-
ACCESS ALL AREAS Weekend
Two of Ipswich’s biggest influences on music collide, bringing you an evening of local, established, raw talent that’s not to be missed.
Read more -
Free Music Business workshop with Ethan Ash
Read more
Are you in a band or are you a musician who wants to build their career but is not sure how to? Does the thought of marketing, promotion, licensing, publishing, distribution, and budgets confuse or worry you? -
It’s only Rock n Roll...
Read more
One of the owners of the 2i’s Coffee Bar was Paul Lincoln. Paul was heavily involved in encouraging skiffle and rock'n'roll. In 1956, he and Ray Hunter opened the 2i's coffee bar in Old Compton Street, Soho, where there was an admission charge of sixpence for each of two evening houses. Paul Lincoln was the first to realise the profits to be made from all-teenage package shows consisting of nothing but rock'n'roll and skiffle without tired music-hall acts slowing down the evenings. -
2 I’s Coffee Bar - The birth place of Rock n Roll
Read moreOk, let’s start at the beginning. Where did British Rock n Roll start?
No, not ‘The Cavern’ in Liverpool, but at the ‘2i’s COFFEE BAR’ in Soho. -
STAGE STRUCK - February 2012
Read more
What's in a name? It's a question that was asked long before The Bard penned that line for Juliet. In fact a theme of one of the first stories ever written down is identity and the part your name plays in that. -
JAZZ RIFF - February 2012
Read more
Welcome back. February always strikes me as a month of questions: mostly about how long the month of January has been, whether the New Year Resolutions are being stuck to, and successful, and if that get fit regime as slipped from a daily work out to simply daily work! The jazz scene locally looks set to continue with the high calibre of music on offer, and our support for the local clubs, pubs, and venues is even more crucial at this time of year. If you would like a special mention, then email me the details c/o Grapevine. 2012 looks set to be a “big news” year, and including live jazz for the world to see and hear will be a great opportunity. -
CLASSICAL GAS - February 2012
with David ButcherPiano Recital (Piano Not Included) sounds like a concert sponsored by Ryanair but it’s being billed as a hilarious show for anyone who has ever had a really bad day. The show is inspired by the true story of a non-appearing pianist who was due to perform with the Goldman Ensemble at a London concert in 2008. It is a show chock full of humour, combining music and theatre as the backstage disasters as well as the daily joys and struggles of professional musicians are explored. The Goldman Ensemble are an unusual bunch, comprising of violin, French horn, tuba and percussion (without an Irish fiddle to be seen !) and they bring their zany show to the Norwich Assembly House on the 9th February. A visit to their excellent website will tell you all you need to know.
Read more -
BBC INTRODUCING - February 2012
Read more
I can’t think of a time in the past 15 years where there have been fewer opportunities for original musicians to play in Ipswich. And as for the prospects of any credible or interesting touring bands coming our way, I’d say they were limited. It’s certainly ironic that the timing of this flat-lining coincides with the continued rise of Ed Sheeran. With four Brit nominations and a number one album to his name, he’s likely to become the county’s most successful export. But he leaves behind him something of a wasteland, where there are too few options and too much emphasis placed on tribute bands. But there’s hope. Isn’t there? -
FOSTER FACTOR - February 2012
Read more
This month Foz chats with one of America’s most successful modern-day songwriters – Gretchen Peters. Nashville-based Gretchen has just released her ninth album, Hello Cruel World, which she’ll be promoting on her UK tour in the Spring. Martina McBride’s 1995 recording of Peters’ Independence Day, the gritty story of an abused woman’s revenge, made her a song-writing sensation. The performance received a “Best Country Song” Grammy nomination and won the Country Music Association’s “Song of the Year” title. After that a string of great vocalists — Pam Tillis, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Neil Diamond, George Strait and Etta James — began to record Peters’ songs. Peters also signed her own record deal, yielding her 1996 debut album The Secret of Life. The title track was cut by Faith Hill in 1999 and hit number five on the country charts. Since then Peters has recorded five other solo albums: Gretchen Peters (2001), Halcyon (2004), Trio Live (2006), Burnt Toast and Offerings (2007) and Northern Lights (2008). The compilation Circus Girl was released in 2009. And that same year Peters collaborated with one of her favourite songwriters, Tom Russell, for their One To The Heart, One To The Head. -
Flogging Molly’s - Part 3 - Bob Schmidt
Probably best known for his fast playing banjo intro to Flogging Molly’s classic Tobacco Island, Bob Schmidt grew up in LA and now lives in Boulder, Colorado when he’s not bouncing around Europe on a tour bus. Photographer Tony Bell had an opportunity to talk to Bob for Grapevine Live before he went on stage at UEA Norwich.
