Updated 26 November 2006

A brand new album from Alan White (Yes, Plastic Ono Band) with Geoff Downes (Asia, The Buggles, Yes).

A blend of traditional and progressive rock with modern elements. Album cover artwork by Roger Dean.

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Asia and Magnum fans in particular will enjoy this album I am sure. Hopefully this album won't disappear in the flood of albums out there as it is a very enjoyable listen. ***½ www.getreadytorock.com

Constructing a perfect marriage between the digital and the organic, Jynxt's unique sound began to be developed back in 1999 by brothers Ben and Nat Spencer (offspring of Fleetwood Mac's Jeremy), in a home studio where they mastered their love of blending live bass and guitar riffs with drum loops.

Clearly heralding from a musical family, the Spencer brothers further emphasised the family core of the band by bringing in sister Tally the following year, whose energetic yet supple vocals contribute to her overall charismatic presence as front-woman.

Completing the equation with bassist Simon Walsh, and DJ Dan Brown in 2005, their convincing musical vision of combining classic rock structures and boundary-pushing electronic production, was fully realised.

...a superb debut of melodic hard rock tinged with electronica...All in all Jynxt is a near-perfect debut which Peter Green's right-hand man can be proud of. www.getreadytorock.com

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Steve Ashley - Live in Concert', featuring the talents of some folk rock's finest plus an orchestra directed by Robert Kirby (Nick Drake, Paul Weller, Elton John), showcases Ashley's memorable canon and reveals a catalogue of innovation and diversity. Poetic and melodic songs of delicate brevity are interlaced with challenging works of bold and powerful density, imbued with great wit and a common theme in a social narrative of English life.

Ashley, together with guests including Fairport Convention's Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg and Chris Leslie, Decameron's Dik Cadbury and Al Fenn and Show Of Hand's Phil Beer, deliver quality performances throughout that affirm their singular and collective talents.

The revisiting of Kirby's original string settings expand and enrich Ashley's more reflective work here to memorable and dramatic effect. The concert also features reconvened line-ups of Ashley's former eponymous band, plus his debut 1960s act, Tinderbox and his '70's band Ragged Robin.

Among many highlights revisited in this special release is a brand new song, 'Ships of Shame' and a distinctive new Kirby setting for Steve's classic orchard song, 'Say Goodbye'.

Fifteen great tracks at mid-price make 'Steve Ashley - Live in Concert' a stocking-filler must this Christmas.  

http://www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/steveashley4.htm (includes links to audio clips)

Over 18 international artists come together to provide you with over 79 minutes of music, displaying a variety of musical styles from Rock, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Flamenco, Punk and Experimental - including a few rare and unreleased songs found only here.

All net proceeds from the CD are donated to World Vision, who have been established since 1950, with thousands of volunteers, and donors world wide assisting families and children with necessary nutrition, medicine, education, shelter and counselling.

The artists include STEVIE SALAS (George Clinton), ALICE STUART, STEVE LUKATHER (Toto), BUMBLEFOOT, ROBERT FRIPP (King Crimson)

If twiddly-diddly, sweeps and taps are your bag you will be more than happy (and that's just after the first track). It's a good cause and deserves wider patronage, not just aspiring guitar heroes. www.getreadytorock.com

http://www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/guitarists4kids.htm (includes links to audio clips)

 

Two great new CDs from Hux this month.

MATCHING MOLE On The Radio (HUXO83)

Robert Wyatt formed Matching Mole in 1972, shortly after he left Soft Machine and just before launching his solo career. Matching Mole bore some similarities to his later work with Soft Machine. In fact, Wyatt came up with the name 'Matching Mole' as a subtle pun on the French translation of 'Soft Machine' - 'machine molle'.

Matching Mole released two great albums in 1972, before Wyatt disbanded the group and set out as a solo artist. But it is this Hux compilation which Wyatt now describes as the definitive Matching Mole album.

'On The Radio' is a compilation of rare BBC recordings, including 3 John Peel studio sessions and a live concert. The band includes Dave Sinclair (ex Caravan), Phil Miller (Hatfield & The North and National Health), Bill MacCormick and Dave MacRae

This special 'digi-pack' format features an original cover photograph by Robert Wyatt, who also compiled the running order. The accompanying 12 page CD booklet features extensive liner notes by Matching Mole bassist, Bill MacCormick, plus rare period photo's and comprehensive recording details.
 

