Tuesday 30 August 2016

THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY: Guatemala - Pete Sears



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Watchfire
CD - £9.99

The Long Haul
CD - £9.99

Millenium
CD - £9.99

PORTUGUESE MJ12 REVIEW

Flash-Review: MJ 12 (MJ 12)


Album:  MJ 12
Artist:  MJ 12
Editor: Gonzo Multimedia  
Year:  2016
Source:   Wales
Genre:  Jazz fusion, prog rock
Rating:  4.9 / 6
Brief description: Mythic Back Percy Jones (Brand X ) to the original with a new designjazz fusion, without limits of composition and creativity. There is plenty of space for all instruments, especially for bass and saxophone, expand on technical daydreams, improvisations and variations.
HighlightsCall 911, Bad American Dream Pt. 2, The Wow Signal, Guns And Pussy
Para fãs de: Brand X, HBC, Antoine Fafard, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Soft Machine

Tracklist:
1.      Call 911
2.      Bad American Dream Pt. 2
3.      Talk Time
4.      Magic Mist
5.      The Wow Signal
6.      Big Daddy’s Road
7.      The Phantom Maracas
8.      Guns And Pussy
9.      Magic Mist Reprise

Line-up:
Percy Jones - bass
Stephen Moses – bateria
Chris Bacas - Saxophone
Davil Phelps - guitarras

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Percy Jones (born December th, 1947 near Llandrindod Wells, Wales) is a Welsh bass guitarist, and was a member of jazz fusion band Brand X from 1974 to 1980, as well as a reformed version that lasted ..



Percy Jones (born 3 December 1947 near Llandrindod Wells, Wales) is a Welsh bass guitarist, and was a member of jazz fusion band Brand X, from 1974 to 1980, and..

CD/DVD Review: Director Tony Palmer Combines The Beatles & World War II In Iconic Film


CD/DVD Review: Director Tony Palmer Combines The Beatles & World War II In Iconic Film

One of the most eye-opening movies about World War 2 has been recently released on DVD to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary and it also features one of the greatest soundtracks of all-time. On July 15th, Gonzo Multimedia released "The Beatles And WWII" on DVD along with a 2CD soundtrack.

The movie is a mix of documentary footage and war movies made in Hollywood that covered the devastation of war beginning in 1939 with the rise of Adolf Hitler. The film covers every aspect of the war with some amazing footage that has never been released to the general public before. The only thing that softens the emotions of that terrible time in human history is the soundtrack of the music of The Beatles. Over 20 covers of songs from The Beatles appear in the movie to give background and solace to the images on the screen. As France is being overtaken by The Axis Powers, Henry Gross sings "Help!" and "A Day In The Life" performed by Frankie Valli becomes the soundtrack to the epic battle of Normandy.

While the original 1976 movie was an iconic piece of cinematic history, the soundtrack is just as iconic as it featured some of the biggest names in music performing some of the most popular songs of all time. Rock artists like Jeff Lynne, Elton John, Leo Sayer and Peter Gabriel take on Beatles' classics like "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," adding their own special touches to the songs. Female pop artists Helen Reddy, Tina Turner and Lynsey de Paul lead the march of the most important moments in the film with "Fool On The Hill," "Come Together" and "Because" respectively. Now included with this 40th anniversary release of "The Beatles and World War II" you get the entire 2CD soundtrack that features 22 cover versions of classic songs by The Beatles. To find out more about this new release, please visit gonzomultimedia.com.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO


