Gimme 5 - Mississippi bluesman Robert Connely Farr is our latest musical travel guide

Born in Bolton, Mississippi, and now resident in Vancouver, Robert Connely Farr's ass may be in Canada, but his heart remains in the South.  A champion of the Bentonia blues tradition maintained by famed juke joint owner Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes, Farr is a purveyor of spooky, soul-searching stripped-back blues, typified by his latest album Pandora Sessions, released in October 2023.  So what's the music and who are the people who prick up his ears when he's not hanging around the crossroads at midnight, waiting for the Devil to give him inspiration?  Tell us, Robert!

Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently.  [Click on the links to listen to Robert's selections.]

 

‘02.02.99’ by That Mexican OT:  “I came across That Mexican OT on YouTube, I have an insatiable desire for all things Southern, including Southern Rap. This guy is actually out of

Robert Connely Farr - "Are you looking' at me?"

Pic by Rustin Gudim

Houston and brings a lot of Latin influence to his music & style – which I find really intriguing. The beat and his delivery are incredible, in my opinion.”

‘Dylan Phase Again’ by We Found A Lovebird:  “We Found A Lovebird is a band out of Vancouver and their single 'Dylan Phase Again' really stuck out to me when it was released. I downloaded it right away and been playing it daily – I love it when a song hits like that.”

 

‘Heritage of Arrogance’ by Adeem The Artist:  “This whole album by Adeem the Artist is a real kick to the gut, in a good way in my book. I believe I originally heard of them through YouTube in one of my many wormholes looking into new artist. I really enjoy the vulnerability and spirit of conviction in this album.”

 

‘Outlaws’ by Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires:  “Another band out of the South that I’ve immense respect for.  Lee Bains is a prolific and accomplished songwriter with political views that seem very similar to my own.  ‘Outlaws’ is an incredible song that speaks to an important job for those who wish for a better America and South.”

 

‘Burn In Hell’ by Junior Kimbrough:  “Junior Kimbrough is the man. Hands down. And this live album is a great example of why. ‘Burn In Hell’ is killer, how the song comes in – eerie and abrupt – 7 minutes of juke joint hill country blues y’all. I love the “train going down the tracks and never gonna stop” vibe to this one.”

 

Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work.

 

Jimmy Duck Holmes:  “Hands down changed the trajectory of my music career. His teachings and mentorship brought music home for me.  After a decade of searching for my sound, he showed me it was at home - quite literally in my backyard. "  [Check out the Blues Enthused review of Jimmy's 2020 album Cypress Grove.]

 

Mac Pontiac:  “A Vancouver songwriter and troubadour who passed away a few years back. His songs and public performances were breathtaking, as tragic as he was. He helped a lot of people in need, myself as well in some of my darkest moments – encouraging me to keep on keeping on.”

 

RL Boyce:  “His smile and his energy were infectious. He recently passed away, but damn could that man play!  I remember at the 2023 Bentonia Blues Festival he asked me to join his set. I
remember telling him “Ain’t no way I can hang with you RL!!!”  But he pulled me on up to the stage and hollered “I’m gonna show you how”.”

 

Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes plays host in his Blue Front Café

Neil Young:  “He was really the first songwriter that I remember influencing me, not so much how I played, but how I wanted to write - songs that were critical and asked hard questions.” 

 

Drive-By Truckers:  “I’ve been seeing ‘em live since ’98 and I’ve been blown away by their work, convictions and live performances since. To this day, one of my favourite bands/songwriters out there.”

 

Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.

 

My brother:  “He makes the best Angus steaks you’ve ever had. He’s my best friend in this world and one of the best men I know. And I don’t get to see him near enough. Any time I get to spend with him – hell, just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.”

 

Jimmy Duck Holmes:  “He’s like a grandfather to me. I love his outlook on life. We both grew up on the same stretch of the Big Black River. And some of the best fried catfish I ever ate came out of the kitchen of his juke joint the Blue Front Café.”

 

Jason Isbell:  “I look up to that fella. His vulnerability and honesty are hard to stomach sometimes – mostly because it’s a reflection of myself. His process and perspective are very encouraging to me.”

 

Charles M Blow:  “The author of the book The Devil You Know: A Black Manifesto, which is a hard and unflinching look the state of race relations in America. I have a deep respect and

admiration for his work.”

