Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Introducing Laura McGhee, the Scottish/Americana singer/songwriter/fiddler/guitarist who hails from Dundee and has now made her home in Nashville. She was raised on Celtic roots, folk and country music and has been hailed by the London Times as the "Musical Heroine of the Y Generation". She first hit the American roots scene while performing with Pete Seeger in New York. Since that time, she has performed with the great Odetta, Ricky Skaggs, Jim Lauderdale, the Pogues & Shane McGowan, Oscar Brand, Ian Hunter, Josh White, Jr., David Amram, and Runrig. Her album Celticana , recorded in Nashville, garnered rave reviews and strong airplay on both sides of the ocean and stayed for ten solid weeks on the Americana Top 40 Chart from May to July of 2010 (unprecedented for a Scottish artist). Laura recently toured with John Carter Cash & John McEuen of  Nitty Gritty Dirt band on the 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken Tour-songs of the Carter family', to pay homage to th...

The Melodic are an English afro-folk-pop ensemble , their debut album Effra Parade is the follow up to the band's acclaimed EP On My Way. The Observer described The Melodic as "Incredibly beautiful, with harmonies and rich instrumentation that make you want to dance and cry at the same time," while in the US the band has drawn comparisons to indie darlings Beirut and The Decemberists. The group's members came of age in the South London neighborhood of Brixton amidst bustling streets and open air markets reverberating with a rich assortment of musics from around the world. In the distinctly English tradition of sonic assimilation, they found influence in the sounds they were hearing. As band member Huw Williams explains, “Brixton is a real melting pot of different people so it doesn’t feel inappropriate for us to introduce sounds from around the world into our music, there was South American and African music around us all the time, as well as reggae a...

23 year old rising star John Newman follows his massive number 1 single “Love Me Again”, and equally rousing follow-up “Cheating” with the release on October 14th of his hotly anticipated debut album ”Tribute”. The album, co-produced by Newman, confirms his class as a songwriter, peerless power as a vocalist and offers conclusive proof that the UK has a singular new talent in its midst. “Love Me Again” which has achieved Gold Status in the UK for sales in excess of 500,000, has hit the No1 spot on iTunes in a staggering 16 countries across the globe and follows John’s previous anthem and chart-topper “Feel The Love”, which he co-wrote and fronted with Rudimental. October is going to be a very busy month for the young Yorkshireman who releases his new Island Records single ”Cheating” on October 7th , and played a special homecoming show at the Grade 2 listed Victorian Music Hall in Settle, on October 3rd. The Settle gig, which sold out in less than 2 minutes, will be a taster of what’...

The 3rd February 2009, marked the 50th Anniversary of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly's death in a plane crash. Fellow performers Ritchie Valens and "The Big Bopper", J P Richardson also died on the flight which took off from Clear Lake, Iowa to Fargo, North Dakota on that freezing night in 1959. Buddy Holly & the Crickets' first international hit was "That'll Be the Day" in 1957, Buddy was the first musician in his home town of Lubbock, Texas USA to have a red Fender Stratocaster . Back in the UK, Cliff Richard was the first rock 'n' roller to buy this most coveted item for Shadows' guitarist Hank Marvin. Hank Marvin and his red Stratocaster was an inspiration to 60s guitar legends such as Dire Strait's Mark Knopfler, Pink Floyds' Dave Gilmour and Pete Townsend of the Who. Buddy Holly's song-writing and great guitar riffs also influenced The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Today you can still get hold of an iconic...

Mac Miller’s new album “Watching Movies With The Sound Off” made an impressive debut at No.3 in the US charts, after going head-to-head with new albums from Kanye West and J. Cole in the same week. Mac releases his amazing new single “ I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time) ” featuring Niki Randa on October 7th, and the video has already clocked up over a millon views on YouTube . Mac recently collaborated with singing sensation Ariana Grande, on her platinum selling hit single ‘The Way’, which saw them perform together on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon andThe Ellen DeGeneres Show. Mac exclusively played a sold out one-off show in London back in June, backed by the Odd Future/OFWGKTA affiliate band The Internet, playing his new album “WMWTSO” for the first time anywhere in the world. Mac returned to tour the UK this autumn, with support from Maybach Music Group’s Rockie Fresh and Pittsburgh hailing singer songwriter Dylan Reynold, check them out at www.rockiefresh.com and soundcloud.com/dyla...

