HURTS - Illuminated live in Belgrade Arena

GLASTONBURY Festival 2011 CLIPS

Well maybe one day I might make this muddy festival field where some the best performances by artists have occurred. 

First check out this 'soul' voice of Aloe Blacc -  Main Stage and Acoustic Stage CLIPS.

How cool is this soul guy!  AND here's to Beyonce - the first woman to headline! Plus at 69 Paul Simon played the legendary slot... I saw Simon here last week, I will post a review asp.  Plus a top set from Coldplay who I saw perform at the SECC a few years back.

AND the classic  'American Pie' from Don MacLean - wishing I was there too... Maybe next year..

HURTS
I've been following HURTS and saw them here in Glasgow last year. Their sound is eighties-influenced Syth Pop with some cool songs. Theo is such a good front man, and I love the way they build up their songs.

NEW artists June 2011

It always excites me the discovery of new emerging talent here. Recently James Vincent McMorrow from Dublin I heard live on Jools Holland just a few weeks ago.   

Young singer songwriter James Blake from London I heard at the Oran Mor Glasgow - he has an awesome voice.  Blake review below.  The first girl rock band that I have taken photos for called Warpaint, (Stag and Dagger review) I enjoyed their ethereal sound.

And - Emeli Sande! from Aberdeen.

I first heard Emeli back in 2007 at her CD launch at the Oran Mor and thought she had  strong voice and presence.  http://www.myspace.com/emelisande

I love her new song 'Heaven'.  She releases her first album this year. Look out for her! 

Plus New folk Artists -  Singers Alistair Ogilvy and Rachel Sermanni and band Rura - I heard all three Scottish artists here at Celtic Connections festival Glasgow. 

   

The INCREDIBLE voice of Emeli Sande singing her single due for release in August 2011. 

James Blake at the Oran Mor Glasgow 2nd June 2011

'Unexpected Journeys'

Twenty-two-year old Blake performed his electronic dubstep piano tunes at the Oran Mor venue to an upbeat young crowd.   

Blake had an easy warm charm which gave him a relaxed fun rapport as he looked over to the packed crowd.

He sang songs from his debut album released in February 2011 and performed his single 'Limit To Your Love' - a song by Canadian singer songwriter Feist, which had disquieting pauses and thudding sub-bass.  Another song echoed the refrain 'I'm Falling...'  His music created disjointed tempos with unexpected twists; sometimes mournful and haunting, other times pensive and warm. 

His songs are edgy melodramatic songs that leave emotional questioning spaces.  He has a powerful voice that is an assured instrument - that cracks and reached deep places yet soothes and soars.  It is hard to categorise his multi-layered music. Perhaps post-modern and minimalist in the style of The XX -  his sound is totally now and of the moment.  Blake has been receiving strong industry backing and good reviews. 

He is a British electronic composer from London UK.   He is described as the 'most experimental and original' artist to make the annual hotly tipped list.  In 2011 he was announced as the runner-up in the BBC's Sound of 2011 annual poll. His self-titled debut album was released in the UK in February 2011.  Blake was supported by Cloud Boats.

http://jamesblakemusic.com/

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