Art Everywhere project to create 'giant art gallery'

Street art: a mock-up of how the posters might appear

Posters of classic artworks will be displayed across the country this summer in a bid to turn the UK into the "world's largest art gallery".

The Art Everywhere exhibition will transform thousands of poster sites and billboards for two weeks from 10-25 August.

The public can help curate the exhibition by choosing their top 50 British artworks.

A shortlist will be on the Art Everywhere website from 24 June.

"Art is for everyone and everyone who has access to it will benefit from it," said Damien Hirst, one of the artists supporting the project.

"This project is amazing and gives the public a voice and an opportunity to choose what they want to see on their streets."

Another artist attached to the project is British artist Patrick Brill aka Bob and Roberta Smith.

Art Everywhere is a charitable project founded by Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks, in collaboration with the Art Fund, Tate, and the poster industry.

"This is a joyful celebration with no agenda other than to flood our streets with art and celebrate the creative talents and legacy of this amazing country," Reed said.

Tate Director, Nicholas Serota said the scheme would "bring some inspiring images to our streets and provoke conversation and debate about the characteristics of Britain and qualities of British Art".

Members of the public are also invited to help "crowdfund" the project with donations.

Source: BBC

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Review: Doug Norquay – Giant Pig

Doug Norquay – Giant Pig (Independent)

Doug Norquay is a Canadian country, folk-roots, bluesman with a sound that harks back to the mid-70s Los Angeles boho scene, but also something darker, desperate and more primal. He plays a mean slide guitar and sings with a voice that’ll remind discerning listeners of Howlin Wolf, Tom Waits, Johnny Dowd and Tom Ovans, and writes songs that rattle and shake, sooth and placate, or just plain terrify. This is his third proper album – I think - though there have been a few cassettes released over the years, but it’s the first of Norquay’s records I’ve got to hear. That will be remedied.

A stalwart of his local Ontario scene, the list of musicians he’s opened for or shared bills or stages with is a who’s who of acclaimed artists and performers, blues legends and troubadours, from B.B. King, Buddy Guy and John Hammond, to Ron Sexsmith, Robbie Robertson and Danny Gatton. He’s played bars, festivals, shopping malls and sidewalks, mostly solo, and has been recording on and off since the early ‘90s – it’s a wonder he doesn’t turn up occasionally on the UK roots circuit. I suspect he’d go down a storm.

He begins his latest offering with “Poor Lightnin”, its walking rhythm and Norquay’s semi-whispered vocal is instantly affecting, and that’s before the dark narrative takes hold. It’s followed by the epic, eight minute “Rude Scenes in the Honda Lot”, and it’s a slow burning thriller with some of the finest atmospheric and sparse solo guitar I’ve ever heard. The opening trio of songs is completed by “The Day That I Was Born”, a perfect combination of wordplay and chilling strings. Over the next ten tracks he consistently hits similar highs, and if I hear another folk-blues-Americana record that’s as good before the end of the year, I’ll be amazed.

Doug Norquay Website

www.facebook.com/Doug-Norquay

Doug Norquay CD Baby Page

Phil S.

Tonight at The Musician: Honky Tonk Showtime

Clarksdale Promotions presents…

Honky Tonk Showtime

Friday 7^th June

£6adv £7door

feat. The Ann Duggan Band with special guests the Notorious Dawson Brothers, Kate Easton & Mr Plow, Pete Turnpenny & Tonia Tempest, Paul McClure and Al Shotter

www.annduggan.co.uk

After the great success of the Blues Brothers concert last year Clarksdale Promotions brings you yet another night of entertainment, this time celebrating the great tradition of the Honky Tonk that was so common to the Southern western states of America.

Tonight the Musician will be transformed into a Honky Tonk which will host The Annie Duggan band and friends to bring you music from the great classics like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Tanya Tucker, Billie Joe Shaver and Dwight Yoakam amongst others together with songs from Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly Parton and more.

Pull on your cowboy boots and get ready for a great night of music that gets your toe tappin’ and the pulse racing!

Remember; always check with the venue before travelling:

www.themusicianpub.co.uk

Preview: Rufus Wainwright at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, 3rd July

De Montfort Hall Presents…

Rufus Wainwright

Wednesday 3^rd July
Tickets £29.50, £35, £45

Doors: 7:00pm

The last few years have been quite a journey for Rufus Wainwright. Creatively, he put pop music aside and concentrated on his other interests, from his Grammy-nominated recreation of Judy Garland's fabled Carnegie Hall concert to the 2009 premiere of his opera, Prima Donna.

