s narrative reach.
Author: David Scott
In the atmospheric setting of The Cluny—once a steam-powered flour mill—Ruth Lyon and Conrad Bird shared a set full of raw emotion, close harmony, and stories that hit home. With songs drawn from their time with Holy Moly & The Crackers, new solo work, and deeply personal tributes, the duo held the room in quiet attention, proving the power of stripped-back performance and deep musical connection.
A tribute to trailblazing women in blues, spotlighting the enduring legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and celebrating today’s powerhouse UK blues vocalists—Alice Armstrong, Elles Bailey, Kyla Brox, Rebecca Downes, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Emma Wilson—as they carry the torch.
Trailblazing gospel icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe — dubbed the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll — electrified audiences with her powerful voice, fierce guitar skills, and groundbreaking partnership with Marie Knight. From 1940s gospel hits to a legendary rainy UK train station performance that inspired rock legends, her story now shines on stage in the acclaimed musical Marie and Rosetta, starring soul queen Beverley Knight.
From drummer with Holy Moly & The Crackers to solo troubadour, Tommy Arch emerges with “Mercy On Me.”
ICYMI: This double vinyl captures the historic American Folk Blues Festival performances in 1962 and 1963, showcasing artists like John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, T-Bone Walker, and Willie Dixon at their peak. Restored to impeccable quality, these recordings offer a front-row experience of the blues’ transformative impact on European audiences, forever influencing the global music landscape.
With a setlist that spanned new tracks and fan favorites, she poured vulnerability, humor, and immense power into every song, leaving the sold-out crowd deeply moved. The night was a testament to Ruth’s incredible journey—one of resilience, authenticity, and musical magic.
Stu and Debbie Hanna, with the added depth of bassist John Parker, create a haunting, nostalgic journey through industrial change and personal memories. Featuring a mix of original songs, traditional ballads, and the iconic “The Highwayman,” this new EP captures the essence of folk music’s ability to address societal struggles while remaining deeply rooted in personal and cultural heritage.
‘Songs From My Kitchen, Volume 1’ is a deeply personal album from Curtis Stigers, filled with emotionally charged tracks that highlight his connection to blues, jazz, and soul.
Backed by the Lou Levy Quartet, Ella delivers an unforgettable set that captures the essence of her artistry. From heartfelt ballads to show-stopping blues, this restored recording offers a glimpse into the magic of one of the greatest voices in music history.