OPENING SCENE new solo album from Richard E.

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Richard E is an American (L.A.) based composer/producer for recording artist Annabel (lee). In November 2023 he talked about being brought up in North East England and watching bands at Newcastle City Hall.

“I still miss the people, pubs and beautiful countryside of the North East!” said Richard (link to interview below).

He also talked about his solo album featuring David J, founding member and bassist with UK post-punk masters Bauhaus. David J appears on four songs including stand out track Satellite Night “he got the vibe spot on” and Mike Garson (David Bowie’s pianist) on The Great Showing.

If you haven’t heard Bauhaus why not tune in to feel the apocalyptic power of ‘In the Flat Field’ with vocalist Pete Murphy spitting lyrics like Leonard Cohen on speed.

I first heard Bauhaus in 1984 after loaning their album from the sound and vision department of my local library. From that day on music tastes entered a dark and enigmatic phase, but let’s get back to the solo album Richard released in 2023….


“Opening Scene’ in the cinematic/theatrical sense felt right for the title of my first solo album, where I begin to tell my own story. The phrase also conjures up the idea of a society that is becoming wiser and more enlightened” explained Richard.

After the release a number of positive reviews from mags and webzines dropped into Richard’s inbox….

“It’s doing quite well, I just found out the album has entered the NACC (North American College & Community Radio) Top 200 Chart at #164!” added Richard.

Echoes and Dust said “Richard E comes up with nine coherent, fluid musical pieces that have so much to offer. Eventually, with Opening Scene Richard E created an album that promises so much more to come.”  

This from RocDaFuqOut… “Through his post-punk roots and contemporary sounds and influences, Richard E has created his own masterfully introspective pandemic record. A seamless and effortlessly fluid record that blends rock, post punk, electronica, and psychedelic influences into one harmonious whole.”  

First single ‘To the Moon’ put a shine on the album.

Click Roll Boom said…“Psychedelic and transfixing, ‘To the Moon’ immerses the listener in a dreamy, hypnotic soundscape. A truly mesmerizing auditory journey, featuring soft, gentle guitars, subtly percussive drums, well-placed keys that add a sparkling touch, and occasional electrifying, yet still tranquil, moments”

Pan M 360 said…“The track feels a bit like the more exploratory work of The Beatles but under a more new wave lens. A love letter to chilled-out psychedelia”.

Richard added…“I hope the album creates enough interest for the live band to be booked for some serious gigs. I’m really looking forward to presenting the songs live! I’ve got an amazing group of musicians on board, including guitarist Eric Klerks from the Captain Beefheart Magic Band, and jazz guitarist Jon Dalton, who started out playing rock music”. 

For further info contact >

https://furtherout.bandcamp.com/album/opening-scene

‘Opening Scene’ album stream and buy links > https://kud.li/FUR017

interview from November 2023 >

TO THE MOON with L.A. composer/producer Richard E | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

Alikivi   February 2024

HOME GROWN with Newcastle songwriter Bill Dodds

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Bill Dodds (pic. Sean O’Driscoll)

Hard working Bill spent 34 years as a railway driver and 20 years on Newcastle City Council. Being a keen cyclist, he is one of the few people to have completed an around the world bike ride.

“The highlight had to be the scenery in the Rocky Mountains, USA, the geysers, hot pools and volcanic activity in Yellowstone Park. I followed the Rockies for over 1,000 miles through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon with much of this being wilderness area”.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 Bill took solace in the music he loved. He attended songwriting workshops with artists he had been a fan of such as Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mary Gauthier, Gretchen Peters and Dan Whitehouse. When folk clubs opened back up after lockdown Bill stepped out to perform.

“I really enjoy playing local folk clubs where audiences are always attentive and often sing along. My favourite folk club is The Bridge Hotel in Newcastle which is the longest running folk club in England on the same premises. They’re a great crowd”.

Encouraged by this warm welcome, he spent 2023 honing his work with producer Dan Whitehouse and then recorded his debut album. ‘Closer’ is a delicate collection of heartwarming folk songs that tell political and historical stories as well as tales of love and loss.

