News

A Star is Born Warner Bros. Pictures ***** Silence is a very powerful thing. The way that ‘A Star is Born’ comes to a close, with a silent final scene, will be one of the most harrowing and moving scenes displayed on a cinema screen this year. Silence is also in complete contrast to the rest of the film, which represents a musical masterpiece led by Bradley Cooper as lead character Jackson Maine, and the excellent Lady Gaga as Ally. There was a lot of talk of this film being Oscar worthy by critics, and it’s very easy to see why that is the case. It will almost certainly be nominated for the likes of Best Original Song, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Cooper could get nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role. It’s also very possible that Gaga could be nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, such was the brilliance in their performance. Those thinking that the film is just a straight up love story are very mistaken, as the film contains a sinister edge that ranges from Maine’s growing alcohol addiction, to the way the story pans out, which adds a very dark and emotional element. The trail of destruction left by Maine’s alcoholism will strike a chord with pretty much anyone, and once the realisation hits, it’s such a compelling and gut-wrenching moment that is captured perfectly. Cooper sought help from Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder before taking on ‘A Star is Born’, and what strikes you the most is Cooper’s ability to sing – it’s to the point that you very easily forget it’s an actor singing these songs, and it gives the film a very authentic feel. For a film about music, it was critical that the use of music in the film was spot on – and indeed, it was. Lukas Nelson and Gaga played a big part in the soundtrack, with Nelson and his band – The Promise of the Real – making up Maine’s band in the film, but the timing of the tracks is genius. As an example, the use of LCD Soundsystem’s New York I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down when Ally finds out a remarkable piece of news is sublime on every level imaginable, and the original songs that are used in the film – namely the huge duets between Maine and Ally, or when Ally has the piano at her disposal – are excellent, and are testament to the staggering levels of musical ability that Nelson and Gaga have. Some elements seem a bit farfetched – for example, Ally’s songs seem to cover just about every genre imaginable and are all wedged into one setlist – but by and large, this is an exceptionally well written and directed film, and is so good that you can look past the small bits you may question. Just bring some tissues if you’re prone to crying at films – you’ll need them if so, especially when the silence hits.

Grammy nominated artist Beth Hart will release her Royal Albert Hall gig from the 4th May 2018 as a live album on Blu-Ray, DVD, LP, CD, and digitally on the 30th November. You can see a trailer below: The 46-year-old performed a two-hour set in front of a sell out crowd at one of London’s most prestigious venues, and the performance was of such quality and importance that the singer has opted to release it as a live album. Earlier this year, Hart released a covers album – titled ‘Black Coffee – with blues icon Joe Bonamassa, which was met with universal acclaim. Hart is currently on the road and will be performing at Bluesfest on the 27th October with the Zac Brown Band at London’s O2 Arena, before heading to the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain to conclude her tour. Track Listing 1 As Long As I Have A Song 2 For My Friends 3 Lifts You Up 4 Close To My Fire 5 Bang Bang Boom Boom 6 Good As It Gets 7 Spirit Of God 8 Baddest Blues 9 Sister Heroine 10 Baby Shot Me Down 11 Waterfalls 12 Your Heart Is As Black As Night 13 Saved 14 The Ugliest House On The Block 15 Spiders In My Bed 16 Take It Easy On Me 17 Leave The Light On 18 Mama This One’s For You 19 My California 20 Trouble 21 Love Is A Lie 22 Picture In A Frame 23 Caught Out In The Rain

Grammy winning singer/songwriter, John Berry, has been included on the new release of “Country Faith Christmas Vol. 2” by Country Faith. The CD features top country music artists including Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr, Darius Rucker and more. Distributed through Curb/Word Entertainment, the album is available now through digital retailers, including Apple Music and Amazon here.  Country Faith Christmas Vol. 2 will be sold exclusively in Cracker Barrel stores and is one of only four featured Christmas releases at Cracker Barrel’s over 600 stores, which are located across the U.S. “I am beyond excited to have a song on the Country Faith Christmas project,” said John Berry. “Christmas is the most special time of year and I believe Do Not Be Afraid is a perfect song for celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” “I have been a big fan of John Berry since I first heard that amazing voice more than two decades ago. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing him and learning that the man behind that voice is just as impressive off stage in the character he displays and his compassion towards people,” said Deborah Evans Price. “His Christmas collection is one of my all-time favorite holiday albums and I’m so thrilled that  Do Not Be Afraid is featured on ‘Country Faith Christmas, Vol. 2.’” The new holiday release follows the original Country Faith Christmas album, which was released in October 2013. Following its release, the album became the #1 CD Pick in People Country and was featured in Parade magazine as well as many other national publications, including Billboard, Country Weekly and more. Additionally, Country Faith Christmas debuted in the Top 10 on Apple Music’s Top Country Album Chart. The Country Faith series was originally inspired by the popular books, Country Faith and Country Faith Christmas, written by Nashville-based journalist, Deborah Evans Price. Price is a Country Music Association award-winning author, as well as a freelance writer for Billboard, Sounds Like Nashville, First for Women, Redbook and Woman’s World. Country Faith Christmas Vol. 2 Track Listing: 1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Carrie Underwood 2. There’s A New Kid In Town – Chris Young (feat. Alan Jackson) 3. Do Not Be Afraid – John Berry 4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Kelsea Ballerini 5. Little Drummer Boy – Hank Williams Jr. 6. What Child Is This – Phil Vassar 7. Mary, Did You Know? – Dylan Scott 8. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Liddy Clark 9. Let’s Make A Baby King – Wynonna 10. A Soldier’s King – Kenny Rogers 11. Christmas Eve In Bethlehem – Hannah Kerr 12. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Rodney Atkins 13. What God Wants For Christmas – Darius Rucker 14. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee 15. Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year – The Bellamy Brothers 16.The Christmas Story From The Book Of Luke (Luke 2:1-11) – Charlie Daniels