The Beatles Tapes
2CD - £10.99


The Beatles and WWII
2CD1DVD - £14.99

GREGG BROWN REVIEW

http://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=152


Book Reviews
'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs'
By: Gregg Kofi Brown
(Paperback / Gonzo Multimedia / 132 Pages / $19.89) Description: Gregg Kofi-Brown is, of course best known for his work with seminal African funk rock pioneers Osibisa. they were one of the first, if not THE first African band to achieve popular success in the West. With conscience laden lyrics and funky afro-rhythms Gregg has a created a multi-national musical platform with his guest artists that speaks to many peoples across the world. Gregg Kofi Brown was executive producer of the 2003 Evening Standard cover-mount CD give away in memory of Damilola Taylor which featured the likes of Robbie Williams, Craig David, Gorillaz, Blue and Ms.Dynamite. This is his story.
Verdict: A fascinating and prolific artist, Gregg Kofi Brown has made an invaluable contribution to the popularity and evolution of world music. Now with the release of his brand new autobiography, 'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs' we get to delve into the mind of the man himself, discovering things about him along the way that were only ever once laid tracks within his own mind, now allowing us to take this journey of a lifetime alongside him.
As the book unfolds, the Preface brings us swiftly into the headlights of Brown. Indeed, Ghanaian musician Gregg Kofi Brown spent nearly twenty years with pioneering world music outfit Osibisa before releasing his first solo album, Together As One, in 2005. Formed in London in 1969 by a group of African and Caribbean musicians, Osibisa fused the sounds of the various band members’ homelands with elements of R&B, rock, jazz, and funk to create an entirely new genre of music.
It was one that found a small, but loyal cult audience in both the U.K. and the U.S. as the band landed albums like 1971’s self-titled Osibisa and its follow-up, Woyaya, onto the Billboard magazine charts.
Brown subsequently joined Osibisa in the mid-80s and continues to make great music with the band, helping to expand its audience and influence worldwide while also recording solo music with friends like jazz legends Billy Cobham and Stanley Jordan, both of whom appeared on Together As One.
Having already released a new music album of the same title, Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs on June 24th, 2016 via Gonzo Multimedia UK, that incredible career-spanning anthology is just the most perfect accompaniment to Brown’s autobiography (released March 28th, 2016).
Brown’s autobiography is not only an indepth look into Brown's life, his upbringing, the well that houses his musical inspirations, but a darn fun read too. From the first Chapter, "Beginning the Journey" on through to the very last one, "Rock Opera", each of the ten Chapters are well written, never clogged, and always light enough to enable you to easily read one after another.
It really is an easy read and yet, at all times, you feel like you are standing alongside Brown as his journey builds to the here and now. Whether it was ghost written is not even a concern (to me, at least) as Brown's tight paragraphs of informative insight are mesmerizing at times. Even if you're not a fan of the man (but why not?), one read of this musical fare will be enough to have you searching for his library of work, trust me.
Personally, and knowing his history, I think my favorite Chapter is number 7, entitled "Number 1 in America!" He relates how an unknown Italian singer Alisha had covered one of his songs and was getting some major radio airplay with it in the US. Produced by Mark Berry, remixed by the legendary Shep Pettibone (Madonna), the song 'Baby Talk' actually struck Gold and hit #1 on the Billboard Singles Chart that year. His documented meeting with Alisha is priceless, and inclusive of his family, turns out to be yet another pivotal moment in Brown's career.
'Rock ‘n’ Roll and UFOs' is also chock full of wonderful stories, tales of globetrotting as part of Osibisa, and as a solo artist, but also from his work as a studio bassist and producer with artists like Joe Cocker, Eric Burdon, Hanoi Rocks, and Bomb da Bass. Brown has also enjoyed a modicum of success as an actor, performing as Jellyroll Morton at London’s prestigious Royal Court Theatre as well as in the hit musical Tribute to the Blues Brothers. The book also reveals the "truth" behind the title, documenting “three strange encounters” experienced by Brown in the California desert!
Also containing reflective black and white photos midway through, and combined with his educated speech (which still comes across nicely in the written form), Gregg Kofi Brown promises a lot with the release of this book - and delivers, hook, like and sinker with each passing Chapter.
'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs' - Gregg Kofi Brown Book Purchase Link
CD Purchase Link

THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem


Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes: 


"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"


SHE ASKS ME HOW I AGE
I claim denial.-and that Senior's Discount
at every possible opportunity.FREEDOM! has FREE! within
and i seek out whatever possibilities still exist
for mobility within this closed system.I grew up
on EXPANDING FRONTIERS-science fiction Star Trekkie dreaming
Rockets still fall from skies,but now all is privitised(especially profit margins)
As prices rise,i decline.Live on less.Biafra bellied,bloat.
One could dream stick figure thin-not to be!
We are in this @different rates,some accelerate,some brake
A few are evicted from the car.The view is slow from here
Every day is Sunday.



