From the back catalogue
"Penthouse Complex" by The Eyes of Isabel
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jun 2022
Fresh out from The Eyes of Isabel is their latest dramatic piece, "Penthouse Complex".
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Granny's Attic & Greg Brice at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jun 2022
Thanks to (adverse) fate, I've not actually written about a live Greg Brice gig in the magazine before, which is quite embarrassing given his ...
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‘HOARSE!' by Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2022
Although after album number 34 ‘SAY AHHH!' from Daffod'i'll back in April he said he was taking a break from this deluge of ...
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A new upcoming release from Kyle Boswell
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2022
If you enjoyed the ‘Bring Back the Sun' EP from Nuneaton's Kyle Boswell which we reviewed in April, you'll be pleased to hear ...
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Street Arts Project gig
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2022
As you'll know from previous writing in the magazine & the inclusion on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eight' of "Wake Me Up Tomorrow", ...
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"LED Lights" by Euan Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Jun 2022
Out now from Euan Blackman is his fifth single, "LED Lights": a track from this ‘alt folk for kind folk' artist which is definitely from the ...
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"Brightest Moon" by Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jun 2022
What a joy to tell of you of the release today of the new Ellie Gowers single: "Brightest Moon", itself one of the tracks on her new album ...
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Roxanne de Bastion, Bar Pandora & Zoe Konez at The Tin
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jun 2022
As I've got out more in recent weeks to see live music again, I've been most fortunate to catch some artists whose reputations were made in ...
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The Undertones & Hugh Cornwell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Jun 2022
As those of you who were kind enough to read my interview with Paul McLoone last week (and what an interesting one that was for me to enact) will ...
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"Monsters" by Emma McGann
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 May 2022
For those who read my interview with Roxanne de Bastion ahead of her gig at the Tin on June 7th, you'll have seen that I asked her for tips on ...
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The Monochrome Set & The Pristines at The Tin
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 May 2022
As anticipated in my interview with Bid last month, yesterday evening saw a magnificent gig at the Tin with the Monochrome Set being supported by The ...
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A catch up with Roxanne de Bastion
Interview
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Jun 2022
As reported in the magazine way back in February, acclaimed singer-songwriter Roxanne de Bastion will be playing at The Tin on June 7th as part of a ...
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"All On Me" by Luna Kiss
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 May 2022
Today sees the release of the latest Luna Kiss single which has the title of "All On Me".
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"Obvious" by Jake Rizzo featuring Hannah Woof
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 May 2022
Double good news for the "Hot Music Live" community as not only does Jake Rizzo have a brand new single called "Obvious" out today, but it's a ...
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A catch up with Paul McLoone of The Undertones
Interview
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Jun 2022
As reported earlier in this month, one of the world's favourite bands, The Undertones, are playing at the HMV Empire in Coventry on Saturday ...
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'Wine Glass Filter' by Chessi O'Dowd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 May 2022
Way back in March 2020 I had just enjoyed the launch of the latest Izzie Derry EP and was looking forwards to the one for the Chessi O'Dowd ...
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Clemency live at The Muse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 May 2022
Sadly it's been a couple of years since I was last able to post an article on the splendid Clemency (it was their February 2020 gig at ...
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"Watching You" by Liam Vincent & The Odd Foxes
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 May 2022
When I reviewed Rebecca Mileham's excellent ‘Underground' EP last month, I made reference to her roles as violin player & vocalist in ...
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"Fake What Your Mama Gave Ya" by YNES
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 May 2022
The advent of any new YNES track is something of an event: one of the least conventional writers you can imagine, you simply don't know what you ...
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"Tunnel Vision" by Jonny Olley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 May 2022
Out today is "Tunnel Vision", the third single by Jonny Olley, following his debut "Slow" (and which was featured on ‘Hot Music Live ...
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‘Exorcisms and Psychic Visions' EP by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 May 2022
Out at 1800 today was the long awaited EP by Massasauga, ‘Exorcisms and Psychic Visions' which is also a compendium of most of their recent ...
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"Holding On" by Lemon Boy and Last Man Standing
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 May 2022
Fresh out is the latest collaboration between Lemon Boy & Last Man Standing and together with their previous release, ("Starting To Fall"), "Holding ...
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"Watching You Fade" by Sophie Hadlum
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 May 2022
The new Sophie Hadlum single "Watching You Fade" will be out on 15th May (though you may already have had a listen to it being played on BBC ...
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"Look At Me" by Bar Pandora
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 May 2022
Fresh out today from Bar Pandora is her single "Look At Me".
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"Eye For An Eye" by Electrik Custard
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 May 2022
It's been well over a year since Electrik Custard shocked us with "LOUD" (a collaboration with Mina Minné which also featured on ‘Hot Music ...
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Introducing Septic & the Tanks
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 May 2022
One band whose name seems on many lips at the moment is the wonderfully named Septic & the Tanks.
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"Grandma's Hands" by Rob Lee Thompson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 May 2022
For his first release since last year's ‘Reflection' EP (you may recall that one track from this, "Sing It To Me" appears also on ‘Hot ...
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"Jericho" by Danny Ansell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 May 2022
The first Danny Ansell release of 2022 has been revealed as "Jericho", which follows December's "Wishing Well".
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"When You Were Mine" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 May 2022
When last week I told you of The Rising's collaboration with Tiernán Heffron called "Come Closer", I offered the observation that "this is a ...
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"Come Closer" by Tiernán Heffron with The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Apr 2022
Out today is something a little bit different from The Rising: a collaboration with Irish singer-songwriter Tiernán Heffron called "Come Closer".
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"Torn To Pieces" by BERHN
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Apr 2022
It was a couple of years ago that we first told you about BERHN and now Kirsty Clarke and Dean Dovey are back with their new single "Torn To ...
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‘SAY AHHH!' by Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Apr 2022
Today sees chapter 34 in Daffod'i'll's solo album series with the release of ‘SAY AHHH!' with its tracks being "Conquer All", ...
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"Hush! A Shakespearean Celebration"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Apr 2022
Last evening saw the follow up to the highly successful "Hush! A Spring Celebration" collaboration between "Hot Music Live Presents" and Earlsdon ...
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"Paid" by Dan Bygrave
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Apr 2022
Out now from Dan Bygrave is his new single on Beat Rebel Records named "Paid".
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Trevor Babajack Steger & Wes Finch at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Apr 2022
Last evening's Stratford Playhouse Folk Club meeting was as intriguing a juxtaposition of two talents as its predecessors.
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'G'OLD' by Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Apr 2022
Eight days after my last Daffod'i'll review, here he is back with another album (just the one this time, although he apparently has another ...
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"Same Ole U" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Apr 2022
It's back to business nearer usual for Levi Washington with the release of "Same Ole U".
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"Heavyweight (Acoustic)" EP by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Apr 2022
I honestly can't say that I was too surprised by the release today of an acoustic companion EP to Joe Dolman's most recent ...
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Yet more albums from Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Apr 2022
In the four days since I reported on the release of the last four Daffod'i'll albums, he's back with yet another four today.
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"Dear Man" by Bar Pandora with Simply Dread
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Apr 2022
It's great to review Bar Pandora for the first time in the magazine & I'm sure that it will not be the last time.
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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eight'
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Apr 2022
Today we are pleased to announce the release of 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Eight'It's a little different to Volumes One to Seven ...
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"Bury Me Deeper Than The Rest" by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Apr 2022
Out today at 8 pm is the new Massasauga single, with the sort of title you have come to expect from this band with a penchant for the darker side of ...
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Four more Daffod'i'll albums
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Apr 2022
After releasing three more albums about as many weeks ago, Daffod'i'll is back with three more plus another compilation ('The Best ...
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'Underground' by Rebecca Mileham
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Apr 2022
Just in from Rebecca Mileham, whom you may know from her roles as violinist and vocalist in Liam Vincent & the Odd Foxes is the news of the release ...
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"Lust For Blood" by Luna Kiss
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Apr 2022
Out now from Luna Kiss is their new single "Lust For Blood", the follow up to the excellent "Operate".
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Gemma Leahy Waddell
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Apr 2022
As you may know, only too recently I had to share the sad news of the serious illness of Gemma Leahy Waddell I know you will be as saddened & shocked ...
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Catching up with Bid from The Monochrome Set
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Apr 2022
Much as I get a huge amount of pleasure writing about our current vibrant & diverse local scene, I get a special thrill when one of my favourite ...
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"Slipping Away" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Apr 2022
I'd like if I may to share with you news of "Slipping Away", (madstered at Abbey Road no less) the first new Ollie Bond release since his "In ...
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"Said It Before" by Bally & Boom featuring Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Apr 2022
It's not exactly unknown for me to come across a track or artist unexpectedly whom I later review: it must however be more rare for an artist to ...
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‘All of the Fallen Stars' by Kenzie Webley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Apr 2022
Fans of Kenzie Webley will, I am sure, have been aware for many months that she has been working on her debut album at 14 Records in Leamington: I ...
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"Mind Right (Remix)" by Levi Washington with Brudez & Cub$
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Mar 2022
It was grand indeed to catch up with Levi Washington live on Sunday on the Bandstand, but it's back to the weekly business as usual now with his ...
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"I'm Not Scared" by Euan Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Mar 2022
I hoped that you enjoyed the most recent Euan Blackman single "HIGHHIGHHIGH" which we reviewed here (it's also to be found on ‘Hot Music Live ...
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"Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" screening and live score premiere
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Mar 2022
I'm delighted to bring you a heads-up on a rather special musical event which I'll be reviewing for the magazine next month.
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Levi Washington & The Old Flames live on Leamington Bandstand
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Mar 2022
I can't quite believe that here I am, writing my third live review in four days… an idea which has been unthinkable for so long.
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"Hush! A Spring Celebration" at Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Mar 2022
It's gives me a extra frisson of pleasure to be able not only to publish my second live review in the space of three days but one about an event ...
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John Kirkpatrick & Jen Waghorn at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Mar 2022
Having reported on last month's inaugural Stratford Playhouse Folk Club gig, I was delighted to make its follow up as well.
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‘Put Your Faith in the Sword and the Sword in the Polka' EP by Cov Kozaks
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Mar 2022
It's so unfortunate that it has taken a tragedy on the scale of the one unfolding in Ukraine for our first review of a Cov Kozaks record, but as ...
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Benefits for Ukraine
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Mar 2022
For reasons which no-one reading this will fail to grasp, the thoughts of everyone at the moment are with those in Ukraine and unsurprisingly, the ...
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An exclusive catch up with Matt Goss
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Mar 2022
Although the live music scene over the past couple of years was especially hard hit, one ray of bright light for our area was the opening of Phil ...
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Three more albums from Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Mar 2022
Following his most recent album ‘Spectrum' last month, the indefatigable Daffod'i'll returns today to his recent custom of multiple ...
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"Let You Go" by Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Mar 2022
I have two excellent pieces of news from Rheo Uno for you.
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Boudica Festival 2022
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Mar 2022
Very many thanks to Michelle Bailey-Le Long for an in depth heads-up about this weekend's Boudica Festival treats at the Tin Music & ArtsYou may ...
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"Everywhere I Turn I See The Devil" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Mar 2022
I was pleased to hear that Levi Washington is managing both his health issues & his rapidly expanding portfolio of commitments running live events ...
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"Get It Wrong" & the 'Heavyweight' EP by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Mar 2022
It's that moment for Joe Dolman which fortunately comes to some creative artists on a roll when you've last released a single as good as ...
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"One Too Many Times" by Levi Washington, Lewis Cutts & Caitlin McCarthy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Mar 2022
I'm sure many readers will have been saddened to hear of the illness of Levi Washington last week and his consequent hospitalisation.
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'World Falling Down' EP by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Feb 2022
I reviewed (back in November) the most recent single from Satsangi, "World Falling Down" and mentioned a little bit at that time about their ...
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‘Just Wanna Be Me' EP by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Feb 2022
Out this morning, as a fanfare-free surprise for her fans, is a new EP from the irrepressible Abz Winter entitled ‘Just Wanna Be Me'.
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"Motorbeast" by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Feb 2022
One of my favourite movies by Steven Spielberg, has always been "Duel": unfortunately as it was his 1971 feature length debut, it has been grievously ...
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The Return of The Fallows
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Feb 2022
Well I honestly never thought I'd be writing an article on The Fallows again: and probably neither did the band.
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'Spectrum' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Feb 2022
After last week's release of no fewer than four new albums, this week Daffod'i'll is back with just one album: his twenty third, ...
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Martin Carthy & Jack Blackman at Stratford Playhouse Folk Club
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Feb 2022
My tendency as you know is to focus in particularly on local Coventry & Warwickshire artists for my reviews: in the last couple of years certainly ...
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"Starting To Fall" by Lemon Boy with The Last Man Standing
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Feb 2022
I must admit that the release of "Starting To Fall", Lemon Boy's latest single, took me by surprise (Luke has been sufficiently busy that prior ...
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"If You Don't Care" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Feb 2022
This week's offering from Levi Washington is "If You Don't Care" and it's an acknowledgement of the date of its release, albeit, in ...
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‘Ghosts In The Lens' by Carrick
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Feb 2022
When I reviewed the Carrick single "Stay at Home" just over a year ago, (you can also find it on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Five'), I ...
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"Hitman" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Feb 2022
Out right now is a new single by The Silver Wye entitled "Hitman": their first new release since "Cold Light" came out in June 2020, followed by a ...
