The 100 Club, the legendary rock venue that hosted the dawn of the British R&B movement in the 60’s will be playing host to a unique, one off performance by Dire Straits co-founder and bassist, John Illsley.

John will be showcasing material from his latest album ‘Beautiful You’ which features singer/songwriter Greg Pearle. This follows Illsley’s triumphant return to the stage in 2008, which included a sell – out performance at West London’s, Bush Hall.

John Illsley and Greg Pearle started 2009 with a session on the legendary Bob Harris Show, BBC Radio 2. Last year they released the critically acclaimed ‘Beautiful You’ album, which was recorded in Mark Knopfler’s studio.

The album mixes elements of classic Straits song writing with a rich new sound, perfectly showcasing Greg Pearle’s raw and emotional vocals. John and Greg toured extensively in Ireland and performed a sold out, one off special gig at Bush Hall, in London. John and Greg have just announced this one off gig at the 100 Club, London, on 23 June, 2009 – as a precursor to touring the UK, Ireland and Europe in the autumn of this year.

Illsley also launched a new website (www.johnillsley.com) with a unique twist – selected songs from ‘Beautiful You’ were initially available to download for free – and proved so popular that a new server was necessary to deal with the high traffic from all over the world. The planned touring activity comes as a direct result of this demand.

John, from the legendary, 120 million selling group Dire Straits, first met Greg Pearle in March 2005 when Greg was fronting Irish band Cunla, in a pub in Leicestershire. John took to the stage for the first time since 1993, joining the band to play a couple of Dire Straits’ numbers. John was immediately captivated by Greg’s unique voice and style. The result was a two-year collaboration, and John’s first studio album for 15 years.

John and Greg are currently working on new material, for their second album together. John also continues to paint prolifically and a June exhibition in Chelsea to coincide with the 100 Club show will be announced shortly.

John will be releasing “Secret Garden” in June 2009 which is taken from the album ‘Beautiful You’.

Tickets are available to buy from We Go Tickets on +44 (0)20 7636 0933 or www.wegottickets.com/event/47612

Watch “One” video – John Illsley, Greg Pearle, Paul Brady from the album ‘Pearle’ and the movie ‘Anton’:

John Illsley on amazon.co.uk

John Illsley on amazon.com

John Illsley Official Website
MySpace

Medway’s finest takes a break from recording his follow up to ‘A Virtual Landslide’ (one of Mojo’s top 20 albums of 2008) at Toe Rag in London with producer Liam Watson for a series of dates in the UK and Europe.

In addition to appearences at the Cambridge Folk Festival and Truck Festival, Pete Molinari will also be performing a number of headline shows with his band as well as appearing as special guest to Devon Sproule at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire and The Black Keys‘ Dan Auerbach in Italy, France, Belgium and the UK.

Watch “Sweet Louise” video:

In addition he’ll also be recording live sessions at BBC Radio 2 for both Mark Lamarr and Bob Harris. More news soon.

“The soul of American music distilled into the voice of a Cuban-heeled greaser from the Medway Delta” – THE GUARDIAN

“An extraordinary new British talent” – THE SUN

“Young, finger-picking, country-blues marvel Molinari has a thrillingly ambiguous voice…Virtual Landslide is an actual triumph” – TIME OUT

“A superbly realised piece of folk blues heartache” – MOJO

“Sweet-voiced blues-folk…a cherishable artefact even before you fall under the spell of the actual music” – NME

PETE MOLINARI 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

May 2009
12 – MANCHESTER – CLUB ACADEMY *
13 – LONDON ISLINGTON ACADEMY *
14 – LONDON SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE **
18 – FRANCE – PARIS – LA TRABENDO *
19- ITALY – MILAN – MUSICDROME *
22 – BELGIUM – BRUSSELS – AB *
23 – NEWCASTLE – “EVOLUTION” @ THE CLUNY ***
25 – NOTTINGHAM – “PULSE FESTIVAL” OLD MARKET SQUARE ***

* w/ Dan Auerbach
** w/ Devon Sproule
*** Pete Molinari Band shows

July 2009
25 – OXFORD – TRUCK FESTIVAL – BOB HARRIS STAGE
30 – CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

Photo Credit: Sara Norlings

Buy Music:

Pete Molinari on amazon.co.uk

Pete Molinari on amazon.com

Pete Molinari MySpace
Pete Molinari Official Website

June 1st marks the release of ‘Dead Man’s Suit’, the debut long-player from South Devon’s finest, Jon Allen. The album sits comfortably with contemporaries such as Ryan Adams, Jose Gonzales and Damien Rice, whilst being unmistakably evocative of the folk-rock scene of the late 60s/early 70s.