Monday 29 August 2016

THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY: The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown - Kites



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Radio Sessions 1968, 1972 and 1975
CD - £9.99

Live 67/68
CD - £9.99

Live in Bristol 28th Oct 2002
CD - £9.99

Dave Brock interview 2002 History of Hawkwind etc



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Space Ritual Live - Special Edition
2DVD/2CD - £29.99

Space Ritual Live 
2CD1DVD - £19.99

Romantic Warriors III - Didier Malherbe of Gong Interview and Performance Clip



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

French TV 1971-1973
DVD - £10.99

At Montserrat
DVD - £10.99

25th Birthday 
CD - £9.99

Steve Ignorant interview



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

The Feeding of the 5000
2CD1DVD - £10.99

The Last Supper, Shepherds Bush Empire 2011
2CD1DVD - £10.99

Al Stewart's Class of 58 (Extra long version)



BLURB: "Al Stewart fans! - If you only know the short version of this song from "A Beach Full Of Shells", then the CD single (at 13 mins plus!) would be an eye-opener. But this specially mixed version ALSO includes an extra three minutes that Al eventually dropped from the finished version, which I've stuck back together as best I could.
The video is a collection of pictures from Yahoo Image Search, none of which I own, and the copyright of each image belongs to, er, the owners of each image. Likewise the music belongs to Al Stewart, I'm putting it here as an educational and historical presentation.

I hope you enjoy it"

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Live at Musikladen 1979 (Deluxe Edition)
DVD/CD - £10.99

THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem


Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes: 


"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"


BLESS YOUR ART!
It is still beating!Movement detected
upon perimeters of longing.Petals
falling from flowers/changing
Seasons without a name/begin

Never first,nor last-but in between
This slim thin kayak floats canoe surfaces
Deep as whales beneath,content with immersion
As we to air,water,and languages

Tiny Republics wave flags of bravery.
Croatia,Slovenia vs Yugoslavia
Less the winning-more the love of country
As all Indigenous learn via slaughter

We are in process and still ,learning

What happened before will not save us from 

Sunday 28 August 2016

THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY: Ancient Mother

Being Sunday I always post sacred music. The name of the deity may change, or even the deity Him/Herself but the spirit remains the same

PLAYLIST: Strange Fruit #179

Strange Fruit is a unique two-hour radio show exploring the world of underground, strange and generally neglected music. All shows are themed and all shows set out to give the most hardened of sound-hounds some new delight to sample.

The show is also unique in providing homework for undergraduate students on North West Kent College’s Foundation Degree in Professional Writing (who dig up many of the odd facts featured in the links between tracks).

Neil Nixon, the founder and co-presenter of the show has released a book about rare albums for Gonzo Multimedia.

The show is broadcast on Miskin Radio every Sunday from 10-00-midnight.

14 Aug 2016
Show 179 – Quintessence: Spirits from Another Time


Lords of Acid: Voodoo U
The Railway Children: Brighter
Kylie Mole: So Excellent
Quintessence: Only Love
Viv Albertine: The Madness of Clouds
Mary Wells: Please Please Me
Daft Punk: Giorgio by Moroder
Quintessence: Untitled Guitar
Quintessence: Untitled Harpsichord
Jude Connelly: Armagheddahedron
Afro Haitian Experimental Orchestra: Bade Zile
Dorothy Ashby: Soul Vibrations
Wendy and Bonnie: By the Sea
F-Minus: Sweating Blood
Kenneth Williams: Voices of Evening
In Letter Form: Edison’s Medicine
Deep Purple: Fools
Miles Davis: Pharaoh’s Dance
The Magnetic North: Run of the Mill
Quintessence: Twilight Zone
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: Really Free
Jerry Soloman: Oh
Cannibal Corpse: Confessions

THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem


Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes: 


"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"


NIGHT SKIES DRIVING HOME
were clouds and distant lightning
From the loud car radio,it was white mime
Illuminations/flashes/splashing out from banks of clouds
huge as tax debt.No rain-just a future promise.
Somewhere,anger would be unleashed
"upon the heads of the just and unjust alike"
The rain in Austin falls largely in Onion Creek
Some of us live cheap ,on the edge of psychic flood plains
to be swept away in a Wimberley torrent
or left,bereft and homeless,when we least expect.
Distant lightning promised much drama.