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"Jessica" by The Eyes of Isabel
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Feb 2022
I hope that you have been enjoying "Working On Your Chemistry" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven'? If so, and you've been looking ...
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"Operate" by Luna Kiss
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Feb 2022
If like me, you've been enjoying the excellent video from Luna Kiss for "Operate" (check it out via https://www.
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Four more albums from Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Feb 2022
After reporting three weeks ago on the release of four Daffod'i'll albums (three of originals plus one compilation), he's back again ...
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"Miss Me" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Feb 2022
You can't fault Levi Washington for ambition: trying to release a new single every week against the background of organising so much live music ...
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'Memories From The Mantelpiece' by Andy Beglin
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jan 2022
I've been giving little insights into what has just been released as 'Memories From The Mantelpiece' by Andy Beglin as his debut album ...
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"I Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya" by Ezza Brianna
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jan 2022
If you have enjoyed hearing the exclusive Ezza Brianna track "Disperse" on last week's ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven', you ...
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Martin Carthy & Jack Blackman to play at Stratford Play House next month
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jan 2022
Just in from the newly launched Stratford Play House Folk Club:The Folk Club will be bringing top quality live music to Stratford … from Roots to ...
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"Mind Right" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Jan 2022
After the angst of last week when he agonised over the mix of "Carrie, Baby" until Wednesday & the existential angst of the preceding "Check 1, 2" ...
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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven'
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Jan 2022
Fresh out today: 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Seven': seventeen more great original tracks by Coventry & Warwickshire musicians, ...
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"Carrie, Baby" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Jan 2022
If last week's magnum opus "Check 1, 2" gave ample evidence of Levi Washington's perfectionism then this week's single release ...
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Four new albums from Daffod'i'll
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jan 2022
That prolific artist Daffod'i'll has today announced no fewer than four new albums: his sixteenth, seventeenth & eighteenth ('Gold ...
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"Can't Breathe" by Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jan 2022
Like most people, I'm never averse to pleasant surprises & this track dropped so out of the blue that fifteen minutes before starting to write ...
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"Bring Back The Sun" by Kyle Boswell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jan 2022
Many thanks to Rich Keogh for bringing the work of Nuneaton based musician Kyle Boswell to my attention just in time to review his ‘Bring Back ...
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'Wake Me Up Tomorrow' by Street Arts Project
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jan 2022
I'm delighted to be able to report on the brand new album by the Street Arts Project from Stratford which is released on the 14th of this month ...
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"Check 1, 2" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Jan 2022
For his second single of 2022, following last week's "It's Cool", Levi Washington has opted for something of an epic and once again ...
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"Traitor" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Jan 2022
As I'm sure most if not all of you are aware, Abz Winter was selected for the new television talent show "Walk The Line" at the end of 2021 and ...
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"Summer's Healing Time" by Alchemista
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jan 2022
It was last April that Alchemista were last able to put together all their considerable talents and release the rip roaring pirate themed single ...
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"California" by Reiss Pinder
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jan 2022
Hopefully you enjoyed "Wasted" by Wilde on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four' and our review of their most recent single "The South" back ...
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"Race Against Time" by The Eyes of Isabel
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jan 2022
Last month, I caught up with John Rivers at Woodbine Street Studios and shared some of his enthusiasms with you.
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"Sick of It" by Never Apart
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Jan 2022
Fresh to "Hot Music Live" today is Coventry band Never Apart whose new single "Sick of It" came out today, following their previous releases ...
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"It's Cool" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Jan 2022
I suppose with Levi Washington's campaign of releasing a single a week now so far advanced & his choice of tracks so impossible to predict, ...
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"Here To Stay" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Dec 2021
Following the very successful release last week of a remake of "Sierra Leone", this week's single from Levi Washington is called "Here To Stay".
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"Together At Christmas" by Chasing Deer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Dec 2021
As a Christmas treat for us, Chasing Deer have decided to re-release their 2015 festive single, "Together At Christmas".
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‘Routes: The Field Sessions' by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Dec 2021
Last December, I was able to let you know about the festive version of "Silent Night" which Stylusboy released to aid the Carriers of Hope charity ...
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"It's Christmas (I Miss Ya)" by YNES
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2021
Only the other week I was reporting on the enthusiasm of John Rivers of Woodbine Studios for the work of YNES, and here I am, fortunate enough to ...
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"Petrichor (Acoustic)" by Monday Nights
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2021
Following in the impressive footsteps of Ivy Ash, Monday Nights have today released an acoustically reimagined version of their most recent single ...
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"Sierra Leone" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Dec 2021
This week's Levi Washington single took me by surprise: though in a wholly benevolent way.
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"Untelligent Behaviour" by Trust Club
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Dec 2021
I appreciate that one of the tasks of a reviewer is to maximise the amount of information about an artist so that the reader can investigate their ...
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"Shank" and "Above" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Dec 2021
This week, Levi Washington is surpassing even his prolific form of the past few weeks with not one but two new singles, "Shank" and "Above".
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Catch up with John Rivers
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Dec 2021
I am delighted to report that this week a plaque was erected on the original site of Woodbine Street Recording Studio by Leamington Town Council, ...
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"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Dec 2021
I have to confess that when I heard that the new single by The Rising (out today) was to be their version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little ...
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'Lovey Dovey' and 'G4s I Guess' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Dec 2021
In the three weeks since I reviewed Daffod'i'll's twelfth & thirteenth albums, namely ‘Red Rose SPD Way' and ‘SMILE', ...
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"Vänern" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Dec 2021
For his first release since September's "Never Gone", Lemon Boy has today unveiled "Vänern" for our pleasure.
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"Noughts & Crosses" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Dec 2021
Thankfully after managing to catch up with Levi Washington's weekly singles release campaign with "On The Wrong Side Of The Sunshine" last week ...
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'Mermaid' EP by Paradise of the Titans
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Dec 2021
When, about a month ago, I reviewed the inaugural live performance of Ian Todd's excellent new album "Seven Signs of a Soul" at the Tin, I did ...
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"Don't Stop. Live A Lot" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Nov 2021
Following the raunch of his most recent release from earlier in the month, "Rub Rub Grind", Dave Pepper is back with his new single "Don't Stop.
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"On The Wrong Side Of The Sunshine" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Nov 2021
Having been too slow in my response to last week's Levi Washington single "Soph", thanks in part to a heads up from the artist himself (thank ...
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"Soph" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Nov 2021
The main problem with trying to review the more prolific releasers of new music locally is actually keeping up with them.
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"Petrichor" by Monday Nights
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Nov 2021
You will I'm sure be aware of the debut single from Monday Nights, "Flight" which also appears on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Five'.
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"The Lucky One" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Nov 2021
After the recent releases of "Real World" and "Strangers" in the past few weeks, both of which have no only been reviewed in this magazine but well ...
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King of the Alps live
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Nov 2021
Last night was another little milestone for me: my first pub-based gig for two years.
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"World Falling Down" by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Nov 2021
Fresh out from Satsangi is "World Falling Down", (their first since they raided their own vaults for the "Don't Want Anything But More" single ...
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"Time Goes So Slow" by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Nov 2021
Regular readers will need no reminding of my admiration for that subtle and highly original band King of the Alps.
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"Rub Rub Grind" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Nov 2021
I got pretty excited in these pages recently as Dave Pepper turned the clock right back on his sound with that excellent song "I Need More Time": ...
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"Glad To Say" by Jake Rizzo
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Nov 2021
It's a rather unbelievable two years since we last covered a Jake Rizzo release in this magazine, and ironically our review on that occasion ...
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"Third Degree (Acoustic)" by Ivy Ash
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Nov 2021
As with her debut single "Oops", Ivy Ash fashioned her most recent one, "Third Degree" in such a way that it could be shared both in its upbeat ...
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"My Own Way" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Nov 2021
After the double whammy of last week's releases of the singles "Shelter" & "Focus" (as reviewed in this magazine), Levi Washington has now ...
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‘Red Rose SPD Way' and 'SMILE' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Nov 2021
It is so difficult to keep up with the prolific form of Daffod'i'll that in the three weeks since I reviewed his eleventh solo album ...
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"Wes Finch: A Life in Music" by Russell Whitehead
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Nov 2021
If you are an admirer of the visual artistry of Russell Whitehead or the musical artistry of Wes Finch, or indeed of both as I am, then I'm sure ...
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"Shelter" and "Focus" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Nov 2021
Out right now from that hard working artist Levi Washington (currently he seems to be organising around 60% of all live music in the area covered by ...
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"I Need More Time" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Nov 2021
Out today from Dave Pepper is a new song called "I Need More Time" .
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Ian Todd supported by Paradise of the Titans
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Nov 2021
Sadly, my live reviews for 2020 & 2021 have been disproportionately outnumbered by my reviews of releases (and let's not forget the last word of ...
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"Psychic Visions" by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Oct 2021
Way back in the day, Hallowe'en was a rather different sort of festival, a sort of development of the pagan Samhain harvest festival but ...
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'Black Narcissus' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Oct 2021
Extremely hot on the heels of Daffod'i'll's tenth solo album ‘Brown Nosey' (which I reviewed at the end of September) comes ...
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"Good Girl" by Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Oct 2021
It seems only yesterday that I reviewed Rheo Uno's single "Señorita" for you (it was about a month ago in fact) and here we are again for her ...
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"Third Degree" by Ivy Ash
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Nov 2021
Following July's "Rain Again" single, the effervescent Ivy Ash is back with the fourth release of her swiftly developing career, namely "Third ...
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‘No Hope Without Love' EP by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Oct 2021
If you have been reading my more recent reviews of The Rising, then it will not be news to you that they've been steadily releasing each of the ...
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"Strangers" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Oct 2021
Out today from Joe Dolman is his latest single which rejoices in the title of "Strangers", the follow up to the successful "Real World" which itself ...
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"Wishing Well" by Danny Ansell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Oct 2021
It's a great & somewhat rare privilege to give you as much notice as I am here with Danny Ansell's next release "Wishing Well" as it ...
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"Smile" by Avidfan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Oct 2021
It was back in June that I introduced you to the debut single of Avidfan (the nom de musique of King of the Alps/Special Brew/Some Kinda ...
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‘After the Fire' by Blue Moon Birds
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Oct 2021
I hope that you enjoyed the Maz Corry song "In This Living" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Five'? I'd like to think that you also ...
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"HIGHHIGHHIGH" by Euan Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Oct 2021
Just over a month since we told you about his "Sinking" single, Euan Blackman will be releasing his third one "HIGHHIGHHIGH" tomorrow (Friday).
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‘Protest Songs 1924-2012' by The Specials
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Oct 2021
Fresh out from The Specials is a new album called ‘Protest Songs 1924-2012'.
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'Brown Nosey' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Sep 2021
I mentioned as a supplementary note in my review of Saturday's gig at The Tin that I encountered ‘Hot Music Live Presents' artist ...
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"The Lucky One" by Kenzie Webley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Sep 2021
For those of you who were wondering about the activities of that rapidly rising local star Kenzie Webley, I am able to bring you up to speed.
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"Under Me" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Sep 2021
That irrepressible artist Abz Winter is back on 8th October with her latest single "Under Me", her follow-up to "Money" from July.
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"You Had It All (Reimagined)" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Sep 2021
For those of you following the incremental release of The Rising's ‘No Hope Without Love' EP (and I hope that's you all), you may ...
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The Catenary Wires, Pete Astor, The Pristines and The Sunbathers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Sep 2021
The other day, while reviewing the new Chessi O'Dowd single, "The Pines", I commented that the first gig I had scheduled which was cancelled by ...
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"Real World" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Sep 2021
It's been above a year since I last got to review a Joe Dolman release (his collaboration with Millie Tilby "Let's Go Home") so it's ...
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"The Pines" by Chessi O'Dowd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Sep 2021
The last twenty or so months have to some extent made us all consider various aspects of time I think: such as how long has elapsed since we last did ...
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"Señorita" by Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Sep 2021
I get extremely intrigued by what artists occasionally say about their own work.
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"10-46" by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Sep 2021
It was back in April when out of their "7 Nights of Terror" competition, Massasauga fans voted the chilling "Switchblade" to be their single.
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The 'Hauntings' EP by Year Without A Summer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Sep 2021
It's been nearly a year since we last reviewed a Year Without A Summer release in these pages (and the last couple of years have come close to ...
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"Polaroids of Yesteryear" by Levi Washington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Aug 2021
To say that I was stunned by the new Levi Washington single "Polaroids of Yesteryear" (which you can hear at 1800 tomorrow, the first of September, ...
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"Sinking" by Euan Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Aug 2021
On 2nd September, Euan Blackman will be releasing "Sinking", his follow up to the widely praised and popular "24 Hours 7 Days" and I gather it will ...
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"Never Gone" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Aug 2021
"Never Gone", the follow up to his very well received "I Want Your Blue Sky" single from May, will be the latest release from Lemon Boy on 1st ...
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The Mintakaa Collective live at the Daimler Powerhouse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Aug 2021
If you enjoyed "Auriga" by Mintakaa on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Six' then it's a fair assumption that you'd be interested in ...
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'I Stripped Bare' by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Aug 2021
On today, his birthday (not a coincidence I imagine), Daffod'I'll has released his ninth solo album entitles ‘I Stripped Bare' (a ...
