Category Archives: Local Music

The Jefferson Archive Classic Rock Re-Invented

The Jefferson Archive have taken a leap forward back in time to re-visit and re-work some of the seminal tracks of the 60’s and 70’s rock scene, delivering a powerful vintage sound. No cheesy covers on the menu with these guys.

No, definitely not your usual pub fayre. The recipe for their growing success and recognition as one of Devon’s finest classic rock bands called for the finest
ingredients. Any shopping list would have to start with front man Jefferson Tierney, who’s stage presence and Robert Plant good looks promise much. The thing is, in this age of tribute acts and themed bands, Tierney is the real deal. This becomes obvious when he plays his beloved Stratocaster. Not a well rehearsed mimic, but a career musician and truly creative player whose quality and depth deliver an authentic and fitting homage to the Gods of Rock. Backing up Tierney’s virtuoso performance are Steve Marks on bass and Steve Everett on drums, both fine musicians in their own right.

Marks’ accomplished bass playing feels of the time and when mixed with Everett’s Bonham influenced drumming style delivers the punch, drive and dynamic which when added to Tierney’s genius, astounds. If Hi-Fidelity Zeppelin, Hendrix, Cream, Fleetwood Mac and more are on your shopping list, these guys deliver.

Playing Live @ The Queens Arms Brixham Saturday 6th April

For more information or to get in contact with the band search for The Jefferson Archive on FACEBOOK or call 01626 871065 / 07866 394717

The Stone Angels

The Stone Angels are a Classic Rock band from Torquay, Devon with an average age of 21.
Comprising of Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums, the band have a powerful performance with a classic vibe.
The band have been performing for the past 3 years in the south west and have been played on ‘Radio Plymouth’ and ‘Riviera Fm’ in Torbay, as well as ‘Birmingham City Radio’ (UK) and  ‘cKut’ radio in Montreal, Canada.
The Stone Angels are now part-endorsed by ‘Dovetail Strings’ www.dovetailstrings.co.uk

The debut album  is due for release on Saturday the 14th July! Available online or at our album launch shows!
Upcoming Gigs:
29th Jun The Yacht – Torquay
14th Jul The Yacht – Torquay ALBUM LAUNCH!
21st Jul The Spinning Wheel – Paignton ALBUM LAUNCH!
27th Jul The Ship Inn – Paignton
3rd Aug The Yacht – Torquay
24th Aug The Old Manor – Paignton
23rd Nov The Old Manor – Paignton

Useful links:
http://www.thestoneangels.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/stoneangels09
http://www.reverbnation.com/stoneangels09
http://www.twitter.com/stoneangels09
http://www.stoneangels09.tumblr.com
http://www.soundcloud.com/stoneangels09
http://www.dovetailstrings.co.uk

Mafia Babies Live @ Pierpoint, Torquay

A bright crisp Sunday lunch time beckons and with great anticipation this edition’s local review is of the multi talented, highly acclaimed acoustic duo, The Mafia Babies!

Mafia Babies are Christian Pitocco – Vocals – Rhythm guitar and Jonathan Lee – Lead and Rhythm guitar, Logarythm Stompbox, and Backing Vocals. Over the years these guys have gained the reputation as being one of South Devon’s premier acts. I wasn’t going to look at this review as an opportunity to state the obvious but seeing these guys in a laid back different environment got me curious to see if they could rise to every occasion.

As you can appreciate a Sunday afternoon set list is going to differ greatly from a jumping Saturday night. That is one of the real great advantages of acoustic music, there is a lot of versatility to be had but the right feel and song choices are essential not too dissimilar in painting a picture – light and shade and different moods very rarely work out of their comfort zone. In reality a quiet acoustic gig hunting for the mood is as ever challenging as entertaining a pub packed full of people. Also the softer more attentive songs make a band a lot more exposed and vulnerable, even to the most avid listener.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer level of ability and talent that these guys have.

The set list was very well chosen and well delivered and effortlessly blended into the panoramic views this venue has to offer.

Classics like Rod Stewarts ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ and Newton Faulkners ‘People Should Smile More’ gently filled the room.

They also did fantastic versions of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Heard it through the Grapevine’ and Al Greens ‘Let’s Stay Together’. The set was very played down, very methodical and very relaxed which just goes to show their versatility.

Capturing the art to create music to complement the moment is an incredibly difficult thing to do yet these guys delivered exactly what was needed effortlessly. The singing and harmonies were soulful yet powerful and the playing was to a level very
few local musicians seldom do achieve. For any local musicians aspiring to get to their level it wouldn’t do any harm in watching how these guys just melt into a collage of meaningful sound. The Mafia Babies are one of the most hard working acoustic duos around in the South Devon area. They have been playing together for the past 5 years and they are available for pub gigs, private parties, weddings and in short whatever occasion you would like!