“We recorded all the foundation tracks of vocals and guitars live in my living room in Gosforth”.

As well as producing Bill’s debut album, Dan also played lead guitar and added backing vocals plus several of Bill’s friends and family contributed to this intimate collection of songs.

French speaking Christine Durand reads poetry, Kathy Wesolowsk lends operatic vocals, Bill’s grand-daughter Chloe Weston is the lead voice on a song written by Bill on a songwriting retreat lead by Gretchen Peters and Mary Gauthier.

The recordings were shared with Gustaf Lljunggren (John Grant/Eddi Reader) who added Pedal Steel, Accordion and Rhodes Electric Piano from his Copenhagen studio.

“Dan Whitehouse had worked with Gustaf before. He introduced me to Gustaf’s music and once I heard him, I knew that he was the musician I wanted to have playing on a number of my songs”.

“Gustaf is experienced in working remotely – adding delicate overdubs, without overcrowding the musical landscape of my record”.

Cover art by Ruth Bond.

Next stop on the album’s journey was London…

“I’d a longing to add strings to ‘Fools and Princes’ – with it being based on Romeo and Juliet, I had a vision of a romantic string arrangement being effective, Dan suggested Alison D’Souza (The Little Unsaid) in London as he’d worked with her previously and what she played really brought my dream into reality”.

“Harriet Harkcom’s voice I knew from Dan’s own releases as she has sung on most of his albums, I was pleased when she accepted my invitation to sing on ‘Goodnight Vin’. I’d like to think if Vin was around he would love her voice on this song too”.

With recording completed, final mixing and mastering of the album was by John Elliott.

“My hopes for the album are that it will allow me to reach a wider audience, commercial success has never been my main aim. Like any other singer-songwriter I just love sharing my songs with people”.

For the near future Bill has no plans to tour the album…

“I sing in local folk clubs twice a week and I’m happy being involved in this local musical community. I prefer small intimate venues packed with friends and other singers”.


The album is available to order now on CD and digital via bandcamp >

https://billdodds.bandcamp.com/album/closer

March 15th is the release date for Spotify /Apple / Amazon.

Contact Bill on his facebook artist page >

https://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Dodds-Music/61555902894513

Alikivi   February 2024

LOOKING FOR LIZZY – Search on for Guardian demo tapes info.

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An interesting message has been sent in by Douglas Sharp from Hanover in the north of Germany…

“I have a demo tape with the song ‘Doot Doot’ recorded by the band Freur at Guardian studios in 1983 for Tyne Tees TV. Producer and Engineer T. Gav. 15ips master with the note RESTRICTED”.

“Do you know anything about the session? It would be interesting to find out more about the demo tape”.

Douglas Sharp was born in 1952 in Leeds, Yorkshire, and started out as a trainee geophysicist for a German company in London in 1972 when the North Sea oil boom was in full swing. He moved back with them to their German headquarters in Hanover in July 1974.


“The firm closed down in 2004, after that I decided to start up my own translation business here, which is still going strong”.

Guardian Studio was based in the Durham village Pity Me, and features heavily on this site. In the 80s cult NWOBHM compilation album Roksnax was recorded there along with a host of North East bands including Spartan Warrior, Mythra, Hollow Ground, Saracen, Battleaxe, Toy Dolls and Satan.

Tygers of Pan Tang recorded demo tapes for their record company MCA, plus ‘The Audition Tapes’ with guitarist John Sykes and vocalist Jon Deverill.

Where did you come across the Guardian tape?
“It was sometime around the late 90s when I found it in a skip just down the road from Tyne Tees TV – along with a Thin Lizzy demo – while I was on holiday in Cullercoats where my sister used to live. I hope no one accuses me of nicking them!” explained Douglas.

Have you found any info on the Lizzy tape?
“The tape was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London, and is now in the hands of the Thin Lizzy fan club in Oswestry. They are trying to find someone with a reel-to-reel tape deck to play it on and discover whether it’s a “legendary lost recording!”