Read more -
Matt Schofield talks to GrapevineLive
It’s hard to comprehend that at the age of just 34, Matt Schofield has managed to master the passion and raw talent seen in those who have had to experience more years of heartbreak, joy and debauchery to create such music. It’s no wonder Matt’s constantly receiving nods from all over the world in recognition of his talent.FREE WEBCAST .... LIVE FROM SAN RAFAEL CALIFORNIA - 17th January
Read more -
JAZZ RIFF - January 2012
Read moreI’m going to start with a pep talk, followed by a competition, which will run until the end of this year, with the temptation of a fantastic prize that should keep you coming back for more each month! See you at the end: as the drummer said to the bass player. -
CLASSICAL GAS - January 2012
with David Butcher
Word reached me recently of the passing of Ken Bayley. For a good ten years, Ken was the voice of Suffolk Classics on BBC Radio Suffolk, a glorious hour of well-chosen pieces knitted together by a presenter of the old school. Anyone who had the opportunity to listen to Ken’s mellifluous tones in the 1990s will almost certainly remember the man with real affection.
Read more -
BBC INTRODUCING - January 2012
Read more
I have to be honest and say that Henry Homesweet has just about gone and created the greatest album imaginable. Enter 5D released on the Antigen label last month really is something incredibly special. Enter 5D makes the impossible easily achievable. Imagine the greatest night of your life with the perfect morning to follow. Enter 5D is the soundtrack to your dreams. Critical Buddha sets us off on our journey into the beautiful unknown where you are safe in the knowledge that everything is going to be more than alright. Evolver gives birth to a landscape of greens and blues and purples and blacks. The big city surrounds us and is lit up to perfection. It could be Tokyo. It could be the futuristic mega-city Metropolis. It could be somewhere else, but it's a sight to behold. -
FOSTER FACTOR - January 2012
Read moreColchester-based Jackson Sloan has built up a reputation as an exceptionally talented and gifted frontman. Jackson’s love of jump blues evolved from his parents’ record collection which led to Jackson attending live gigs both in his own home town of Southend-on-Sea, all over Essex, London and Europe. In 1982 Jackson formed Rent Party, a jump jive rhythm and blues band playing the sounds of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Liggins and Wynonie Harris. Along with the Chevalier Brothers they helped spread the jump blues sound both in the UK and in Europe. Jackson’s been telling Foz about those days and bringing him right up to date with his musical activities. -
STAGE STRUCK - January 2012
Read moreDoubtless many of you are still nursing a festive hangover and will be into next month, possibly even beyond. I refer here not to the nausea and headache caused by a self indulgent and inappropriate dose of alcohol but to the paralysis, terror and torpor caused by the necessary and requisite use of the credit card. It's a far more serious complaint and one which requires far more to solve than a morning on the sofa accompanied by some peach flavoured ice-cream with a Resolve sprinkled on top. Mind you that would be brilliant wouldn't it? Bad debt? Just drink this glass of financial resolve and you'll be able to withdraw another 50 quid this afternoon. -
CLASSICAL GAS - December 2011
with David Butcher
Apparently the three phrases that best sum up the Christmas season are: "Peace on Earth", "Goodwill to Men" and "Batteries not included." With that last phrase in mind, as I ponder what to buy my good lady wife for Christmas, I thought I would share with you a few of the classical festive offerings available at a concert venue near you. After all, there’s nothing like a good dose of carolling to get us in the mood for some peace and goodwill, not to mention the excessive retail therapy that our local high street depends on to see it through the winter months.
Read more -
Gregg Wright visits Suffolk College
The veteran guitarist talked of his time playing in tough clubs in the southern States through to working with the Jacksons in 100,000 seater stadiums, before treating the young audience to blistering performances of tracks from his latest album King of the Rockin’ Blues.
