Each week we like to champion the music scene with ten songs in our playlist that all have a connection to the RaW (Reading and Wokingham) area and, sometimes, beyond. This week we have three new additions – two new releases and one old. As always, we have a wide variety of musical styles, but we think they’re all worth a listen and we hope you find something new to enjoy as well as maybe getting out to experience the thrill of live music.
1. Frant1c – On The Run – We featured one song from this project by Anne-Claire Rallo, of Nine Skies & Solace Supplice, when it was released but it’s so good we couldn’t resist choosing another. This track features the vocal talents of Martin Wilson and the guitar of Steve Anderson, both of them members of Reading-based The Room, and bandmates of the late Eric Bouillette. Eric was Anne-Claire’s partner and the creation of the A Brand New World album was part of the way she dealt with the grief of losing him. It’s a concept album based around a story of two characters, Charlie and Hope, and this track develops the story in a dramatic way. https://linktr.ee/frant1c
2. John Hackett – Never Gonna Make a Dime – John Hackett has been a much-loved and admired figure in the progressive rock scene since the mid-70’s; best-known for his flute work with his brother, former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett on albums such as Voyage of The Acolyte, Sketches of Satie and Please Don’t Touch, alongside his own solo albums Checking Out Of London, Another Life and The Piper Plays His Tune. This song, the perpetual lament of the musician, is taken from his We Are Not Alone album. Brother Steve appeared at The Hexagon last week, now it’s John’s turn to visit the area, and he plays with his band at the first of what will be a regular quarterly event, The Last Night of the Progs at The Butler in Chatham Street on 16th of November. Also on the bill are Reading-based ace producer, guitarist, and member of too many bands to list here, John Mitchell, and psychedelic rock ensemble Hoopy Frood, also based in Reading.
3. The Veras – Davey Walking Round With the Sole Off His Shoe – This playlist has a very strong emphasis on original music with a local connection. However, we cannot deny that many people get a lot of pleasure from going to concerts with covers and tribute bands, and it’s also a way for some musicians to pay their bills while they work on developing their own music. A case in point, Maidenhead-based Small Fakers are the number one tribute to the Small Faces, but the members of the band have also been working on their own material which, unsurprisingly, has a flavour of their inspiration but is much more than just a pastiche. This is their latest single, with an intriguing title, from their Get It While You Can album. You can see them in their Small Fakers guise at Wokingham Music Club at Winnersh Royal British Legion on Friday 15th November. https://www.facebook.com/theverasmusic1
4. Caitlin Lavagna – October – A lush production of a powerful and emotional song which is getting great reviews. https://www.facebook.com/caitlin.lavagna
5. Balaam and the Angel– She Knows – The Forces of Evil EP is available now on vinyl, coming to streaming services this month, and you can catch them playing live at the Face Bar in Reading on Saturday 9th. She Knows is from their The Greatest Story Ever Told album. https://www.facebook.com/ balaamandtheangel
6. Sonic Whip – Watch It All Begin – One of the most exciting new groups we’ve seen in the last year. We feature here a new song from their excellent new EP, ‘Spinning Around’ – https://www.sonicwhipband.com/
7. Gemma Rogers – No Future – Gemma writes socially aware songs with hooky choruses and an edgy sound that makes then sound so right for this crazy world at this crazy time in history! She was at 19 Something Festival at the Face Bar in aid of Age UK Reading and Kids Out. – https:// www.gemmarogersmusic.com/
8. Scott Lavene – Sadly I’m Not Steve McQueen – This song is taken from Scott’s new album, ‘Disneyland in Dagenham’ which is full of songs that showcase his unique writing talent. Check him out live at Reading Face Bar on Tuesday 3rd December for Club Velocity – https://www.facebook.com/ scottlavenemusic
9. The Amazons – Living a Lie – One of the biggest, current indie bands to come out of Reading and here’s their latest single and it’s quality stuff – https://theamazons.co.uk/
10. Echo Chambers – Cry – A track that really grows on you from this Reading band’s ‘Versificator’ EP released earlier this year – https://linktr.ee/Echochambersrdg