SOFT MOUNTAIN Soft Mountain (HUXO84)

Legendary Soft Machine veterans Elton Dean and Hugh Hopper joined forces in 2003 with wildly creative keyboardist/composer Hoppy Kamiyama and master drummer, Yoshida Tatsuya to create Soft Mountain. Their debut recording is now released here for the first time.

Elton Dean & Hugh Hopper are well known amongst jazz rock fans. In addition to forming half of the ‘classic’ Soft Machine line-up (with Robert Wyatt & Mike Ratledge) they have also worked with Brotherhood of Breath, Keith Tippett & Long John Baldry's Bluesology (Dean) and Stomu Yamashta, Kevin Ayers & Isotope (Hopper).

Catalogue: www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/hux.htm

Recent releases: BAREFOOT JERRY, NUCLEUS, GRIMMS, CLINT BLACK, EGGS OVER EASY, BRIDGET ST.JOHN

"Sonja Kristina" was the solo debut of the Curved Air singer/songwriter recorded in 1980 by Nigel Gray, producer of the first three Police albums.

It features some great songs, several ranking among Sonja’s best, including the stunning "Full Time Woman" and a fine cover of Spirit’s 'Mr Skin'. Vibrant, exciting and imaginative in treatment, it also benefits from players including William Orbit, former band mate, Darryl Way and sax giant Terry Lightfoot.

Included on this first ever reissue is the only recorded output by the 1984 Curved Air reunion of Darryl and Sonja in the single "Renegade" backed by "We’re Only Human' and her reworking of Bert Bacharach’s "Walk on By".

'Musically it is varied stuff, perhaps best described as pop-art rock, and of particular interest to those who acknowledge Sonja Kristina's quirky but enduring appeal.'  ***½  www.getreadytorock.com

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From the beginning of Lindisfarne to his current solo album 'Odd Man Out', the career of Rod Clements reads like a who's who of contemporary British folk roots.

After three decades in the business spanning over thirty albums and several chart hits, Rod Clements is… "a man emerging from the Lindisfarne years and carving his own unique furrow in inimitable style" (BBC Radio Scotland). 

Rod's latest album shows him to be a consummate artist who has never rested on his laurels, either as a songwriter or as a live performer, and whose future is assured as…  "a cult artist in the making." 

'The former Lindisfarne mainstay has turned out an exemplary album of multi-genre yet cohesive songs that explore everything from religious fundamentalism, politics and childhood to love, sarcasm and, yes, comedy.' ****
www.getreadytorock.com

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Britain’s LINDA LEWIS was one of the brightest stars of the UK chart of the 70s, her chirpy, effervescent performances a mainstay of music TV shows of the period. 

This fabulous 'come-back' live set from the iconic, chart-topping 70's singer-songwriter showcases some of her best work. 

Fourteen tracks in total include 'Rock A Doodle Do', 'Grandaddy’s Calypso', 'Sideway Shuffle' and her seminal cover of Gilbert & Sullivan's 'Moon And I' amongst other crowd pleasers from her extensive repertoire. 

The album also tantalises us with three brand new songs: 'I Keep A Wish', 'I Don't Do Don't' and 'Waving'.

'This excellent live set is a fitting memory jogger and reminder of her abundant talents'. www.getreadytorock.com

www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/linda_lewis.htm

Check out special offer Market Square releases at only £4.99!

Catalogue: www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/msm_catalogue.htm

For many, 'Moonchild' is the band's magnum opus and they will welcome the new version which has been scrubbed off, resequenced, and with two bonus tracks added. With new artwork, too, this is essentially a fresh-looking and fresh-sounding release. The Celtic infusion lends a timeless quality to the tracks, with the standout title track, 'The Pilgrim', 'We Two Are One' and the superb 'Strange Day In the Country.  www.getreadytorock.com


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The definitive RICHARD THOMPSON collection!

Pre-orders can now be placed - first 5000 secure a bonus CD!

Unlike previous ' best-ofs' and single-label compilations, this set has been compiled with Richard's full co-operation and with unprecedented access to Richard's own archives as well as those of major Thompson collectors worldwide. 

It features the classic Richard Thompson songs, as well as recordings never heard before by even the most devoted of fans, and is made up entirely of previously-unreleased and extremely hard-to-find recordings. 

An essential purchase for any RT or Fairport fan, it includes superb 160-page biog/discography Book, with a truly unique image archive. 