I turned the car radio up .LOUDER.

MERRELL FANKHAUSER GREEK INTERVIEW

Q&A with legendary guitarist Merrell Fankhauser has led one of the most diverse and interesting careers in music

"Today I think the current U.S. president has hurt the togetherness of races and the political agenda has really made racial tension worse. It may take a long time to heal this wound and realize we are all here together on planet earth and we truly need the Hippy ideal of 'Peace And Love' more now than ever!"
Merrell Fankhauser: Rock n' Lono 
Merrell Fankhauser has led one of the most diverse and interesting careers in music. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to California when he was 13 years old. Merrell went on to become one of the innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock. His travels from Hollywood to his 15 year jungle experience on the island of Maui have been documented in numerous music books and magazines. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 400 songs published and released. He is a multi-talented singer/songwriter and unique guitar player whose sound has delighted listeners for over 50+ years. In the early 60s, Merrell led the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had a hit with their album "WIPE OUT". Upon moving to the high desert area of California in 1964, Merrell formed Merrell and the Exiles whose album "FAPARDOKLY" is one of the most sought after 60s psychedelic recordings. In the late 60s, Merrell led his group H.M.S. Bounty to several hits with album "THINGS". Merrell joined forces with Jeff Cotton from Captain Beefheart's Band in 1970 to form the group MU, and the next year the band released their debut album.
Merrell Fankhauser in Tiki Lounge with his signature guitar / Photo © by Luis Escobar, 2010
In 1973, Merrell and his group MU moved to the island of Maui to further their studies of the fabled Lost Continent of Mu or Lemuria. In 1975, after MU disbanded, Merrell began work on a group of songs for a solo album that described perfectly the feeling of his lifestyle in his jungle house beside a free-flowing stream in the Maui rainforest. These songs were released in 1976 by an independent Hawaiian label and was titled "The Maui Album". The following years found Merrell spending his time writing songs and performing in the Hawaiian Islands. In 1986, Merrell teamed up with the late John Cipollina to record "DR. FANKHAUSER". In 1994, with the release of the film "PULP FICTION", instrumental surf music came back in a big way. In 1995, Merrell and Ed Cassidy, drummer from the group Spirit recorded a great blues rock CD titled "ON THE BLUE ROAD". From 1995 to 1997, Merrell hosted a local California TV show called "Route 66 TV Live". His project "RETURN TO MU", produced by movie and record producer William E. McEuen. In 2001, Merrell began hosting a music TV show called, "Tiki Lounge" that airs on California, Hawaii, and parts of the East Coast. Merrel just finished a "Tiki Lounge Live" album that was filmed and recorded on his Tiki Lounge TV show stage and will be out by Christmas 2016.

Read on...


CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Signals
CD - £9.99

Calling From A Star
Book - £12.99

Rainbow Bridge Revisited
DVD/CD - £7.99

Area 51 Suite
2CD - £7.99

Tiki Lounge Vol 1
DVD/CD - £10.99

The Best Of
2CD - £10.99

The Return To Mu
CD - £9.99

Tiki Lounge Vol 2
DVD/

Friday 26 August 2016

Gonzo Weekly #197

Gonzo Magazine #197
 
In this issue we say goodbye to a gracious and very talented lady: Gilli Smyth of Gong. Doug goes to see Brian Ferry, Alan goes to see what the British Library has to say about Punk, and explains Futurology and Free Cultural Spaces, while Jon waffles on about stuff.
 
