Great new music from independent labels and artists all around the world

IntroHappy – Jimmy Bratcher (Missouri, USA)Spent a frankly malodorous hour filming in a gym for a promo DVD this afternoon so a walk along the beach at Aldeburgh was highly necessary. Frost last night then beautiful sunshine this afternoon. That’s spring.Bought a painted pebble from a group of delightful young people on the beach – it was one of those days when it just feels right.SO much good music this week. Surf Blaster – The Vera-tones (California, USA)The Vara-Tones originated in the early 60’s when the Southern California surf music craze was just beginning. In 1997 all the original members who were not dead, got together for a reunion. This resulted in their first CD "Jetty Subject To High Surf" which was followed by their current release "Headin’ Out".www.varatones.comI’ve been wanting to play Peter Gabriel for a very long time – here my indirect chance.Salala featuring Peter Gabriel – Angelique Kidjo (New York)Angelique Kidjo, the four-time Grammy-nominated, much-celebrated singer, composer, and performer began in the Beninese port village of Cotonou, where she launched her career at the age of six. The political turmoil in Benin, West Africa; led her to relocate to Paris, the capital of world music, and then ultimately to New York.New album (out next month) is produced by the legendary Tony ViscontiCurrently touring as support for Josh GrobanWednesday, April 4th    Fresno, CA – supporting Josh GrobanFriday, April 6th San Diego, CA – supporting Josh GrobanThen, from 22nd headlining her own shows around the USA.www.kidjo.comBarfly Special 3.9% Nethergate, Suffolk.This is an elegant and fruity Best Bitter with a sturdy bitterness in perfect equipoise with a floral aroma of the late French hop.Moonshine – Mike Harwood feat’ John Keenan (UK)Mike Harwood is … Cruiserman, A former Decca recording artist, session guitarist and songwriter with a crossover style of Urban Funk, Acid Jazz, Soul and Blues; providing film and television soundtracks, jingles and theme tunes, original songs in a multitude of genres and cool backing tracks.www.cruiserman.comEclectic mix note from KimoWaylah My Kery Yoot Ning Ooze Gas Giant Mix – Garuna (Thailand)We don’t have tattoos. We don’t do drugs. We’re not angry. We don’t perform live. Most of the time we’re at home with Mom or in a cubicle reflecting about life in the big city. We spend a lot of time in air-conditioned shopping centers. Life is not so serious when you are in Garuna.www.garuna.orgFalling – Mister Frendo (UK)London born dj/producer/turntablist/ loves all types of music and loves to travel.www.myspace.com/mrfrendoIpswich May Day Festival – Sunday 6th May, Alexandra Park, Ipswich 1-6pm. Three music stages FREE In its 29th year, the festival is proud to be one of the only traditional UK Trade Union May Day Festival to still be going strong. It boasts a wide range of activities, but its mostly known for its excellent music. There is a Rock Stage, Urban Stage and Acoustic/Community Tent. The aim is to bring together the multi-cultural society of Ipswich and its surrounding area, and celebrate life! http://www.ipswichmaydayfestival.co.uk/Burlesque is dead – Big John Bates (British Columbia, Canada)   FIRST PLAYWith one foot in Memphis and the other on 42nd Street, and with over 400 live shows in 10 countries, thousands of CDs sold and the only touring rock’n’roll burlesque show in the world, Big John Bates brings something rarely seen – a REAL Rock’n’Roll SHOW!BJB’s new DVD Live At The Voodoo Ball was released on the March 2007 Canadian Tour and will be available at all live shows and soon on CD Baby! Featuring 65 minutes of material including 15 songs from all three CDs, seven Voodoo Doll numbers and a backstage pass to see what the Voodoo Dollz really think of BJB, it was mixed by Todd Simko (Mystiki, Take Your Medicine).In Europe for a series of dates throughout May. Mostly Germany with odd forays into Austria, Italy and Switzerlandhttp://www.bigjohnbates.com/APRIL 19TH – TINA DICO plus Jimmy Golding and Al Lindsay;  Norwich Arts CentreFolk on the Pier at Cromer 11-13 May features Dave Swarbrick’s Lazarus, Oysterband, Colvin Quarmby, Terrafolk, Battlefield Band, New Rope String Band, Winter, English Acoustic Collective and (this is why why I’m mentioning it) the excellent No Fixed Abode who I played last week. Just received album from Tony and Una called Clearwater which I’m looking forward to having a good listen to.www.deckchairproductions.co.uk/fotpBruise the paper – the western civilization (Houston, Texas)  FIRST PLAYTrack from The Western Civilization’s new album, Letters of Resignation, which is now finished.  The CD release show was on March 24th at Walter’s on Washington. They have a shopping cart on their site.Anthony – drums, percussion, awesomenessGretchen – vocals, keys, guitarRachel – vocals, guitar, electronic beatsReggie – vocals, guitar, harmonica, xylophone, keys, electronic beatsSara – bass, backup awesomenesswww.myspace.com/thewesterncivilizationwww.miakatempire.com/page/letters-of-resignation