‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ is the title of a year-long aural history project documenting the presence and impact of the Irish community in Coventry especially from the 1940s to 1970s. In 1971 there were over 20,000 Irish people living and working in the City. Based on interviews with over 60 Irish residents of the City the project explores the social, economic, political and...
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Two members of Shkayla are ‘playing away’ on 30th April, which UNESCO has designated as International Jazz Day. IJD 2016 is being celebrated in 195 countries all over the world. In the UK this includes a high calibre event in Leamington Spa, where Interplay, the jazz group run by Shkayla’s bassist Adrian Litvinoff, is hosting international guitar star John Etheridge for an...
Read MoreI just caught up with Cerys Matthews’ interview with Donal Gallagher on BBC6Music last Sunday (6th). It’s a lovely interview, with some real insights into Rory Gallagher’s musical development from his obviously loving elder brother. If you’re quick you can still hear the interview on BBC iPlayer Radio, or whatever they call it now. Donal Gallagher on BBC 6Music...
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Si Hayden has been busy in his own right over the last few weeks. His latest solo album ‘The Immutable Acoustic’ has come out and has been winning plaudits. Comprising 9 original tunes and one Vivaldi piece, the album is all played on a steel-string acoustic guitar, amplified with a Seymour-Duncan humbucker! You can enjoy the whole album on Youtube here, or order the CD from Silvery...
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Si Hayden’s new album ‘The Immutable Acoustic’ is already gathering commendations from some discerning people! It features nine original compositions and one piece by Vivaldi, all played live on a steel-strung acoustic guitar. Here are some of the things that people have said about Si since the album’s release “Very tasteful guitar playing indeed! Nice one Si...
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Just treated myself to this little beauty: a Roland FA 06. Well, you need a treat now and again. I’m hoping to include this in my live set up with Shkayla real soon….there’s just the problem of going through the 2000 sounds on board first, and choosing the ones that are appropriate to our music. The good thing for me about a new keyboard is it just helps with creating new song...
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