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Also available: FAIRPORT CONVENTION, DAVE SWARBRICK

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The Store For Music 'Definitive Live' collection is a budget range of CD/DVD albums featuring classic performances from a range of artists including James Brown, China Crisis, Freddy Fender, Level 42 and the London Rock n Roll Show 1972 featuring Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.

www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/store_for_music.htm

River Records specialise in the release of archive radio and concert sessions from Radio Clyde. The label also reissues classic albums including Robben Ford,  Stone The Crows and Love And Money.

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FAMILY were and still are one of the most revered bands to come out of the late Sixties early Seventies. Fronted by the manic but prolific vocalist ROGER CHAPMAN, Family were one of the most popular bands on the UK and European gig and festival circuit where their particular brand of 'progressive art rock', backed by Chapman’s on stage antics and a brilliant band excited audiences everywhere.

The band became a brilliant vehicle for the song writing partnership of Roger Chapman and CHARLIE WHITNEY who were joined along the way by a number of top musicians including JOHN WETTON and later TONY ASHTON.

The popularity of Family was reflected by top thirty singles including a number 4 with 'In My Own Time' and 7 top thirty albums, with 'A Song For Me' reaching number 4, 'Entertainment' number 6 and 'Anyway' number 7.

'Old Songs New Songs' was originally released in 1971 in preparation for what the band (and record label) thought would be a breakthrough US tour. It's a collection of album tracks and non-album singles. Some of the tracks were re-mixed or re-recorded.

'Old Songs New Songs' was included as part of the 'Family' Mystic box set now deleted and appears on its own on CD for the first time.

www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/family7.htm
 

ROGER CHAPMAN - The Loft Tapes Vol 1-4

Vol.1, recorded on Roger's first ever UK tour as a solo artist with a band featuring Clem Clemson (guitar), Tim Hinkley (keys), Jerome Rimson (bass), Stretch (drums), Raf Ravenscroft (sax), Helen Hardy & Cathy Tonto (backing vocals).

Vol 2 is an exclusive recording from the ground breaking East German tour featuring Roger and the Shortlist at the height of their "Mango Crazy" set. Band are Roger, Geoff Whitehorn (guitar + keys), Steve Simpson (guitar), Boz Burrell (bass), Alan Coulter (drums) and Nick Pentelow (sax)

Vol 3 is an exclusive media presentation at Dingwalls to launch the "Kiss My Soul" release featuring never to be repeated renditions of songs from that CD with a "stripped down" Shortlist featuring Roger, Steve Simpson (guitars), Dieter Falk (keys), Pat Crumley (sax) and Helen Hardy (bv's)

Vol 4 was recorded in Hamburg in 1982, Pete Feenstra describes this recording as "one of Chappo's most enjoyable and fun filled live recordings ever!!!"
 

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IONA The Circling Hour (OPENVP11CD)

The brand new album from Celtic progressive rock band IONA after a break of five years. Strongly recommended!

This is an uplifting, self-assured album that ranks with the best of their output. Fans will love it but others who seek something quite special should seek this one out, quickly. ****1/2 www.getreadytorock.com

www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/iona7.htm

Also available: Live In London DVD
 

GORDON GILTRAP & Friends At The Symphony Hall, Birmingham (LCVP160CD)

Excellent mid-price CD/DVD record of Gordon Giltrap's performance in March 2005. With special guest, RICK WAKEMAN.
 

Plenty of guests grace the stage with Gordon later, violinists, singers et al, and Rick Wakeman too. All are interviewed too, with Wakeman producing many laughs. Wakeman’s classical piano is probably the highlight of the show, he and Giltrap clearly friends who bounce off each other.  *** www.getreadytorock.com

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Catalogue: www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/voiceprint.htm

RUBBER FOLK

Superb collection put together for the Mike Harding Show to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Beatles' 'Rubber Soul' album.

Each artist, comprising the cream of the British folk community, performs a brand new studio-recorded interpretation of each song - with stunning results.

DRIVE MY CAR - Jim Moray
NORWEGIAN WOOD - Waterson:Carthy
YOU WON'T SEE ME - Paul Brady
NOWHERE MAN - Chris While
THINK FOR YOURSELF - Coope, Boyes & Simpson
THE WORD - Johnny Dickinson
MICHELLE - Ralph McTell
WHAT GOES ON - Boo Hewerdine & Eddi Reader
GIRL - John Tams
I'M LOOKING THROUGH YOU - Martin Simpson
IN MY LIFE - June Tabor
WAIT - Cara Dillon & Sam Lakeman
IF I NEEDED SOMEONE - Show Of Hands
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE - Spiers & Boden

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Catalogue: www.themusicindex.com/commerce/pages/html/gott.htm

Latest release!

