It's been a roots music extravaganza for me this weekend.

Friday, Los Lobos at the Paramount! The Lobos played a typically brilliant set, including covers ("Feelin' Alright?" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy" for Dave Mason, and "She's About a Mover" for Augie Meyers) dedicated to recently deceased musical heroes. Long may they wave.

Last night, Rhiannon Giddens at Bass! She may be the most prodigiously talented performer I've ever seen. Rhiannon plays banjo and fiddle with virtuosity, sings with operatic dexterity and range, and even danced for us during a Louisiana-inspired Cajun number. She also deeply explores the roots of American music, playing 18th- and 19th-century traditional songs, gospel, blues, and early 20th-century jazz.

These great artists are worthy of your time, if you get the chance to catch them live.

We have been without a van since before Christmas but have finally found one that meets most of our criteria and have at last booked Cropredy tickets. It will be our first for 3 years after 30 odd on the trot.

The new Lemmy centre opened in Burslem yesterday , with a 1500 capacity venue to come. Might pay it a visit next week. The statue outside is a magnificent thing , easily the best statue i have ever seen.

The Unthanks with their big band last night at Lancaster's Grand Theatre.

The first few numbers were as a 4-piece of Rachel and Becky with Adrain McNally on piano and Niopha Keegan on fiddle and harmony vocals. The three of them singing together was just beautiful. Niopha then joined three other string players and one highlight was hearing The Testimony of Patience Kershaw with the string quartet backing.

As MrsB commented, they do like having a lot of trumpet solos and while Lizzie Jones is certainly a very good trumpeter, it did get a bit excessive during the first set. We both enjoyed the second set more which included Magpie / The Scarecrow Knows, The King of Rome and The Great Silkie of Sule Skerry.

Throw in a bit of clog dancing and they got a standing ovation at the end though the encore was spoiled a bit when the lights on the stage were directed right in our faces up in the circle. The lights had been very effective earlier when they shone on the theatre ceiling but the encore rather took the shine off things, so to speak.

The expanded line-up plays in Bristol tonight and then the four of them carry on with the rest of the tour.

Soul Music  on R4  -  'Northern Sky'  by Nick Drake.

I"ve heard a few of this series. Sometimes i find it tiresome,but hearing this for the second  time actually got to me emotionally.  It is a very fine song,one of his best,  and for all the talk about  Nick i feel we are only beginning  to see what a unique and gifted songwriter and musician he was.

Great stuff.

I'm a fan.

His dad and I used to play music together when we were at uni.

Possible upcoming gig (sold out, but on the waiting list): Angine de Poitrine in Bristol.  

Skipped David Lee Roth last night to see a movie with Mrs. J From A instead ("Normal," starring Bob Odenkirk - check it out). I watched a couple of videos on Youtube to get an idea what I missed; his voice is truly dreadful. I think I made the right decision.

Tomorrow - Los Lobos at the Paramount Theatre! The Internet tells me this will be my 25th(!) Los Lobos show since April 1987. In addition to many shows in Austin, I caught up with them at the Route 66 Casino in New Mexico and the Minnesota Zoo outside Minneapolis.

My favorite LL story: Some years back, LL toured with sideman Cougar Estrada on drums. Toward the end of each show, Louie Perez would lay down his guitar and resume his original seat at the kit for a few vintage numbers. We lined up for autographs after one such show. When we reached Louie, Mrs. J from A said something like, "I love your drumming!" Louie dutifully autographed her CD "Cougar Estrada," which I did not notice. When I followed next, I said, "Nice to meet you, Louie!" He grabbed back Mrs. J's CD, and re-signed it "Louie Perez." He and I shared a huge laugh over him getting busted.

Couldn't resist. I have booked to see John Jones (with Chopper and Al Scott) at Exeter Phoenix on Sunday night.

To be followed by:

13th May: Steeleye Span at Exeter Corn Exchange
15th May: Gilmore & Roberts at Church House, South Tawton
17th May: The Unthanks at Bude Parkhouse Centre
23rd May: Kate Rusby at Exeter Corn Exchange

Bandcamp Fee-Free Friday ahoy (May 1st). That’s where the deal is that I get to keep anything you spend and Bandcamp give up their commission out of the goodness of their hearts. A reminder, then, that Belgian Whistles EP is still available not only on the electric internet, but also in hard copy CD format. Here’s track two, featuring the legendary Geoffrey Kelly out of Spirit of the West and The Paperboys duetting on wind instruments with the charming and fragrant Helen Mulley on flute. Try some, buy some!
https://thismuchtalent.bandcamp.com/track/the-merchant-of-venus

I'm a great  Melissa fan. She did a session i heard on the radio in the 90s. I've enjoyed all of her albums  though i don"t care for the production on all of them.
Haven't got Rise yet.