Douglas added “My sister worked as a researcher at Tyne Tees TV, her boyfriend was a film maker, Derek Smith, I helped him out with the German end of researching and translating bits and pieces for one of his films about artists interned on the Isle of Man 1940. It won RTS best documentary award 1990”.

The research sounds interesting…

“To be honest – I love it! Derek asked me to see what I could find out about the exiled Germans, so I started trawling all the sources I could find here. He said he was going to mention me by name in the credits, but maybe he forgot!

Any other projects that you are working on?
“Together with a retired miner and dowser from Huddersfield, I worked for a couple of years on finding locations of all the former fireclay and coal mines, pits and shafts in the West Riding of Yorkshire and turned the data into a map, which has since been shown during presentations at places like the National Coal Mining Museum”.

“In the same vein I’m currently helping a YouTuber in the Leeds area who’s working on the history of a no longer existent late 19th early 20th century mineral railway in the village of New Farnley, near Leeds, where I was born. Digging out old photos, maps – including my own and family histories”.

“But yeah It would be interesting to find out about the Tyne Tees demo tapes. I’ll get back to you if I hear anything new”.

If you have any info on the tapes leave a message on here or drop a line to garyalikivi@yahoo.com and I’ll pass it on to Douglas.

Alikivi   February 2024

LIVE BLOOD – New album from Tygers of Pan Tang

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First rumble of thunder out of Whitley Bay was way back when their first single was recorded at the legendary Neat records in Wallsend. Now after nearly half a century the NWOBHM flag bearers Tygers of Pan Tang are not ready to throw the towel in just yet as they prepare to unleash a live album.

Vocalist Jack Meille explained “Recording a live album after all this time? I never thought I would experience it but with the Tygers I have learnt that the impossible is possible. ‘Live Blood’ captures all the energy we deliver while playing our favourite songs live and raw!” 

Recorded in summer 2023 at The Patriot in Wales, with guitarist Robb Weir, vocalist Jack Meille, drummer Craig Ellis, guitarist Francesco Marras and bass player Huw Holding, the set includes Euthanasia, Love Don’t Stay, Paris By Air and Love Potion No.9 from their first albums plus Edge of the World, Fire on the Horizon and A New Heartbeat from the latest album ‘Bloodlines’.

‘Live Blood’ will be released on April 26th 2024 via Mighty Music. The double LP includes three exclusive bonus tracks, it’s also available on CD and digital formats. Pre-orders and full track listing are available here.

Robb Weir added “Every time we play a show we’re asked when are we going to record a new live album. Our live show adds a new dimension to the old songs and allows us to stretch out a bit on the newer numbers”. 

The album will be preceded by two singles – the live favourite Gangland from their legendary album ‘Spellbound’ and Keeping Me Alive from ‘Ambush’.

For more info > 

Tygers Of Pan Tang – TargetShop

or check the official website >  

Tygers Of Pan Tang – The Official Site

Alikivi    February 2024

WOR BELLA HITS LONDON – the incredible story of heroic North East women footballers during WW1.

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Catherine Dryden as ‘Wor Bella’.

Wor Bella, a tribute to the heroic North East women who played football during World War 1 is transferring to London. The play will be staged at the Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham, before coming back up North to the prestigious 1200-seat Newcastle Theatre Royal in April. The play features a to-camera cameo by former Newcastle United footballer Alan Shearer.

Wor Bella is named after the show’s lead character Bella Reay who played centre forward for Blyth Spartans Ladies and scored 33 goals in 30 matches. She was the “Alan Shearer of her day”.

Wor Bella will star Catherine Dryden, who is currently performing with Jimmy Nail at Newcastle’s Live Theatre. Catherine, who hails from Chester le Street, is a RADA graduate and has toured number one venues nationally with The Pitman Painters and The Play That Goes Wrong.

Catherine explained “The play is a tribute to the million-plus women who stepped into exhausting and dangerous industrial work when men were conscripted in 1916”.

“They were selfless people who not only saved the war effort but raised money to support injured soldiers, widows, orphans and other charities by playing football.”