I would highly recommend these guys if you appreciate a high calibre of music and also equally to any aspiring musicians who want to up their game!

RUDE TIGER – DESOLATE LAUNCH

The Countdown has begun…

After a phenomenal year supporting artists such as Tinie Tempah, Reef, Texas, Feeder, Zane Lowe and Eliza Doolittle, South Devon based rock band RUDE TIGER are hugely proud to announce the launch of their new single and video DESOLATE at a unique party event on September 24th at The Yellow Room – Hannah’s@Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot.

With support from the high energy Brighton based Echo Rain and full tilt local bands Chasing Hollywood and Aurora Skies, the RUDE TIGER boys are set to deliver their best gig of the year.

Front man Jas Morris explains “this year has been incredible and we are so grateful to our fans for their amazing support, this launch means a great deal to us and we want to give our fans a night they will always remember!”

Bassist Dan Morris commented “The Yellow Room is such a fantastic venue and is the perfect place to launch the new single and video; it will be a real exclusive for everyone joining us at the party”

“and of course this is a chance for everyone to see Jas with his kit off in full HD!” joked drummer D Collings.

Fresh from the huge SkyFest events in London and Edinburgh, the guys are looking forward to raising the roof off The Yellow Room and to what the next twelve months will bring…

Tickets for the event are now on sale via www.wegottickets.com/event/130614

£8 for Adults and £6 for under 16s

Accommodation is available at Hannah’s@ Seale Hayne at just £25 per twin room and can be booked by emailing

There is also return coach travel to the event available at £5 per head. To book your seat email [email protected]

The Rude Tiger boys have thought of everything – all you need to do is rock up and enjoy!

RUDE TIGER are a 3 piece stadium-esque rock band from South Devon, who in the last 12 months have increased their Facebook fan base from 300 to over 2,300 and have moved from gigging in local pubs to touring with hugely successful acts and playing big live events such as SkyFest 2011.

RUDE TIGER are:

Front man and Lead Guitar: Jas Morris – recent winner of Guitarist of the Year in ‘Guitar Magazine’
Bassist: Dan Morris
Drummer: D Collings

RUDE TIGER managed by Clare Wright who can be contacted via or on

07977 522210

URL -  www.rudetiger.com

MySpace -  www.myspace.com/rudetiger

Facebook – www.facebook.com/rudetiger

The Simmertones

The Simmertones have been together since 2007 and have quickly become festival favourites in their native South West UK, building a strong following across the gion’s music venues. The Devon based 9 piece consists of Rob Murphy on drums, Del Anning on bass, Keith Waller on sax, Rich Mills on trumpet, Ray Beavis on sax, Sam Smith on trombone, Jamie Watkin on guitar, Tom Crowe on keys and vocalist Glyn Wilcox.

The band’s first album “Presenting the Simmertones, Volume 1”, featuring a selection of original tunes, covers of ska classics and a wild reworking of the Dr Who theme tune was recorded under the guidance of Richard Digby Smith who has previously worked with the likes of Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Sparks and Free at Island Records.
The album picked up great reviews and airplay in the UK, Europe and beyond, including plays on Mikey Davies’ Punk & Ska show on BBC Radio 1, Mark Lamarr’s “God’s Jukebox” on Radio 2 and also Steve Lamacq’s Music show.

The band returned to the studio in early 2011 to record a new EP, “Everything’s Coming Up Ska” ready for a summer release. Made up of 2 new Simmertones originals and 2 classic covers, this recording also features guitar contributions from Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene/Paul Weller fame and solo performer in his own right.

Please contact any of the above for more details or to schedule interviews & live performances.
Contact The Simmertones:
[email protected]
www.thesimmertones.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thesimmertones
search for Simmertones on Facebook
07718 986637 — Rob

Grandmaster Flash Live @ The Yellow Room – Seale Hayne

Grandmaster Flash will be appearing Live at the Yellow Room – Seale Hayne on 9th September 2011

To Buy your tickets

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/124704

For further information

http://www.facebook.com/events/create.php?eid=184781698244091#!/event.php?eid=184781698244091

GRANDMASTER FLASH: YOU ARE WITNESSING HISTORY

During hip?hop’s nearly 30?year history, few names have become as well known to music lovers across the globe as that of Grandmaster Flash. Not only is he responsible for inventing the musical genre called Hip Hop and a worldwide musical culture but his pioneering use of the turntables make him The First DJ to play the Turntables as a Musical Instrument thus helping to elevate the status of the DJ to a masterful, artistic position.

