Coventry Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Goodbye DJ Ralph
It’s with much sadness, I have to announce the passing of one of the finest Northern Soul DJ’s Ralph Forster.
Some people know their product, but Ralph was much more than that – he was an absolute mine of information when it came to music in general and Northern Soul in particular.
His extensive record collection sparked envy to other collectors, containing as it did ‘hard-to-find’ collectables which only a few at the top of their game ever got to own.
Aside from his music, he was a hugely intelligent man, never shy to express his opinion, but compassionate and caring and a joy to be around.
I can’t believe he has gone.
The world will be a much duller place without our superstar DJ Ralph Forster, I send my love to his amazing family.
More local bands for The Tin Music and Arts
The Tin based at Coventry’s Canal Basin continues its run of promoting local talent.
This time via Catch 22 Promotions with The Big Sugars, Satsangi, The Moonbears on Saturday, October 15.
The Big Sugars are born from the embers of 1960s rock ‘n’ roll and Punky Glam.
I am told if you have not seen The Big Sugars live you are missing a life-affirming experience – they are the fun you have been missing – so get experienced!
They have supported Primal Scream, Tenebrous Liar, and The Bonnevilles.
Satsangi are ‘a cocktail of Indian transience, ballsy rock ‘n’ roll and tripped out psych’.
They tour internationally and have played shows and festivals with The Kills, Fields, The Primitives, The Moons, Dr Feelgood, Elvis Costello, James, Imelda May, Van Morrison, Martha Reeves, Steve Winwood, Seasick Steve, and Wilko Johnson. “
The Moonbears are more than a band.
They are a commitment.
Chances are taken.
They are not rock ‘n’ roll, not jazz, not pop. Just music, intense music.
The musicians involved seem to know instinctively what is required. They are free thinking with no boundaries.
Spiral City
Just looked in a dictionary for the definition of ‘dynamic’, it says: ‘pertaining to or characterised by energy or effective action, vigorously active or forceful, energetic’.
That for me sums up just what this new local band is all about.
Their single ‘Divide’ is a beautiful piece of music – powerful and perfectly layered, sung and played superbly.
It seems like every day there is a new local band with loads of talent on the scene and Spiral City are definitely another one.
The band is fronted by vocalist Louie Forde, who has been a full-time, working musician for almost 10 years.
In that time, he has been a part of the bands Making Maisie and Fourth In Line (previously Lingua Franca).
Bass guitar and vocal harmonies are provided by Tom White, previously of Birmingham’s The Taboo Club.
Jack Waterfield, previously of Flygone, Athens and Past Lives is the lead guitarist, as well as providing even more vocal harmonies.
Now is the time to check them out, you will not be disappointed.