She continued “Factory teams of munitionettes formed on Teesside, County Durham, Wearside, Tyneside and Northumberland to raise money for wartime charities. I’m delighted to be playing “Wor Bella.” 

It was an incredible time for women’s football, Blyth Spartans Ladies played Bolcklow Vaughan (Middlesbrough) in front of 18,000 people at the inaugural 1918 Munitionettes Cup final at St James’ Park, Newcastle, and later 22,000 at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough.

“Unfortunately, the FA scandalously banned women’s football in December 1921. It wasn’t unbanned until 1971!” added Catherine.

Written by Ed Waugh, (Dirty Dusting, Waiting For Gateaux and Alf Ramsay Knew My Grandfather – all co-written with Trevor Wood and the self-penned Hadaway Harry).

Ed added “We’ve had tremendous support for our talks from the likes of history societies, WI’s, U3As, libraries, football clubs and cultural groups. The response has been incredible.”

The play toured the North East in 2022 and received a number of reviews….
“A rollercoaster ride of laughter and euphoria to sadness and anger… mesmerising” said The Journal.
 

Kyle Crook, Blyth Phoenix Theatre Operational Manager, added “Rave reviews with both staff and customers. A must see!” and Katy Taylor, Artistic Director at Hexham Queen’s Hall Arts Centre “Brilliant…went down a storm with the audience”.

Any groups interested in hearing a talk are asked to contact Ed via the official website > http://www.worbella.co.uk

For Theatre Royal tickets google > ‘Theatre Royal Wor Bella’ for London tickets visit > www.worbella.co.uk

Alikivi   February 2024

BLOOD TIES for the GODFATHERS OF THRASH – RAVEN

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After 50 years in the business what gets you up in the morning?

It’s in our blood. We love being on the road and the whole process. But it’s really all about those few hours on stage. We may have been doing this for 50 years but believe me, it never gets old and we never take it for granted. We are incredibly lucky and humbled by the fact that we get the opportunity to go out and play our music all over the world! …explained Chief headbanger John Gallagher (bass & vocals)

Released in June 2023 All Hell’s Breaking Loose is Raven’s latest and 15th album.

The new album has been received incredibly well, possibly the best reviews ever and the fan reaction has been equally manic!

This year the trio are preparing for a road assault on the USA and Europe. Sharing the UK bill are Girlschool, that will bring back memories from 1982 when Raven opened?

Yeah looking forward to the UK dates in February. It’s a triple headliner with Girlschool and Alcatrazz so that’s gonna be fun as we are all mates and of course we’ve toured with Girlschool a few times!

What songs are on the set list – any surprises?

We are slotting in more new songs as we go and hope to add at least one or two oldies that we’ve either rarely or never done live too.

Are there any venues/cities that you haven’t played before?

We’ll hit the usual stomping grounds of Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, London, Birmingham and Southampton – which I think we only did once before in 1982 which was with Girlschool!

Following that is the US tour in March through to May which will be a stormer and Japan at the end of May followed by a brace of Euro festivals!

Check the official website for albums, merch & tour dates >

https://ravenlunatics.com/

Alikivi    January 2024

THE CASINO ROYALE COLLECTION with former Greedsville songwriter & guitarist Clive Jackson.

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Back In September 2023 Ged Cook from Newcastle was looking to track down Greedsville to discuss re-releasing their 1994 album. His idea was to make it available on digital platforms as originally it was only out on CD.

Steve Wallace, (guitarist, For Gods Sake/Penetration) heard about this and knew the Greedsville lead singer Peter Turner so put him in touch with Ged explained Clive.

(Clive talked to this site last June about Greedsville).

A SLICE OF LIFE in conversation with ex Greedsville songwriter & guitarist Clive Jackson. | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

Clive added…Ged is involved with Demolition Records which has links to Sony Music. He is the brother of the late Eric Cook, who along with Tony Bray signed both For God’s Sake and Greedsville to the Bleeding Hearts label in the 1990’s.