Read more -
BBC INTRODUCING - December 2011
Read moreIt was the great Nigel Simpson who told us that too many people these days spend so much time trying to be cool, that they’re not cool. And actually the thing about being cool is don’t try to be cool. Stradbroke rockers Walkway don’t try to be cool. They like classic rock music and they play it and play it well, regardless of what some people’s attitude to the genre may be. -
JAZZ RIFF - December 2011
Read moreWelcome back Jazz Riffers…there`s been an abundance of jazz music and gigs to relish last month, so I hope you have all managed to get to at least one gig that inspired you and your playing. I`ll share mine with you when we get to the coda. -
STAGE STRUCK - December 2011
Read moreNow let's get one thing straight, I like Christmas. In fact I love Christmas but I just don't think that December needs to be completely given over to it do you? So with that in mind Stagestruck has this month scoured the region's theatres in order to bring you some fayre which is entirely tinsel free – OK, some of it doesn't take place until next year but stop quibbling you humbug! -
FOSTER FACTOR - December 2011
Read moreWith a CV resembling a 'Who's Who' of the music industry, Suffolk-based re-mixer and producer, Phil Harding's career spans over 30 years from recording The Clash in the 70s, remixing and producing top club/dance and pop acts in the 80s and 90s to recently working with Lamont Dozier in L.A. In the 80s, working out of a basement studio in the Pete Waterman-owned PWL studio complex (with production partner Ian Curnow), Phil Harding’s club mixes and productions dominated the dancefloors and club charts on an international scale. Phil’s been telling Foz about his long-awaited, double-CD package (with 24-bit digital re-mastering) featuring 25 of his sought-after classic 80s remixes and rarities. -
Flogging Molly -Part 2 – The Band
Read more
Flogging Molly is a seven piece band which came together almost twenty years ago in a bar in Los Angles, California. They play a brand of music which is sometimes referred to as punk, sometimes rock but always Irish. However, if you take time to listen to Dave King’s lyrics, you quickly realise that the message extends far beyond the Emerald Isle…
Grapevine Live sent photographer Tony Bell along to talk to the band’s banjo player, Bob Schmidt, backstage before their show at the UEA in Norwich. -
Choose your own Gig-List!
Read more
Grapevine publish over 1000 events every month, and now GrapevineLive is adding more venues and bands to increase that number over East Anglia, which we think is pretty good. We don't think anybody else prepare and publish gig listings to this extent and we are proud of it. So, are you interested in ALL of these gigs? Surely you have your own choices. It would be good if your favourite events could be shown in a list - your own gig listing. Well, try MyGrapevine. -
The Guildhall Big JAZZ Band at Swinburne
Read more
Billed as a Big Band, they were certainly more big JAZZ band, so anyone expecting Glenn Miller Classics may have been disappointed. Repertoire was varied ranging from classic jazz standards to compositions by the performers themselves, all delivered in a well-rounded professional package. -
Flogging Molly - Part 1 - 'Speed of Darkness'
Read more
Flogging Molly’s latest studio album “Speed of Darkness” was released in May 2011. Described by the band as “the album we had to write” it is a commentary on the world we live in, the economic crisis and the wronged working classes. The sound is pure, raw, angry Flogging Molly tempered with the gentle sound of a most beautiful love song featuring the rarely heard Bridget Regan.
Grapevine Live sent photographer Tony Bell along to talk to the band’s banjo player, Bob Schmidt, backstage before their show at the UEA in Norwich. -
The Electric Mandolin
Read more
My love affair with photographing musicians began on 5th August 1973, at an outdoor peace rally in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. That was the day I plucked up the courage to squeeze to the front of the stage with my Dad’s Contflex camera which he allowed me to borrow from time to time. -
MARK THOMAS - The Manifesto
Read more
The Manifesto returns! After a sell out tour, three series on Radio 4 and a book The Manifesto is back. -
BBC INTRODUCING - November 2011
Read moreOctober was all about the live music for us - with three bands joining us in the studio.
Timmy Booth says he goes for Timmy rather than Tim so he doesn’t get confused for the front man of James. -
JAZZ RIFF - November 2011
Read moreGreetings fellow jazz musicians, supporters and promoters! Thanks for your comments and feedback on the Jazz Riff column. If you’d like to offer a story or two, or just want to promote any particular jazz gig, event, charity blast or a little nugget of wisdom, then please send it into the team at Grapevine. -
STAGE STRUCK - November 2011
Read moreIsn’t it amazing when something you think you hate turns out to be something you actually really rather like? Maybe it’s never happened to you but it did happen to me recently and it happened over puppets. That’s right puppets. -
FOSTER FACTOR - November 2011
Read moreStephen Foster is BBC Radio Suffolk’s longest serving presenter. Foz presents a weekday show from 4pm and in the final hour, Mondays to Thursdays 6pm to 7pm, he features an eclectic selection of music with much of it coming from local bands and singer-songwriters. -
National Theatre, LIVE at IFT
Digital technology has changed our lives beyond recognition. I’ve gone from watching three fuzzy channels on a black and white TV set in my boyhood to checking emails on my smart phone, watching films on iPlayer and staying in touch with friends around the globe using Twitter and Skype.
Read more