Alejandro interview posted on his website:

Q: I was going to ask, that’s something that all of us as big music fans first, before you ever try to create your own music, as fans first we idolize certain musicians. Did getting to know Ian Hunter in that way, does that ever change the way you go back and listen to Mott the Hoople records, or are you still the same fan you always were?

AE: It’s never diminished any of my admiration for them and the way I always thought of them. It’s still Ian and when I see him on stage, I still get the feeling I got when I was younger listening to “All the Young Dudes” or any of these amazing songs. I still have complete and utter amazement at the type of songs he writes.

Justin
.

As my screen name might indicate, I am in that group. I still buy Ian's albums, still go to the shows, but miss the muscularity of the Ronson years.
The world would be kinda dull if we all liked the same things.

Edward

Sorry, I fat-fingered the cut-and-paste and missed the first bit:

Q: This is stepping back a bit, but on Street Songs of Love you had both Ian Hunter [of Mott the Hoople] and Bruce Springsteen playing on the record and you even payed a few shows with Bruce earlier this year. How did you get working with the two of them?

AE: Well, the connection between Ian and I is a long lasting one that started with my love for Mott the Hoople. When I was young, I would follow Mott around southern California. I was a Mott the Hoople stalker in a way. I thought they were the greatest band ever. So as a result of that, when I was ill, Ian played on that Por Vida record and it was wonderful and very supportive. And that relationship blossomed into kind of a friendship. I just feel really grateful that I know him in that light and that I’m able to have him sing on my record is really special. Same with Bruce. I met him through my management, but he’s become a real supporter and kind enough to sing on my record and to do shows at South by Southwest together. I’m still in awe of both of them. I’m a fan, you know.

Q: I was going to ask, that’s something that all of us as big music fans first, before you ever try to create your own music, as fans first we idolize certain musicians. Did getting to know Ian Hunter in that way, does that ever change the way you go back and listen to Mott the Hoople records, or are you still the same fan you always were?

AE: It’s never diminished any of my admiration for them and the way I always thought of them. It’s still Ian and when I see him on stage, I still get the feeling I got when I was younger listening to “All the Young Dudes” or any of these amazing songs. I still have complete and utter amazement at the type of songs he writes.


Justin
.

Patti Smith at Cardiff Coal Exchange (26 June 2012).

Patti Smith on excellent form. Really good set list featuring songs from the new album and a magnificent version of Gloria.
Tony Shanahan outstanding on bass and keyboards.

David.

Patti Smith - Wolverhampton Civic Hall 25th June
Tom Petty - Royal Albert Hall, London 20th June

what about them? review needed.

Patti Smith - Wolverhampton. 'This is the first show of a long tour' Patti said as she walked up to the mic, before waving and grinning at the cheering crowd. Most of the set was made up of her last 2 albums, the very good 'trampin' and the new album 'Banga' with a few of the classics thrown in for good measure. Opening with Dancing Barefoot Patti and her band were amazing. Talking with the crowd off mic and even playing a request 'pissing in the river'. The usual set closer 'Gloria' was met with a loud singalong. The gig closer 'Rock N Roll Nigger' was played like it was the last song they'd ever play. Brilliant gig by a brilliant band. I loved every second of it, if your going to Hop Farm this weekend make sure you catch her

The fantastic Lil' Band O' Gold, all the way from Louisiana, at The Esplanade Hotel in Melbourne on Friday night. The band features CC Adcock on guitar, Steve Riley on accordion and the fabulous Warren Storm (75 years old) on drums and vocals. It was the third of four nights they played in Melbourne this week and each venue has been full to capacity.

It's the second time I have seen them and both times they have played for about two hours. Each time they have played quite a few songs from their three CD's but lots of other songs as well - they have a big and great repertoire.

Attached is a video I took of part of one their songs from Friday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WeKE2MqKQ4&feature=plcp

If you check out the original video clip of John Fogerty singing 'My Toot Toot' on youtube, apart from the song's original writer and singer, Rockin' Sydney, you will also see Warren Storm in the band as well. Met him after the show and he is a real gentleman who just loves what he does.

Montreal Jazz Festival

Spent a couple of days at the 10 day jazzfest. We saw Jack Buce's "spectrum road" and the legendary guitasrist Philip Catherine.
Spectrum road was totally awesome, an explosive mix of loud jazz/rock with a little King Crimson and Pink Floyd(old floyd) thrown in. The band gets better the longer they play together and their improvs are amazing. I can't wait to see them again.
Philip Catherine performed solo, but solo to him was playing imprvised riffs over tape loops of the basic rhtyhm of each song. It was amazing and if you closed your eyes you would swear there were 2 or even 3 people playing together. kind of like what Fripp used to do but jazzier.At one point he put his guitar down for a minute and the loops kept playing.
During the day there were numerous free shows playing at the 6 or 7 stages set up at the site. Blues,jazz, folk,it was all here. I heard a band, Bharath and his rhythm 4 who sounded like Chess blues from the early 50's. His bnad had the sound down. Amazing.
Some of the oter performers at this years festival included Norah Jones, Oli Browm, Tangerine dream,Johnny Clegg,Stanley Clarke, Esperanza Spaulding,James Taylor,Ziggy Marley,Lila Downs,Liza Minelli,Seal, and tons of others.

I was only there 2 days but was very impressed. Everyone should go. So many bands in one place. They speak english too.

Govt. Mule at the manc Ritz.

Many thanks to the chaps on here who recommended this lot. No support, just two sets, both about an hour ten/fifteen of proper rockin' stuff. Like going back in time 30 or 40 years. Not familiar with a lot of it, but anyone who plays "If 6 Was 9" gets the thumbs up from me.

Mick

went to summerfest to see joe walsh tuesday...ive seen him a few times and its an ok show...not spectacular or anything...but while watching the show i could see all kinds of action on another stage so i walked over there...it was a band called "skillet" ....i am unfamiliar with them but man did they ever rock the house..i thought they sounded much better than walsh so i stayed at that stage...i will be checking into their music now because that was an amazing show....probably go to summerfest tonight and see burton cummings

you were short changed Mick - they played 3 to 3 and hour hours when I saw them last ( again spread over 2 sets)



G

Hello all,

The Left Banke last night in New Hampshire, with original members George Cameron and Tom Finn. I was worried what would become of the vocals without Steve Martin, but Mike Fornatale was excellent. Probably not recommended to everyone, but if you are enough of a fan that you bought 'Strangers On A Train" in 1986 just in case it would be good, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself.

Foxy Shazam in Northampton MA tonight.

Justin
.

Walk Away Renee is timeless.

Biggest Christian rock band going, youth at our Church love these guys.