The Baker's Dozen #45 Joby Fox

November 28, 2023 by David Vousden in Singer-Songwriter, Interview

Northern Irish singer, songwriter and humanitarian Joby Fox was in London recently for two shows in support of his excellent album ‘I Once Was A Hawk…Now I’m A Dove’. RGM was lucky enough to be at the second of these, and you can read a review here. While Joby was performing his promotional duties, he took the time to complete a Baker’s Dozen for RGM. Topics included his favourite records and artists that inspire him while we were reminded that one invention is particularly vital.

The Baker's Dozen #44 Jennifer Crook

June 01, 2023 by David Vousden in Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Interview

With the release of 'The Broken Road Back Home' in late 2022, Jennifer Crook received some of the best reviews of her career, with Folking claiming it as "One of the year's best albums". Jennifer is no stranger to good reviews, and a high bar had been set with The Telegraph, Mark Radcliffe and Fatea Magazine praising her previous work. ’The Broken Road Back Home’ is a lovely record with a timeless quality that should appeal to anyone who appreciates good songs and a finely crafted album with excellent musicianship. The album recently received a limited edition vinyl pressing, so it seemed like the ideal time to catch up with Jennifer to learn a little more, and, unsurprisingly, we found her in the recording studio.

The Baker's Dozen #41 Jerry Leger

March 24, 2023 by David Vousden in Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen, Tour Dates

In 2005, nineteen-year-old Jerry Leger cut his first independently released album. Since then, the prolific singer-songwriter has recorded 10 additional albums under his own name, with the last 4 released via Cowboy Junkies' label, Latent Recordings. His latest release is a four-track EP 'Latent Uncovers' that features his take on songs by Lou Reed, Jeff Tweedy, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie. Red Guitar Music caught up with Jerry for a brief chat about his influences, and he reminds us it doesn’t get much better than Gordon Lightfoot.

The Baker's Dozen #40 Adam Masterson

March 23, 2023 by David Vousden in The Bakers Dozen, Singer-Songwriter, Interview

London-born but New York-based Adam Masterson recently released his second album ‘Time Bomb’ digitally with CD/LP to follow on July 21st. It’s been two decades since his debut ‘One Tale Too Many’ but Adam has kept busy releasing various EPs, shared stages with the likes of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse and Stereophonics and guested with Patti Smith and Mick Jones (The Clash). We caught up with Adam for an enlightening chat about the music business in 2023 and how buying a Tom Petty record from a beach vendor in Turkey proved inspirational.

The Baker's Dozen #33 Jamie Telford (My Glass World)

September 23, 2021 by David Vousden in The Bakers Dozen, Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Jazz, Interview

The latest from My Glass World ‘Still Life With Machine Gun’ finds Scottish singer/songwriter Jamie Telford expanding on his piano playing roots in search of a more wide-ranging sound. Jamie has plenty to say on environmental and social issues, while the sound is warm and jazzy due to the sax and trumpet contributions of Sean Read. The result is an album (complete with an unexpected Bowie cover) that rewards repeated plays. RGM caught up with Jamie for a chat about his influences and the state of the world in general.

The Baker's Dozen #32 John Fiddler (Medicine Head)

September 22, 2021 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Interview, Blues

John Fiddler co-founded Medicine Head back in 1968 and signed to John Peel’s Dandelion label. So that’s a place in rock history right there, but they also had the likes of John Lennon, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton singing their praises (not a bad list). I could also mention their 1972 album was entitled ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ a year before Waters, Gilmour and co. It’s been a decade since John released an album, but with ‘Warriors of Love’ set for release on September 24th 2021, RGM thought the time was right to catch up with John to find out a little more about what influences the “labour of love” that is Medicine Head, the state of the music business, Bob Dylan and guitars.

The Baker's Dozen #27 Justin Rutledge

March 26, 2021 by David Vousden in Folk, Interview, Singer-Songwriter

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge has released a string of excellent, and very well received, albums over the years and his latest ‘Islands’ is no exception. RGM caught up with Justin recently for a brief chat and he was very open about how the music business has changed over recent years and the impact of streaming and the pandemic on many artists, himself included. He also delved a little into his influences and the artists he admires - highlighting another side of David Bowie - and that he might not have caught the reality TV bug.

