Archive

05.03.08: On March 1st Rod joined Sid Griffin in an evening devoted to Bob Dylan’s seminal Basement Tapes recordings at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. Singer, author, broadcaster and longtime Rod associate Sid, who guested on the Stamping Ground album as well as producing Lindisfarne’s Here Comes The Neighbourhood, is the author of Million Dollar Bash: Bob Dylan, The Band and the Basement Tapes, recently published by Jawbone Press. The event was part of the Words by the Water literature festival. According to our friend Derek Walmsley, the audience were treated to " …a fascinating series of historical accounts and anecdotes about the 1967-68 Basement Tapes sessions, complemented by renditions of appropriate songs, including the title track and a version of Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo) which the audience joined in…. the duo complemented each other perfectly and amazingly given the fact that this was the first time they had performed in this format - and there wasn't even time for a sound check. Sid’s train was held up en route from London to Penrith by the main line blockage at Shap, and he arrived at the venue with 15 minutes to spare!"

Rod with Sid Griffin, 1st March 2008 Photo: Geoff Styche

30.12.07: The new issue of roots, rock & blues bi-monthly magazine Rock'n'Reel features a full-page article by Rod in its "Open Mic" slot, which is thrown open to invited artists to have their say about whatever they like. Rod takes as his theme the role of the singer-songwriter and the public's changing perception of what it implies. The piece appears in Rock'n'Reel Vol. 2 No. 7, January/February 2008 (the one with Jools Holland on the front). The magazine will be on bookstands shortly, price £4.25. See also:

http://www.rock-n-reel.co.uk/

Rod has also written a review of the acclaimed new album by Newcastle-based folk group Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, widely tipped for great things in the coming year. The review appears on the Get Ready To Rock website. Read it at:

http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2007/rachel_unthank.htm

14.12.07: Rod provided dobro parts for four tracks on Allie Fox's forthcoming album of guitar instrumentals, recorded at Iain McKinna's Offbeat studio situated on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The album, as yet untitled, is scheduled for release in early summer 2008 and also features contributions from Frank Usher, Neil Warden and Fraser Speirs among others.

Rod and Allie

Photo: Iain McKinna