So, as has so happened so often over the past four years I have been writing these daily blogs, my memories have failed to queue in a chronological order, forcing me to dive into some research to prove (or, more often, disprove my points). In doing that I have excellent essays by a couple of great journalists and what makes them great is that they write in such enthusiastic manner that they persuade me to revise some of my long held prides and prejudices.
At first glance Jerry looked like a record executive stereotype, with slightly greying black hair, mustache and goatee, and black-rimmed glasses (which he was constantly exchanging, and peering over the top of), but a closer look at his “mod” dress (turtleneck sweater/shirts with his jackets) and his distinct New York accent (Washington Heights) laced with musicians’ slang, and there was no mistaking that the man you were talking to was the head of Atlantic’s A&R.
And almost every sentence was ended, by one or other of us, with the suffix of ´and it was only ten euros !!!´
impeccable production values, often irresistible rhythms and an overall sense of fun.
I feel we’re affording less value to music, and that our culture is being let down by governments and institutions. I’m sure that if you ask any consumer who loves an artist, they would want that artist to be paid, but it’s not the consumers who decide what Spotify pays artists. The problem is with the middleman, and that’s what needs to change. You don’t go up to an ice cream vendor, ask for six ice creams and walk away without paying, but that’s how the tiny royalties from streaming feel. As we’re moving into a more digital age, it has to become a safe space for professionals to not be taken advantage of. Creativity must be properly rewarded´.
New team members have recently joined English Folk Expo to increase the team as the organisation´s work, reach and role continues to expand, so does the English Folk Expo team.
A remarkable range of activity by young writers, from Yorùbá Opera (left) to new play-writing, has been inspired by Wole’s work as a theatre director and teacher.
And, of course, I think that creativity and the arts are essential to individual and community well-being. Engagement as active participants, either as creatives or supporters, is important.
Bruce Springsteen was born into the music industry with an unstoppable adoration and appreciation for those who came before him. The singer was never afraid to share his influences or pay homage to the great American songbook as he and the E-Street Band made their way up the charts and into the annals of music history.
LIVE MUSIC BOUNCING BACK !??! wonders Norman Warwick Just to say a big, big thank you! began a brief e mail from the organisers of Ribble Valley Jazz And Blues Festival. That´s ok, I thought, what have I done? Then I realised this was a general vote of thanks to thousands of people, but as […]
