The Gig Stories Podcast

GSP26: Howard Murray

 

It's a busy episode, this one. It's a great interview with Chris's father-in-law Howard, who had his first professional gig as a jazz saxophonist on New Year's Eve 1959. We talk about the appearance and subsequent domination of rock & roll over traditional jazz, performing across Europe, and his love of the jazz and blues clubs of New Orleans.

If THAT wasn't enough, Chris and Alex discuss the recent NHS gig at Gorilla by The Charlatans, dignity-stripping encounters with famous people, and an exclusive interview with James and Ian from EMF - not to mention a chat about the upcoming live episode with Tony Walsh and James Holt at The Deaf Institute as part of Tim Burgess's Vinyl Adventures Mcr on Sunday 5th December.

Phew! 

GSP25: Anna Doble

 

Anna Doble is a journalist, writer and DJ, and currently digital editor for the BBC World Service. During the BIG lockdown, she decided to listen to all of her 300 albums (and eventually all her singles) - and document her thoughts on each vinyl on her website.

The resulting journey takes us from Mozart’s piano concertos, through Bowie and Kate Bush, to her beloved Saint Etienne and beyond. It’s a wonderful website which illustrates just what makes music special - and what makes record collections special. This is a lovely chat with a fascinating and passionate guest. And the accompanying playlist was curated (urgh, did we just use the word curated?) by Anna herself. It’s a banger. Enjoy!

GSP24: Ralph Rolle

 

 

Ralph Rolle is a drumming legend - the beating heart with Chic/Nile Rodgers and for 12 years, drummer on ‘It’s Showtime At The Apollo’, He's worked with everyone, including Sting, Bette Midler, Bono, Queen Latifah, Paul Simon and Elvis Costello.

Chris and Alex caught up with Ralph just before he went on stage with Nile Rodgers and Chic at the Warehouse Project in Manchester. 

 

GSP23: Manda Rin

Probably our most cheery episode so far! Manda Rin from the mighty Bis chatted to us about how the band came about, memorable festivals, the Beastie Boys and loads more. And we play the episode out with an award-winning feel-good banger by the composer of our theme tune, the wonderful James Holt.

GSP22: Ren Harvieu

We chat to Salford singer-songwriter Ren Harvieu about collaborating with The Magic Numbers, that difficult second album, overcoming pre-performance nerves, and talk Rufus Wainwright, Fiona Apple, Judee Sill and The Lemon Twigs.

GSP21: Eddi Reader

 

Eddi Reader is a three time Brit Award Winner, an MBE and has been awarded four university doctorates. She scored a UK number one with "Perfect", Fairground Attraction's debut single, and has subsequently released over a dozen albums. 

We chat about Morrissey, touring with Gang Of Four, busking and loads more...

GSP20: James Atkin

 

EMF exploded onto the music scene at the beginning of the 90s with the huge hit single "Unbelievable" followed by their debut album "Schubert Dip". We chat to lead singer James Atkin about his musical influences, about how the band came about, and hear about some hair-raising escapades on tour in the US.

GSP19: Tommy Smith

Saxophonist, composer, arranger and band leader Tommy Smith is one of the most influential British jazz musicians of the past thirty years. Alex and Chris chat to Tommy about his journey from Wester Hailes in Edinburgh to Berklee College of Music in Boston, his first trip to New York (where he ended up playing with Jaco Pastorius) and talk about memorable gigs and favourite venues.

GSP18: Mike Batt

Our eighteenth episode is a chat with Mike Batt - singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, you name it...

We talk Art Garfunkel, Harry Nillson, Katie Melua - and we even get an impromptu performance from the man himself.

GSP17: Graft

 

 

Leeds-based artist Graft has been performing since his mid-teens, but it was winning series two of BBC Rap Game UK that really brought him to our attention. We chat about the grime scene, early gigs and discuss potential future collaborations.