 

Country singer-songwriter Margo Price:  “I’m a long-time fan of hers. I appreciate her story and what she stands for.  It seems like she’s always fighting the good fight – I like that.”  [Margo Price was a new name to me, so here's a link to her song 'Been To The Mountain'.]

And what would be the first album you'd put on as background music?

"That would have to be Most Things Haven't Worked Out by Junior Kimbrough - a huge inspiration to me and my drummer pal Jay Bundy Johnson over recent years!"

 

Finally, just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.

 

“I’m going to pick ‘Getting’ Tired of Getting’ Old’.  This song just came out of nowhere one day.  I totally remember sitting on my couch, thinking I needed to do something productive but being tired as shit! I grabbed my 12 string Gibson and the song just fell out of that ol' thing right into my iPhone voice recorder and the rest was history. It’s a blend of the Bentonia Style that Jimmy’s been teaching me and the Hill Country style that the late RL Boyce was encouraging me to implement into my playing.”

Gimme 5 - Elles Bailey turns the spotlight on the music and people that give her chills and thrills

She’s a multiple UK Blues Award winner, a multiple UK Americana Award winner, hit the bullseye with her 2022 album Shining In The Half-Light, recently completed a highly successful UK tour, and has her own weekly show on Planet Rock Radio.  But Elles Bailey has still found the time to play the Gimme 5 game with Blues Enthused, telling us about the music and people that float her boat.  Take it away, Elles!
 
Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently. 
 
‘Broken Horses’ by Brandi Carlile:  “Taken from her last record, I love how this song rocks. Its
been great being able to give this track some love on my Planet Rock Show. I am a huge Brandi fan, not just her incredible writing and incomparable voice but she is a huge champion of up and coming artists and she’s always celebrating someone else. What a woman.”
 

Elles Bailey goes all Mona Lisa smile

Pic by Rob Blackham

‘Nightflyer’ by Allison Russell: “I think Allison’s last record is a masterpiece. I had the absolute joy of sharing the stage with her at the Uk Americana Awards. She’s an incredibly generous artist who lifts up all around her.”
 
‘Speed Dial’ by Alice Armstrong:  “What a debut single! I’ve been a fan of Alice’s for about 4 years in her various projects but It is so great to finally hear what she’s got to say.”
 
‘Find Yourself’ by Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real:  “I can’t get enough of this song, I am totally obsessed by it. I am really looking forward to sharing the stage with them at Black Deer Fest!”
 

‘Long Road Ahead’ by Delaney & Bonnie:  “This has been spinning a lot over the last few months. So much so that we have recorded a cover of it. I look forward to sharing it soon.”
 
 
Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work. 
 
Mavis Staples:  “Mavis is all heart, soul & feel - her delivery is like no one else’s. You feel every word she sings and being in her audience is like being taken to church.” 
 
Bonnie Raitt:  “The trailblazer. I remember listening to Bonnie’s Dig in Deep record a lot whilst

Bonnie Raitt ready to blaze some trails

Pic by Marina Chavez

making Wildfire. She’s an artist I look up to, and aspire to have a career like. It’s a long game, but she’s played hard and shone like a light to inspire artists like myself.” 
 
Creedence Clearwater Revival:  “I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have CCR in it. My dad always played old records of theirs and I’m super proud of our version of ‘Long As I Can See the Light’ on the Shining in the Half Light Deluxe Edition. An honour to take on this Classic Creedence Song. 
 
Fleetwood Mac/ Stevie Nicks:  “Stevie Nicks is one of the most Iconic women of the 20th Century . There is no denying that I love her, her music, her fashion sense. Again another trailblazer.”
 
The Civil Wars:  “This was the act that introduced me to the modern Americana Scene. I remember hearing 'Barton Hollow' in 2012 and it was a game changer. That song inspired ‘Wildfire’, ‘Waiting Game’, ‘Medicine Man’ and so much more Elles Bailey!”

The entirely average looking Ryan Gosling

Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch. 
 
Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift:  “Cuz I reckon they would be so much fun to have dinner with. Can we go out dancing after too?”
 
Ryan Gosling:  “So I can just sit and stare. (Shhh don’t tell my hubby!)”
 
Mavis and Bonnie:  “So we can discuss our future collab!!”
 
Just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.
 