"Back to School" period is still underway so now is the time to take advantage of the special offers at Musicroom . This  is a great voucher offer on selected products if you shop via the following links Code: LEARN1 Offer: 20% Off Tuition Books , DVDs and CDs Expiry Date: 31/10/13

Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum superstar, entrepreneur, actor, and philanthropist, NELLY, who has sold almost 100 million albums and singles in his 13 year career , releases his brand new album, “M.O.” on September 30 th . The album, Nelly’s 7 th , includes his hot new single “Get Like Me” where the St Louis superstar joins forces with two of the world’s hottest stars Nicki Minaj and Pharrell. The single is the follow up to Nelly’s recent major hit “ Hey Porsche" and his current US megahit "Cruise" (Remix), r ecorded with his f riends, the country duo, Florida Georgia Line. “H ey Porsche” incredibly gave Nelly his 22 nd charted Top 40 song, making him tied for 11 th most charted Top 40 hits artist of all-time.  Get Like Me (feat. Nicki Minaj & Pharrell) -  Get Like Me (feat. Nicki Minaj & Pharrell - Single

Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum hip-hop superstar Drake who recently returned with his sumptuous new single “Hold On, We’re Going Home” (#5 in the UK chart), follows up with the release on September 29th of his feverishly anticipated new album “Nothing Was The Same”. Nothing Was The Same is released on Young Money/Cash Money Records/Island Records and promises to be one of the biggest releases of the year. Drake recently also featured on friend, and fellow Toronto native, The Weeknd’s single “ Live Fo r“. The album was produced by long time musical partner Noah “40” Shebib and Jay Z features on the track “ Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2 ” which contains elements of Ellie Goulding’s “ Don’t Say A Word. ” Other featured tracks include Started From The Bottom”, “Tuscan Leather”, “Worst Behaviour”, “305 To My City” and “Wu-Tang Forever”. Nothing Was the Same - Drake available on iTunes   http://www.drakeofficial.com/ WHAT THE PAPERS SAY Drake is “the genre’s stylistic ...

Just had news in from The Melodic that their debut album "Effra Parade" is now available to pre-order from ANTI- Records, home of Tom Waits and Calexicos . It's been a long long journey for them getting to the point of being able to release this record so they are thrilled to be able to unleash it so soon. Check out the new video to " On My Way " which was filmed during their time in LA at the end of the West Coast tour they have recently completed. Currently touring the East Coast including New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with the fantastic Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, they are also trying to raise money to put towards buying a band van which will keep them touring. By teaming up with Pledge Music they are offering personalised Cd's and Tee's, videos, album listening sessions, studio time and private gigs etc, they we will be donating 5% of funds raised to the ABC trust charity. Check the remaining dates below and do let peo...

FILTH, the Original Soundtrack album for the eagerly anticipated film adaptation for the novel of the same name written by Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting), is released through Island Records on September 23rd. The album is packed with all-time classics featuring among others, The Shirelles, Billy Ocean, Tom Jones and Wilson Pickett, plus original music by Grammy nominated composer Clint Mansell (Black Swan, Requiem For A Dream). The 12-track album is a collection of established hits and classic songs, which play a memorable and integral role in the film. “Filth” is filled with a stellar cast of British actors, starring Golden Globe nominated actor James McAvoy (X-Men: First Class), BAFTA winning Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) and Imogen Poots (Fright Night). “Filth” will be released in Scottish cinemas on September 27th, and a week later for the rest of UK. The full album tracklisting is as follows: 1. Robbo’s Theme – Clint Mansell 2. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – Th...

Ray Foxx released his seminal debut single ‘The Trumpeter’ in 2011, which like many underground house hits, began life as an instrumental. When R&B songstress Lovelle added her vocals, it became ‘ La Musica (The Trumpeter) ’ , and went on to get an official release, fast becoming a huge summer dancefloor smash and kickstarting a revival of house music to mainstream ears. Now, Ray Foxx returns with his new single ‘Boom Boom (Heartbeat)’ on August 12t h, a joyful and uplifting club track, featuring the luscious vocals of London based singer and Wookie collaborator Rachel K Collier. Already gaining strong radio support across Radio 1, 1Xtra Capital FM and with remixes from Crazibiza, Taiki & Nulight, Rivaz, L Plus and Ray himself ‘Boom Boom (Heartbeat)’ looks set to be another summer anthem. Boom Boom (Heartbeat) [feat. Rachel K Collier] - EP - Ray Foxx available on iTunes  Watch Boom Boom Watch Musica (The Trumpeter)

A decade since his incredible live performances at Knebworth, the biggest UK pop concert ever, Robbie Williams releases ‘Live At Knebworth – 10th Anniversary Edition’ on 29th July 2013.  The remixed and remastered DVD commemorates ten years since this monumental three-day live experience, drawing crowds of over 375,000 and a further 3.5 million who watched live on television and online. It will be available in HD and Blu-Ray for the first time and includes two never-seen-before performances. A Deluxe Box Set will also be available with a 60-page book containing a new Robbie Williams interview and commentary by Chris heath and iconic images from the three shows. Live At Knebworth – 10th Anniversary Edition Remixed and Remastered and available in HD on Blu-Ray for the first time.  Includes: • 2 never-seen-before performances • ‘Back for Good’ with Mark Owen • The full show, remixed and remastered in Stereo and 5.1 • The 2003 Documentary ‘Moments of Mass Distraction’ The D...