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Wes Finch on Stratford Bandstand
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Aug 2021
I'm sorry to say that I'd never previously attended one of the summer Sunday afternoon concerts on the Bandstand in Stratford before but ...
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"Show Me" by Rheo Uno
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Aug 2021
Considerably less than a month ago, I was strongly suggesting to you that you should check out the new Rheo Uno single "Wife Me?" yet already the ...
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‘Seven Signs of a Soul' by Ian Todd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Aug 2021
As prophesised in our recent reviews of his singles "Don't Forget To Breathe" (in June) and "What Goes In Is What Goes Out" (last month), the ...
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"Dreamstate" by Free Galaxy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Aug 2021
Fresh out from Free Galaxy is their latest single "Dreamstate", though it is far from business as usual for this popular band.
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"Highway to the Lost & Found" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Aug 2021
True to their mission, The Rising are back with a new single "Highway to the Lost & Found" (due out on 3rd September) just over a month after the ...
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"Art in the Park" 2021
Photo gallery
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Aug 2021
To be honest, as delighted as I was that live music in some quantity was back at an expanded "Art in the Park" (two stages rather than the usual ...
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"2 Tone and Rock Against Racism" event
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Aug 2021
In my recent review of the "Women Pioneers" event at Coventry Cathedral, I drew your attention to its companion event centring on the 2 Tone ...
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"God's Little Punching Bag" by YNES
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Aug 2021
Springing out of the blue somewhat is the new single from YNES called "God's Little Punching Bag" which burst onto our consciousness this ...
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‘24 Hours 7 Days' by Euan Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jul 2021
Fresh in from Alcester based artist Euan Blackman is his brand new release "24 Hours 7 Days": just when I imagined that the products of lockdown ...
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'Cocoon' by Tigermask
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jul 2021
When I wrote last month about the latest single from Tigermask, "Mirtazapine", I told you quite a lot about its parent album ‘Cocoon' which in ...
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"Wife Me?" by Rheo Uno featuring Chxmpion
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Jul 2021
Unfortunately, it has been over a year since I last wrote about a Rheo release in the magazine and a similar timespan since her "Down For You" ...
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"Unbounded" by Dean MacDonald
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Jul 2021
Following the very successful release of "Inflamed " in late May, today, Dean MacDonald shares with us the next track from his recent 14 Records ...
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‘I Hear Voices' EP by Molotov Souls
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jul 2021
Many thanks to Fred from Molotov Souls for sending me their latest EP called ‘I Hear Voices' which they made with Matt Waddell at 14 Records.
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"Female Pioneers"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Jul 2021
Saturday night was another real landmark for me: my first Saturday evening out since the pandemic struck.
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Record Store Day 2021
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jul 2021
It is unfortunate that catching every artist on a multi musician event isn't always possible, but the short time I was able to be at the Record ...
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"Money" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jul 2021
As her follow up to the popular "B.
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Motofest 2021
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Jul 2021
I'm much obliged to Rob Halligan who has been in touch with me to ask me to pass onto readers of "Hot Music Live" the details of Motofest 2021: ...
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"Break The Chains" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jul 2021
I hope you have been following the progression of singles released by The Rising from their upcoming ‘No Hope Without Love' EP? Following ...
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"My Phone" by Hannah Woof
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Jul 2021
During the last sixteen bizarre months or so, coverage of Coventry & Warwickshire artists in these pages has taken on unusual patterns.
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"Bring Back the Feeling" by Danny Ansell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Aug 2021
The most recent occasion on which we reported on Danny Ansell and his music was back in April, with the release of his "Slice of Cake" single.
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"What Goes in is What Goes Out" by Ian Todd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Jul 2021
The time is rapidly approaching (16th of July to be precise) when "What Goes in is What Goes Out", the sophomore single from his ‘Seven Signs of a ...
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Ellie Gowers at Kenilworth Arts Festival
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Jul 2021
Strange and wonderful times: I find myself today writing my second live report inside a week.
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"Rain Again" by Ivy Ash
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jun 2021
And so here we are at the third single from the irrepressible Ivy Ash, namely "Rain Again" (which is released on 2nd July) though really it's ...
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Stone Bear at Leamington Canal Festival
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Jun 2021
It seems almost unreal and a bit transgressive to find myself writing a live review after so many months of reviewing the recorded activities of ...
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"Mirtazapine" by Tigermask
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jun 2021
It has been a while since we were able to feature Tigermask in the magazine (and in the interim, his standalone track "Timeless" appeared on ‘Hot ...
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"Come By" by Taylor-Louise
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jun 2021
It's been quite a while since I had the pleasure of reviewing a Taylor-Louise release: in fact it was about eighteen months ago when the title ...
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"Too Long" by Contacts in the North
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Jun 2021
You might perhaps have spotted that the track of the week from BBC Introducing in Coventry & Warwickshire is the new single by Contacts in the ...
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"Psalm 2" by Rob Halligan
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Jun 2021
Although his spirituality informs & enriches virtually all his work, in April 2019 Rob Halligan released a very explicitly sacred collection of songs ...
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"Pray With Me" by Chasing Deer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2021
I have not had a chance to review a Chasing Deer release for you since "Scared" came out in December, so I'm pleased to do so now in reaction to ...
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"Wonderful Day" by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Jun 2021
In one of those interesting serendipities which real life offers us occasionally, not twenty four hours after reviewing the debut solo single by King ...
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"Always Be Coventry" by Avidfan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Jun 2021
If you do not yet know the name of Simon Ward as well as you might do, then you could do worse than check out the credits on the various ‘Hot Music ...
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"Gloriana" by Paul Mccormack
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Jun 2021
Today Paul Mccormack has a new release for us, "Gloriana", a follow up to "Thoughts" (which I advised you of last month) and which can be found at ...
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"Totally Together" by Brothers From Another Mother featuring Kirsty Brewerton
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jun 2021
Fresh out today is the song "Totally Together" by Brothers From Another Mother featuring Kirsty Brewerton and recorded at 14 Records in Leamington.
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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Six'
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Jun 2021
Today saw the release of "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Six", the follow up to the previous five albums in the series: another free download album ...
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"Addiction" by Aaron Woodhouse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 May 2021
I last reviewed Aaron Woodhouse back in March when he released "Fire In The Air" as a single: now, he has followed it up with "Addiction" which is ...
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'Leamington LAMP Album Volume 1'
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Jun 2021
I appreciate that I've introduced reviews before saying that I'm excited about them, but I'm afraid it's the truth: I review what ...
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"B.S." by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 May 2021
Abz Winter has only gone and done it again hasn't she? I love the way that although her game has never needed raising (it's been at the top ...
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"Bruise You Left" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 May 2021
The 4th of June marks the release date of the second single from the upcoming 'No Hope Without Love' EP by The Rising, namely "Bruise You ...
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"The Calm" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 May 2021
The latest release from Dave Pepper is called "The Calm" and is now available for you too to enjoy via this link: https://davepepper1.
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"Don't Forget To Breathe" by Ian Todd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 May 2021
Having reviewed "Hour Glass" (an hour long ambient piece ) by Ian Todd last summer, I am now pleased to say that I can return to his work again, this ...
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"Inflamed" by Dean MacDonald
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 May 2021
This is exciting: we have often told you about releases from & performances by one of the area's most respected & popular bands The Session, but ...
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"Pensacola" by Jack Blackman & Chessi O'Dowd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 May 2021
Here's a slightly rhetorical question: what is better than a new release by one of the most respected & popular Coventry & Warwickshire artists? ...
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"Thoughts" by Paul Mccormack
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 May 2021
Although I have written about singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Paul Mccormack in the magazine before (in the context of a Merrymaker live ...
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"Peaceful Warrior" by Lemon Tones
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 May 2021
An artist whose work I have not yet previously had the pleasure of describing to you is Lemon Tones (the name under which James Temple is currently ...
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"I Want Your Blue Sky" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 May 2021
"I Want Your Blue Sky" , the next single by Lemon Boy (Luke Bates) is not in fact released until 26th May, but already, thanks to some advance ...
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"Used To Be" by YNES
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 May 2021
When reviewing the last YNES single (the eviscerating "Better Job", which also featured Ace Ambrose), among several adjectives I used, one was ...
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"A Friend" by In Emerald Sea
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 May 2021
This is probably the quickest turn around of a review I've yet managed: not only was I unaware of this song an hour before I began writing this, ...
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"Loveable" by Kenzie Webley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 May 2021
I'm delighted to report to you the release of a new single by Kenzie Webley on 21st May, namely "Loveable" .
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'Let's Have Another One' by Firedaze
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 May 2021
I have long enjoyed Firedaze as a live act but I'm sorry to say have not reviewed any of their releases until now: I'm glad to repair ...
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"Maybe With You" by The Boy Who Invented Everything
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 May 2021
It's with a great deal of pleasure that I write this particular review.
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"Change" by Jonny Olley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Apr 2021
If you enjoyed Jonny Olley's debut single "Slow" which we reviewed here in January (and which was featured on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume ...
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"The Coming of Age" by Ace Ambrose
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Apr 2021
Any new release from Ace Ambrose must have the characteristics of creating anticipation & wonder in our minds: what on earth will she come up with ...
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"Slice of Cake" by Danny Ansell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Apr 2021
Despite his skill at honing crowd pleasing anthems, the reality of Danny Ansell's songwriting is the subject matter he covers is actually very ...
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"Switchblade" by Massasauga
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Apr 2021
You may remember when back in February Massasauga invited you to participate in their "7 Nights of Terror" wherein they shared teasers of seven songs ...
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"You Had It All" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Apr 2021
That marvellously prolific band The Rising (Chris Logan & Chantelle McAteer) are continuing their highly commendable campaign to not let COVID19 ...
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"Calico Jack" by Alchemista
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Apr 2021
For their first single release of 2021, Alchemista are offering us a tale of piracy on the high seas in the form of "Calico Jack".
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"Faker" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 May 2021
It's actually been a year since we shared the news about "Jump" by Abz Winter with you, a period of time between releases which would have ...
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'Coventry Cathedral - Easter '21' by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Apr 2021
Fresh out today is a live album of the special lockdown gig which Rob Halligan played at Coventry Cathedral with the help of Ewan Cameron and Chris ...
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"Around This Town" by Ross Darby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Apr 2021
Today is the release day for the new Ross Darby single "Around This Town", his first since the much applauded "Rose" which came out in July 2020 and ...
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"Gimmie Some Space" by Shanghai Hostage
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Mar 2021
It is literally only a single month since I reviewed the most recent Shanghai Hostage single "Convent" for you, yet here today am I writing about its ...
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"Oops" (Acoustic) by Ivy Ash
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Mar 2021
I was delighted last month to describe to the debut single by Ivy Ash (the new sparkling pop persona of Bethany Dyson) called "Oops".
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"Fire In The Air" by Aaron Woodhouse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Mar 2021
A very recent addition to my awareness of the local music scene has been Aaron Woodhouse.
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‘If This Is the End' by Project Blackbird
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Mar 2021
I was always a fan of the band Bluebird Parade: a very eclectic and versatile six piece band whose combined talents were able to create all sorts of ...
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"Live 2020" (edited selection) by Wes Finch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Mar 2021
Very slightly more than twelve months ago I reported to you on Wes Finch's Leap Year gig: a special event to mark the four yearly occasion & to ...
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"Bigger Than Me" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Mar 2021
Today marks the release of the new Rob Halligan single entitled "Bigger Than Me", a swift follow up to his ‘Christmas Time' EP and as ...
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"In The Darkness" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Mar 2021
Ollie Bond is one of those talented artists who seems capable of swerving the "quality/quantity" debut by releasing very high quality singles at a ...
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"Auriga" by MINTAKAA
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Feb 2021
I'm always most appreciative of being tipped off about interesting local music which I had not previously been aware of, so thank you to Ian ...
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"Convent" by Shanghai Hostage
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Mar 2021
Shanghai Hostage are continuing their long running excellent form & defying COVID with another prime release this morning namely their new single ...
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"The South" by Wilde
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Feb 2021
Not only did ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four' artists Wilde (check out "Wasted" if you've not already done so) manage to put ...
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"In Absence" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Feb 2021
If you enjoyed hearing the "elegant & graceful " (as our review described it) "Flamingo" by Lemon Boy on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume ...
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‘Is This Thing On?' by John Connearn
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Feb 2021
This afternoon saw the release of the brand new John Connearn EP called ‘Is This Thing On?', his first record since "Push & Pull" which came ...
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The ‘Parting Breath' EP by Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Feb 2021
One of the many frustrations of the past year has been the loss of momentum in the careers of various local artists who were so obviously on a roll: ...
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"Class War" by Dispensable People
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Feb 2021
Just out from local dissidents Dispensable People is their new single entitled "Class War".
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"Better Job" by YNES featuring Ace Ambrose
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Feb 2021
Now this is very exciting….
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"Oops" by Ivy Ash
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Feb 2021
Back in November, I introduced you to Ivy Ash, the sensational new pop persona of Bethany Dyson.
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'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Five'
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Feb 2021
We are delighted to announce the release of 'Hot Music Live Presents Volume Five': eighteen more totally original tracks by Coventry & ...
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"Whereabouts Unknown" by Jack Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Feb 2021
After his most impressive prolific run of form since the music scene was turned upon its head, from "Self Isolation Song" (which is also on ‘Hot ...