Wainwright's personal life has been even more dramatic, witnessing the birth of his daughter, Viva; the death of his mother, singer/songwriter Kate McGarrigle; and his engagement to partner Jorn Weisbrodt.

All of these experiences inform his seventh studio album, Out of the Game, along with the input of a new collaborator, celebrated producer Mark Ronson. The results are the loosest, most accessible music of Wainwright's career, retaining his distinctive narrative sense and wry wit while adding classic pop pleasures.

Don't miss this incredible performer when he comes to Leicester.

Remember; always check with the venue before travelling:

www.demontforthall.co.uk

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Review: Sully and the Benevolent Folk – The Odd Sea

Sully and the Benevolent Folk – The Odd Sea (Independent)

New Yorkers, Sully and The Benevolent Folk describe themselves as a band of misfit musicians, bound neither by genre, taste, nor style. I like that! Indeed, I like a band willing to stretch themselves and take a chance or five, and that’s just what they do here on “The Odd Sea” as a number of different genres and styles are weaved - seemingly effortlessly – into the fundamental Benevolent sound. Led by Chris 'Sully' Sullivan on vocals, ukulele and guitar, his distinctive voice and songs provide solid cornerstones for his band to build from and do much to give the record an audible coherency.

The group’s origins only go back a couple of years when Sullivan bought himself a ukulele and to learn its intricacies, he set himself the target of writing 30 songs on the instrument in 30 days. It soon became known, by Sullivan anyway, as ‘The Ukulele Odyssey”, and the songs he wrote, or variations on them, provide the backbone of “The Odd Sea”. The core group of six players, who already brought a full range of instruments to the album, including some unusual pieces (mandocello, saw, etc.) were further aided and abetted by a trumpeter, violinist and clarinet player and over the project’s gestation, a total of 25 musicians have been involved.

Folk, jazz, old country and blues all appear, and amongst the album’s 15 tracks (including four demos from the “Odyssey” days) there are some absolute gems to be found. First of all “The Dreamer” arrives on keys and strings, and Sullivan sings like a cross between Jackie Leven and a Buckley (you choose). “Wandering / Wondering” shimmies on a boisterous bassline courtesy of Corey Kaiser, and with the combined vocals, the effect is jazzy and boho cool. The blues appear on “Looking For Love”, though nothing on “The Odd Sea” is quite as straightforward as that, and on “She Does Rise” Rachel Sullivan joins her husband on gospel backing vocals, and it’s a genuinely moving piece.

www.benevolentfolk.com

www.facebook.com/BenevolentFolk

www.sullyandthebenevolentfolk.bandcamp.com

Phil S.

Tonight at The Musician: Dawson Smith & The Dissenters

Dawson Smith & The Dissenters

Special classic covers set

Thursday 6^th June

£5

plus Blueswamp Southern and The Ruby Doos

www.dawsonsmith.com

www.blueswampsouthern.com

www.facebook/therubydoos

Most bands play covers and move on to writing songs, The Dissenters mainly play songs from Dawson’s highly acclaimed solo albums so tonight is a rare chance to hear Dawson and the band celebrate their collective influences. Classic songs from Steve Earle, Creedence, Stones, ZZ Top, Dr. Feelgood and many more. Blueswamp Southern play classic acoustic guitar and harp driven blues and roots, superb musicians and great songs. The Ruby Doo’s are a fairly new but quickly established harmony trio playing classy Americana and roots.

**Please note that Verden Allen & Soft Ground have cancelled the show originally scheduled for this date and that ticket refunds are available from all points of purchase.**

Remember; always check with the venue before travelling:

www.themusicianpub.co.uk

Review: O, Loveland – S/T EP

O, Loveland – S/T EP (Independent)

Together since 2011, Amy Boykin and Clark Jones - the duo who comprise O, Loveland - have been busy honing their songwriting and performance skills. Their debut self-titled EP features five songs which, in some ways, transport the listener back to simpler, less complicated times, and it’s hardly surprising that they’re being compared to The Civil Wars and the Avett Brothers. I can see the similarities, but for me O, Loveland seem far more contemporary in both their presentation and overall sound, although their rootsy material and country flecked songs hark back to the Virginia hills, there’s a knowing, alternative, indie edge to what they do that separates them from the pack.