Magenta have taken the Progressive Rock world by storm! Originally a studio project put together by Rob Reed (Cyan / Fyreworks / Trippa) a band was soon formed and they have not looked back since!

Recently voted 'Best Live Band' by the Classic Rock Society (as well as winning 'Best Female Vocalist' and being runners up to IQ for 'Best Album' with 'Seven') the band have gone on to play at some of the biggest Prog festivals in the world.

For the best introduction to the band, try their new CD 'Home' or even their second CD 'Seven'

MAGENTA Home & New York Suite (Special edition 2-CD)

Special Edition 2 Disc Set (New York Suite not released on it's own until September 2006!)

Track Listing: Disc 1: Live The Day / Trust Love / Heading Down / My Home Town (Far Away) / Brave New Land / The Journey / Towers Of Hope / Demons / Morning Sunlight / Joe / A Dream / The Visionary / Reaching Out / Journey's End / Home / Disc 2: Arrival / Home From Home / White Lies / Truth / This Life (Reprise)

MAGENTA Home (Standard CD)

Track Listing: Disc 1: Live The Day / Trust Love / Heading Down / My Home Town (Far Away) / Brave New Land / The Journey / Towers Of Hope / Demons / Morning Sunlight / Joe / A Dream / The Visionary / Reaching Out / Journey's End / Home

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This is the trailblazing single for the forthcoming album 'Dirty Little Word'

We've always said this is a crowded marketplace and one wonders what Natascha can do to gain her voice amongst the well established female fraternity and a stab at their respective thrones. 

Right now, though, Natascha is looking like the best pretender. and certainly the best bet this side of the Atlantic. One hopes that smart promotion and management will pave the way for the next album and further recognition. 

For the moment, 'Naked' further exposes Natascha Sohl's talents and more than fulfils her early promise. **** www.getreadytorock.com

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Also available:

3 tracks plus video

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JULIET LAWSON was born and educated in London. She wanted to become an artist but joined a rock band 'on a whim'. 

Having discovered Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins she was inspired to take up 12-string guitar and compose songs which was a deflection from her stage design course.

She was signed to Sovereign Records in 1974 but her debut album, Boo, was never released until it came out on CD in October 2005, after Juliet found the two inch tape masters.

Juliet's CDs are available exclusively via THEmusicINDEX

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Heavy Load - The Story of Free by David Clayton and Todd K.Smith was published in 2001

A truly magnificent book that sets the standard for rock biographies.

This is a painstakingly researched 285-page tome that encapsulates the life and times of one of the most influential of rock bands: Free.

Profusely illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, the book features recollections by the original members of the band and their contemporaries, a comprehensive gig and recording itinerary and a discography.


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One of the greatest rock blues outfits of the early seventies, Free peaked with the seminal hit "All Right Now". But the band had already built up a solid following and become a constant favourite on the live circuit. Centred around the gravel-laden voice of Paul Rodgers and the hauntingly resonant guitar playing of troubled soul Paul Kossoff, Free's music avoided the cliché-ridden riffing of many of their contemporaries.

When Free disbanded, due amongst other things to Kossoff's spiralling heroin addiction, Rodgers and Free drummer Simon Kirke went on to form one of the seventies best-known supergroups - Bad Company. Also featuring Mott The Hoople's guitarist Mick Ralphs they became one of the biggest attractions of the late seventies - their debut album went to No1 in the US charts and the next five went top five.

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Originally published as a very limited subscription edition in 1994, Gong Dreaming 1 depicts the early years of Daevid Allen’s path to England in the Sixties, through the formation of the legendary Soft Machine and on to the conception of what was to become his life’s work: Gong. Covering his years in playing at the legendary UFO club, the first US tour with the then almost unknown Jimi Hendrix, the Paris student riots and much more, the book offers a rare insight into the hippie dream.

The original edition sold out before it was published, and copies are now highly sought after collector’s items.

www.themusicndex.com/pages/html/gong_book.htm

Former Whitesnake guitarist MICKY MOODY's hilarious rock’n’roll tales from the British blues boom of the sixties.