“I’m going for ‘Spinning Stopped’, from the Shining In The Half-Light Deluxe Edition. I think this song is really beautiful and sums up exactly what I wanted to say. It's my intimate reflections of becoming a mother in the crazy beautiful yet totally messed up world during a pandemic. Recorded live it also shows how incredible my band are, Yes we can rock out at the best of times but this shows us in a different light, subtle and sensitive!"

Check out Elles Bailey's summer dates below.

 

Gimme 5 - The Starlite Campbell Band take us on a musical odyssey

As their recently released album Starlite Campbell Band Live! demonstrates, Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell can do a classic British rock sound with the best of 'em.  But these musical nomads, currently living in Portugal, have interests and inspirations that range far and wide.  So let's join their Gimme 5 magical mystery tour as they share 5 songs that have clicked with them
lately, 5 key influences, and 5 guests - well, six, because they cheated - who they'd love to invite to a long lunch.  Start the engines, Suzy and Simon!

Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently.

‘The Same’ by The Smile:  “Simon has loved and devotedly followed Radiohead ever since he heard ‘Creep’. We think they are the most important band around right now as they continue to push musical boundaries and really love the collaboration with Nigel Godrich as a producer. The

The Starlite Campbell Band perform a rock'n'roll mind-meld!

Pic by Dario Leonetti

Smile is the latest side project from Messrs Yorke and Greenwood from the band and we saw them live early in July in Lisbon. It was a masterclass in modern rock music, the star of the show being the drummer Tom Skinner. But, it's not just the music. Yorke’s lyrics are always poignant but this particular track really speaks the language of 2022.”

‘A Minha Menina’ by Os Mutantes:  “Suzy is always off-piste with her music tastes and since being in Portugal has been investigating the music of our new adopted home. Os Mutantes are Brazilian, but of course sing in Portuguese, albeit the Brazilian version. The album was released in 1968 and feels very much a part of the psychedelic scene, but with a wonderful Latin twist and fabulous fuzz guitar.”

‘Flowers of Neptune 6’ by The Flaming Lips:  “Simon saw the Flaming Lips at Glastonbury a few years ago and became aware of them through the album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots and later when Wayne Coyne featured as guest vocalist with The Chemical Brothers’ ‘Golden Path’. ‘Flowers of Neptune 6’ is from the album American Head which is totally wonderful, and we love Coyne’s broken vocal and childlike lyrics, both of which convey insightful messages. The production is wonderful, in parts Beatle-esque but still rooted in their chaotic Oklahoma sound. He likes dinosaurs and spaceships and that's good enough for us.”

‘That's The Way It Is’ (live version) by Daniel Lanois & Heavy Sun:  “We talk more about Lanois later, but this particular track was written for the Amazon video game Red Dead Redemption 2 and is just outstanding. We love the general vibe, guitar and vocal sensitivity of the Hammond, the falsetto vocal - basically everything.”

‘I Believe In You’ by Talk Talk:  “Talk Talk always give waves of ‘80s nostalgia with their big hits ‘Life's What You Make It’ and ‘Living in Another World’.  But to us, it’s the album Spirit of Eden that really defines the band. It was engineered by our good friend Phill Brown who has worked with an amazing array of artists from Led Zeppelin to Bob Marley. Phill’s excellent book Are We
Still Rolling? details the torturous recording process plus a plethora of fabulous anecdotes from his life as a premier league studio hound. The atmosphere, instrumentation and vocals on this track are totally spellbinding.”

Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work.

Daniel Lanois:  “We fell in love with Lanois through his production of Bob Dylan's masterpiece Oh Mercy and quickly found the other records in the trilogy: Yellow Moon (Neville Brothers) and his first solo album Acadie. All three were recorded in New Orleans using fabulous local musicians plus the wonderful talents of our friend Malcolm Burn along with Mark Howard and Brian Eno, plus Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton of U2. Over the years we have followed him

Bowie - A shape-shifting musical influence

with a passion, and the rockumentary ‘Here Is What Is’ is a great favourite of ours. Lanois has produced some monster albums, working with a stellar array of artists from U2 to Robbie Robertson, Peter Gabriel to Sinéad O'Connor, but it's his collaboration with Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris that really floats our boat. He works with Brian Blade, who along with Vinnie Colaiuta is one of our favourite drummers. The fact that he is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, producer and engineer provides a deep connection with Simon who plays our vinyl copies of Acadie and Oh Mercy before every session he records  - just to set the standard. ‘Nuff said.”