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"LOUD" by Electrik Custard
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Feb 2021
I was greatly & very pleasantly surprised by the unexpected release yesterday of a new single "LOUD" by Electrik Custard featuring Mina Minné.
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New release from Holly & the Hounds
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Feb 2021
Readers of the magazine will have followed the evolution of Holly & the Hounds from roots in Gloria Sunset & Retroville duo formats into a full band ...
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Catching up with Luke Concannon
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Feb 2021
As I'd been in contact with Nizlopi singer/guitarist Luke Concannon regarding the release of his brand new solo album 'Ecstatic Bird In The ...
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"Each Time My Heart is Broken" by Ex Lover
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Jan 2021
Well that's two surprises of rather different sorts on consecutive mornings for me.
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"Don't Want Anything But More" by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jan 2021
During these turgid times when there is a distinct danger of every successive day seeming like its predecessor, it's helpful to be surprised now ...
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'Postcards Home' by Maz Corry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jan 2021
Good morning to you all: I'd like to tell you today about the new album from Stratford based Maz Corry, ‘Postcards Home' which was ...
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"Love Again (Show You Care)" & 'Retrospective' by Rosetta Fire
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Jan 2021
Not surprisingly, it is a while since I've been able to report to you on Rosetta Fire.
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'Ecstatic Bird In The Burning' by Luke Concannon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Jan 2021
One of the most anticipated albums to be issued by a Coventry & Warwickshire artist has to be 'Ecstatic Bird In The Burning' which Luke ...
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'The Righteous Jazz' by The Mechanicals Band
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jan 2021
We cover some excellent artists in the magazine who produce some great material.
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"Another Sunset" by Caleb Murray
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jan 2021
Today Caleb Murray releases his new single, "Another Sunset" a year & a half after his previous record, the ‘Stories From a Sunny Side' album ...
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"Stay At Home" by Carrick
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jan 2021
This morning's news is that Carrick have just released their new single "Stay at Home", which will later appear on their forthcoming second ...
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"Castle With The Lights On" by Shannon Stevenson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jan 2021
Within a month of telling you about "Midnight" by Shannon Stevenson, I find myself in the fortunate position of being able to now give you a heads up ...
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"You The Creator" by River of the Dog
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jan 2021
Good news from River of the Dog who on 29th of this month are releasing a brand new single entitled "You The Creator" (hopefully you'll ...
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'Reflection' EP by Rob Lee Thompson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jan 2021
It's uplifting to start a new year by reviewing another local artist whom I've not yet written about in the magazine & on this occasion, ...
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"Ain't Nobody Got Me Here But Me" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jan 2021
One of the key aims of both the features on artists in this magazine & by spotlighting many of them in the "Hot Music Live Presents" series of albums ...
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"The Fear of Missing Out" by Drop Down Smiling
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Jan 2021
It may be something of a record for "Hot Music Live" (do let us know if you think you can beat it) in terms of gaps between featuring their music, ...
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"Absolutment" by Luke Concannon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Jan 2021
In advance of the full release of his new album 'Ecstatic Bird in the Burning' in February, Luke Concannon is this week sharing a third ...
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"Slow" by Jonny Olley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Jan 2021
I am very grateful to Toni Peach who frequently plugs the magazine on her HillzFM show, plays "Hot Music Live Presents" tracks and when circumstances ...
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Press Release from David Goody
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Jan 2021
"A Rather Silly History Of Coventry" Press ReleaseLocal singer-songwriter David Goody can't resist writing songs about Coventry.
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"Midnight" by Shannon Stevenson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Dec 2020
Coventry singer-songwriter Shannon Stevenson has decided to take the positive road of uplifting us with her end of the year release "Midnight" and I ...
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"Make You Stay" by Kenzie Webley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Dec 2020
When I interviewed Kenzie Webley the other week for the feature in the magazine, she was busy at 14 Records laying down some brand new tracks for us.
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Introducing Monday Nights
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Dec 2020
I wonder if you recollect Paul Englefield's review of The Empire at the Zephyr Lounge back in February 2016? Well two of that band are now in ...
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"Ghosts of Christmas" by Alchemista
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Dec 2020
Relatively hot on the heels of October's ‘Clear Skies To See' EP (certainly rapid by the standards of what is possible in 2020) ...
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Jools Street and the Tile Hill Billies
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Dec 2020
If, like me, one of the things to look forward to & keep me relatively sane during the depths of lockdown was Jools Street's weekly bluegrass ...
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"The Spoons" by Wilde
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Dec 2020
If you enjoyed "Wasted" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four' (I'm sure you did), then you'll be as pleased as I was to hear ...
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"Free Lovin' Woman" by Shanghai Hostage
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Dec 2020
I'll hold my hands up & admit that back in March my expectations for having much to write about in this magazine were low and so they have been ...
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"You Are (Live Studio Session)" by Luna Kiss
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Dec 2020
To make up for not being able to gig, Luna Kiss have released a new single "You Are (Live Studio Session)" which is intended as a gift to their ...
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Spotlight on Kenzie Webley
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Dec 2020
In my interview with Roddy "Radiation" Byers of The Specials etc earlier in the week, I observed how the pandemic has cut a swathe through the music ...
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"I Wish It Was Summer (At Christmas Time)" by Jack Blackman and the Beautiful Wreck
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Dec 2020
Christmas should involve thinking about others (and goodness knows everyone around us has need of our love & support currently) so I am particularly ...
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"This Special Time Of Year" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Dec 2020
We are definitely finding ourselves in the festive release period now & if the cover art for the new single from The Rising "This Special Time Of ...
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"Intermission" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Dec 2020
So here we are, as we always knew we would be, at the final instalment of the "Reconnect" project by The Upsiders, the single "Intermission" which ...
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"Happy Christmas, All Will Be Fine" by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Dec 2020
It was only yesterday when Facebook reminded me that it was exactly twelve months since I had last see King of the Alps play live.
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‘Stories About You' by Danny Ansell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Dec 2020
One of my personal sadnesses (among several) for our local music scene was that Danny Ansell's long awaited ‘As It Goes' album came ...
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"We Still Have Next Year" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Dec 2020
A mere three weeks after I reviewed "Ready" by Ollie Bond, here the man himself is back again with his more seasonal release, "We Still Have Next ...
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"Silent Night (2020 Version)" by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Dec 2020
I am pleased to be able to announce to you that Stylusboy has just released a seasonal single for us, being a cover of "Silent Night" and that all ...
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‘Along The Tracks' by Steven John Birks
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Dec 2020
May I take the opportunity today to introduce you to the work of Steven John Birks? Unfortunately I'm jumping aboard the musical train of this ...
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Catching up with Roddy Byers
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Dec 2020
Most readers of "Hot Music Live" plus countless others around the world, will know Roddy "Radiation" Byers best as the lead guitarist with the ...
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The Advent of Goody
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Dec 2020
Local singer-songwriter David Goody is no stranger to a Christmas song having provided bizarre festive cheer each year since the 2016 release of Spon ...
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"Changing with the Seasons" by Chloë Boehm
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Dec 2020
Although Chloë Boehm has only appeared in "Hot Music Live" for under a year, she is already one of the local artists on a particularly steep ...
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"Straight Up Genius" by Jack Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Nov 2020
Jack Blackman is not only on a rich run of form at the moment (the pandemic seems to be inspiring him to express his feelings through the medium of ...
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"Heading Home" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Nov 2020
I feel a little sad now we suddenly find ourselves at the penultimate instalment of The Upsiders' "Reconnect" project: today's new single ...
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"Scared" by Chasing Deer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Nov 2020
Unsurprisingly, I've not had the chance to review a new Chasing Deer release since their "Bad Decisions" way back in February.
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"Where The Stars Fall" by Man Made Moon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Nov 2020
I'm really pleased today to be able to review the brand new single from Man Made Moon called "Where The Stars Fall": my first since ...
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'Christmas Time' EP by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Nov 2020
Rob Halligan is another of our local musicians who could certainly be described as "prolific" in terms of just how much excellent music they are ...
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Introducing Ivy Ash
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Nov 2020
It's been a few months since I reviewed "Open Your Eyes" by Bethany Dyson in the magazine the follow-up to "Just You & Me" which also features ...
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"Don't You Close Your Eyes" by Kirsty Clarke
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Nov 2020
Today I can report to you on the new single by Kirsty Clarke, called "Don't You Close Your Eyes" (hopefully you'll have read my review of ...
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'Therapy' by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Nov 2020
As usual, starting a Dave Pepper review with a list of his musical projects & genres mastered would in itself make an article too long to hold your ...
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"Ready" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Nov 2020
I suppose that by now I should be used to how Ollie Bond is managing to create, record & release so many high quality tracks despite the current ...
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"Cold Strange World" by Brudez
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Nov 2020
I must say that much as I like the music of Brudez and respect what he does & says in his work, his new single "Cold Strange World" (out today on ...
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‘Bring a Little Love' by Stone Bear
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Nov 2020
A moment of pleasure, the more appreciated because it was unexpected, hit me last evening with the news that Stone Bear have released a new album, ...
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"Bobbie Boat" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Nov 2020
Today, we reach episode seven (of nine) in the "Reconnect" project of The Upsiders: "Bobbie Boat".
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"Look" by Free Galaxy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Nov 2020
It's been a little while (I think we might guess why) since I last reviewed Free Galaxy (whose "Leave Me" appears on ‘Hot Music Live ...
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"I'm Not Coming Back (Stripped Back)"
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Nov 2020
If you enjoyed the most recent single by Ollie Bond, "I'm Not Coming Back" which was reviewed in the magazine last month, then you'll be ...
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"Doomsayer" by Ace Ambrose
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Nov 2020
It is always exciting to review a new Ace Ambrose release & today really is no exception to that pattern.
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"Arthur McBride" by Filkin's Drift
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Nov 2020
For those of you who have been deprived of hearing the music of Ellie Gowers (I was fortunate enough to catch a live set on February 29th, but that ...
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"Ballad of Clopton House" by Jack Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Oct 2020
At the end of a month which began with the release of his excellent single "Hard Place to be Be", Jack Blackman is showing no sense whatsoever of ...
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"Your Heart is in My Chest" by Luke Concannon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Nov 2020
If next February seems still an awfully long way off to wait for the release of 'Ecstatic Bird in the Burning', the next album from Luke ...
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'Always Heading Home' by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Oct 2020
During the last eight months, I have reviewed releases I had some inkling of in advance, a few well in advance, some complete surprises & some long ...
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'Rollin'' by Voodoo Kings
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Oct 2020
If I was forced to list the artists based locally whom I most enjoyed live, I should without question include the Voodoo Kings.
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"Tumbleweed And Dust" by Cary L
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Oct 2020
It's proving a year when most of our expectations have been torn up & scattered on the winds.
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"2 AM Call" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Oct 2020
There is something of a tightrope for artists to navigate: on one side the peril of producing so diverse a range of music that people can't join ...
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"Something Real" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Oct 2020
The last chapter of The Upsiders' "Reconnect" song cycle, "Ooh Na" (reviewed in the magazine last month), found protagonist Kenny, while at ...
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"Tranquilo" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Oct 2020
Given the overwhelming feeling of claustrophobia engendered by the current situation, it is a corrective to share evidence that we are not all hemmed ...
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"I'm Not Coming Back" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Oct 2020
How Ollie Bond does it I simply cannot begin to fathom.
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'Clear Skies To See' EP by Alchemista
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Oct 2020
I really hope that like me, you enjoyed the popular track "A Place To Hide" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four'? If you haven't ...
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"Hard Place To Be" by Jack Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Oct 2020
Barely a fortnight after his last release, the chilling "Empty Beretta", Jack Blackman (who is also represented on ‘Hot Music Live Presents ...
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"Doing Nothing" by Luke Concannon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Oct 2020
Today, I'd like to draw your attention to a new single to be released on October 2nd from across the Atlantic: quite an unusual review for an ...
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"First Wave" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2020
Normally the autumnal equinox is precisely the time we'd look for a new release from The Silver Wye.
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"Sides of Me" by Antonia Kirby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2020
After the misfortune of having the dreaded lurgy delay the anticipated & planned release of her new EP "Sides of Me", Antonia Kirby (whose "Labour ...
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"The Fear" by The Session
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2020
This is in many ways an unusual review but definitely one I have very much looked forwards to writing for some time.
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"Ooh Na", by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2020
Now we are in the heartland of The Upsiders' "Reconnect" project, not only are the cumulative emotions of the arc of protagonist Kenny's ...
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Wes Finch Trio at Kenilworth Arts Festival
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Sep 2020
Somewhat to my surprise, yesterday afternoon I found myself enjoying live music in the actual physical presence of the musicians creating it for the ...
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"Writers" by Chloë Boehm
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Sep 2020
As I'm sure that you are aware, we were fortunate enough to be able to include the debut single of Chloë Boehm "Dare You" on ‘Hot Music Live ...
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"Sea of Stars" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Sep 2020
I hope you have been enjoying the track "Flamingo" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four'? I'm pleased to share with you now the latest ...
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"Leap Year Gig Rehearsal" by Wes Finch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Sep 2020
There is some good news for Wes Finch fans awaiting the release of his Leap Year gig live album (as (p)reviewed in this magazine last month) He has ...