By the age of nineteen, Micky Moody had left home twice, recorded two LPs for the famous Island label, fathered a child, and formed bands with Paul Rodgers (Free) and Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello).

Raised in Northern England in the Fifties, music represented a way for a working class lad to escape further education or the steelworks. With gritty wit and self-deprecating humour, Moody takes us to grotty hotels, the move to London, the legendary Marquee, brushes with John Mayall, the competition with other aspiring hopefuls to follow in the footsteps of Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, whilst endless changes of line-up and the battle for recognition take its toll on all concerned. 

www.themusicindex.com/pages/html/micky_moody_book.htm

Also available: ARTHUR BROWN, CAN ROCK & ROLL SAVE THE WORLD An Illustrated History Of Music And Comics, SOFT MACHINE

Tenderhooks is the alter-ego of a musical partnership based in Brighton, UK. The blend of psychedelic, rock and blues is compulsive.

'...there's something about Tenderhooks that is makes you want press the repeat button. It's a potpourri of contradictions. There's strong late sixties influences, but equally you can hear the influences of Oasis and Gorillaz. Mind you, their influences are equally buried in the flower power generation. There's also a very American ‘feel' to many of the lyrics with references to Chevrolettes, 45 pistols and dollar bills...It's very difficult to express what Tenderhooks is about. It's almost Zappa-esque. There's some great songs, some great delivery. It sounds like everyone else, but no one else. One of the most original and exciting albums I've heard in a long time.'  ****½  www.getreadytorock.com

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Chicago guitar legend and intelligent songwriter ERIC MANTEL has been an enduring presence on the Midwest music scene for over 25 years.

'The Unstruck Melody' displays a wealth of superb guitar styles and strong songwriting skills.

Ranging from straight-ahead rock, bluesy rock, funk, fusion and jazzy pop, Mantel is at the top of his game and this latest CD is sure to win new fans.

...if fusion guitar is your bag and you want an easy listen, Mantel's your man. www.getreadytorock.com

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JAN DUMEE was the talented guitarist with Dutch progressive rockers FOCUS.

'Rio On The Rocks' is Jan's latest solo album which bridges jazz, rock and fusion genres with South American flavours.

'Rio On The Rocks' should be sought out by the Focus faithful, but also by anyone who likes well-executed guitar-driven jazz rock.'   www.getreadytorock.com

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Also available:

O SEPTETO Rodinha 

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Jan will sign the CDs upon request!

It Snows In Heaven Too was ANNIE HASLAM's first Christmas album and was released in 2000. 

This album contains a number of well-known and classic Christmas songs, including Silent Night, The Christmas Song and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas all of which are given a new and fresh approach courtesy of Annie's wonderfully distinctive voice. 

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A Midnight Clear was issued as a very limited pressing in 1987, it fulfilled a personal ambition of GORDON GILTRAP, with it's unique arrangements of Christmas Carols. 

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Iceland is ALL ABOUT EVE's winter album, on it they rework some seasonal nuggets like George Michael's Last Christmas, Walking In The Air from the classic children's cartoon The Snowman and the Queen's A Winter's Tale taken from their final album Made In Heaven. Also included are two brand new tracks, Melting and Cold as well as re-workings of the classic December originally from their second album Scarlet (and Other Stories) . 

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Early Hours is ELEANOR McEVOY's acclaimed album released in 2004.  Couched now in a mature jazz/blues context, her melodic and sensitive songs - packed as ever with wryly insightful social observation - benefit from first rate performances from McEvoy and her amazing players.

'Early Hours' is all the more sumptuous for the high quality recording at London's Metropolis Studio and for its innovative and successful exploitation of the latest generation audio format of dual-layer hybrid surround/stereo SACD/CD.

Make Mine A Small One c/w At The End Of The Day is the second single from the album Early Hours

'This is a lovely song, that will go down well with the mulled wine, the crackling fire and some good conversation this Christmas.'
www.getreadytorock.com

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Groups and Sessions 1962-1978

Definitive career overview of ace session guitarist who has performed with Ian Gillan Band, Spencer Davis Group amongst others.

BONUS: All sales of this CD in September will receive a FREE sampler CD featuring Ray's work with Spencer Davis Group, Forcefield, Bo Diddley, Fancy and others. Includes three new, previously unreleased tracks.

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DATABASE UPDATE

Our 38,000 plus review database is based on reviews appearing in 'Q' magazine from 1986 to the present.

The database now includes all featured new releases/reissues up to May 2006.

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