Nigel Godrich:  “Godrich is Radiohead’s producer and works also on Tom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood's side projects. We just love his production sensibilities making complex music very accessible and appears to be very much a part of the creative process. But he is much more than just Radiohead. The From the Basement series of live performances is totally amazing, taking its inspiration and vibe from The Old Grey Whistle Test. Outstanding."

Jimmy Page:  Simon says, “I was born on January 9th, the same date, but not the same year as Page, and feel a real connection with his playing and production. He is a very ‘British’ guitar player, a bit sloppy - not as clean and refined as some of his American counterparts. Zeppelin III was my first introduction after an older boy at school who didn’t care for the music gave it to me. Of course, I voraciously consumed all the albums and using a reel-to-reel tape machine to slow them down, learned every track. Houses of the Holy and Zeppelin I have remained my favourites and are on regular rotation in our studio. It was these that made me want to learn how to write, arrange and produce records. To this day his slightly crunchy guitar sound always sounds great to me and made me dislike the muddy overdriven sounds of many ‘modern’ guitar players. Take a listen to our new album Starlite Campbell Band Live! and you’ll see what I mean.”

David Bowie:  Suzy says, “Who can’t love his style, avant-garde thinking, intelligence, and his constant pushing of musical boundaries. Like most artists, he was of course a musical magpie picking up musical ideas from the likes of Scott Walker and Jacques Brel. He also surrounded himself with great musicians, primarily guitarists such as Ronson, Fripp, Alomar, Slick, Belew, Rogers and Gabrels plus of course legendary producers Eno and Visconti. My all-time favourite ‘Bowie’ rhythm section is the combination of George Murray and Dennis Davis. Simon and I cried when we first heard ‘Where Are We Now’ as it was clear - to us - he was dying.”

Scott Walker:  “This enigmatic, mysterious, troublesome genius has been so influential to vast swathes of modern music. He always lurks in the British psyche with his magnificent early Walker Brothers hits, but it's his solo material that really strikes home. The later material can be a very tricky listen but totally worth it.” 

Music loving movie man Quentin Tarantino celebrates lunch invite

Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.

"Of course, as a couple, we would always invite six as five is awkward so we popped in an extra chair at the table."

David Byrne:  “Byrne is of the most intelligent musicians out there and sure would be an engaging guest adding some zing to this fabulous group of people. His fabulous book How Music Works is on its second read in the Starlite Campbell house and we never tire of the groundbreaking Stop Making Sense, critically acclaimed as one of the greatest rock movies ever made.”

Tom Yorke:  “This activist, eclectic musician and visual artist would complement the other guests around the table. Witty, articulate and a very unique way of looking at the world.”

Annie Leibovitz:  “What can you say about this legendary photographer? Is it the picture she took of Ono and Lennon five hours before he was tragically murdered, or the controversy that surrounds her shots of Queen Elizabeth II, Miley Cyrus and LeBron James? In any event, we think she would make a fascinating addition to the cocktail of guests.”

Quentin Tarantino:  “Our favourite music director and lover of music. All his movies have magnificent eclectic soundtracks and we particularly love Urge Overkill’s version of ‘Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon’, Chuck Berry’s ‘You Never Can Tell’ and The Statler Brothers' version of ‘Flowers On The Wall’. We’re sure we would be a riveting guest.”

Laurie Anderson:  “Is one of the most renowned and daring creative pioneers and is bound to really make a fabulous guest. Visual artist, composer, poet, photographer, filmmaker, electronics whiz, vocalist and instrumentalist.”

Pedro Abrunhosa:  “We met Pedro at his studio in Porto last year not knowing he was one of Portugal's biggest artists. We really hit it off and a few weeks ago we went to stay with him. He again is a fabulous singer, songwriter, poet, philosopher, musician and composer. He founded Porto’s jazz school and has been immensely influential in the modern music culture of Portugal.  He is well read and has tremendous gravitas. The man has his own library - that says it all.”  [Not being remotely familiar with Pedro Abrunhosa myself, I've dug out his track 'Se Eu Fosse Um Dia O tea Olhar' by way of introduction.  Nice piano!]

