Features

A few years back a singer-songwriter from North Essex made contact to see if I'd like to feature his music on my Drivetime show. I had a listen to one of his recordings and had no hesitation in getting him in to play live.

Since then Adrian Nation has really established himself on the roots scene and is currently working on his next album.

One of Adrian's musical heroes is the Canadian singer and guitarist Bruce Cockburn. He hasn't, as yet, been able to get Bruce to grace one of his recordings but he has managed the next best thing.

Another leading light on the Canadian music scene, Colin Linden, will be playing alongside Adrian on the Clacton man's new album. Colin has produced more than 60 albums, including many of Bruce Cockburn's, so this is a real feather in Adrian's cap.

Colin's also a member of the trio Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, who're widely regarded as one of the finest roots outfits in the world. Meanwhile, Adrian's current album, Sowing Seeds, has been receiving airplay on Spanish radio thanks to some new listeners down in Lanzarote.

Adrian's now hoping a Spanish tour will follow!

More immediately he's finally putting a band together for an appearance at the Brightlingsea Music Festival. Catch the group playing songs from the forthcoming CD at 3.30pm on Saturday 28 July.

On an island with Slade

Talking festivals, Mersea's Music Bash on Saturday 14 July looks set to be its biggest yet. The event at the picturesque Waldergraves Holiday Park on Mersea Island is being headlined by the mighty Slade.

This year's event is raising much needed funds for the Little Havens Children's Hospice based in Thundersley in Essex. Among the items in the prize draw is a Fender guitar signed by Slade's Dave Hill, who along with drummer Don Powell is keeping Slade alive.

It's been a real thrill MCing Slade's annual Christmas gigs in Ipswich and believe me they put on a superb show. Any band would miss a front man of the calibre of Noddy Holder but current singer Mal McNulty is a more than capable replacement who has never failed to impress me when I've seen the modern day Slade.

They still rock like crazy and in Dave Hill have one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

Boxford Fleece

Last month I made one of my regular visits to Boxford Fleece near Sudbury. I don't get to go every week by any means but I do try to get there as much as I can and over the years have seen virtually all the UK's top jazz singers including most recently the wonderful Jacqui Dankworth.

I did catch Jacqui at Framlingham Castle a few years back but had never seen her in the intimate surroundings of the upstairs room at the Fleece. She was every bit as good as I thought she'd be.

The new Jazz at the Fleece brochure has just dropped through my letter box and, as ever, there's a tremendous line-up for the summer months.

Her most recent album, Walking In The Sun, is up to her usual high standards and no doubt her Boxford gig will include selections from that as well as her other superb CDs on Linn Records.

Joining Barb at the Fleece will be her musical director Jenny Carr on piano along with Jessica Lauren on organ and harmonica. Tickets are £13 and I feel sure by the time you read this they'll have all been snapped up, but do try the box office on 01787 211865.

Among the many other guaranteed sell-outs are return visits by the trumpeter Steve Fishwick with special guest Scott Hamilton, the Stan Tracey Quartet and Alan Skidmore.

Los Pistoleros

If you've ever been to a Los Pistoleros concert you won't need me to tell you that a great time is had by all.

Fronted by fiddler player extraordinaire Bobby Valentino and featuring the finest pedal steel guitarist on the planet, B. J. Cole,  Los Pistoleros simply ooze class.

A few years ago Laxfield resident Simon Gallo persuaded the late George Coleman to put some music on in the garden of the King's Head pub aka The Low House. The much missed George loved most types of music and Los Pistoleros were among his favourites.

They're back at The Low House on Saturday 21 July for a show that'll hopefully raise lots of money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tommy's, the baby charity.

Tickets are £13 and can be booked by calling 01986 798948. I'm very much hoping Bobby and B.J. will be popping in to BBC Radio Suffolk in the run-up to the gig to play live in the studio.

Listen in to the After Six Music Mix and get a taste of their unique mix of western swing, honky tonk and blues.