The Baker's Dozen #26 League Of Lights

March 10, 2021 by David Vousden in Electronic, Interview, Pop, Prog Rock, The Bakers Dozen

Farrah and Richard West aka League Of Lights will release their third album ‘Dreamers Don’t Come Down’ on March 12th via Eightspace (CD/Digital) with vinyl to follow on 23/04/21 via Plane Groovy. ‘Dreamers Don’t Come Down’ is a cool record on which the duo deliver pop hooks and sumptuous soundscapes in equal measure. RGM caught up with Farrah for a wide-ranging chat about musical influences, making the very best of things when your tour is cancelled and really important stuff like X-Men or Star Wars…

The Baker's Dozen #25 BIRDPEN

March 03, 2021 by David Vousden in Interview, Alternative Rock, Electronic, Kraut Rock

The duo of Mike Bird and Dave Pen released ‘Discussing Robots – Dig That Hole’ in 2003 on 7” vinyl which was the first in a run of EP releases before their debut album ‘On/Off/Safety/Danger’ arrived in 2009. Over the years BirdPen have continued to release albums at a healthy pace with their sixth album ‘All Function One’ due via JAR Records on March 5th, 2021. RGM caught up with the duo for a chat about their various influences and the expected struggles of touring in a post-pandemic/Brexit world. Away from the music Dave shares his love of Ray Bradbury while, like so many of us, Mike really wants to get out for some fresh air and who could blame him. Many thanks to Dave and Mike for their time.

The Baker's Dozen #24 Lyle Workman

February 18, 2021 by David Vousden in Interview, The Bakers Dozen, Soundtrack, Jazz, Prog Rock, Rock

Lyle Workman will release ‘Uncommon Measures’ digitally on February 19th with a CD release set for 16/04/2021 via Blue Canoe Records. Lyle has enjoyed a varied career as a songwriter, composer and guitarist first enjoying a brush with fame as a member of Bourgeois Tagg, when the Todd Rundgren produced ‘I Don’t Mind At All’ became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, before his skills as a songwriter and guitarist resulted in work with Beck, Sting, Frank Black, Norah Jones, Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan, Jellyfish, Ziggy Marley and Jazz great Tony Williams. Inspired by The Beatles at an early age Lyle is always on the lookout for innovative jazz and rock artists and still finds plenty of time for Better Call Saul and Fargo. Many thanks to Lyle for his time.

The Baker's Dozen #23 A.J. Croce

February 02, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Blues, Folk, Interview, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, The Bakers Dozen

Welcome to the first Baker’s Dozen of 2021 here at RGM. We’re very pleased to welcome A.J. Croce who checked in with RGM from his East Nashville home to chat about his influences (which ties in nicely with his new album ‘By Request’ due February 5th), a love of spy thrillers and how, by taking a look back at how musicians have adapted to change in the past, we might all be able to move forward post-pandemic. It’s a really good read and thanks again to A.J. for his time.

The Baker's Dozen #22 The Marriage

October 05, 2020 by David Vousden in Americana, The Bakers Dozen, Singer-Songwriter, Country

The Marriage (Kirsten Adamson and Dave Burn) released their debut album ‘Imagining Sunsets’ on October 2nd, 2020. Kirsten and Dave both come from musical backgrounds with Dave first picking up a guitar at the age of 7 and being signed by a major label at 15 while Kirsten spent her summers in Nashville with her father Stuart Adamson, the late Skids and Big Country singer and guitarist. Both have been playing in touring bands since their teens. ‘Imagining Sunsets’ is a generally sparse and gentle affair built on the duo’s lovely harmonies but they are more than capable of kicking up a storm as evidenced by album closer and latest single ‘Box and Burn It’. ‘Imagining Sunsets’ is well worth fans of all things Americana and country tracking down. One listen to ‘Floating In Space’ and first single ‘Dreamers’ should have you hooked. We caught up with Kirsten and Dave for a chat about their earliest musical memories, a really varied list of influences and their thoughts on the music industry in a pandemic.

The Baker's Dozen #21 Nick D'Virgilio

June 17, 2020 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Melodic Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Prog Rock

It’s hard to believe that the Baker’s Dozen here at RGM has turned 21. It seems like only yesterday we were trying to stop it from peeing on the rug but those pesky kids sure do grow up fast. The artist who kindly agreed to be our twenty-first entry in the series is Nick D’Virgilio. The vocalist, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, probably best known for his time with progressive rock act Spock’s Beard, has enjoyed a varied career that has included long associations with Tears For Fears, the Cirque Du Soleil organisation and Big Big Train. Nick will release his second solo album ‘Invisible’ on June 26th and he kindly found time for a chat about his earliest musical memories, the current health situation, the joys of playing live and Lawrence Welk.