And there are radio shows from Strange Fruit, Mack Maloney, and Friday Night Progressive. We also have columns from all sorts of folk including Roy Weard, Mr Biffo, Neil Nixon and the irrepressible Corinna. There is also a thrilling and slightly disturbing episode of Xtul. There is also a collection of more news, reviews, views, interviews and pademelons outside zoos(OK, nothing to do with small marsupials who have escaped from captivity, but I got carried away with things that rhymed with OOOOS) than you can shake a stick at. And the best part is IT's ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!
 
This issue features:
Michael Moorcock, Dave Bainbridge, Celestial Fire Band, Gong, Bart Lancia, The Who, Stick Men, Brian May, Strange Fruit, Friday Night Progressive, Canterbury Sans Frontieres, Mack Maloney's Mystery Hour, Gillian "Gilli" Mary Smyth, Machali, Tom Searle, Matt Roberts, Brian Norman Roger Rix, Baron Rix, CBE, DL, The Boomtown Rats, Karnataka, Rick Wakeman, Rob Ayling, Billy James, Matthew Watkins, Alexandria Krysinski, Brian Ferry, Alan Dearling, Mr Biffo, Roy Weard, Futurology and Free Cultural Spaces, Hawkwind, Xtul, Elvis, Queen, Keith Richards, Joy Division, Neil Nixon, Johnny Cash, The Beatles
                                                               
Read the previous few issues of Gonzo Weekly:
 
Issue 196 (Paul May)
Issue 195 (Dave Brock)
Issue 194 (Auburn)
Issue 193 (Genre Peak)
Issue 192 (Rick Wakeman and Brian May)
Issue 191 (Karnataka)
Issue 190 (Erik Norlander)
Issue 189 (Rick Wakeman at the O2)
Issue 187/8 (Yer holiday special)
Issue 186 (Beatles)
Issue 185 (Judge Smith)
Issue 184 (Mick Abrahams)
 
All issues from #70 can be downloaded at www.gonzoweekly.com if you prefer. If you have problems downloading, just email me and I will add you to the Gonzo Weekly dropbox. The first 69 issues are archived there as well. Information is power chaps, we have to share it!
 
You can download the magazine in pdf form HERE:
 

SPECIAL NOTICE: If you, too, want to unleash the power of your inner rock journalist, and want to join a rapidly growing band of likewise minded weirdos please email me at jon@eclipse.co.uk The more the merrier really.

COMING THIS WEEKEND


THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY: Fairport Convention, Robert Plant - The Battle Of Evermore



CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Live In Maidstone 1970
CD - £7.99

Live At Maidstone Castle 1970
DVD - £7.99

BRIAN MAY: The extension of the badger cull is horribly cruel – and it won’t help farmers

Badgers
Tuesday was a sad day for our wild animals. The BBC reported that the badger cull will be extended into five new areas, although the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) would not confirm that the selections had been made.
News that the already failed cull would be expanded is particularly disappointing to those who hoped that a new government would bring new wisdom. This tragic development is born of a distortion of the real facts, supported by false promises and propaganda heaped on to the farming community.

THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem


Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes: 


"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Tom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"


VOTING ALL THE TIME!
 I vote with my eyes,scanning headlines
Vote with my ears,listening to you
I vote with my feet,walking away(or towards)
Vote with my presence(or absence/today)
You find me adding my vote to yours (when we agree)
We will always be minorities
 They can vote with vi et armis..
We can vote in/with/for peace.Agree?
Then I will vote for you.You can vote for you,too!

GREGG KOFI BROWN REVIEW

http://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=152

'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs'
By: Gregg Kofi Brown
(Paperback / Gonzo Multimedia / 132 Pages / $19.89)


Description: Gregg Kofi-Brown is, of course best known for his work with seminal African funk rock pioneers Osibisa. they were one of the first, if not THE first African band to achieve popular success in the West. With conscience laden lyrics and funky afro-rhythms Gregg has a created a multi-national musical platform with his guest artists that speaks to many peoples across the world. Gregg Kofi Brown was executive producer of the 2003 Evening Standard cover-mount CD give away in memory of Damilola Taylor which featured the likes of Robbie Williams, Craig David, Gorillaz, Blue and Ms.Dynamite. This is his story.