The first of the five tracks is the splendid “Vineyard”. A frantically strummed guitar holds rhythm and melody together while both Boykin and Jones sing lead and in harmony. On “Black Crow” they slow things down, and their imagery brings to mind Joanna Newsom and Sharron Kraus; it’s followed by “Love Return”, which keeps things unhurried, though its themes are altogether different. “The Hunt” and “Give” finish things off – the latter has had a video produced for its promotion, which is almost as heartwarming as the song.

www.facebook.com/weareoloveland

O, Loveland CD Baby Page

Phil S.

Jack White 'saves' Detroit music venue

A legendary music hall in Detroit is to be named after Jack White after the musician "saved" it from auction.

The White Stripes star anonymously paid the $142,000 (£92,480) tax bill for the Masonic Temple, where Jimi Hendrix, The Who and the Rolling Stones performed.

He intervened days before the 14-storey venue was to be put up for sale.

"Jack's donation could not have come at a better time," Roger Sobran told the Detroit Free Press. "We are eternally grateful to him for it."

The building, which is on America's National Register of Historic Places, has more than 1,000 rooms and a theatre that has hosted top performers for decades.

White, 37, visited the Masonic Temple as a young boy when his mother worked as an usher at one of its theatres.

The Detroit native has since performed at the venue on several occasions.

White was revealed as the anonymous donor on Tuesday by Sobran, who applauded his "magnanimous generosity and unflinching loyalty to this historic building and his Detroit roots".

As a sign of appreciation, the Masonic Temple Association said it would give the temple's 1,586-seat Cathedral Theatre a new name - The Jack White Theatre.

"We could not be more humbled to bestow this honour on Jack," said Sobran.

Source: BBC

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Adele, Ed Sheeran and One Direction help UK sales share

British artists have achieved their highest ever share of global album sales.

Figures from the British Phonographic Industry show UK acts gained 13.3% of worldwide sales in 2012, up from 12.6% the previous year.

Big selling albums from Adele, One Direction and Ed Sheeran contributed to the total.

The BPI confirmed Adele's 21 was the biggest selling album in the world for the second year running.

UK acts have claimed the world's top-selling album for five of the past six years.

Geoff Taylor, BPI Chief Executive, said: "Music is fundamental to Britain's identity as a nation and the world is singing with us."

One Direction's two albums - Up All Night and Take Me Home - were among the top five for 2012 in terms of global album sales.

In the USA, British acts accounted for one in seven of albums sold in 2012, their biggest share on record.

Adele, One Direction and Mumford & Sons claimed four of the five biggest-selling artist albums in America.

In the UK, British acts represented a 51.9% share of album sales.

Music executives have called on the government to support the UK music industry and its contribution to the economy.

"The time is right for Government to back innovative businesses like music that can lead the economy back to growth," said Geoff Taylor.

Speaking at a reception marking 40 years of the BPI, the Prime Minister David Cameron praised the industry.

"British music is enjoyed across the world and we will keep backing our creative industries that support jobs, create opportunities and contribute to the economy."

Source: BBC

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Review: Ben Valasek and the Growlers – Time Waits For No One

Ben Valasek and the Growlers – Time Waits For No One (Independent)

Ben Valasek describes himself as a veteran of his local Pittsburgh scene, though frankly he doesn’t look old enough for that particular descriptive moniker - although he’s certainly an experienced musician and performer. He’s been involved with various groups including Distinguished Gentlemen, Common Ground and The Awakening Ritual and he’s shared a stage with a long list of well-known bands and artists. In 2010 he released a solo album, “Under The Peach Tree”.

The Growlers, Zach Wolfe, Michael Starr and Ron Leard, bring both accomplished musicianship and an appreciation of the Allman Brothers, Led Zep and the Grateful Dead to the project, and their influence provides a retro ‘70s feel to the recording which is incredibly appealing. Of course, Valasek’s songs provide the album’s core, and words and music mesh perfectly on “Time Waits For No One”, insofar that Valasek understands the value of a sticky chorus and a hook or two. The nine songs collected here lack neither.

They begin with “Walk On the Water”, its stripped intro soon giving way to a chugging rhythm section and a gently picked electric guitar. A midpoint guitar solo shifts the song up a gear and the result is a cracking introduction. It’s followed by the title track, a rumination on the passing of time and “Drinking for One” is an old fashioned country tearjerker given a classic rock makeover – and is that a cello in the background? Towards the end “Three Sides” provides a pristine blues-rock standout that is both languid and vital, and final cut “Count Your Blessings” ends the album on a folk-rock high.

www.benvalasek.com

www.facebook.com/BenValasekAndTheGrowlers

Ben Valasek CD Baby Page

Ben Valasek & The Growlers CD Baby Page

Phil S.