The Baker's Dozen #20 Harrow Fair

May 22, 2020 by David Vousden in Folk, Interview, The Bakers Dozen, Americana

Canadian duo Harrow Fair recently released ‘Sins We Made’ via Roaring Girl Records. The album is their second and builds on the success of their very well received ‘Call To Arms’ debut. Harrow Fair comprises Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner and they should have been touring the UK this month but unfortunately, that was not to be. RGM caught up with Miranda and Andrew for a quick chat about their earliest musical memories, influences and the joys of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (you heard it here first). Many thanks to Miranda and Andrew and we look forward to welcoming them back to the UK as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Baker's Dozen #17 Murray A. Lightburn

September 25, 2019 by David Vousden in Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Soul

Canadian singer-songwriter Murray A Lightburn is about to embark on a run of UK dates starting September 26th in Manchester (full details here). The dates are in support of his recent ‘Hear Me Out’ album release. ‘Hear Me Out’ is a terrific album that showcases Lightburn’s soulful croon to great effect on a string of carefully crafted, tastefully produced, string laded tracks. If you only know Murray from his work in The Dears then I urge you to check out the record, you’ll be glad you did. We caught up with Murray as he became the latest, willing victim to partake in the RGM Baker’s Dozen feature. So please read on as Murray shares some of his many influences, a dread of school talent shows and a love of British crime drama.

The Baker's Dozen #16 Johnny Drille

July 10, 2019 by David Vousden in Folk, Interview, Pop, World Music

Johnny Drille is best known for his single ‘Wait For Me’ which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2016 Headies Awards. The Nigerian singer first sang in the church of his clergyman father before he came to the attention of the Mavin record label. Johnny’s folky/acoustic sound is firmly rooted in his Nigerian heritage but he’s looking outside of his native borders for additional inspiration, which should bring the singer widespread international recognition. We caught up with Johnny to find out a little more about his influences and his love of classic US TV shows.

The Baker's Dozen #13 Simon Stanley Ward

February 25, 2019 by David Vousden in Country, Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen, Americana

For the thirteenth instalment of The Baker’s Dozen we welcome Simon Stanley Ward (hopefully Simon isn’t superstitious). Simon has just released his second album ‘Songs From Various Places’ and will be launching the album with a show at The Islington in London on February 27th, 2019. The album is a really great listen rooted in old-school country, for the most part, with comedic lyrics that allow Simon’s personality to shine through. So join us as Simon discusses the likes of Elvis, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon and a fear of Band Aid:

The Baker's Dozen #11 Lucas & King

October 31, 2018 by David Vousden in Folk, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen

Southampton based Lucas & King were the very first act to receive a live review at RGM way back in 2014. In the four years since the duo have been busy honing their craft and their highly anticipated debut album will finally see the light of day on November 23rd. We caught up with Bo and Hayleigh for a quick chat as they became the latest artist to encounter The Baker’s Dozen:

The Baker's Dozen #10 Laurie Mansworth (Airrace).

August 15, 2018 by David Vousden in AOR, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Interview, The Bakers Dozen

Laurie Mansworth has been at the helm of UK Melodic Rock/AOR act Airrace since they formed in 1982. The band recently released their excellent third album 'Untold Stories' and we caught up with Laurie for a chat about guitars, songwriting, early attempts at punk rock and Billy Bragg...

The Baker's Dozen #9 Mishka Shubaly

June 01, 2018 by David Vousden in Interview, Singer-Songwriter, The Bakers Dozen

On the eve of the release of his latest album 'When We Were Animals' via Widemouth Records RGM caught up with Mishka Shubaly for another entry in the popular Baker's Dozen feature. The singer, songwriter, author and storyteller discussed his earliest musical memories, Mark Lanegan, Twisted Sister, his love of small venues with dodgy plumbing and much, much more. Mishka will kick off an extensive UK tour on June 9th in Derby that will see him playing throughout the UK with a London date at The Slaughtered Lamb on June 28th.