Picking the next single off their critically acclaimed #1 debut album ‘Settle’ was likely a bit of a headache forDisclosure. With a wealth of captivatingly slick cuts to choose from, including collaborations with some of the country’s most unique vocalists, the Lawrence brothers have decided to keep their latest release a truly family affair - ‘F For You’, released August 18th on PMR Records, features Howard Lawrence on vocals, the first time either of the duo has assumed full singing duties on a track. In another first, the accompanying video steps away from the character-led narratives of previous singles like ‘You & Me’ and ‘White Noise’ to bring Disclosure themselves on to our screens. Lending an up-close glimpse at the pair’s exceptional live set-up, ‘F For You’ provides the soundtrack as we witness the kind of performance that has entranced audiences across the planet over the past year or so. Upon release, ‘Settle’ has wasted no time in becoming a global sensation, and ha...

Kelly Rowland released her hotly anticipated fourth full-length solo album, “ Talk A Good Game ” on June 17th, the follow up to 2011’s “Here I Am”. In order to prepare audiences for what's to come on the album, Kelly recently unleashed the seductive and sultry hit " Kisses down Low ", its video has accumulated over 11 million views on http://youtu.be/V0DJUTgkUIA . Kelly has invited a bevy of heavy hitters to join her on “Talk A Good Game”. Wiz Khalifa's breezy flow punctuates "Gone" with smoky elegance, while Pharrell Williams heats up the incendiary "Feet to the Fire". "You Changed" see’s Kelly once again collaborate with her former group members Beyonce and Michelle Williams. Production comes courtesy of Mike Will, Harmony, The Runners, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and more. As a founding member of Destiny's Child, Kelly has cumulatively sold over 20 million albums worldwide. The former X-Factor UK host has been honored with a to...

Jamie Cullum today announced that ‘Edge Of Something’ is to be the second single to be released from his new album ‘Momentum’. The song will be released on July 15 th through Island Records. ‘ Momentum’ is a confident departure from Jamie’s previous work, hailed by critics as some of his best work to date, experimenting with a more accessible sound; big songs with lots of interesting shades, whilst still managing to inject what Jamie does best as a jazz pianist. ‘Edge Of Something’ epitomises the spirit of adventure and infectious nature of ‘Momentum’; it’s the sound of an artist on a creative roll, bursting with ideas and inspirations. An autumn tour has just been confirmed that will begin on October 14th at the Olympia in Dublin and will take in 16 UK dates including; Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and the Roundhouse in London. Jamie has also been confirmed to play at Radio 2’s Live In Hyde Park Festival on September 8 th . Tour Dates: 14/1...

The Lonely Island, the Grammy nominated rap trio comprised of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, released the highly anticipated ‘The Wack Album’ on June 10th . The group’s third studio effort will include new songs featuring Pharrell Williams, T-Pain, Billie Joe Armstrong, Solange, and more special guests. These artists join previously announced collaborators Adam Levine, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, and Lady Gaga. The group have kicked off ‘Wack Wednesdays’ on their YouTube Channel . Every Wednesday leading up to the release of ‘The Wack Album’, they will debut new content including music videos, exclusive announcements, and world premieres of tracks. These videos will also be distributed on twitter via @thelonelyisland with #wackwednesdays. The Lonely Island recently released the album’s lead single, ‘YOLO’ (feat. Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar), which has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube in only three months. The trio also boasts a staggering 1.2 b...

The Montreal quartet will release ‘Dark Eyes’ through Glassnote/Communion/Island Records on the 1st July 2013. It will be preceded by a new single, ‘Call Me In The Afternoon ’, on the 24th June. Recorded in Montreal, the album was produced by the band alongside Nygel Asselin, Daniel Legace, and Jim Eno. Its release will be surrounded by a handful of UK live shows including two performances at the Glastonbury Festival, and a headline show at Village Underground in London. ‘Dark Eyes’ Tracklisting : Full Circle, Call Me In The Afternoon, No More Losing The War, She Wants To Know, Need It, Give Up, Judgement, Unofferable, Drug You, Nerve, Fire Escape, 21 Gun Salute. Watch the video to ‘Call Me In The Afternoon’ here:   Half Moon Run Live: 25 th June – Village Underground, London 26 th June – The Haunt, Brighton 28 th June – Glastonbury Festival 29 th June – Glastonbury Festival 2 nd July – The Deaf Institute, Manchester 18 th July – Latitude Festival, Suffolk...

Sam Martin, one half of the songwriting team behind Youngblood Hawke’s debut album ‘Wake Up’, which charted at #11 on the iTunes album chart in the US (it was Editors Choice) – describes their sound the best: "It has elements of pop, rock, indie and dance." The band’s first single to be taken from the album ‘We Come Running’ - which will also be released on 5th August, already has a string of accolades behind it including over 1.8 million YouTube video hits, a Top 25 in Billboard’s Hot AC chart, a Gold sales status in Australia and features in an international Coke commercial due to hit the UK this summer, encapsulates that sentiment. A propulsive beat builds alongside shimmering bells as Martin's massive refrain soars. "It's like a personal message to the band," the vocalist reveals. "It announces that if we work our asses off, they're going to hear the sound when we come running. We're going to get our chance." Alongside his lo...