Verdict: A fascinating and prolific artist, Gregg Kofi Brown has made an invaluable contribution to the popularity and evolution of world music. Now with the release of his brand new autobiography, 'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs' we get to delve into the mind of the man himself, discovering things about him along the way that were only ever once laid tracks within his own mind, now allowing us to take this journey of a lifetime alongside him.
As the book unfolds, the Preface brings us swiftly into the headlights of Brown. Indeed, Ghanaian musician Gregg Kofi Brown spent nearly twenty years with pioneering world music outfit Osibisa before releasing his first solo album, Together As One, in 2005. Formed in London in 1969 by a group of African and Caribbean musicians, Osibisa fused the sounds of the various band members’ homelands with elements of R&B, rock, jazz, and funk to create an entirely new genre of music.
It was one that found a small, but loyal cult audience in both the U.K. and the U.S. as the band landed albums like 1971’s self-titled Osibisa and its follow-up, Woyaya, onto the Billboard magazine charts.
Brown subsequently joined Osibisa in the mid-80s and continues to make great music with the band, helping to expand its audience and influence worldwide while also recording solo music with friends like jazz legends Billy Cobham and Stanley Jordan, both of whom appeared on Together As One.
Having already released a new music album of the same title, Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs on June 24th, 2016 via Gonzo Multimedia UK, that incredible career-spanning anthology is just the most perfect accompaniment to Brown’s autobiography (released March 28th, 2016).
Brown’s autobiography is not only an indepth look into Brown's life, his upbringing, the well that houses his musical inspirations, but a darn fun read too. From the first Chapter, "Beginning the Journey" on through to the very last one, "Rock Opera", each of the ten Chapters are well written, never clogged, and always light enough to enable you to easily read one after another.
It really is an easy read and yet, at all times, you feel like you are standing alongside Brown as his journey builds to the here and now. Whether it was ghost written is not even a concern (to me, at least) as Brown's tight paragraphs of informative insight are mesmerizing at times. Even if you're not a fan of the man (but why not?), one read of this musical fare will be enough to have you searching for his library of work, trust me.
Personally, and knowing his history, I think my favorite Chapter is number 7, entitled "Number 1 in America!" He relates how an unknown Italian singer Alisha had covered one of his songs and was getting some major radio airplay with it in the US. Produced by Mark Berry, remixed by the legendary Shep Pettibone (Madonna), the song 'Baby Talk' actually struck Gold and hit #1 on the Billboard Singles Chart that year. His documented meeting with Alisha is priceless, and inclusive of his family, turns out to be yet another pivotal moment in Brown's career.
'Rock ‘n’ Roll and UFOs' is also chock full of wonderful stories, tales of globetrotting as part of Osibisa, and as a solo artist, but also from his work as a studio bassist and producer with artists like Joe Cocker, Eric Burdon, Hanoi Rocks, and Bomb da Bass. Brown has also enjoyed a modicum of success as an actor, performing as Jellyroll Morton at London’s prestigious Royal Court Theatre as well as in the hit musical Tribute to the Blues Brothers. The book also reveals the "truth" behind the title, documenting “three strange encounters” experienced by Brown in the California desert!
Also containing reflective black and white photos midway through, and combined with his educated speech (which still comes across nicely in the written form), Gregg Kofi Brown promises a lot with the release of this book - and delivers, hook, like and sinker with each passing Chapter.
'Rock 'N' Roll and UFOs' - Gregg Kofi Brown Book Purchase Link
CD Purchase Link
www.greggkofibrown.co.uk
www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk

Thursday 25 August 2016

THE GONZO TRACK OF THE DAY: Gilli Smyth, R.I.P.

REVIEW: Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House: Sir Henry at Rawlinson End

http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=19015

Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House: Sir Henry at Rawlinson End

Vivian Stanshall was a British poet, author, singer/songwriter, musician and playwright and in the 1970s created Rawlinson End, an examination of British high society focusing on the on goings at the fictional house of the same name. The series started as a British radio series on BBC Radio 1's John Peel Show. In 1978 he released an LP version telling of the story and in 1983 his fourth and final album Sir Henry at N'didi's Kraal was released as a sequel.

