Mature Times - Music, CD and Film Reviews

"I love you' - celebrating the gentle piano music of John Grace

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:24:55 +0100

In a world of increasing cacophony, John’s Grace's latest album of charming, gentle piano music will be a source of real balm and pleasure for all those over fifty. Called "I Love You", it includes live recordings, a terrific range of melodies and well-known ballads, and his own compositions such as ‘I Love You’. But whatever the song, his passion and expertise shine through.

The nation's favourite love films revealed!

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:49:31 +0000

As couples up and down the country make romantic plans for Valentine's Day, research commissioned by over 50s insurer, RIAS, has revealed the nation's favourite love films.

Fruitful offering from Lizz Wright

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:04:22 +0000

The third album from the New York based singer-songwriter Lizz Wright is a mix of self-penned numbers and her own interpretations of classic songs.

Rewind for Donny - “From Donny with Love”

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:18:31 +0000

There’s a whole generation of people out there for whom Donny Osmond was essential listening, as well as essential covering for their bedroom walls. Now aged 50, he has re-recorded some of his biggest hits as well as a selection of new treatments of classic songs.

The Spirit of the Glen

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:25:30 +0000

Like them or hate them, bagpipes have a long history, were used in ancient Egypt and were the instrument of the Roman Infantry, but the highlanders of Scotland have since made them their own, forming the first pipe and drum band in the mid 19th century.

Voices of the Valley -Encore!

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:02:04 +0000

The Welsh Male Voice Choir tradition is loved and respected the world over and despite the demise of the mining industry in the Welsh Valleys, it is thriving throughout the Principality. One of the best – The Fron Male Voice Choir is celebrating its 60th year and has just released their latest CD.

Breakin' it up, breakin' it down

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:26:26 +0100

Any recording by Muddy Waters is an essential part of every blues lover’s collection, but “Breakin’ It Up, Breakin’ It Down” is something very special indeed. Not only does Muddy have some of the very finest blues players supporting him, but this album is from a 1977 concert that has never before been released.

Dean Friedman's "Real American Folk", BBC Radio Scotland

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:38:43 +0100

As the legendary Dean Friedman starts his 25 city tour, those left at home can catch him on the new six-part radio series for BBC Radio Scotland, called "Dean Friedman's Real American Folk" which begins airing this Thursday evening at 8:00pm for once a week, until August 9th. And if you don't happen to live in Scotland, you can still hear the show online on BBC Radio Scotland's website. Each week's show can be heard for a full week following its initial broadcast.

Says Friedman: "I invite everyone to check it out. This was my first time on the other side of the microphone. It was a fun new experience and I had a great time putting it together. It's full of great music and more and I think you'll all enjoy it. Thanks to all the terrific artists involved - New Middle Class, Dan Pelletier, Motherlode, Lach, Christine Lavin plus many more - for lending a hand and turning it into such a cool show!"

Yusuf Islam - back on song

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:18:41 +0100

After several decades of self-imposed exile, one of the most influential singer songwriters of the 60s and 70s has shyly made his way back into the spotlight. Cat Stevens, now Yusuf Islam, is back thrilling audiences with new as well as old material, and you can catch him singing live on a brand new DVD.

Perfect jazz festival fare - Abram Wilson's new album

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:18:31 +0100

Abram Wilson. new Orlean's award-winning son, has brought together an explosive ten-piece line-up of three bands in one - Delta Blues Trio, Londorleans Brass Band, and the Abram Wilson Sextet - to create one of the most exciting shows and albums in jazz today.

Discovering the real Beatrix Potter

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:50:27 +0000

Many a childhood has been enriched by the enchanting words and illustrations of Beatrix Potter, but relatively few would have known about the struggles and loneliness that lay behind such creativity. A new film looks set to shed new light on her life - and be one of the box office successes of 2007.

Listen to the Golden Age of Elektra

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:53:51 +0000

Forever Changing: The Golden Age Of Elektra Records - 1963 to 1973 is a 5 CD set that focuses on the heyday of the Elektra label as it made a transition from folk music to folk rock before fully embracing electric rock.

It opens with early folk artists such as Judy Collins, Fred Neil and Phil Ochs and follows the gradual impact of electric music with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and key signings including Love, The Doors and the unique Tim Buckley.

English National Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 09:21:50 +0000

The ENO's new production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is the last major event in a host of celebrations in London to mark his 250th Birthday, and certainly takes a fresh approach to this comic treasure.

John Peel: a fitting tribute

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:03:48 +0000

Two years after his untimely death, Universal Music Catalogue have celebrated the life of a remarkable man by releasing an extraordinary series of albums from their key artists performing some of the most legendary Peel Sessions.

Sunshine 70s; the Perfect Soundtrack to the Summer

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 14:25:17 +0100

Summer! The sound of lawn mowers, the smell of barbecues, queues on the M5... and music. It's time to dust off the 70s.