Just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.

“We’d go for the track ‘Lay It Out On Me’, from our album The Language Of Curiosity.  We wrote and recorded the drums, bass and guitar whilst we were living in Germany. The grand piano was tracked at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales when we were in the UK on tour, two weeks before the first lockdown. Rockfield is famous for being the world’s first residential recording studio and also where Queen recorded ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and many other monster bands have worked there including Black Sabbath, Oasis, Robert Plant et al.  For our session, Simon asked Jonny Henderson to play three versions of the song - busy, medium and sparse. We chose the sparse version which gives the track a very desolate and intimate feel. Although principally a love song, the lyric has a sense of hopelessness and brokenness and the very melodic and clean guitar adds to the atmosphere. ‘Lay It Out On Me’ has space, a naked vulnerability and we think that it's one of the best recordings we have made, and defines much that the Starlite Campbell Band were in 2021.”

_

‘Lay It Out On Me’ - Starlite/Campbell 2021

I wrote you letters, parchment to hold
You brought suspicion, or so I am told
Love is a picture, to paint and to see
Lay it out on me
 
Walk in the forest, there’s nothing to fear
I am so right, when you are so near
Love is an anger, a sign, a decree
Lay it out on me
 
Walk through the water, just in and not on
Swim in the ocean, bask in the sun
I gave you my all, your love is my plea
Lay it out on me

Starlite Campbell Band Live! is out now on Supertone Records, and can be ordered here.

Gimme 5 - The one and only Ian Siegal gives us the Grand Tour

The incorrigible, indomitable, always interesting Ian Siegal released his latest album Stone By Stone in May, and is now heading out on tour in the UK.  Wanna know what turns him on?  Then read all about it as he shares 5 songs that have had his ears twitching, 5 key influences, and 5 people he'd love to get round the table for a long lunch.  Hit it, Ian!

Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently.  [Check out the links to hear Ian's selections.]

'I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say' by Jelly Roll Morton:  "Two of the artists who should be considered the true Godfathers of the Blues are mentioned here, sadly the former never got

Ian Siegal - Man and Guitar

recorded. This was how the original Blues (and that’s what they called it) sounded when it came out of New Orleans (before the Mississippi Delta was even populated by humans) in the late 19th century."
 
'I’m A Ram' by Al Green:  "Because this song gets either played, sung or referred to pretty much every day in my house. It appears simple but that groove is heavy."
 
'All Cranked Up' by His Lordship:  "Hands down the best live act I have seen in a long time - and I had to follow them on stage! My friends James and Chris. Fan-f*cking-tastic. Rock and Roll. They deserve to be enormous." 
 
'Lust For Life' by Iggy Pop:  "This Saturday [2 July 2022] I am playing a one-time-only set with a one-off group of musicians [Amor, Barrett, Barry, Fisk and Siegal], just for kicks at the Linton Festival. We decided to pick three of our own songs and one cover each. Since I have always wanted to perform this it was a no-brainer. Can’t wait. There may be stripping . . . ."
 
'The Grand Tour' by George Jones:  "The Possum never lets you down. One of the greatest vocals ever put to record."
 
Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work.

Little Richard:  "If I had to name the single person who had the most impact overall it would be between him, Muddy and Wolf but Richard came first. I was very young. Just overwhelming - the ferocity of him. But if you hear his later 60s and early 70s material there's a lot more subtlety. And funk! Not sure how he has influenced my work directly but he is always in the back of my

Who wouldn't want to be influenced by this man?

mind."
 
The Band:  "Their approach to songwriting and the eclectic mix of all forms of American music. And they inspired me to include more harmony singing which I find is often lacking from UK and European artists in Blues and roots music."
 
Tom Waits:  "I slowly eased out his heavy influence on my early career. He’s held in such high regard but also it’s deemed kinda uncool to be too much under his spell. Still, there's his approach to recording - found instruments, and nothing being off-limits. The beautiful poetry of his lyrics juxtaposed with the sometimes tragic or lowdown subject matter, clanking percussion….the extremely analogue, warm nature of the instrument sounds (sometimes) and at other times the clanking percussion. They all get in somewhere when I am recording. I could have gone for Costello for similar reasons. I recall the first time I saw Waits on The Tube tv show and being blown away by this seemingly unique character. A huge impact for sure."
 
