Greg James

Graham Norton/Craig David

January 10, 2020 — Leave a comment

As always the male legend that is Craig David performed a medley of some of his hits including Seven Days and the ever famous Fill Me In. As far as male singers go it’s great to see him back after so long away and he hasn’t lost any of his touch. Vocal-wise his singing is a smooth and fluidic as ever, can carry raw emotion and it still melodic. Accompanied by just an acoustic guitarist Craig put on a great performance and reminded us of why he has still got what it takes. I admit that even though I’m not a huge fan of R&B I’ve still got a soft spot for artists like Craig David.

Also on the sofa were Daniel Radcliffe, Miriam Margolyes, Alan Cumming and Sharon Horgan discussing upcoming projects

Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend: Coventry

May 27, 2018 — Leave a comment

It’s the last day of the Biggest Weekend, and certainly the biggest one that the Beeb have pulled off and what a musical extravaganza. What’s definitely been great about it, especially in Swansea, was the number of female artists performing and not long after the 50/50 Gender Pledge was promised. The female artists taking part was no exception; Rita Ora, Stefflon Don, Clean Bandit, Demi Lovato who was joined by Puerto Rican star Louis Fonsi who is equally as incredible and definitely has the voice to match. The day continued with Hailee Steinfield, Camila Cabello, formerly of Fifth Harmony who managed to win over the crowds and prove herself as a solo artist. Other ladies to storm the stage were Jessie Ware, Anne Marie, Jax Jones who was joined by another sensational female artists Raye and our very one Jess Glynne.

What’s great about this is that at a time when the lack of female artist on band bills has been mentioned on the news earlier this year is that having several female artists can actually work can that it’s capable of pulling big crowds. After todays’ band lists in Swansea there’s very little excuse for a lack of female representation at any major festival.

 I  O

Over in Coventry there were some incredible performers by Snow Patrol and veteran rockers The Selector who still know how to put on a show, even now.

Liam Gallagher, the other half of the Gallagher brothers closed the night with his new band Beady Eye mixture but still did performed songs from his Oasis days. Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, Greedy Soul, Wall of Glass, Bold, Some Might Say, D’ Ya Know What I Mean, Come Back to Me and You Better Run. No matter you might think of him, and admittedly he might not be your cup of tea, Liam has proved himself to be a worthy musician, singer and songwriter and that he can survive post Oasis (and Noel). Even now he still has his loyal fanbase and can still knows how to attract a new generation. Now I openly admit that I’m not actually in the Liam Gallagher fanbase but even I have to admit that he knows how to get a crowd going, and he definitely breathes rock ‘n’ roll and the crowds like him.

Live links courtesy of Greg James, Alice Levine, Clara Amfo and Jo Whiley

😊 😉

Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend: Perth

May 26, 2018 — Leave a comment

Over in Swansea on the second day of Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend Wales saw its enormous share of festival madness, oh you lucky people. Ed Sheeran opened up the day with Don’t, A-Team, Blood Stream, Happier and Perfect but to name several. Now what’s very likeable about Ed is his very down-to-earth nature when he performs as it’s just him and the fans, no manic in your faceness. This man is literally a one-man-band as he’s armed with just a guitar and a loop-station. Though he did take a few moments to explain what that actually was. All that I can say is the he’s got a soothing voice that just pierces straight through the music and if anyone can come second to Sam Smith in the vocal department it’s this guy.

There were other performances throughout the day by Sigrid. Seriously for a woman who’s not been around the music scene that long she’s definitely making a huge name for herself. Swedish duo First Aid Kit were an incredible breath of fresh air and were simply incredible. At this rate you’d have to give Sweden some serious credit for the artists they’ve produced over the past 5 years.

Over in the 6Music Recommends Stage new artist Hollie Cooke put on an incredible set and is someone to keep a look out for in the very near future. I detect great things from her. Towards the end of the afternoon and going into the evening our very own Emilie Sande performed in Swansea and reminded everyone of the powerhouse of a performer she is. Whenever she’s on stage remember to never underestimate her. Sam Smith, the only male artist I can think of who can equal her vocal talents ended the night and reminded us why one of the best performers we’ve got today. Sam performed his amazing hits including Money on my Mind, Lay Me Down, Too Good at Goodbyes, I’m Not the Only One. Seriously, this guy got the best vocals in town and that’s not something you can say everyday.

Up in Perth Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds headlined the night, and my god what a performance. This man’s a musical genius and he came from one of the biggest bands of the 90’s. The former Oasis front-man, and as some might argue the better half of the Gallagher brothers (some might say, pardon the pun) treated the Scottish crowds and fans alike to some amazing songs. It’s a Beautiful World, Holy Mountain, Fort Knox, In the Heat of The Movement, Dream On, Little by Little, The Importance of Being Idle, She Taught me How to Fly, Half the World Away, Wonderwall and my own favourite ever, AKA… What a Life. That’s the one song that would be hard to tire of. Noel Gallagher is quite arguably one of the musical/song writing geniuses of both our time and generation and tonight’s performance proves just that.

Live links courtesy of Greg James

🙂 😉

 

Sounds Like Friday Night

October 24, 2017 — Leave a comment

Coming this Friday is a new music show called Sounds Like Friday Night, and it will be hosted by @BBCR1 Radio 1’s @GregJames and @1Xtra 1Xtra’s A.Dot @AmplifyDot It’s been 11 years since the BBC had a primetime music show since the axing of Top Of The Pops back in 2006. I for one am looking forward to this as it’s about time that we had something that wasn’t X-Factor or The Voice UK (though I openly admitting to watching the latter). Sounds Like Friday Night offers live music, interviews and comedy sketches which’ll be interesting to see, normally you just get a bit of to-and-through banter with the presenters. What’s interesting about this is that each week there’ll be a guest co-presenter from the music industry presenting the show and this weeks’ episode starts off with Jason Derulo. Lastly though before you get too excited by this being a new permanent viewing fixture it’s only on for 6 weeks, yes…. 6 WEEKS!!! but who know it could go on to be a regular thing depending on how things go. Anyways, don’t forget, 19:30 this Friday on BBC1

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter: The Highlights

May 29, 2016 — 26 Comments

One Republic opened the second day of the weekend on the mainstage kickstarting another day of live music presented by Scott Mills, Annie Mac, Cel Spellman and Greg James. With coverage featuring live perfomances by The Last Shadow Puppets (as well as an interview), Alessia Cara and The Weeknd. DJ/Producer Alesso treated everyone to an impressive set in the In New Music We Trust stage, and what a performance it was. There was live radio coverage of Iggy Azalea which unfortunately had to be cut short due to strong language. Pity, it was on my favourite song. There were new videos from Nick Jonas for his new single ‘Close’ with Tove Lo; Tinie Tempah & Zara Larsson’s ‘Girls Like’ and Jake Bugg ‘Gimme The Love’. There was also a special video from Taylor Swift featuring Greg James (lucky beggar) for her single Blank Space. Panic At The Disco did an amazing cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, whilst shirtless (I kid you not). However all attention goes to Coldplay who stole the show as the headlining act closing the weekend event with an amazing set on BBC4.