Tonight at The Musician: The Jeffrey Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band

Magic Teapot presents…

The Jeffrey Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band

Wednesday 5^th June

£9adv

plus support

www.thejeffreylewissite.com

www.magic-teapot.co.uk

The Jeffrey Lewis & Peter Stampfel Band hits the UK in May 2013, with a new album in tow!  Songwriter and visual artist Jeffrey Lewis is renowned for his six albums of twisted garage-indie-folk on Rough Trade, while Grammy winner Peter Stampfel now celebrates 50(!) years of making totally off-the-wall folk music, most famously with the Holy Modal Rounders and the Fugs (in addition to being featured on the Easy Rider soundtrack, and more notable albums and collaborations than you’d care to count).

Although forty years apart in age, these two New Yorkers share an obsession with both comic books and songs, as well as a collaborative history that has spawned some of the most unexpected and delightful music of recent years! A tour from this pair (and their full 5-piece band, including Franic of the Wave Pictures on mandolin) is an event not to be missed.

Jeffrey Lewis & Peter Stampfel playing 'Black Leather Swamp Nazi' via YouTube

 "…it’s a gig of equals. They are quite a duo, this mismatched but perfectly compatible pair of New Yorkers." – The Guardian 4/5

Remember; always check with the venue before travelling:

www.themusicianpub.co.uk

Australian singer Yunupingu dies

One of Australia's leading indigenous figures, singer Yunupingu, has died at the age of 56.

The lead singer of Yothu Yindi died at his home in the Northern Territory after suffering from kidney disease.

Yunupingu was a significant cultural figure whose music helped bridge the divide between white and black Australians.

He is also widely credited with introducing indigenous music to the world with the 1990s hit Treaty.

The song, which blends indigenous music and rock, made him a household name.

It also helped win him the Australian of the Year award in 1992, for "building bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people".

"We have lost a uniquely talented musician, a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people and a truly great friend," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said.

Before entering the music industry, Yunupingu was a teacher.

He was the first Aboriginal person from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree and also Australia's first indigenous school principal, taking over as head of the Yirrkala Community School in 1990.

Yothu Yindi toured internationally and released a successful album in 1992, Tribal Voice.

Former Midnight Oil singer Peter Garret, who is now an Australian government minister, described him as a "path breaker and leader. A shining light for his people."

Yunupingu's family asked media outlets not to use pictures of him after his death in accordance with indigenous traditions.

Source: BBC

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Review: Eugene Gallagher – The Bedroom Tapes

Eugene Gallagher – The Bedroom Tapes (Independent)

The origins of the anti-folk movement are to be found in New York City, when songwriters like Lach and Roger Manning decided some sort of rebranding was in order after local folk bookers, still preoccupied by the Greenwich Village scene from two decades before, wouldn’t let them play their post-punk, acoustic songs. Of course, all good things tend to spread, and anti-folk scenes were soon to be found far and wide - which of course is nothing more than a roundabout way of introducing Eugene Gallagher, an anti-folk singer-songwriter from Stratford, Connecticut.

His new album (recorded in various bedrooms – thus the title) won’t be winning any prizes for production, but its back to basics, homegrown approach doesn’t lack charm. Voice and guitar provide most that’s required, and within those confines Gallagher does a sterling job, telling his tales and backing them effectively. In fact, his musicianship is instantly appealing on opening cut “Cry Me a River” – the guitar is raw and unadorned and the rattling percussion might be nothing more that fingernails on a pickguard, but it comes together just fine.

You’ll not have to wait long for further highlights; “Cabinet Killer” brings to mind the first Matt Johnson record – raw, melodic and vaguely unnerving – and “Tomorrows Evident” is both awkward and psychedelic. Gallagher has been self-recording and releasing music since 2005 – mostly under just his first name - so he’s hardly a novice when it comes to getting the sound he wants. That experience tells throughout “The Bedroom Tapes” and fans of early Elliott Smith records, or Lou Barlow, both with Sebadoh and solo, will find a kindred spirit here.

www.theugene.com

www.facebook.com/Eugene-Gallagher

Eugene Gallagher CD Baby Page

Eugene CD Baby Page

Phil S.