Townes Van Zandt:  "Can’t tell you when I first discovered him. What’s important to me about Townes is that he taught me (just as Rick Danko did) that true soul/soulfulness can come in many forms. It isn’t always obvious and can be incredibly subtle. Plus those lyrics. The imagery. The heart. Untouchable."
 
Sam Cooke:  "Because he’s the greatest singer of all time. A mark I will never hit. But even knowing I’ll never get near, now and again I’ll try. Just for kicks. I hear him in so many heroes.

Ian Siegal announces future heavy metal album - Jürgen Klopp approves

Nick Lowe for one. And he gets close."
 
Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.
 
Chris Thomas King:  "His recent book, The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of my Music and Culture, has been an incredible education as well as a remarkably well-researched and downright interesting read. It should be taught in schools. The history we have all been taught about the genre is pretty far from the actual truth. I’d love to just sit and chat with him about it."  [Chris Thomas King has also hosted a linked podcast.]
 
Jurgen Klopp:  "Manager of the finest team on the planet. We could discuss tactics for next season."
 
Dave Chappelle:  "Greatest comedian of his generation, an intellectual and an inspiration."
 
Mavis Staples:  "Her infectious positivity is something I’d get a kick out of and combined with guest number five . . ."
 
Matthew McConaughey:  ". . . the overwhelming positive vibes from the two of them would be fantastic and I’m certain would lead to one of the most memorable lunches in living memory!  And his autobiography is a fantastic read and an excellent set of guidelines for a good life."
 
 
Just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.
 
"Tricky of course. But I’ll go for my song 'The Fear'.  I wrote it around ten or so years ago and recorded it for an album I made in Mississippi called The Skinny.  But it was too “country” for that album.  Couple years later same studio we decided to record a band version which was great BUT I always wanted to record it as intended.  Acoustic, just me and a guitar really (although there’s harmonica on it too, but more on that in a minute).  So I re-did it on my recent album Stone By Stone in California.  I actually wrote it with Kris Kristofferson in mind as I was in a deep-dive on him at the time, but like a lot of my songs it’s about a bunch of people maybe personified in one character.  Also like a lot of my better stuff it felt like it wrote itself and it all came out in a flash. I think it’s some of my best work lyrically and I honestly couldn’t pick one line - it has a flow to it that I am really proud of.

"A beautiful coincidence is that the harmonica on it came from my Hollywood pal Jimmie Wood,  who was in the studio to contribute to another song entirely.  But I remembered the whole thing was actually inspired by something he said to me, wandering between rooms on the second floor landing of a hotel, TWENTY years ago.  It came back to me from somewhere in the depths ten years after the event and that’s where the whole song fell out. 

"I love the way the whole thing came back around and he ended up, by pure fluke, being on the finished product. Tied the whole thing together, like The Dude’s rug . . . ."

Ian Siegal is touring Great Britain till 22 July.  Full details of his dates can be found here.

Gimme 5 - Adam Rigg of modern rock'n'rollers The Bad Day gets down to business

Adam Rigg is the vocalist and bassist with modern bluesy rockers The Bad Day (formerly The Bad Day Blues Band), whose eponymous second album The Bad Day has been shaking the British rock'n'roll tree since landing at the start of June.  So here he is serving up a Gimme 5 menu of songs that have been on his radar recently, artists who have been a big influence on him, and the guests he'd like to invite to his ideal long lunch.  Strap yourselves in, folks!

Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently.  [Check out the links to listen to all Adam's selections.]

The Bad Day posing somewhere posh, including the be-hatted Adam Rigg

'In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning' by Frank Sinatra:  "Stumbled across this when researching concept albums, apparently one of the first. Although I think the album has more of a running vibe than a concept, I love this opening track. Full of memories and smooth swagger. Nobody could do it quite like Frank."
 
'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethoven (various versions):  "I became a little obsessed with this. It’s one of the most ‘alive’ pieces of music I’ve ever heard. The flow, the tempo changes in the fingers are hypnotic. There’s a reason this piece of music is still so well known to this day. Beethoven was indeed a genius."
 
'Don’t Answer The Door' by BB King and Bobby 'Blue' Bland:  "This is the live version and I’m not sure there is a studio version. The chemistry between these two blues legends is brilliant to listen to. Humour and friendship filters through the painful bluesy lyrics. The band are great, really tight. BB is the conductor perhaps but Bobby is the soul of the piece."
 