What started it all off was when Ged discovered a box full of Eric’s DAT Master tapes of band’s that were on the Bleeding Hearts label. Initial contact was made between Ged and Peter then the rest of Greedsville to see if we were all o.k. about its release. Everyone was fine about it and the album was released on all major platforms in December 2023.

Why do you think Ged was interested in re-releasing the album?

Knowing that it had never reached an audience in the digital era he was aware you could only buy a second hand CD  online and thought it was too good an album to not get out there.

Luckily, the original DAT Master Tape had not deteriorated and a straight transfer to online, digital formats took place.

Although not ‘remastered’ the original album was mastered to such a high quality at Trinity Heights studios by producer Fred Purser and Andy Carpenter (bassist, Greedsville) there were no sound quality issues.

What did you think when you first heard Ged’s plans?

Along with the rest of the band I was very surprised at hearing about Ged’s interest, its 30 years since anything has happened. 

I think discovering and listening to Eric’s recording archive motivated him and he felt that it deserved a worldwide, streaming/download accessibility.

What are your hopes for the re-release –  getting the band back together?

Although the band as a whole are pleased that it’s available on all major platforms now, it doesn’t have a promotion or marketing strategy attached to it. This means it’s a distribution situation only, the numbers regarding streams and downloads are a key issue. 

To be brutally honest at present, there is no real desire or incentive for the band to reform in any capacity – but who knows what the future might hold!

The Casino Royale Collection > https://open.spotify.com/album/0EvzQ7Xw0mB0JT3XJYuqWB?si=mdxXvIVdQPOjO5enYReyag&nd=1&dlsi=43907d992ea04fd8

Alikivi    January 2024

HIDE – new album release from Amateur Ornithologist

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North East prog popsters Amateur Ornithologist release new album Hide on 19th January 2024, with the single Time To Talk out on Friday 12th Jan.

Amateur Ornithologist are a weird pop group. Starting as Daniel Clifford’s solo project, AO has grown to perform as anything from a five-piece to an octet. Due to their adventurous approach to densely-layered, harmony-filled pop the band have earned comparisons to Talking Heads, The Beach Boys and local heroes Field Music

Fusing pop, orchestral, jazz and rock influences to create a grand melodic sound, the band have found a home for their unique musical expressions.

The band have featured on the cover of NARC Magazine, sold-out live shows, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Radio Wigwam and a host of radio stations.

Hide reveals ten adventurous songs they’ve crafted creating an album that’s “widescreen” and “richly melodic” (NARC Magazine) with “lush and varied instrumentation” (Dirge).

First single, If It Looks Like Magic, is a slice of gothic post-punk about the Cottingley Fairies and received airplay from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Follow-up The Word is Love deals with deceivingly simple matters of the heart to an acoustic Latin backdrop. Third single Time To Talk (12th Jan) charts the difficulties of modern communication, reflected in sharp key and time changes, jerky rhythms and squealing sax.

Hide also features collaborations with musicians from across the North East scene. A Hidden Path, Hide and When They Fall feature cello by Marianne Kell (Belle Skies) and violins by Patrick Lawrence (Detroit Tourist Board). Drums were recorded by youngster Harrison Mitchell (The Strands), with rhythm guitar, percussion and backing vocals by regular collaborator Georgia Foster Adams.

AO’s successful crowdfunding campaign saw the band offer handmade crochet birds and avian Lino-prints in return for the money needed to make and release Hide.

In his South Shields studio, Harbourmaster co-produced the album with lead songwriter Daniel Clifford during summer 2023. Gravel footsteps, handclaps and percussion were recorded for a number of tracks by Crowdfunder supporters, who were treated to cups of tea and biscuits with the band as they worked.

Amateur Ornithologist release Hide on 19th January across all major digital platforms, and on limited edition cassette and CD from the AO Bandcamp. They play a sold out show at The Globe, Newcastle, on the same day with Marc Bird and This Little Bird.

AO line up > Daniel Clifford – vocals, Liam Slack – keys & vocals, Maddie Smyth – viola & vocals, Chris Perriman – bass, Louis Young – guitar, Rob Bailey – saxophones, Theo Nolan – drums, Giovanni Onofri – guitar.