Watch “In Your Light” video:

Jon Allen on amazon.co.uk

Jon Allen on amazon.com

A confident performer, opening for the likes of Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, KT Tunstall, Jose Gonzalez and Damien Rice has not fazed him – wowing audiences in the process, in venues from the miniscule 12 Bar all the way up to Wembley Arena.

The critically acclaimed first single “Going Home”, was championed by Radio 1’s Jo Whiley, and was featured on the worldwide Land Rover TV commercial in 2008, achieving a respectable 20,000 downloads from Jon’s website off the back of the advert.

The proceeds gave Jon the freedom to self-fund the recording of his album and media campaign. The Land Rover ad is being re-run in April 2009 featuring “Going Home”, which will get a full UK release in May 2009.

‘Dead Mans Suit’ shows an eclectic range of influences, from early Rod Stewart and the Faces to the legendary and lamented John Martyn in his ‘Solid Air’ era. Jon echoes Martyn’s spirit and reflectiveness and at the same time shows that he knows how to pen a good hook.

The album kicks off with “Dead Man’s Suit”, which despite the name, is an uplifting melodic tune in which Rod Argent (Zombies)-style organ plays a significant role throughout the song. This contrasts with the soulful ballad “In Your Light”, released March 23rd which has achieved significant praise at BBC Radio 2, riding high on the A list, having already been championed by the likes of Ken Bruce, Johnnie Walker, Dermot Oleary and Bob Harris, with a session booked with Bob for May.

Other songs like “Take Me To The Heart” subtly echo a James Taylor-esque, West Coast 70s singer-songwriter acoustic atmosphere, complementing the more groove- based bluesy rock numbers such as “Young Man Blues” and “Happy Now”.

‘Dead Mans Suit’ is a testament to the art of quality songwriting – Jon studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts founded by Paul McCartney, who has praised Jon on his penmanship and offered up help in the form of writing sessions with the great man. That experience helped Jon find fans in the likes of songwriting heavyweights such as Guy Chambers amongst others.

Jon Allen has already achieved a lot in his short career and has been praised by some of the music industry’s most highly acclaimed writers. Just like his growing audience, they’ve all seen the prospect of Jon as a long-term, career- sustaining artist, whose authentic songs will not go out of fashion.

Single “Going Home” full release May 11th on Monologue Records
Debut Album ‘Dead Man’s Suit’ is released June 1st on Monologue Records.

“Jon is going to emerge as one of this countries great musical Talents” – Bob Harris Radio 2

Jon Allen 2009 UK tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

March 30th 2009 – Cox’s Yard, Stratford Upon Avon
March 25th 2009 – The Bedford, Balham
April 1st 2009 – The Borderline, London
April 3rd 2009 – Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
April 6th, 2009 – Louisana, Bristol
April 7th, 2009 – Mr Kyps, Poole
April 8th, 2009 – Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton
April 15th, 2009 – The Cluny, Newcastle
April 17th, 2009 – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
April 19th, 2009 – Brudnell, Leeds
April 23rd, 2009 – The Stables, Milton Keynes
April 25th, 2009 – Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich
April 28th, 2009 – Academy 3, Manchester
May 1st, 2009 – The Plug, Sheffield
May 2nd, 2009 – Duchess, York
May 3rd, 2009 – The Cellars, Portsmouth
May 4th, 2009 – The Robin, Wolverhampton
June 8th, 2009 – Baby Blue, Liverpool
June 16th, 2009 – King Tuts, Glasgow

Jon Allen MySpace
Jon Allen Official Website

Special tickets with VIP green room access are available through an online auction for the sold-out event, Sound & Vision, at Abbey Road studios, London on 26th February 2009 starring special guests Paul Weller and Dermot O’Leary.

Now in its fourth year, Cancer Research UK’s ‘Sound & Vision’ celebrates music, the people who make it and the imagery it inspires.

In addition to Paul Weller, Lemar, Paolo Nutini and new artist Diana Jones will be performing on the night and patron Bob Harris will be co-hosting the event with Dermot O’Leary.

To start bidding, go to the eBay Auction Page!

For more information:

Sound & Vision Official Website

Americana heroes The Felice Brothers‘ self-titled album has been been nominated for an Uncut Music Award along with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul Weller, Portishead and The Hold Steady.

The aim of the awards is to find the most inspiring and richly rewarding album of the last 12 months and the winner will be chosen by a panel that includes Uncut editor Allan Jones, Bob Harris, Mark Radcliffe, Edwyn Collins and Later With Jools Holland producer Alison Howe. The winner will be announced in early November 2008.