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"Homeward Hie" & "Sunshine" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Sep 2020
Rob Halligan fans will have felt blessed over the past week with two separate releases which I hope you won't mind my telling you about in a ...
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"Better Than This" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Sep 2020
If you recall, like many of us, The Rising entered 2020 with high hopes & plans.
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"Empty Beretta" by Jack Blackman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Sep 2020
We were greatly pleased to be able to feature the zeitgeist tapping "Self Isolation Song" by Jack Blackman on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume ...
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"Emilia" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Sep 2020
If, like me, you enjoyed "Safe With Me" by Ollie Bond on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Three', you'll be as pleased that despite the ...
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"What You Taught Me (Baby)" by Year Without A Summer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Sep 2020
Lots of things make writing reviews of great local music for "Hot Music Live" pleasurable.
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"21st Century Man" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Sep 2020
I do hope that you have been following successive instalments of The Upsiders "Reconnect" project as they release them & we review them in the ...
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"Sush On The Roof" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Aug 2020
I must have been a bit naive when back in late March I assumed that my articles in the magazine would become more infrequent: obviously there has ...
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Wes Finch's Leap Year Gig: Live Album
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Aug 2020
Some six months ago, I wrote what to date is my penultimate live review for the magazine: concerning Wes Finch's Leap Year gig.
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Paul Brook
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Sep 2020
For those of you who have already downloaded "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Four" (if not, please check it out at https://hotmusiclivepresents.
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"Sway" by the Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Aug 2020
It was barely a fortnight ago that I was telling you all about The Upsiders' single "Worth A Million" which I'm delighted to see has been ...
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"Live in the Basement" by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Aug 2020
It was only last week that I was telling you about the new Stylusboy single "This Is Where I Belong" which was released in advance of its parent EP ...
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"Let's Go Home" by Joe Dolman & Millie Tilby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Jul 2020
This is rather an unusual release to be reporting on.
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"This Is Where I Belong" by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Aug 2020
You'll no doubt have enjoyed that masterpiece of Stylusboy, namely "For the Souls of My Brothers" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume ...
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Woodbine Street Recording Studio
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Jul 2020
In my latest feature on how local music related businesses are coping with, adapting to & evolving through the current circumstances, I am looking at ...
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"Front Room Sessions: The Visual Album"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jul 2020
I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I especially enjoy (and enjoy writing about) music where it touches base with other art media.
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'Blank Canvas' by Henery
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jul 2020
I really haven't concealed my admiration for the solo work of Henery in this magazine have I? Starting with live reviews which not only revealed ...
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"Won't Let Me In" by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jul 2020
Satsangi, never a band to shirk a challenge nor to be meekly led by fate nor wander aimlessly down roads many others have trodden previously, seem to ...
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"Worth A Million" by The Upsiders
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Jul 2020
As I write, the very first shoots of live music performance recovery seem underway: a few people including members of Evergreen & Chessi ...
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"Promised Land" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Jul 2020
A strange one this, the latest single release from Rob Halligan: "Promised Land" which comes a month after his previous one, "The Other Side" was ...
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"I Want You" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jul 2020
I am pleased to report that despite all the obstacles being placed in their way since their decision to launch a single a month in 2020, The Rising ...
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"Rose" by Ross Darby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Jul 2020
When I reported mere days ago that one of the artists who had recently been recording at 14 Records with Matt Waddell was Ross Darby, I certainly ...
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'The Life I Had 'Til Now' EP by Little Girl Screaming
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Jul 2020
One of my favourite local bands (and I am far from their only admirer) has long been Little Girl Screaming, a band I came to via their incendiary ...
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"Darling" by Batsch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Jul 2020
It was April when I wrote about the "Colour of Love" single by Batsch in the magazine.
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"Wayward" by Katherine Abbott
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Jul 2020
After the pleasure at being able to review "Lullaby For Lucas" by Katherine Abbott last month, I'm delighted that so little time has elapsed ...
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14 Records
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Jul 2020
In my most recent article, I focussed on how local business Dr.
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Dr.Um
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jun 2020
Back in March, I shared some of my reflections, fears & thoughts about the impact of lockdown on the local music scene & more or less left it on a ...
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"Hour Glass" by Ian Todd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Jun 2020
Keen readers of this magazine will recollect the February feature of Ian Todd & even keener ones will have spotted his name amongst the details of ...
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"To the Sun" by Henery
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2020
One of the many disappointing aspects of lockdown (and I write this on a day when I would otherwise have been anticipating Leamington Peace ...
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"Fire" solo video by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jun 2020
I do like being taken be surprised by music (to be honest I'm not sure I enjoy reviewing music which fails in some way to do so) and I hope I am ...
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"Lullaby For Lucas" by Katherine Abbott
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Jun 2020
Another first for me: my debut review of Stratford singer songwriter Katherine Abbott & my apologies as I'm arriving quite late at this ...
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"The Cold Light" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Jun 2020
Last night was another Full Moon (and a strawberry one at that, with an added penumbral lunar eclipse) and that these days means a new single from ...
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"The Other Side" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Jun 2020
"The Other Side", the new single by Rob Halligan, will be released on all major download and streaming services on June 22nd but don't worry, ...
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"Live at the Melting Pot" by TwoManTing
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Jun 2020
When I reviewed the current TwoManTing single "Gbangbaode" for you last week & at the end advised you of their upcoming live album, I really ...
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"Resuscitate Me!" by Katie Walters & Ace Ambrose
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Jun 2020
This review concerns something that manages simultaneously to be compassionate, passionate, challenging, exciting and accessible & above all a ...
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"Live in London" by Nizlopi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Jun 2020
This is an interesting one: with quite a nuanced tale to be told.
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"Icarus" by Antonia Kirby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 May 2020
Today I'd like to share with you the latest single (out today) by Antonia Kirby whose"Labour of Love" appears on ‘Hot Music Live Presents ...
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"Open Your Eyes" by Bethany Dyson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 May 2020
Did you enjoy the sumptuous, popular & acclaimed track "Just You & Me" on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Three'? If, like me, you did, ...
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"Be Gentle" by Chloë Boehm
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 May 2020
Chloë Boehm has very rapidly gained a highly positive reputation on the local music scene: it is mere months still since she first acquired a ...
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"Gbangbaode" by TwoManTing
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 May 2020
I last reviewed TwoManTing for this magazine in a live context back last November & I trust you'll recollect my sense of enjoyment of that ...
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"Streets of London" by Wes Finch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 May 2020
Lord knows this lockdown life can seem like "Groundhog Day" when you are inside it.
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"Dig a Little Deeper" by Mister Keith
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 May 2020
I feared that my reviews for "Hot Music Live" might dwindle during the current situation, with no live performances on which to report & the ...
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"Isolation" by Street Arts Project & Friends
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 May 2020
You might very well like to check out today's release of a charity single appropriately called "Isolation" by ‘Street Arts Project & ...
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'Smooth Groove' EP by Kev Stanley
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 May 2020
As I said the other week, being surprised as a reviewer is part of the pleasure of doing it.
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"Flamingo" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 May 2020
A few weeks ago, on the recommendation of Callum Ward of ‘Hot music Live Presents' artists Free Galaxy, I reviewed the Kenilworth based ...
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"Shadows on the Wall" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 May 2020
Reviewing obviously excellent artists is always a pleasure, but there is an extra frisson in writing about a release or performance which takes even ...
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"Mr Motivator" by Shanghai Hostage
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 May 2020
Just as the initial curtailment of live gig opportunities saw many of the artists we report on in "Hot Music Live" upskill themselves to be able to ...
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'Hindsight' by Year Without a Summer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 May 2020
Thankfully despite the complete lull in gigs to review, the flow of releases continues (though I suspect we are going to reach a point when material ...
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‘Shivoham-Lockdown Lullabies' by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 May 2020
Well life under lockdown continues to evolve doesn't it: even, or perhaps especially, our musical life.
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"Denver Hill" by The Session
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Apr 2020
It was a pleasant surprise to learn that one of our area's most dynamic & exciting bands The Session have managed to unleash a new single called ...
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"Colour of Love" by Batsch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Apr 2020
It was virtually a year ago that I wrote very favourably about a live performance by Batsch (who are Mason Le Long, Joe Carvell, Matt Rheeston & Andy ...
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"Miura" by Souki
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Apr 2020
All credit first of all to "Hot Music Live Presents" artist (and one of the key people whose idea that project was) Fall Girl (Michelle Sciarrotta) ...
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"Square Times" by Lemon Boy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Apr 2020
One great thing about "Hot Music Live" is the sense of community & so I'm indebted to Callum Ward of "Hot Music Live Presents" artists Free ...
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"Little Brave" by Henery
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Apr 2020
In February (and how long ago that feels today), I had the pleasure of telling you about "In The Moment", the debut single by singer-songwriter ...
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"Just My Luck" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Apr 2020
As with their last single, the brooding & allegorical "The Getting Place", The Silver Wye are releasing their latest track "Just My Luck" to mark a ...
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"Just Another Name" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Apr 2020
The latest single from Belfast founded & now Leamington based "fresh-faced Pop/Rock with Modern Country Stylings" duo The Rising is "Just Another ...
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"Jump" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Apr 2020
It's good to be able to report to you that Abz Winter is following up her very well received (not least in the review in this magazine) single ...
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"The Lover That You Are" by Ste Essence featuring Rheo
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Apr 2020
If you look at the "front page" of the magazine, you may have noticed that the most recent article always comes under the banner of "Fresh & Funky".
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"As It Goes" by Danny Ansell & Co
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Apr 2020
Pleased as I undoubtedly am to be reviewing "As It Goes", the brand new album from Danny Ansell & Co, there is no getting away from the facts that ...
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‘The Best of Albums 1-8‘ by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Mar 2020
For the past three years, former Gods Toys & I vocalist Dill has been making up for the time lost out of music for personal & health reasons by ...
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Naomi Beth
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Mar 2020
After the success of my recent features on Ian Todd & Chloë Boehm, here is another one I think you'll find interesting & I think topical.
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"Songs From The Vaults" Fundraising album for The Tin
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Mar 2020
Last week I wrote a piece for "Hot Music Live" looking at some of the (negative) implications for the music scene during the current crisis.
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"The Greatest Gift" by Deep Sea Divers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Mar 2020
So, another day in lock down, another day I can't be writing about the great gig I went to last night.
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Chloë Boehm
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Mar 2020
Although I really enjoy writing reviews for "Hot Music Live", I also like telling you about the artists & hopefully during this strange period, time ...
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"Snowflake" by Chessi O'Dowd
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Mar 2020
Two apologies to you all.
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"Dare You" by Chloë Boehm
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Apr 2020
An artist who has been steadily making an impact locally in recent months, Chloë Boehm, today has released her first track "Dare You".
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"Self Care" by Hannah Woof
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Mar 2020
A mere few hours ago, on the stroke of midnight in fact, Hannah Woof released her new single, the zeitgeisty "Self Care", her first since her equally ...
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"Come Take Your Place" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Mar 2020
Today I'm pleased to be able to draw your attention to a new release by Rob Halligan, namely "Come Take Your Place", his first since "Nothing ...
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‘From the Forge' by Greengrass
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Mar 2020
Well this is something of a milestone: my first review of the new order.
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What Are We Gonna Do Now?
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Mar 2020
On Sunday morning, I began writing what will obviously now be my last live review for quite some time.
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Launch gig for the 'Take It From Me' EP by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Mar 2020
If you are anything like me, among the myriad challenges to our communities currently being presented, the probable curtailment of live music for ...
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Fallow Man EP
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Mar 2020
Once again, I am in the happy position to write about a band who have hitherto yet to appear in "Hot Music Live".
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Wes Finch's Leap Year gig
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Mar 2020
February 29th is an unusual date.
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"Bow Down To Love" by But Is It Jazz?
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Feb 2020
There are many aspects of our ‘Hot Music Live Presents' project of which I am very proud.
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"She Said" by The Caprines
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Feb 2020
If you as big a fan of The Caprines (Ed Kimberley on drums, Dave Toulson on lead guitar, John Lindley on vocals and on rhythm guitar and Curtis ...
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"Bad Decisions" by Chasing Deer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Feb 2020
It's really good to return to "Hot Music Live" regulars Chasing Deer after a while.
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'Oedipus Rex' by Kirk Hastings
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Feb 2020
One of my occasional delights in writing for "Hot Music Live", as regular readers may have spotted, is when art media converge: that applies for the ...
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"Push and Pull" by John Connearn
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Feb 2020
It seems so recently that I was telling you all about the debut single by John Connearn, the appropriately entitled "First Things First" and although ...
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"Brain Cell" by Autopilot
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Feb 2020
Having reviewed them live previously, I am pleased to now tell you of the brand new single from Autopilot: "Brain Cell".
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"Nothing Good Is Wasted" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Feb 2020
Today I am pleased to be able to tell you about a new release from Rob Halligan: "Nothing Good Is Wasted" which is a taster for us from his upcoming ...
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Ian Todd
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Feb 2020
We cover so many multi-talented artists in "Hot Music Live": not just musicians but the photographers, visual artists & producers whom they work with.
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"Getting Place" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Feb 2020
The Silver Wye, like any great river, rolls majestically on, picking up speed in the release of its songs.
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"The Middle" (Acoustic Version) by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Feb 2020
I have recently accused Joe Dolman of being prolific in his output and here he is again with a brand new release a month since I last reviewed him.
