Category Archives: Music

Three of my favourite things: Alexis Korner, ale and the blues

Alexis Korner biography

Alexis Korner

The majority of people I speak to don’t know who Alexis Korner is, so I thought I would write about him.

He has been christened ‘a founding father of British Blues‘ and The Rolling Stones amongst many, many, others have him to thank for where they are today. Led Zep probably wouldn’t be here weren’t it for him.

He was instrumental in the influence of the British music scene in the 60s, and was a major factor in bringing together various Blues musicians.

I first came across him on a music documentary but have since read his biography (which I highly recommend). I think he’s a class act.

Enjoy this video, where he’s playing with Steve Marriott, and Nick South…

Ale, another of my favourite things, is also excellent in my mind, as it highlights supporting local businesses, local pubs and brewery and I’d much rather support something like that than mass produced beers. Support your local pubs as they need all the support they can get.

Thirdly, the blues, another of my favourite things. A music genre that can be so diverse and complex yet so simple and beautiful.
You don’t have to be a fan of the blues to like blues music. Nearly every rock and roll band will have been influenced by the blues, and many wouldn’t have existed had it not been for Alexis Korner. Full circle.

As a footnote, I don’t agree with Dryanuary – get out there, and drink some real ale, at a real pub, and watch some live music while you’re at it.

Club 85, in Hitchin, is a great place to do both…

Cheers!

 

Folk on the Pier 2013

Cromer Pier

Cromer Pier – credits www.simplonpc.co.uk

Building on my previous post (England: An ideal Holiday Destination), I thought I’d write a little about this year’s FoTP show in Cromer.

We, as a family, have been visiting Cromer on the North Norfolk coast, for some time. Mum’s friends have a chalet there that we stay in and we’ve had a dog for the last seven years and he loves the beach. It’s ideal for him as he can stay in the chalet too!

Moving on… Cromer pretty much relies on the tourist trade to keep going. It’s predominantly a fishing town, and for 6 months of the year, relies on the tourists and visitors to shows on the pier and around the town to keep it going.

Folk on the Pier has been going for 15 years and is dubbed as ‘the best gig on the North Sea‘.

As taken from the web site it is described as follows:

Folk on the Pier is a highly regarded showcase for the finest folk, rock and folk-rock acts from the UK and beyond.

The event takes place in over three days in May every year but is extremely popular so be sure to book tickets well in advance!

Whilst you’re in town be sure to check out Mary Jane’s Fish Bar and The Cliff Top Cafe

As a fan of good music and folk in particular, I love this event!

To all the musicians no longer with us: Thank You!

Quite a prominent thing really but this blog post started to come about after I was listening to some things, and music by musicians no longer with us, and realised that really everyone owes a lot to these.

For whatever reason, almost certainly after their death, their music will live on. There are many, many, musicians who’re no longer around and who may have played or performed across various genres but together they have influenced and will continue to influence thousands and continue to please millions of fans.

This post is a token of my appreciation.

I guess simply put, I thank you all for the music and for what you did.