Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

In this episode I am joined by Simon Mayor and Hilary James who talk about their new album 'When Summer Comes Again'. I reviewed this album in my first 'New Music Round Up' Feature on the Now Spinning Magazine YouTube Channel and Website. I described it as music that conjured up relaxing on a lazy Summer's day while enjoying a glass of crisp white wine. The is pastoral folk music with a Classical edge. Simon and Hilary describe themselves as 'folk music musicians' but they also cover classical music on the album making it an electric combination that is at once enjoyable and very varied. In the interview, they talk about how the album came together, how they met and their plans for the future. This podcast follows very well the one I did with Sarah McQuaid. The Song 'Buttermere Waltz' has been on the Now Spinning Magazine playlist for a while now, it is a wonderful track. ‘Superb instrumentalists, Simon Mayor is an acclaimed mandolin virtuoso, as well as a fine guitarist and fiddler, and Hilary James plays mandobass and guitar. Her elegant, articulate voice, however, is her greatest asset and a compliment to Mayor’s gentle, friendly baritone.’ Dirty Linen (USA) The Album When Summer Comes Again is available here Phil Aston Now Spinning Magazine

As you know I spend a lot of time with rock-driven music and then something comes along that completely floors me.The St Buryan Sessions by Sarah McQuaid is already in my top 5 albums of the year. It is just spellbinding.If you like Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, Kristin Hersh, Janis Ian and Eva Cassidy then give this a listen.One member of the Now Spinning Magazine Facebook Community described Sarah's voices as being like melting chocolate, that is a very good description.In this Podcast Sarah talks about the new album and her career so far.Sarah also talks about her love of Nick Drake, John Martyn and Pentangle. (Both Pentangle and Nick Drake have been featured on the Now Spinning Magazine Website). “One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc“She reached parts other singers fail to do ... There is emotion, beauty, passion and musically great arrangements and fab playing. It’s a complete package. I loved the show and was very moved.”—Rob Bozas, Bozas International (Publisher, Peter Gabriel/Real World)“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters“Her subtle mastery onstage launches her straight into my fave shows ever.”—Huffington PostSarah McQuaid LinksWebsite : https://sarahmcquaid.com/Online Store : https://sarahmcquaid.bandcamp.com/Phil AstonNow Spinning Magazinehttps://www.nowspinning.co.uk

In this episode, I am joined by Robin George who since the 1980s had built up a name for himself as a guitar player, musician, producer, songwriter and solo artist. You may know Robin George from his classic 1985 album Dangerous Music which contained the global hit Heartline which both Tommy Vance and Alan Freeman declared their record of the year. Robin talked about his latest album and looks back at his career so far which has seen him play and record with Glenn Hughes, Phil Lynott, Magnum, Climax Blues Band, Pete Way, Waysted, Roy Wood, Diamond Head, Marshall Law, Wrathchild, Witchfinder General, The David Byron Band and many more. A big thank you to my Robin George for being on the show and to all my subscribers. To find out more about Robin George and where you can buy his albums and his other CDs please visit https://www.robingeorge.co.uk Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

In this episode, I am joined by Dale Michelsohn who was a stage technician at The Birmingham Odeon from 1974 to 1988 when it stopped putting on live concerts. The Birmingham Odeon was a major venue for rock concerts through the 1970s and 80s. I saw my first concert there when I was 15 which was Deep Purple. In this podcast, I talk to Dale about many of the bands that played there and what it was like to work behind the scenes. Dale now lives in Stockholm where he works as a stage manager and also runs the Birmingham Odeon Memorial page on Facebook which is a great resource to share memories of concerts from this well-loved venue A big thank you to my guest Dale Michelsohn for being on the show and to all our listeners.  Please subscribe to Now Spinning Magazine to ensure you stay up to date with our future podcasts and videos and I look forward to being with you on the next episode. Phil Aston Now Spinning Magazine

In this episode, I am joined by Charlie White as we discuss our 10 reasons that CDs still rock. Everywhere you look online vinyl is getting all the good press as people seem to fall over themselves wanting to write off the CD as a dead or dying format. On the Now Spinning YouTube channel both myself and Charlie recently did separate videos listing our top reasons why the CD is still the preferred format for many music fans. We thought it would be good to have an open discussion and ensure there was some positive press out there for the humble CD. This podcast is for everyone who still buys and collect CDs. 10 Reasons CDs Still Rock 1. Liner Notes & Booklets 2. CD Box Sets 3. CD Extras 4. Maintenance 5. They Are Yours 6. Sound 7. Size 8. Conversion 9. Ease of playback 10. Cost Join the Now Spinning Facebook Group Become a patron and subscriber and get access to exclusive content not available elsewhere. https://www.patreon.com/nowspinning Phil Aston Now Spinning Magazine

The Dean Friedman Interview You may know singer songwriter Dean Friedman from his 1970s hits 'Lucky Stars', 'Lydia' and 'Ariel', but he has also released some wonderful albums over the years with 'Songs For Grown Ups' and '12 Songs' being two of my favourites. In this episode, Dean talks about his new album 'American Lullaby'. “The new album and show, ‘American Lullaby’,” Friedman explains, “reflects my personal take on all the crazy stuff that’s been happening, in America – and around the world. Like all lullabies, it’s filled with tales of dark deeds and disaster, but couched in soft, gentle tones, meant to soothe and comfort the listener, while gently bracing them for the potential terrors that await. The Fringe show will be my chance to perform the songs as well as tell the stories behind the songs, all of which were inspired by the shared global trauma we’ve endured during these past six years of harrowing political and social upheaval.” Dean also talked about his forthcoming ZOOM Tour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and his favourite Joni Mitchell album. Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine www.nowspinning.co.uk