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'Take It From Me' by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Feb 2020
One conundrum I face with reviewing the calibre of artist I tend to focus on (it's an enjoyable challenge really) is how to handle it when ...
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"In The Moment" by Henery
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Feb 2020
I first reviewed Henery & his music for "Hot Music Live" eleven months ago when I saw him supporting Ellie Gowers: "Henery was a revelation.
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"The King" by Shanghai Hostage
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Feb 2020
Today I'm really pleased to be reviewing the new, the brand new, single by Shanghai Hostage within minutes of its video being publicly released ...
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Clemency live at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Feb 2020
I expect we all agree that music can actually do things to us & for us: improve our mood & morale, lift our spirits, transform our psyches.
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"On the Come Down" by River of the Dog
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Feb 2020
I must admit to being a little low when I woke up this morning.
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BERHN
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jan 2020
As promised, after my review of Kirsty Clarke's new track, "Greatest of Partners", I thought you'd like a piece on her other venture, ...
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"Greatest of Partners" by Kirsty Clarke
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jan 2020
Welcome to another of my series of reviews of Coventry & Warwickshire musicians whom I hold in very high regard yet have hitherto failed to review in ...
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Titine La Voix Live
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Jan 2020
It has been far too long since I had last caught a full Titine La Voix live set.
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"Train" by Stone Bear
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Jan 2020
I do hope you enjoyed the Stone Bear song "Bring A Little Love" which appeared on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume One'? Now Jeff Dennis ...
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"Sky Blue Pink" by Daffod'i'll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jan 2020
When recently I reviewed no fewer than three Daffod'i'll albums in one fell swoop in a catch up exercise, if you looked at the photos ...
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'All Pretty Real' by The Old Number 7 Band
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jan 2020
When I saw the Old Number 7 Band at the Railway Inn in Leamington on Saturday, while they were not playing, the venue piped music was some of the ...
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"Satellites" by Danny Ansell & Co
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Jan 2020
‘Satellites' is the most recent single by Danny Ansell & Co (Danny Ansell on vocals and guitars, Roger Greasby on drums and Patrick Beard ...
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Preview of "Don't Go Playing With A Young Girl's Heart" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Jan 2020
Back when The Clash began, their manager, Bernie Rhodes, instructed them to "write about what you know", advice which took them along the route we ...
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The Old Number 7 Band at the Railway Inn
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Jan 2020
What a great way to start off 2020.
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"When I Went Away" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jan 2020
I find myself mentioning ‘artists on a roll' increasingly frequently these days: not every artist works to the same pace & lord knows many ...
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"Learn To Grow" by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Jan 2020
It's odd: the more reviews you write, the more patterns emerge.
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APE Night Returns!
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Jan 2020
Some excellent news for lovers of music which dares to be a bit different.
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A trio by Dill
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Jan 2020
Something which as a reviewer I am keenly aware of is that so many artists are releasing their material in the form of EPs currently.
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"The Middle" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jan 2020
I think that we can all by now agree that Joe Dolman is one of the most talented & popular artists from Coventry & Warwickshire & to that add "one of ...
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"Fool (Funk)" by Antonia Kirby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Dec 2019
Déjà vu: again.
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Preview of Rheo's upcoming EP
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Dec 2019
We live in exciting times! I have never known such a great time for local creativity and for some reason there has been a large number of gigs & ...
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Brass Hip Flask live
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Dec 2019
It is always a challenge finding the right words for any review: trying to describe one medium in another is itself tricky & then if you review ...
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"First Things First" by John Connearn
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2019
John Connearn will be a name already well known to the aficionados of the local music scene & as the new decade dawns, will become better known to ...
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"Christmas Brought You Here" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2019
A couple of thoughts occurred to me as I started this review.
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"You Are Light" by The Silver Wye (Slight Return)
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2019
I'm sorry but I'm afraid I'm going to have to instil a touch of déjà vu in you.
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"Layla's Wood" by Speak, Brother
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Dec 2019
I trust that you have, by now heard the last Speak, Brother single "Even Though We Are Strangers" (reviewed in the magazine on 30th September).
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"It's Christmas" by Dave Pepper
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Dec 2019
In terms of the tracks on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume One', some were great tracks from today & others rare & unreleased gems from some of ...
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"Everlasting" by Free Galaxy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Dec 2019
I do hope that you have checked out "Leave Me" on "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Two" by very fast rising Kenilworth band Free Galaxy? If not, you ...
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"Fool" by Antonia Kirby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Dec 2019
Today I have the opportunity to repair another omission in my reviewing history for "Hot Music Live": to be precise until this moment, I have not ...
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"Just You & Me" by Bethany Dyson
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Dec 2019
My apologies to Bethany Dyson whose latest single "Just You & Me" has been out several weeks: I suppose one defence for my delay in reviewing it has ...
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Tigermask live at The Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Dec 2019
I have to admit from the start that I found writing a review which captures the essence of Tigermask adequately, having seen him play at the Town ...
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"It's That Time Of Year" by Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Dec 2019
As 2019 winds down, it occurred to me that one of the names which has been cropping up very regularly during the year, namely Abz Winter, would never ...
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The Mechanicals Band & Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Dec 2019
One of the final formal gigs I shall attend in 2019 was also one of the best: the highest possible levels of musicianship but even more importantly ...
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"In A Year" by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Jan 2020
December 12th is a date many people have possibly been looking forwards to or dreading for various reasons.
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"Safe With Me" by Ollie Bond
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Dec 2019
Hopefully, I do try to capture the best of Coventry & Warwickshire music (or at least such as I encounter) in my reviews but from time to time ...
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"Winter Came Around Too Fast" by Sophie Hadlum
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Dec 2019
I hope that by now, many of you will have downloaded, played & enjoyed "Hot Music Live Presents Volume Two" (https://hotmusiclivepresents.
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"Head Under Water" by Brass Hip Flask x White Rat Cult
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Dec 2019
There have been more "blues revivals" than there are blues standards (possibly.
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Taylor-Louise launches 'Black Heart'
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Dec 2019
What a fiesta of an evening on Friday at St Patrick's Club in Leamington.
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"Fly" by Clemency
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Nov 2019
If several of my more recent reviews have been of songs previously unheard by me & some even caught me by surprise with their release, the new single ...
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TwoManTing
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Nov 2019
Watching TwoManTing last night at the Town House in Leamington, one of my immediate thoughts was "it's been too long" since I last saw them live.
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The Will Ball Trio at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Nov 2019
This review in some ways is able to address an omission among my pieces for "Hot Music Live": although I have alluded to Will Ball in respect of his ...
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The Mechanicals Band present The Righteous Jazz
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Nov 2019
Occasionally I've been able to review for "Hot Music Live" an event which involves but is not limited to music: a particular pleasure.
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'The Sun Will Rise Again' by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Nov 2019
Every so often, I enthuse in a review for "Hot Music Live" over the privileges of being able to do so: fairly obviously hearing wonderful & original ...
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"Better By Now" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Nov 2019
Happy New Music Friday to you all!To celebrate the day, Joe Dolman has a brand new single "Better By Now" out for your delectation.
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"Sweet Talk" by Hannah Woof
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Nov 2019
I wrote last week of the issues & tensions which must exist around even the best artists as they develop their individual voice & sound yet need to ...
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"Against The Tide" by Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Oct 2019
Some of the records I review for "Hot Music Live" come to me out of the relative blue.
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The Hatstand Band
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Oct 2019
Although I have seen them play before, and greatly enjoyed their performances, I have not actually ever given them a full review for some reason (I ...
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"Try" and "Leaving" by Jake Rizzo
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Oct 2019
It is said of several aspects of life that "a week is a long time" within them: to the list we might now add the career of Jake Rizzo.
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"If You Loved Me" by Jake Rizzo
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Oct 2019
It is always a great pleasure to review excellent music, but to focus on a debut single is that extra bit special as you feel like a traveller ...
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"If You Were Mine" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Oct 2019
One element which seems to play a part in making the difference between local artists with bags of talent & original ideas whose careers seem to ...
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"Late Again" by Earlybird
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Oct 2019
This review is extremely fresh being of a debut single by a band whom I've not yet seen live yet and ironically I have seen more great photos of ...
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"You Are Light" by The Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Oct 2019
Last November, in "Hot Music Live", I reviewed a song called "Pick Me Up" by an entity calling itself The Silver Wye.
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"Even Though We Are Strangers" by Speak, Brother
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Sep 2019
It's ironic that in such short succession I should write song reviews for bands whom I hold in high esteem yet whom I have only previously ...
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"Need A Friend" by The Caprines
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Sep 2019
One of my very favourite of local bands happens to be Coventry based four piece The Caprines (they comprise Ed Kimberley on drums, Dave Toulson on ...
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"Let This One Be Mine" by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Nov 2019
I find myself here writing a review which I had never anticipated.
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"Sunny Lady" by Evergreen
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Sep 2019
I think that I can safely say that I have not before reviewed a more eagerly anticipated debut single than "Sunny Lady" by Evergreen.
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'Routes' by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Sep 2019
I've said it before, but reviewing for "Hot Music Live" is a real privilege in so many ways.
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'Fourth in Line' EP by Fourth in Line
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Aug 2019
It is entirely possible that although this is their first review in the magazine, you may already be aware of Fourth in Line.
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The Mechanicals Band with special guest Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Aug 2019
Well here I am again, this time reviewing not one but two artists on whom I fear I may have already used up my supply of appropriate superlatives in ...
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Sam McNulty with Angelo Cardone & Bill Cameron
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Aug 2019
Few "Hot Music Live" readers will need introducing to the name nor talents of Sam McNulty.
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Burning Salt
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Aug 2019
One of the issues which is a perennial worry for me in writing for "Hot Music Live" is how to cover even the most excellent of artists, the ones we ...
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Merrymaker with Rosie Samaras
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jul 2019
The gig at the Magic Lantern last night was described by venue creator & owner Adrian Gains as "one of the best nights we have had so far.
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The Ellipsis with special guest Hannah Woof
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Jul 2019
It all seems such a long time ago, so many & so powerful have the subsequent performances at the Magic Lantern been, that it is an interesting ...
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"Endless Summer" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jul 2019
There are a handful of great locally based artists not so much emerging (how can they be just "emerging" when they have spent time honing their ...
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Ross Darby live at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jul 2019
I am a big fan of the performing & writing of Ross Darby so it was a big pleasure to get another chance to review him for this magazine on the ...
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Irene Rae supported by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Jul 2019
Once again I can write up for you something rather special: two performances which were pretty unique for our area & which again I felt so privileged ...
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Izzie Derry with her special guests King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Jul 2019
Last night was one for the connoisseurs: a whole evening of nothing but top class original music written from personal perspectives & played with ...
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Shanghai Hostage with their special guests Brass Hip Flask
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Jul 2019
I should really like first of all to voice my appreciation to the members of both Shanghai Hostage & Brass Hip Flask.
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Godiva Festival 2019: a personal reflection
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Jul 2019
I could, I suppose, run through every act I saw & enjoyed at the 2019 Godiva Festival in detail which would give them the credit they thoroughly ...
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'Stories From A Sunny Side' by Caleb Murray
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Jul 2019
I hope that you recall my review in "Hot Music Live" of Caleb Murray's ‘No Congregation' EP? If you have listened to & downloaded "Hot ...
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Diz n Rox with Andy Beglin
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jun 2019
Wow what a night! On a sweltering June evening, maybe going underground was the best option, even though the Magic Lantern had to deploy extra fan ...
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Taylor-Louise & Abz Winter
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Jun 2019
Another cracking evening which saw the grand musical talent of Warwickshire displayed on several levels.
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Holly & the Hounds
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Jun 2019
I have reviewed the consummate musicianship of Holly Hewitt & David Page for "Hot Music Live" on several occasions, though it isn't, I admit, ...
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"Gone" by Taylor-Louise
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jun 2019
If you are counting, you'll have spotted that the new single "Gone" is the third single to be released from Taylor-Louise's stunning "Black ...
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"Ticket To Nowhere" by Matty Coles
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Jun 2019
At a dozen tracks, ‘Ticket To Nowhere', the new album by local singer-songwriter Matty Coles to which I've been listening, provides ...
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Man Made Moon supported by Noah Dobbie
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jun 2019
Here I go again: another evening spent in the company of really talented musicians who not only perform in a way that touches my soul but objectively ...
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"Grow" by The Ellipsis
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Jun 2019
Last week, I had every intention of writing a review in this magazine of the gig I was intending to attend at the Zephyr Lounge by The Ellipsis, ...
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'More Songs About Hospital Food' by Simon Morgan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 Jun 2019
Warwickshire singer song writer Simon Morgan has a long & distinguished pedigree for producing music from the "heart on the sleeve" school of ...
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"Moving On" by The Rising
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jun 2019
As promised in my review of their performance at Sunday's BBC Introducing Coventry & Warwickshire showcase, what follows is my review of the ...
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BBC Introducing Showcase
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jun 2019
"Hot Music Live" tries really hard to do many things.
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Shanade with guests Nicky Ager & Aaron Dudfield
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Jul 2019
By now I'm sure you'll be aware of the many bees in my bonnet as I tend to repeat much the same obsessions in most reviews, so when I ...
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Evergreen at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 May 2019
I flatter myself that some of you may remember my reviewing the Hansel Brothers in the past for "Hot Music Live" (most recently on February 10th).