Returning to present day, Michael Livesley and Brainwashing House have recently released a new version of the original story. This is an on stage adaptation and includes the following musicians: Bill Leach (musical director, guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, surpeti, jaw's harp), Ged Fox (trumpet, penny whistle, kazoo, sousaphone), Chris Hough (double bass, banjolele), Jonny Hase (percussion), Susie Honeyman (violin, D=Stroh-violin) and John Lewis (clarinet, violin, recorder, Stroh-violin). Besides the Brainwashing House Band other artists include Andy Frizell (crumhorns, recorders, percussion, backing vocals), Rick Wakeman (piano) and Neil Innes (ukulele on "Wheelbarrow"). Michael Livesley provides vocals and narration.

To like this album you will have to appreciate British sense of humor and the art of narrative. It almost acts as a novel set to tape as much of the disc is taken up with the spoken word. It is both witty and sarcastic and much of the time the music plays second fiddle to the voices. If you enjoy old time folk and waltzes with a hint of carnival atmosphere featuring many unusual acoustic instruments (see list above) you may want to explore this further. As for myself, while I appreciate the skill and talent that went into this production, it probably isn't something I will reach for again.

Track Listing:
1. Aunt Florrie's Waltz
2. Interlewd
3. Wheelbarrow
4. Socks
5. The Rub
6. Nice 'N' Tidy
7. Pigs 'Ere Purse
8. 6/8 Hoodoo
9. Smeeton
10. Fool & Bladder
11. Endroar
12. The Beasht Inshide
13. Juglebunny
14. Aunt Florrie Remembers
15. Rawlinson's & Maynards
16. Papadumb

Added: August 11th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:

French Percy Jones review



The album '' Cape Catastrophe '' was decidedly his name and Percy Jones, former bassist of Brand X , did not convince the listeners due to its disjointed appearance. The Welshman has not stopped turning, however, and over the concerts he formed the hard core of a self-appointed project MJ12 (named Majestik 12, a group of scientists who worked on the issue of UFOs in the 40s). Is missed the trip alone might find meaning in this space cruise in number? The listener is embedded with "MJ12" for a full instrumental free jazz journey of fifty-one minutes. Enthusiasts will appreciate 'Call 911', a long jam free jazz dominated by the lower of the Welsh and the sprawling set of battery Stephen Moses but mostly crossed by a long saxophone solo, or 'Big Daddy's Road' on which the summary rhythm is even richer. But what sets album coming-everything lies in the flexibility of the group not to be locked into a genre. The theme behind the project name is not a coquetry and four men treat our own moods to science fiction. 'Magic Mist' is made ​​more worrying by his guitar jolts, saxophone and its hypnotic rhythm loop. 'The Phantom Maracas' juggles ethereal atmospheres and sweltering reflecting the strangeness of the title. On 'Bad American Dream', the agreement seems to be perfect, everyone listening to form the first part planing a long beach which suddenly picks up speed after the third minute. Finally, how can we forget the explosive 'Guns And Pussy' which plays tempos with rock energy. Free jazz lovers can rush to seize this new album, other curious who do not have to blinkers (essential attitude of any music lover who respects) will not turn away. Everyone will appreciate to hear the alchemy of four men in possession of all their means and whose mastery can be extra-terrestrial!

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Percy Jones (born December th, 1947 near Llandrindod Wells, Wales) is a Welsh bass guitarist, and was a member of jazz fusion band Brand X from 1974 to 1980, as well as a reformed version that lasted ..


Percy Jones (born 3 December 1947 near Llandrindod Wells, Wales) is a Welsh bass guitarist, and was a member of jazz fusion band Brand X, from 1974 to 1980, and..

...BECAUSE SOME OF US THINK THAT THIS STUFF IS IMPORTANT
What happens when you mix what is - arguably - the world's most interesting record company, with an anarchist manic-depressive rock music historian polymath, and a method of dissemination which means that a daily rock-music magazine can be almost instantaneous?

Most of this blog is related in some way to the music, books and films produced by Gonzo Multimedia, but the editor has a grasshopper mind and so also writes about all sorts of cultural issues which interest him, and which he hopes will interest you as well.