He is universally recognized as a visionary artist. He is also responsible for assembling one of the earliest and greatest rap groups of all time Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five“ _ these are some of the hallmarks of a career which has extended from the Bronx in the early 1970s to all corners of the globe into the 21st century. Joseph Saddler, professionally known as “Flash” was born and raised in the Boogie down Bronx, and it was the area’s streets and nightlife that provided his inspirations. He developed his first crush on vinyl when he was just a boy playing with his fathers records. By the time he was a teenager, studying electronics and engineering in school by day, he was already spinning records at block parties and in public parks. Studying one particular DJ, known as Kool Herc, one of his greatest influences apart from his very own father, and monitoring the crowd’s responses, led him to create and elevate this turntable art form as he developed such innovative turntable techniques as rearranging the arrangement of recorded songs and by extending the break in those recorded songs. He did this by using duplicate copies of a vinyl record and by manipulating his wrist and elbow moving it back and forth.. He was scientifically inventing and demonstrating such methods and concepts he collectively called “The Quick Mix Theory ” which encompassed the innovative technique of “Cutting” which laid the foundations for what became known as “Scratching” ( along with its many off shoots; “crab scratching”, “transforming”; and “flaring” ) as well as the “Doubleback/Back Door”, “Phasing” and “Backspinning”. Then came the “Clock Theory” which allowed Flash to find the break of a recorded song quickly by eye, by marking the vinyl with tape or a crayon. .. This manual display of taking a song apart and rearranging its structure live on stage contributed to the early development and rise of the DJ as a Remixer, Artist, and Producer. These innovations quickly became recognized worldwide, and put both Flash and the Bronx on the worldwide musical map. Bill Gates, founder and chairman of Microsoft Corporation, recently honored Flash with the DJ Vanguard Award for being the First to utilize the turntables as a musical instrument.

Hip?Hop Culture was created in 1971 by three DJs , Flash being one of them, and then, contrary to popular belief, came the graffitti writers and the breakdancers, and the MCs followed much later. Flash recorded the unique sounds he created, and in 1977 began experimenting and collaborating with local MC’s and put together his own group who became known as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Their reputation grew around Flash’s unrivaled DJ skills and the group’s blending and trading of lyrics. Flash also gained notice for the visually dynamic and acrobatic way he could spin and scratch records using his feet, toes and elbows. 1981′s “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” was the first record to feature complex cuts and scratches, and introduced the name Grandmaster Flash as their originator. Following the group’s demise, Flash continued to make his mark by releasing solo albums, and was immortalized in Blondie’s hit song of 1980, “Rapture”: “Flash is fast, Flash is cool!” In this era Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five have released multi million selling and ground breaking songs such as „The Message“ and „White Lines“ amongst others.

RECENT ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Grandmaster Flash has remained one of the world’s most respected musical innovators by never stopping his touring and performing schedule at the leading music festivals and events around the world. He played the 1998 Super Bowl, and was invited by comedian Chris Rock to be the musical director for Rock’s groundbreaking HBOTV series, where Flash could be seen onscreen spinning during the show’s four?year run. He performed for the closing of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England in 2002 for more than 40,000 in attendance, which included Prime Minister Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth, and hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world. He is regularly headlining musical festivals and events with artists such as N*E*R*D, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Missy Elliott and many more…

In 2002, Flash designed, launched and created the Grandmaster Flash Signature Empath mixer for Rane Corporation, adding to previous endorsements by Louis Vuitton and Helmut Lang ,Native Instruments, Gemini Sound and Kangol caps. In recognition of his role in music history, Flash has been invited to contribute artifacts to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio and the Experience

Music Project in Seattle, WA. Among his many awards are the Pioneer Award from Source Magazine, the New Music Seminar Hall of Fame Award, the DMC Hall of Fame Award and B.E.T.’s Diamond Award, Billboard Award. In June 2004, he was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame with a plaque dedicated at 161st St. and the Grand Concourse, and a street named after him in New York City!.

2005 was a very busy year with… Converse debuted its brand new television commercial during the NBA Playoffs featuring Grandmaster Flash and Miami Heat basketball player Dwayne Wade. Music for the spot was created and produced by Flash. Rock n Roll Hall of Fame hosted Flash at the Museum in Cleveland where he was presented with an honorary Gold Record and Life Time Acheivement Award in recognition of his contributions to music courtesy of the RIAA. P Diddy invited Flash to be the DJ host for the MTV Video Music Awards in Miami. The event was broadcasted live worldwide. VH1 honored Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five for their contributions of adding social consciousness to Hip Hop and Flash was also honored for his contribution to DJ culture in Hip Hop at their annual Hip Hop Honors Awards Show which was televised live around the world.

In 2008 Flash has released his much anticipated memoirs in a book ? penned by famed author David Ritz who wrote Marvin Gayes and Ray Charles’ autobiography, titled “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash My Life, My Beats!