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Vince Hill's farewell concert in Coventry
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 May 2019
With 2019 marking his 85th birthday, singing star Vince Hill will be heading home to Coventry next month to perform a special farewell concert at the ...
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Wes Finch supported by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 May 2019
Another emotionally rewarding night at the Magic Lantern, savouring two of the finest & most individual of the many great local performers & ...
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Jake Rizzo supported by Henery
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 May 2019
Another wonderful night of song writing craft & passionate performances at the Magic Lantern last evening & two more great local musicians who ...
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"Stories From The She Punks"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 May 2019
As explained in the preview in "Hot Music Live" on February 1st, yesterday there was a special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Stories From ...
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Helen McCookerybook with the Sunbathers & Peter Hall
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 May 2019
What a beautiful evening's entertainment & soul sustenance of original music at the Tin.
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Fairport Convention supported by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 May 2019
As previewed in "Hot Music Live Presents", last evening Izzie Derry, who has several times been reviewed in the magazine & is part of the "Hot Music ...
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"We All Write The Songs" by Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 May 2019
As promised in my review of Rob Halligan's recent gig at the Magic Lantern with Kristy Gallacher, here is my review of his most recent album, ...
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Burning Salt at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 May 2019
What an interesting & subtle band Burning Salt are.
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Kristy Gallacher with Rob Halligan
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 May 2019
In 1996 Elvis Costello held an event he called "A Case For Song" which was filmed for the BBC: collaborating with a range of other musicians but ...
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"Generation Now" by Taylor-Louise
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 May 2019
When is "easy listening" not easy listening?Possibly when it is one of those quite rare songwriting approaches where the composer deliberately ...
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"Out Upon The Ocean" EP by Stylusboy
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Apr 2019
Writing for a music magazine in Coventry & Warwickshire, which is let's face it pretty landlocked, I don't expect to review many maritime ...
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"The Mountain" by Brass Hip Flask
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Apr 2019
Do you like your blues authentic & raw? I do.
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APE Night
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Apr 2019
I have often written about the wonderful, in fact the weird, thought provoking & wonderful evenings Johnny Satsangi puts on at the Zephyr Lounge ...
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"Drag You Down" by Joe Dolman
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 Apr 2019
Isn't it a real boost when a local musician whom you've seen often playing the open mics & the local venues & whose work you've ...
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"Lost At Sea" EP by Izzie Derry
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Apr 2019
A real headache for me is trying to express my admiration for work I consider is an artist's best so far without sounding like I didn't ...
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"Lonely Nights" by The Institutes
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Apr 2019
I haven't yet reviewed Coventry band The Institutes for "Hot Music Live" so it's good to have the opportunity to repair that omission when ...
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"Weightless" by Man Made Moon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Apr 2019
Isn't the artwork for the new Man Made Moon single "Weightless" great? You'll be pleased to hear that the musical content rises to the ...
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Taylor-Louise news
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Apr 2019
I don't usually review artists' websites (in fact I don't think I ever have before?) but why not? They are a crucial method of keeping ...
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Hannah Woof with John Connearn supported by Ellie Gowers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Apr 2019
I'm going to go with "spell-binding" as my key word (two words?) for last evening's gig.
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Stone Bear supported by Ollie Lawrence
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Apr 2019
It is always really great to have new talent introduced to you & it is a clear & highly admirable feature of much of the music scene locally that ...
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Fairport Convention with Izzie Derry
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Apr 2019
It is a particular pleasure to report a gig which features not only artists who are as important in the history of popular music as Fairport ...
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"BLIND" by The Session
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Apr 2019
Another great upcoming release which I have had the pleasure to have been able to listen to for the last few weeks has been the new, Leamington ...
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Naomi Beth at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Apr 2019
This gig was, for me & I know many others (the venue was packed), including the star, an eagerly anticipated one.
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Chalk Drawings live with Ellis Gallagher
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Apr 2019
In an interesting coincidence, it is a year & a week since I reviewed the album ‘Grand Union' by Chalk Drawings in ‘Hot Music Live'.
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‘Respect to Aretha' at the Belgrade Theatre
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Apr 2019
I am indebted to Heather Kincaid of the Belgrade Theatre for her heads-up on the news that local singer Letitia George (who previously appeared on ...
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Toby Marks & Andrew Heath present "Motion"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Apr 2019
Who likes being out of their comfort zone? As reading my reviews in "Hot Music Live" will show, I can mostly find some words (if any words can ever ...
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The Mechanicals Band
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Apr 2019
Congratulations: you are about to get a double review.
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Ellie Gowers & Henery live at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 Mar 2019
Last evening was one of local music's most anticipated gigs of 2019 so far.
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Calton Kelly & Callum Mckissock
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Mar 2019
The keynote description being used at the Calton Kelly gig last night at the Magic Lantern was "lush" and who am I to argue with that? I could use ...
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Shoot Festival
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Mar 2019
It's great to preview the 2019 SHOOT Festival which offers "a platform for Coventry & Warwickshire's emerging artists to shoot from".
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The Bonnevilles at the Zephyr Lounge
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Mar 2019
Many thanks to Stuart Smith of Leamington's Seismic Records for a heads-up about an upcoming show he is promoting at The Zephyr Lounge on ...
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"Beauty Scarred" EP by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Mar 2019
This is something of a record for me (pun intended): I am reviewing an EP which I have been enjoying for over four months & now it is on the brink of ...
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Clemency at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Mar 2019
As I was sitting watching Clemency last evening at the Magic Lantern, the thought which went through my head was ‘how lucky I am' to be there ...
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Blind Faith supported by Rich Keogh at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Mar 2019
I started composing this review while last night's concert was still in progress & after a while realised that it was in danger of becoming a ...
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Ward & Parker live at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Mar 2019
Leamington music lovers will need little reminder of the virtuoso skills of John Parker which he has displayed to chart topping success and ...
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"Ole Cherry Tree" by Stone Bear
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Mar 2019
We are lucky to have more than our fair share of excellent blues practitioners locally: not only do they all possess an obvious love of the form as ...
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"Parallel Lines" EP by Naomi Beth
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 04 Mar 2019
I suppose that a very traditional & perhaps sometimes overlooked route to discovering new favourite music is by going to see an artist you admire & ...
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Jack O'Bones & Taylor-Louise at the Copper Pot
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Mar 2019
What a difference a day makes: after the intimate & cool jazz I experienced on Friday night with the Jazz Apples at the Magic Lantern, twenty-fours ...
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The Jazz Apples at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Mar 2019
I'll start with a personal observation: I enjoyed last night: my first time seeing the Jazz Apples (I hold my hands up on that: I'd ...
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Izzie Derry & Hannah Woof return to the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Feb 2019
Under normal circumstances, reviewing, or attempting to review, precisely the same musicians I had less than four months ago (see my review on 18th ...
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"Blessed With A Curse" by Taylor-Louise
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 24 Feb 2019
I feel doubly privileged in that I had the pleasure of hearing Taylor-Louise play her forthcoming single "Blessed With A Curse" at her recent concert ...
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The Brothers Band at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Feb 2019
It isn't particularly unusual of me to review acts playing at the Town House in Leamington: Jonny Roden often puts on top acts (looking forward ...
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Taylor-Louise & Naomi-Beth at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Feb 2019
What a treat last evening at the Magic Lantern venue at Temperance.
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"Stories from the She Punks" film & discussion on women's experience in music
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Feb 2019
When the full horrors of the behaviours which got tagged as #MeToo began to become apparent last year, like many others I was appalled to hear ...
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Wes Finch & Chris Tye live at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Jan 2019
Since I've promised myself & my readers to leave off describing gigs at the Magic Lantern as "magical" (however apt) I'm going to settle ...
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Retroville at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Jan 2019
It was nearly a year ago (January 28th 2018) that I reported in the pages of "Hot Music Live" that Holly Hewitt & David Page of Retroville were ...
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"The Tourist" by Man Made Moon
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Jan 2019
One particular joy in writing reviews for "Hot Music Live" is that it almost certainly introduces me to artists unknown to me at a swifter rate ...
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New single by Rosetta Fire: "Shakedown"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Jan 2019
Readers of "Hot Music Live" will not, I imagine, require reminding of my admiration for Rosetta Fire: so equally they'll not be surprised to ...
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Wrongmas 2018
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Dec 2018
Every Yuletide, Johnny Satsangi of APE Promotions gifts to us is a multi artist gig at the Zephyr Lounge under the "Wrongmas" banner, always promoted ...
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Clemency at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Dec 2018
I find myself drifting into describing gigs at the Magic Lantern as "magical": unfortunately the label is accurate.
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"Hands On" by Chasing Deer
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Dec 2018
I do hope that you'll remember about two years ago Paul Englefield interviewed one of the most exciting local bands from our area Chasing Deer ...
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"No Congregation EP" by Caleb Murray
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Dec 2018
I imagine many "Hot Music Live" readers have seen Caleb Murray play live over the past few years: maybe at one of his frequent open mic appearances ...
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"Twenty-Three" by Taylor-Louise
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Nov 2018
There can be no doubt that anyone who loves local music is united in recognising one of the fastest emerging significant artists from Coventry & ...
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"Trouble" by Matt Cattell
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Nov 2018
I'm delighted to be able to review here in "Hot Music Live" the brand new single "Trouble" by one of Coventry & Warwickshire's most ...
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"Pick Me Up" by the Silver Wye
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Nov 2018
If like me you enjoy the music of Wes Finch you have already heard, maybe one of his solo albums, his work with the (Rude) Mechanicals which I ...
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"You Saw Something" by Satsangi
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Nov 2018
I imagine that I speak for many when I say state that the new Satsangi album has been greatly anticipated by the local music community.
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"Busking Turf Wars" screening at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Nov 2018
Welcome to my first film review for "Hot Music Live".
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Izzie Derry & Hannah Woof at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Nov 2018
You can keep your headphones & your immersive sound systems.
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The Mechanicals Band at the Magic Lantern
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Nov 2018
There are few finer feelings than being immersed in the finest music in an intimate setting so it not merely impacts on your hearing but defines your ...
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‘Go-Spell-Truth-Heaven' by Daffod"i"ll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Oct 2018
So here it is, the fourth solo album by former Gods Toys/I singer & front man Dill (now performing as Daffod'i'll): ...
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"Das Kapital" by ENGRAM
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Oct 2018
I hope that many of you will recollect the words of "Hot Music Live's" Paul Englefield in July when he reviewed the ENGRAM track "Karl Marx" (a ...
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Satsangi & Dr Feelgood at the Assembly
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Oct 2018
I had already had every intention of popping along to see one of my all time favourite bands, Dr Feelgood at the Assembly last evening but it was a ...
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"We'll Live and Die in These Towns" at the Belgrade Theatre
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 03 Oct 2018
(Musical) plays constructed from a selection of songs not originally written to tell a coherent narrative have a very chequered history.
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APE Promotions present "Alternative Sounds"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 02 Oct 2018
Collaboration is of course great in music and when like minded people work together, real magic can be catalysed.
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Honky Tonk Rose at Leamington Food & Drink Festival
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Sep 2018
Honky Tonk Rose always promise their audiences "three chords & the truth" but on this occasion they also served up, appropriately for the occasion, ...
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Godiva Festival 2018
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Sep 2018
Firstly an apology: this is not & cannot pretend to be a broad overview of the 2018 Godiva Festival (the 20th in fact): I think that is beyond anyone ...
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Delia Derbyshire takes centre stage in Noctium Theatre's "Hymns for Robots"
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Aug 2018
I am obliged as ever to Heather Kincaid at the Belgrade Theatre for her heads-up on a new music centred production.
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Debut single by Clemency
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Aug 2018
The APE Promotions nights organised by Johnny Satsangi can be very loud, powerful & even raucous affairs.
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Izzie Derry live at the Godiva Festival: not once but twice
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Aug 2018
While everyone at "Hot Music Live" is getting excited about the "Hot Music Live Introducing" night at the Zephyr Lounge on 20th October in ...
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"Mill Street Blues" by Chris Gibbons
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Aug 2018
If you like your music of the blues kind, you may well have seen Chris Gibbons play live.
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"Old Skool" by Crokodile Tears
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 Aug 2018
Tell me: are you "Old Skool"?Crokodile Tears have been releasing albums now for some 33 years since their eponymous debut when they were known as ...
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"Art in the Park" 2018: some personal reflections
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Aug 2018
Firstly a caveat: this is not (unfortunately) a comprehensive review of both days of Leamington's 2018 "Art in the Park": personal commitments & ...
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"Fire in the Belly" launch
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Jul 2018
What a great combination: the launch of a great new book on the history of Leamington & area music in a wonderful new venue accompanied by some great ...
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HEAD Relaunch event
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jul 2018
If people think that the closure last autumn of Leamington's HEAD Records was a blow to the music lovers of Leamington: they were wrong.
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"Alternative Sounds" celebration event
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jul 2018
The purposes of this event were several: having released a four track EP and two 21 track albums of "the cream of Coventry & Warwickshire music, ...
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"Read All About It"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 12 Jul 2018
If anyone remembers my article of July 10th in which I looked forward to the Belgrade Theatre's takeover of the former "Coventry Evening ...
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"Only the Night Knows" by Cary L
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Jul 2018
Cary Lord's musical career has touched the lives & ears of a great many people, even if her name is scandalously less known to some of them.