Watch The Felice Brothers: “Roll On Arte” video (from the album ‘Tonight At The Arizona’):

The 2008 Uncut Music Award long list:

KEVIN AYERS – The Unfairground
JAMES BLACKSHAW – Litany Of Echoes
BON IVER – For Emma, Forever Ago
ISOBEL CAMPBELL & MARK LANEGAN – Sunday At Devil Dirt
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS – Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS – Brighter Than Creation’s Dark
ELBOW – The Seldom-Seen Kid
THE FELICE BROTHERS – The Felice Brothers
FLEET FOXES – Fleet Foxes
PJ HARVEY – White Chalk
THE HOLD STEADY – Stay Positive
HOWLIN RAIN – Magnificent Fiend
JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN – To Survive
STEPHEN MALKMUS & THE JICKS – Real Emotional Trash
ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS – Raising Sand
PORTISHEAD – Third
THE RACONTEURS – Consolers Of The Lonely
RADIOHEAD – In Rainbows
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Magic
RACHEL UNTHANK & THE WINTERSET- The Bairns
VAMPIRE WEEKEND – Vampire Weekend
PAUL WELLER – 22 Dreams
WHITE DENIM – Workout Holiday
WILD BEASTS – Limbo, Panto
ROBERT WYATT – Comicopera

Read the whole news story here: Uncut Music Awards

What the Press is saying about The Felice Brothers:

“Barnstorming & brilliant” **** The Guardian

“Truly outstanding original material, one of the albums of the year so far” – Allan Jones, Uncut

“Probably the most enthralling band currently to be seen anywhere in the world right now. This is as good as music gets” – Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph

The Felice Brothers 2008 Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

29 Sep 2008 BARLEY’S TAP ROOM Knoxville, Tennessee
30 Sep 2008 LOCAL 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2 Oct 2008 FIRST UNITARIAN Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
9 Oct 2008 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY (students only) Princeton, New Jersey
10 Oct 2008 CLUB CAFE Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
11 Oct 2008 PALACE THEATRE Louisville, Kentucky
13 Oct 2008 THE HI-TONE Memphis, Tennessee
15 Oct 2008 PROUD LARRY’S Oxford, Mississippi
16 Oct 2008 WORKPLAY Birmingham, Alabama
17 Oct 2008 MAPLE LEAF New Orleans, Louisiana
18 Oct 2008 ALEXANDRIA MUSIC PROJECT Alexandria, Louisiana
22 Oct 2008 THE TROUBADOUR Los Angeles, California
23 Oct 2008 GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL San Francisco, California
24 Oct 2008 MISSION THEATRE Portland, Oregon
25 Oct 2008 CHOP SUEY Seattle, Washington
27 Oct 2008 THE POST THEATER AT UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Salt Lake City, Utah
28 Oct 2008 FOX THEATRE Boulder, Colorado
1 Nov 2008 WDST PRESENTS – HV FOOD BANK BENEFIT @ CATSKILL POINT Catskill, New York
2 Nov 2008 SPIEGELWORLD at FULTON FISH MARKET New York, New York

Find out more about The Felice Brothers:

The Felice Brothers on Loose Music
The Felice Brothers MySpace

Josh Ritter had a successful year last year. A cult stateside hit, the singer/songwriter scored rave reviews for his live shows and wonderful album ‘The Historic Conquests of Josh Ritter’, which The Guardian hailed as one of the ultimate LPs of last year.

Now, the Idaho musician has announced his first UK live dates of 2008. Following a sold-out tour of Canada, the shows will feature a night at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom (March 31st).

As if that wasn’t good enough, Josh will record a live session for Radio 2, which will be broadcast on the Bob Harris show, February 2nd.

His new single “Empty Hearts” is set for release March 24th, 2008 in the UK.

Watch video: Josh Ritter on David Letterman – “To the Dogs or Whoever”:

Josh Ritter UK tour dates:
with Dawn Landes – support

Dates could change! Go to Josh Ritter’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

March 25, 2008 – Oxford – Zodiac at Oxford Academy
March 26, 2008 Portsmouth – The Wedgewood Rooms
March 27, 2008 Exeter – Exeter Phoenix
March 28, 2008 Liverpool – Carling Academy 2
March 30, 2008 Norwich – Waterfront
March 31, 2008 London – Bloomsbury Ballroom
April 03, 2008 Edinburgh – The Liquid Room
April 04, 2008 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
April 05, 2008 St. Albans – The Alban Arena

The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter on amazon.co.uk

The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (with Bonus EP) on amazon.com

Josh Ritter on Myspace
Josh Ritter Official Website