'Stars' by Simply Red:  "This passed me by when I was younger, despite being a huge hit. The vocals are obviously world class and actually delivered with a nonchalant ease rarely mastered as well as this. The song itself is extremely well crafted and holds up well to repeat listening."
 
'Good Year For The Roses' by Elvis Costello:  "I am just discovering Mr Costello after resisting his songs for a number of years, mainly because I didn’t think he was a great singer. I was wrong. The unique voice is one of the things that gives great character to this song, as well as being very lyrically clever. I’m not sure if I’m taking the title hook as sarcasm and that’s why I like it."
 
 
Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work. 
 
Steve Marriott:  "I first came across him on an old episode of The Old Grey Whistle Test. Loved his version of 'Black Coffee'.  The Humble pie era, just outstanding. Often people say he was underrated, and that is probably true in respect of the public (probably due to poor management from what I have read) but not by others musicians as his talent is undeniable. One of the coolest voices ever. A natural gravel that others have tried to replicate ever since. Allegedly

The small but perfectly formed Steve Marriott

nearly joining the stones but Mick knew he was the better singer. Humble Pie were amazing, and obviously The Small Faces had some great hits. Had the pleasure of interviewing his daughter Mollie for a radio show once and she is also a great singer, keeping the Marriott legacy rolling."
 
Cream/Jack Bruce:  "I learnt to play the bass by copying Jack Bruce bass lines. Love all the classics like 'Sunshine Of Your Love', 'Crossroads', 'Badge' etc. But I also appreciate some of the less well known songs like 'Tales Of Brave Ulysses' and 'Strange Brew'.  Great band, wish they could have stayed together longer."
 
The Beatles:  "I know, I know. But they are simply the greatest band ever. The band that got me into music in the first place. My first ever record was a vinyl single of 'Long Tall Sally' and I never looked back from there. Paul McCartney needs special mention, although recently I think people are realising he was the driving force in the band, I think in a hundred years time people will look back on him as one of the greatest songwriters to have ever lived. Abbey Road is my number 1 album of all time and a massive inspiration for our recent concept album."
 
BB King:  "He makes it seem so easy, his guitar playing is sublime, and along with Gary Moore I think the best at making the guitar sound like it’s talking. Nothing crazy flash but mesmerising. So many of his tracks are blues standards and we often play some at gigs and jams. For me he was the King of the Blues."
 
Eric Clapton:  "I know I mentioned him already as part of Cream, but I feel he deserves his own mention for his solo work. From blues to pop to rock and back to the blues, he has done it all and you have to say been successful in all of these genres. Not many people have achieved

Tom Waits - "I'm sitting next to who?"

that. That is down to his guitar skills, and just as importantly his songwriting and arranging ability. I adore Back To The Cradle as an album, and can appreciate his rockier stuff like 'Layla' which is beautifully written."
 
 
Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.
 
Jack Nicholson:  "He would be great at a dinner party, some great stories and actually I could just watch him and be entertained, so charismatic and interesting."

Bob Mortimer:  "He makes me laugh even when he doesn’t say anything. Imagine him with Jack Nicholson. We need to make this happen."

 Cerys Matthews:  "She loves the blues and seems like a laugh, I imagine good chats."

Tom Waits:  "So talented and so unique. Legendary stories and also could chat with him about acting as well as music. I’d probably sit next to him."

Carol Kaye:  "Legendary bassist. I could listen to her stories for hours about the countless number of hits and musicians she has played with."
 
 
Just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.
 
"For my pick lets go with ‘Devil’s Lullaby’. It feels like it captures where we are at the moment musically and also I’m very proud of the writing element to it. This was the track that started off our idea of The Bad Day as a concept album, and originally it was written as a duet between two arguing musician lovers. So it has a very definite image in my head when I sing it or hear it. Also the arrangement of the version on the album is very nice, all the instruments give each other just the right amount of space and the guys really knocked it out of the park with the vibe."

Check out forthcoming festival appearances and shows by The Bad Day here.