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New project from Blind Faith
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jun 2018
I thought that I'd share with you hot news (within the last hour) from highly rated local duo Blind Faith (John Garrett on keyboards & Faith ...
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"Read All About It!" featuring Lucy Anne Sale
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jun 2018
A couple of weeks ago, I was mourning the loss of the former "Coventry Evening Telegraph" building as a venue (though looking forwards to the ...
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"Alternative Sounds" at Coventry Pride 2018 at the CET Popup
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Jun 2018
In its relatively short lifetime, the former "Coventry Evening Telegraph" building has become a superb & iconic venue with a tremendous momentum over ...
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"Swipe Right with Deathsex Bloodbath"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 31 May 2018
With my involvement in the "Alternative Sounds" project, quite a few of my pieces tend to reflect that side of music: the artists of quality but not ...
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"We'll Live And Die In These Towns" launch
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 May 2018
We remain so fortunate to have in our area the Belgrade Theatre with its superb history of promoting innovative new work, fostering new talent & ...
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Chalk Drawings at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 May 2018
I hope anyone reading this remembers my April 6th review of Chalk Drawings' current (concept) album 'Grand Union'? Perhaps that's ...
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Crokodile Tears News
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 27 May 2018
It is a very busy time for cult local band Crokodile Tears.
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Morocco Dave at the CET Popup
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 May 2018
It is a huge shame that the superb opportunities for performance that the CET Popup has offered are only lasting a short while: though plans for a ...
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"Anywhere" single by Fall Girl
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 14 May 2018
It has been such a privilege this morning to get an exclusive preview of the new single from one of our area's top talents, Fall Girl.
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First "Alternative Sounds" gig
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 13 May 2018
As we wait for hard copies to go on sale of "Alternative Sounds: Volume Two", the "Alternative Sounds" team have turned their attention to the next ...
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Ska Town - Ghost Town
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 May 2018
I recently greatly enjoyed the "Remembering Coventry: Ghost Town Haunting #1" event at the Shopfront Theatre in Coventry, watching carefully selected ...
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Honky Tonk Rose at the Oak House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 May 2018
I have seen locally based Country supergroup Honky Tonk Rose several times since their formation.
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Limitless Reverberation: Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers perform live at the Belgrade Theatre
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Apr 2018
Many thanks to Heather Kincaid of the Belgrade for the heads up that Europe's premier touring Taiko ensemble will be bringing their explosive ...
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Oliver Darling at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Apr 2018
It was several years ago that I first saw the excellent trash/garage/rock & roll band the Dirty Robbers & frankly loved them.
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"Love & Peace !" by Daffod"i"ll
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Apr 2018
One of the local bands once tipped with a lot of confidence by many people for stardom was Gods Toys: despite radio play, TV performances and great ...
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"Talk on the Radio" by Keith Fabrique & the Missing Links
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 Apr 2018
Keith Fabrique is a name familiar to very many local music lovers: not least because with the many roles he plays in our music, he has so many ...
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"Alternative Sounds: Volume Two"
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Apr 2018
Another very proud moment for the team at "Alternative Sounds" who can now announce the tracklisting for Volume 2 of "Alternative Sounds": more of ...
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"Alternative Sounds: Vol 2" free download taster
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Apr 2018
As a taster to the extremely imminent release of "Alternative Sounds: Volume Two", the latest compilation showcasing "the cream of Coventry & ...
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"Grand Union" by Chalk Drawings
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Apr 2018
Years ago, I am not sure I could imagine myself reviewing a concept album.
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Blind Faith Debut EP: "I've Waited"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Apr 2018
It is good, so soon after reviewing a live Blind Faith performance when I saw them collaborating with Chalk Drawings at APE Promotions' "Surreal ...
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"Matters of the Heart" by King of the Alps
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Mar 2018
What on earth do you expect from a debut album from a band comprising (a) a drummer from various acclaimed local bands who now plays guitar (b) the ...
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APE Surreal Deal
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Mar 2018
I've said it before, but it bears repeating that the APE nights promoted by Johnny Satsangi represent the best musical value for money around.
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"Down the Rabbit Holes" EP by Ross Darby
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Mar 2018
It is a real privilege & pleasure to be able to review the new EP by Ross Darby entitled "Down the Rabbit Holes" which will be released on Friday ...
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Reverend Robert at the Town House, Leamington
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Mar 2018
This was something of a coup for Jonny Roden's "Tunehouse at the Townhouse" night: a really interesting specialist musician from Charleston, ...
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'Stone Bear' by Stone Bear
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Feb 2018
Readers may well (I hope) remember from an earlier review, my enthusiasm for the live act of Stone Bear.
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Ross Darby news
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Feb 2018
A whole lot of great news just in from Ross Darby I'd like to share with you.
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Retroville at Tunehouse at the Townhouse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Jan 2018
The law of averages suggests that many "Hot Music Live" readers will have seen & heard Holly Hewitt (vocals) & David Page (guitar & vocals) perform ...
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"Alternative Sounds: Volume One"
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 06 Jan 2018
Readers of "Hot Music Live" will recollect my previous article (September 21st ) on the launch of the "Alternative Sounds EP", a 7" vinyl release ...
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Wrongmas 2
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 17 Dec 2017
There can be no better value for money gigs locally than the ones Ape Promotions put on at the Zephyr Lounge.
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Speak, Brother & the Folly Brothers at the Zephyr Lounge
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Dec 2017
It was most interesting to catch a bill at the Zephyr Lounge featuring two bands which are being so hotly tipped by the local musical cognoscenti.
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The Matadors: our area's Joe Meek band
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Nov 2017
Most readers of this piece will know of Joe Meek & his revolutionary production techniques, but fewer will be aware of his work with one of the top ...
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Honorary Doctorates for Delia Derbyshire & Pete Chambers
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Nov 2017
The practice of universities awarding honorary qualifications often seems to result in the famous, rich, powerful & previously honoured getting ...
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"Alternative Sounds": Coventry & Warwickshire compilation album
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 18 Nov 2017
Between 1979 & 1981, Martin Bowes created & published eighteen copies of the highly influential fanzine "Alternative Sounds" which chronicled the ...
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Vince Hill "Sounding Off" at Coventry Music Museum
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 05 Nov 2017
Suddenly, Coventry Music Museum found itself celebrating its fourth birthday on Saturday 4th November 2017.
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Nigel Clark at "Tunehouse at the Townhouse"
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Oct 2017
"Tunehouse at the Townhouse" is on a fine run of form at the moment: after superb recent gigs by the Folly Brothers, the Doc Brown Trio, Stone Bear & ...
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John Otway at the Zephyr Lounge
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Oct 2017
There can be few contemporary musicians who are held in as much affection by audiences as John Otway who performed at the Zephyr Lounge on Saturday ...
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South Town at the Town House
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 22 Oct 2017
After the superb Stone Bear gig at Tunehouse at the Townhouse last week, this week saw another top notch act, namely the return of the splendid South ...
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Dave Pepper "Sounding Off" at Coventry Music Museum
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Oct 2017
It is not easy to think of a musician who has graced so many bands of such quality & influence & featuring such diverse styles over 40 odd years as ...
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Stone Bear at the Townhouse
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 15 Oct 2017
Some of you may have noticed a gig on at The Squirrel in Coventry on Saturday 21st October entitled "Anthony Harty featuring Sam McNulty and ...
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The Ruts DC at the Zephyr Lounge
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 30 Sep 2017
The Ruts DC are not admittedly a local band (so please excuse that aspect of this review), but they certainly played a local venue (the Zephyr ...
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APE Promoters' evening
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2017
The most looked forward to of nights in the Leamington music scene is arguably (well I'd argue that way) the "APE Promoters" nights organised by ...
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"Alternative Sounds" EP launch
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 25 Sep 2017
On Thursday 21st September 2017, Coventry Music Museum officially launched its own eponymous record label, the first release being a limited edition ...
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Sounding Off with Nigel Lomas
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Sep 2017
On Saturday 16th September 2017, Coventry Music Museum hosted the latest Heritage Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session with a local musician of note.
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Rosetta Fire EP review On the Line
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Sep 2017
Since I don't work for a commercial music magazine, I have the luxury of being able to review whom I choose.
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Ellie Gowers' new EP
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Sep 2017
One thing which I guess always gets the pulse of a reviewer speeding up is the chance to write about someone whose musical career is just taking off: ...
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Miss Songbird & Chris Gibbons at Apehangers
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Aug 2017
This review I suppose is something of a series of tip offs to Hot Music Live readers: to be honest, my main reasons for originally attending the gig ...
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The Shapes at the Zephyr Lounge
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Aug 2017
Readers will recollect how in 2016, Leamington's favourite punk band The Shapes reconvened from around the world to celebrate their 39th ...
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Morocco Dave at Coventry Music Museum
Feature
by AndyHoldcroft, 07 Aug 2017
On Saturday 6th August 2017, the latest Artist of the Month was unveiled at Coventry Music Museum.
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Godiva Festival 2017: a personal perspective
Review
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Jul 2017
I have spent a couple of weeks trying to figure out how on earth to capture my Godiva Festival 2017 experience in one concise article (I was there ...
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Stone Foundation sound off at the Coventry Music Museum
News
by AndyHoldcroft, 23 Jul 2017
On Saturday 22nd July 2017, Neil Sheasby (bass), Neil Jones (guitar & vocals) and Rob Newton (percussion & backing vocals) from one of the biggest ...
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Chris Sidwell speaks out & sings too
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Jun 2017
It will not surprise you, i imagine, to learn that a talk by one of our area's most individual & quirky musical talents would be both highly ...
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The Loaded celebrate 10 years together
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Jun 2017
Happy tenth birthday to top local band The Loaded, comprising Paul Quinn on vocals and guitar, Jon Harte who plays lead guitar, Jez Hanley on bass ...
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"Godiva Rocks" Press Launch
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 May 2017
Coventry's Belgrade Theatre has an enviable track record of launching great new pieces & especially in recent years ones with a local focus of ...
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"Delia @ 80" events at Coventry Music Museum
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 May 2017
Friday 5th May 2017 would, in a perfect world, have been the day Delia Derbyshire celebrated her birthday.
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Shanade: Artist of the Month at Coventry Music Museum
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Apr 2017
The latest Coventry and Warwickshire artist to be selected as "Artist of the Month" at Coventry Music Museum is Leamington based singer-songwriter ...
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Dill's "Sounding Off" session
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Apr 2017
It was a real privilege to be present today at the Big Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session at Coventry Music Museum by local legend Stephen Davies, ...
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Martin Bowes' "Sounding Off"
by AndyHoldcroft, 26 Mar 2017
Saturday 25th March 2017 saw the latest Big Lottery funded " Sounding Off" event at Coventry Music Museum.
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Keith Fabrique "Sounding Off"
by AndyHoldcroft, 08 Mar 2017
Saturday 26th February 2017 saw the latest Lottery funded "Sounding Off" session at Coventry Music Museum.
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Whizzy "Sounding Off"
by AndyHoldcroft, 29 Jan 2017
This month's Artist of the Month at Coventry Music Museum is rapper Whizzy (Damon-Lee Smallridge) and as is customary, he came into the Museum ...
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"Live & Die: A Celebration of The Enemy"
by AndyHoldcroft, 21 Jan 2017
Thursday 19th January 2017 saw the official launch of the new Coventry Music Museum exhibition "Live & Die: A Celebration of The Enemy" which will ...
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Irish Music Exhibition at Coventry Music Museum: input welcomed!
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Dec 2016
After the tremendous success of the 2016 exhibition, "On Bass, Sir Horace Gentleman" at Coventry Music Museum, 2017 will see an amazing new one "Live ...
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Road to be named after Delia Derbyshire
by AndyHoldcroft, 28 Nov 2016
After a campaign led by Pete Chambers BEM, Director of The Coventry Music Museum & top Coventry and Warwickshire music historian, a new road is to ...
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Coventry Music Museum Third Birthday
by AndyHoldcroft, 19 Nov 2016
Today the Museum hosted a celebration of its Third Birthday with a special guest in Mark Rattray who kindly agreed to be guest of honour and took ...
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"On Bass, Sir Horace Gentleman"
by AndyHoldcroft, 10 Nov 2016
Just to remind you that if you have not yet visited Coventry Music Museum's amazing & extremely popular temporary exhibition, "On Bass, Sir ...
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Coventry Music Museum Third Birthday
by AndyHoldcroft, 16 Oct 2016
Coventry Music Museum, the museum celebrating Coventry & Warwickshire music, is celebrating its Third Birthday on Saturday 12th November.
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"Articles in Sound" film now online
by AndyHoldcroft, 09 Sep 2016
Many of you will already have sampled parts of the great new "Articles in Sound" history of Coventry & Warwickshire music project, which was created ...
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"Articles in Sound" Launch
by AndyHoldcroft, 01 Aug 2016
Saturday 30th July 2016 witnessed the long awaited "Articles in Sound" project launch at Coventry Music Museum.
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"Articles in Sound" Launch
by AndyHoldcroft, 11 Jul 2016
For the last year, Pete Chambers, foremost local music historian & creator of the Coventry Music Museum, has been leading a team creating a Heritage ...
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The Shapes return for 39th anniversary
by AndyHoldcroft, 20 May 2016
It has been quite a few weeks for legendary Leamington band The Shapes.
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