Link to interview in May 2021 with songwriter Daniel Clifford talking about the release of the debut album by Amateur Ornithologist >

BIRDWATCHING with singer & songwriter Amateur Ornithologist | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

Alikivi   January 2024.

500 NOT OUT

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The end of 2023 is nearly upon us as I post the last blog of the year and coincidentally the 500th since starting in 2017. As well as wishing a great Christmas and New Year it’s a BIG thanks to everyone who took the time out to add their story to the site and all the readers around the world who have made it a success.

I’d also like to mention the recent plaque awarded to The Tube placed on Newcastle’s City Road where the Tyne Tees TV studio used to be. Many North East musicians were inspired by the live music show, Toy Dolls, Kane Gang, Tygers of Pan Tang and Dance Class to name a few got to play live. Plus behind the scenes some of the production staff were Geordies adding an extra Tyneside flavour to the programme.

The influence that The Tube had on me and many other people in the North East can’t be underestimated, so we give a salute to the ground breaking, never to be forgotten, legendary Tube and all who sailed in her.

Finally to close the book on this year it’s over and out from me with al’ the best for 2024!

Alikivi   December 2023.

MUSIC FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

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A handful of releases this year by North East bands include the Godfathers of Thrash, Raven, who unchained their latest album All Hell’s Breaking Loose, John Gallagher (bass/vocals) explained…

”We released the album on 30th June and are really proud of the way this one came out and came together. Basically between the three of us we did everything except the mix. Wrote, arranged, performed, produced and Mike recorded it! We’re looking forward to playing a lot more of the songs live starting in Blighty in February”.

Go to> All Hell’s Breaking Loose by Raven: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

Punk band The Fauves put out Resistance 22, Bri (bass) said…

”Since our album ‘Resistance 22’ was released on 1st July 2023 we’ve had some fantastic reviews. We sold out the first batch of CDs in the first two months, selling them in the UK and abroad. We’ve also released a live album recorded at The Bunker in March this year”.

Go to> https://thefauves1.bandcamp.com/

Durham duo Lowefeye released Northern Crown in October. Songwriter & vocalist Carol Nichol explained…

“I suppose it’s a celebration of the working class featuring the great kitchen sink actor Albert Finney. There is grit in some tracks but there is always the cinematic feel and storytelling all done DIY”.

Go to>  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lowfeye1/northern-crown-2

Memphis Calling is the latest release (27 October) from R&B singer & songwriter Emma Wilson.

“From Teesside I travelled to Memphis, got into a cab and asked to go to 639 Madison Avenue…the home of the iconic ‘Sam Phillips Recording Studios” explained Emma.

“The great Sam Phillips built the studio in 1960. I was invited to record my album there and it truly was a magical experience”.

“Memphis influenced this album, the musicians of the HI Rhythm Section, the producer – Scott Bomar, the wonderful STAX console. I was the English girl obsessed with Rhythm & Blues music who got to sing there and make a beautiful record. I hope you enjoy listening to it” .

Go to>  https://propermusic.com/products/emmawilson-memphiscalling (Best for UK or Europe)

https://selectohits.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=38220&fbclid=IwAR2i0KjWX4AYG5DbgBwCoZgGEQlbI2pQ5YKmAL3YJWfG5-klj103RjfOsoo (Best for USA)

Downloads here>

https://EmmaWilson.lnk.to/MemphisCallingFB

Mythra released Temples of Madness on Classic Metal Records in April. John Roach (guitarist) explained…

“The album was written and recorded pre-pandemic so mixing and mastering was delayed due to Covid lockdowns in 2020, but strangely relevant to today. After recommendation from Satan guitarist Russ Tippin, who we shared stages with, it was finally mixed by David Curle at First Avenue Studio in Newcastle”.

“Also available is a limited number of 500 numbered copies of a double CD album of ‘Death & Destiny’ and a live recording of our reunion gig at Brofest 2015”.

Go to>  www.mythra.bigcartel.com

Alikivi   November 2023