August 2, 2012
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Posted by: rjosen
Just had to write a quick review on this years Jazz & Blues festival. First of all, the regular reader will know I adore this festival, it’s a highlight of the year and I work my schedule around it. The different between this the 28th and 27th festivals is that last year there was more [...]
October 24, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
Last year, OxJam was not only one of my best Birmingham discoveries but one of my favourite days of the year. Last year we caught a few soloists like Neil Ward but the highlight was city favourite Tom Peel at arguably the best venue, The Victoria. So I am very much looking forward to this [...]
July 12, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
Supporting live/local music I didn’t set out to break any records but if I did, it will be to hear as much live music as possible. Starting at my own event, Birmingham Vintage Fair to the end of Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival last Sunday, this is the lowdown: June 25th Birmingham Vintage Fair [...]
June 27, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
All photos by fotograbs@gmail.com I’ve spent weeks looking; this is one area that I wouldn’t compromise. For me, to give BVF a festival vibe, the music had to be at the centre of it and not just any band but one that accentuated the 1970s vibe. In the last two months I have been to [...]
June 14, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
O2 June 1st 2011 (Part of my limited live music series; 12 bands in 8 days) I would have gone anyway but this was a birthday treat for my best friend, who’s Mum took her to see Adam Ant about 30 years ago. It’s a rarity for us to both go to a gig together [...]
June 8, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
The Actress & Bishop June 4th 2011 So finally I get to see This Burning Age for real. The first introduction to them was via one of the best things in Birmingham, Live Music Friday at Urban Coffee Co. This was an especially devised acoustic set so it’s difficult to imagine what they describe as [...]
May 31, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
The Old Wharf, Digbeth. I don’t know about you but I’m always a little anxious when seeing someone I knows’ efforts for the first time. I was full of trepidation recently when I read my friend’s first novel but not only did I like it, I loved it. So now I am quietly confident that [...]
May 9, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
Yes I know, I said I wouldn’t write about local bands on here again. Last time, despite me saying I’d enjoyed the gig, that I went out of my way to leave my beloved B5 enclosure to get to Moseley upon a recommendation and that my only point was that I wished they’d done some [...]
March 17, 2011
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Posted by: rjosen
Adventures in Birmingham: Cherry Ghost live at the Glee Club, Birmingham In case you and I have never communicated, this is to let you know it’s my third time seeing Cherry Ghost, third time since they released their second album last July in fact. I was already considering them for current BBITW* when their first [...]
December 22, 2010
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Posted by: rjosen
Although there is still a week left, this week, everyone has truly got into the Christmas Spirit. Wednesday Urban Christmas party The Urban Coffee Co Christmas Party was a fabulous evening with a great band. It was surprising to see so many faces from around town. Actually, not that surprising as I’d pretty much invited [...]
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