2009 Activion released one of the most successful computer games ever, where Grandmaster Flash is taking a key role in the game beside Eminem & Jay Z _ DJ HERO! And to top it all : In 2007 Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in New York as the First Hip Hop artists ever !
With 30 Awards under his belt, honoring Flash for being the First DJ to make the Turntables a Musical Instrument and inventing Hip Hop its easy to see why this man is such an icon and great inspiration to many around the globe.

3 of a kind – ” Rockology, CrossFire & Jai Rocks “

Rockology were formed by Rod & Jai back in October of 2004 Purely by accident. One night in E.J’s Bar – Torquay, where Jai’s uncle, DREW MILLIN, was performing. Rod (guitar) & Jai (vocals) were currently performing together in the band “Somethin’ Else” but had never performed as a duo. But that night Drew invited the Boys to get up and perform. After a brilliant acoustic version of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the water”, Andy Oakley (Oatlands club) gave the lads there 1st gig. At the time they chose to call themselves “ACOUSTIC ROCK”.

Armed with their new name and new image, the duo went on to perform some of the best music from the world of Rock, from AC/DC to ZZ TOP. For the next few months of many gigs and the release of “live @ E.J’s” C.D, there was unfortunate clash of names with another duo which led to the renaming from “Acoustic Rock” to “ROCKOLOGY“. The name came to Jai one night after watching the Jack Black movie – “School of Rock” (and supping on a bottle of Jack Daniels!!)
Seven Years later, Rockology has become one of the most sought after duo’s in the Bay. The lads have an extensive repertoire of over 100 songs to choose from and are always looking for new venues & are available for weddings, Birthday’s etc ….

Whilst performing as Rockology, Rod & Jai started hosting a Jam Night at Ej’s bar along with best friend Nigel pike on Bass guitar, eventually Mr Paul Matthews on keyboards joined the guys and So CrossFire was created.

After just 6 mths CrossFire were becoming so popular they decided to perform in other local bars such as The Spinning Wheel, The Coach House & The Cider Press to name a few. After 6 years of performing together, CrossFire have become one of the best Blues ‘n’ Rock Bands in the Bay. in 2010 they recorded their 1st C.D which is available at all shows, and CrossFire have plans to record a second C.D in 2012. CrossFire have had a successful 2011 of performing at Brixham’s Happ ‘nin’, Opening Torbay Carnival on Paignton Green & a summer season at The Spinning Wheel on Paignton’s seafront. CrossFire are always taking on new venue’s, and altho Paul can’t always be on the gigs Rod, Nigel & Jai do perform as a 3 piece band & Crossfire still goes on from strength to strength & are looking forward to a busy 2012 !

Occasionally from time to time, Rod can be away or performing with other projects. So Jai came up with the idea of gong out as a solo singer & created ‘ Jai Rocks ‘. Jai Decided to perform songs that he grew up with and have influenced him through his long career as a drummer. Again making it different to Rockology & CrossFire, Jai performs the songs he has always wanted to perform with the help of quality backing tracks. Jai also likes to perform with a theme in mind i.e Jai Rocks ‘ performs the Rock you grew up with ‘ …. ‘ Jai Rocks performs the 1980′s ‘ & ‘ Jai Rocks Performs The 1970′s ‘. Also Jai performs every year as ‘ Count Rockula ‘ on Halloween & ‘ Santa Rocks ‘ at Christmas time ! Since Jai started doing the occasional solo gig 2 years ago, he has become one of the most popular solo performers in the bay.

Either way, wether it be Rockology, CrossFire or Jai Rocks … how ever big or small the venue … these guys can provide quality entertainment for your event or local venue.

If you are interested in booking Rockology, Crossfire or Jai Rocks .. please get intouch and don’t forget to visit the website: www.rockologyinfo.co.uk

A.J’s Big Band @ Devonport Playhouse, Plymouth on Sunday 25th September


A.J’s Big Band play big band classics from the Glenn Miller era.

Big Band enthusiasts are in for a treat when A.J’s Big Band play an afternoon concert at Devonport Playhouse, Plymouth on Sunday 25th September at 3 p.m. The acclaimed 17 piece, now into its 27th year, has released 6 recordings over the years the latest being Fascinating Rhythm. Under the leadership of top saxophonist Ken Parr the band blends stunning ensemble work with exciting jazz solos in a packed two set programme which includes swing classics from Miller, Ellington, Basie and much more. The instrumental line up is complimented by A.J’s excellent vocalist Paula Mitchell with a fusion of beautiful ballads and uptempo numbers. This is an unmissable show from a band which always delivers a show rich in entertainment value. “………brilliant music making…….”Somerset County Gazette. Ticket reserved £13.50p.

Booking Kerrys Music, 51, Ebrington Street Plymouth, PL4 9AA. Tel. 01752 227120.
Hotline 01392 411194.