Sugarland singer, Jennifer Nettles will be one of the cast members of an upcoming feature film about the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The film will be titled ‘Harriet’ and according to a statement announcing the project, the feature “follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil war adversity.” In addition to Nettles, the cast will include Tony award winner Cynthia Erivo who will star as Tubman. Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Clarke Peters have also been announced as part of the cast although their specific roles have yet to be confirmed. The film will be directed by award-winning Eve’s Bayou Director, Kasi Lemmons and is based on a screenplay she co-wrote with Gregory Allen Howard, the screenwriter behind Ali and Remember The Titans. “This is the story of a seemingly powerless woman who accomplished the extraordinary to save her loved ones, and in the process became a leader of and inspiration for her people,” Chase and Lundberg state. “While Harriet Tubman is a household name, most people don’t know the breadth of her story — not only was she a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but she was a spy for the Union army and remains one of the few women to have led an armed expedition in U.S. history.” “Tubman’s courageous life and the scope of her bravery is truly made to be told on the big screen. The countless lives she saved, during a time of such hatred and danger to herself, can be described only as heroic,” Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski adds. “We’re thrilled to be working with this incredibly talented group of filmmakers led by Kasi, Debra, Daniela, and Greg and this multi-talented group of actors in bringing Tubman’s life to film.”

Following the success of February’s event, which featured a live performance Megan O’Neill, the popular country club night will return for their fourth event with special live guest Canaan Cox as part of his UK tour on 28th September at Under The Bridge. Nashville Nights was born when a small group of country fanatics realised the UK lacked an opportunity for all fans of the genre to come together, socialise and dance the night away with likeminded people.  The event was an immediate success with sellout crowds flocking to the venue to enjoy 6 hours of authentic country alongside unique live performances and DJs until 2am. Canaan Cox is a manifestation of the phrase “hard work pays off.” With a “rules are meant to be broken” attitude, this NC bred country star has taken Nashville by storm. Having only come to the spotlight little over a year, he’s made more waves than even he thought were possible. Under The Bridge is a uniquely stylish West London music venue, purpose-built with the highest attention to detail, featuring stunning state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

“Many can relate to being infatuated with meeting someone or achieving something,” muses award winning Canadian singer/songwriter Christina Martin in the wake of her latest video, “Impossible To Hold” — which you can watch below. “I always daydreamed over meeting the great makers of the music I loved: Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Annie Lennox or Tom Petty. What I know about great art is it allows us to feel a closeness and connection that transcends the need to physically hold onto someone or something.”    Infatuation was the impetus for a powerful single that became the title track of her sixth studio release of the same name, out earlier this spring. “I had written 80% of “Impossible To Hold” with my head stuck in the clouds, and then took a break from the song,” she explains. “While touring in the UK, I attended a Carole King performance in Hyde Park in London. At the age of 75, she performed her most cherished songs with an undeniable passion and excellence. The experience reminded me of the power that music has to affect people so profoundly.”  Leaving the park that night meant leaving this song’s unfinished status behind. Within a week, the final sprint of lyrics were penned and polished. “This song evolved to be a kind of tribute to the iconic singer/songwriters that made me want to excel at performing.”  In a full-circle moment, the East Coast-raised Canadian found herself once again on tour in the UK, and once again in the audience at Hyde Park — this time for Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.   The performance proved poignant for many reasons. “Dale and I flew home and finished recording the album,” she says of the experience with her guitarist and producer, Dale Murray. “Soon after, the tragic news hit that Tom Petty had died. It felt like a mistake.  When I sing the song on stage now, I think of the impact his concert had on me and the people he reached with his music. It makes me want to make music that matters”  “Impossible To Hold” is the newest single off Christina Martin’s sixth studio album of the same name. Impossible To Hold was released in 2018 via Come Undone Records. 

South-East London may not immediately spring to mind as a cradle of UK country music, but a new monthly event is hoping to change that.   The inaugural Americanarama Southside kicks off at The Brunel pub in Rotherhithe on the 30th September, between 4-7pm, with an all-South London cast showcasing the diversity of original country in the capital.    Event organiser Malcolm MacWatt (55), founder member of  emerging country band The Glass Mountains, said: “There are so few grassroots events in London that feature country music, yet as a gigging band we know there’s an audience hungry for it. “All too often promoters place a country/Americana artist on a multi-band bill that isn’t really suitable, and if you’re lucky there are a few country music fans in the audience. It’s all a bit random. Alternatively, some of the existing sessions feature a very narrow definition of “country” that just doesn’t represent the range of the genre today.”   He added: “Americanarama Southside just wants to let audiences experience every aspect of country –  traditional to alternative, bluegrass to Nashville pop – and to give performers a chance to play for people who are genuinely into it. Chalk Farm Folk do a great country night in North London so we just wanted to do something equally exciting south of the river.”   For the first event, organisers opted to keep it “100% southside” with a bill featuring Rotherhithe-born alt-country grandmaster Gerry Scales aka The Lost Planet Cowboy, the sweet voice of Balham newcomer Shannon Hynes, Forest Hill americana-folk duo The Gillies, the Nashville vibe of Brockley’s Maletta Jackson & The Reputations and country-soul band The Glass Mountains from Catford.  www.facebook.com/AmericanaramaSouthside