Gimme 5 - Robert Jon Burrison of Robert Jon & The Wreck hits the Blues Enthused jukebox

Robert Jon Burrison is lead singer and guitarist with Californian roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck, who head out on their latest British tour on 9 May.  So here he is occupying the Gimme 5 hotseat to share 5 songs that have been on his radar lately; 5 artists who have been a key influence on his music; and his 5 ideal guests for a long lunch.  Get ready for a real smorgasbord of stuff ranging from Southern rock to modern soul for us to sample - play that funky music, Robert Jon!

Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently.  [Check out the links to listen to all Robert Jon’s selections.]
 
‘Let Me Ride’ by Allman Brothers Band:  "The Allmans album Seven Turns has been on heavy

Robert Jon & The Wreck get ready to hit the road

Pic by Robby Boyd

rotation for me lately,but the song from it that I keep coming back to is ‘Let Me Ride’. It has an amazing groove and a chorus that sticks in your head all day long.”
 
‘Shooting Stars’ by Rival Sons:  “Rival Sons has been on repeat since my son was born earlier this year.  I liked this song before but every time it’s played my son calms down and goes to sleep.  He seems to like it even more than I do.  He’s in charge so it's played in my house almost everyday!”
 
‘Cumberland Gap’ by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit:  “Jason writes everything you need in a song.  It has energy, it has the groove, and it’s such a great chorus that you can't help but sing.  I love Jason Isbell's song writing and tend to listen through his records pretty often.”
 
‘Leave the Door Open’ by Silk Sonic:  “Silk Sonic is Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak's new group.  It has the throw-back sound of 70s soul with two of the heaviest hitters in the industry right now. It also helps that my wife seems to always throw it on whenever she gets a chance.”
 
‘Drugs’ by Anderson East:  “It's one of Anderson’s newer songs.  I'm still very much into his older stuff but for some reason when the bass-line starts and it comes on my Alexa or Spotify, I never skip it.  This track has a great feel and just makes ya want to dance.” 
 
 
Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work.
 
Amos Lee:  “There's something about his body of work and craftsmanship in his songs that makes him at the top of my list. I still listen to him almost daily.  I really love his voice and what

Rock'n'roll influencers Aerosmith growing old disgracefully

he does with it.”  [Must admit I wasn't familiar with Amos Lee, so if you're in the same boat here's his song 'Worry No More', from his recent album Dreamland.]
 
The Black Crowes:  “They have such a solid body of work that stretches through so many genres.  I love that kind of diversity. The groove and feel to the songs just puts you in that ‘right place’ that makes you want to recreate in your own way.”
 
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats:  “Their recordings are amazing but their live show has blown me away. The songs are simple and heartfelt, but at the same time have the such great big production. The horns and arrangements make for such great tracks.  It's hard to let these songs pass by without being a heavy influence.”
 
Ray LaMontagne:  “Similar to Amos.  I listen to a lot of singer/songwriters.  What Ray does when he delivers his songs is mesmerizing.  You feel the connection to him immediately.  He's written some of the greatest songs that have ever been written, which is why he is such a large influence on my songwriting.”
 
Aerosmith:  “Straight up Rock'n'Roll. They got the swag, they got the songs, and they’ve got the talent to boot.  I've been a fan since I was young and I feel like everyone needs that straight up rock n roll sometimes. Whether they know it or not.”

Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.
 

Uber-chilled Willie Nelson - would he get on with Gordon Ramsay?

Dave Grohl:  “Because it's Dave Grohl!  Who wouldn't want to have lunch with him?”
 
Will Ferrell:  “Because he's hilarious and you need the comic relief to keep a lunch party moving along.”
 
Gordon Ramsey:  “If we were to have lunch, I'd like to hear what Gordon Ramsay has to say about the meal that we are eating in person. It would make for an easy ice breaker I'm sure.”
 
Zac Brown:  “Because I feel like we'd just get along. I don't know that to be true but I just have this feeling we would and if we didn't I'd take my chances with inviting . . .”
 
Willie Nelson:  “’Cause I don't know anyone that wouldn't get along with Willie Nelson!”
 
Just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.
 
“I’d go for ‘Waiting for Your Man’.  It’s our brand new single. It's heavy hitting and features exactly what we do and who we are.”

Check out the Blues Enthused review of the band's latest album, Shine A Light On Me Brother, here.

Robert Jon & The Wreck tour the UK from 9-20 May, tickets available here - details of all dates shown below.