The Blockheads first London gig of 2012 at the Jazz Cafe, Camden kicked off in fine style with "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" it's familiar riff that lights the blue touch paper to a set that tonight mixes "A Little Knowledge" and "George The Human Pigeon" from 2008's "Staring Down The Barrel" with Blockheads staples "Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 3)" "Sweet Gene Vincent" and "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" and throws in the fantastic "Dance Little Rude Boy" from the underrated 2002 "Ten More Turnips From The Tip" album.
A packed crowd at the Jazz Cafe laps up this most revered of British bands whose musicianship is second to none and is so honed and slick after 35 years in the business. This was a better gig for me than Ronnie Scott's back in November last year and as always the sound mix is spot on exemplifying the sheer musicality of The Blockheads.
After the show, the evening took a turn in the park ~ Lee Harris, The Blockhead's Manager very kindly allowed me into the VIP backstage area of the Jazz Cafe after I explained I came up from Exeter to see the gig and armed with Chaz Jankel records promptly ushered me in to meet Chaz and also present was John Turnbull. A brilliant chat with Chaz who autographed "Looking At You" and "Chazablanca", "Lord Upminster" and "Do It Yourself", China Soul's excellent single "Cold" (which Chaz co-wrote and produced) and Robbie Williams "Reality Killed The Video Star" which Chaz contributed "Do You Mind" which in my opinion is the Number One single Robbie Williams never released.
An absolutely wonderful time.
Steven Severin returned to the Exeter Picturehouse this afternoon to perform his new score to Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Vampyr" 1932 silent horror movie. As would be expected of a vampire film, the soundtrack is menacing and intense and Severin delivers a first class score to this 83 minute curio from Denmark born Dreyer who passed away in 1968.
Steven told me after the screening, the soundtrack is yet to be released but should be out in a couple of months time so if you are after a chilling piece of electronica look no further than "Vampyr".
Congratulations to Anne-Marie Helder who has won Best Female Vocalist in Classic Rock Presents Prog 2011 Readers' Poll Results
Anne-Marie who fronts prog outfit Panic Room has beaten Kate Bush and Heather Findlay amongst other luminous contemporaries and it is certainly well deserved after many gigs in support of the excellent Satellite album.
