Talk On The Radio
After eight long years, musician, singer-songwriter and radio broadcaster Keith Fabrique has finally got around to releasing his own album, ‘Talk On The Radio’.
So was it worth the wait? Well, one thing about listening to original music from someone around your own age is that you get to hear quiet clearly the nuances of influence in the songs.
It’s obvious that Keith and myself have similar tastes, and that’s one great big plus for me. I have no idea if Keith would agree, but the biggest compliment I could give to his vocal sounds on here is that I get elements of one of my musical heroes, Roy Harper. That’s not to say others would hear that, because the whole thing is so different and original.
The listener gets to take a musical journey with Keith each track, giving you ten glorious stops on the way. Keith is joined on here by his backing band The Missing Links, who are a myriad of top local musicians, and their coming together with Keith and his songs help to create something unique and atmospheric.
Take his ‘Ode To Bowie’. It’s a beautiful heartfelt tribute to a musical legend. Listen to it once and pick out all the song titles and references. Then play it again, this time with new ears, and hear it as the musical gem it is.
‘Black Ice’ is a song I know well (usually done in a Reggae style with the fab band Lost The Plot). So it’s testament to Keith who can completely change the mechanics of a song and still produce something wonderful.
Keith said: “The CD I started eight years ago has taken this long because some of the songs ended up being used on other friends’ projects. But I got to thinking that I should put my spin on the songs.
“Once I got going, I invited all the people who were on the inside sleeve. They turned up and delivered this album with me.
“The songs deal with frustration, modern day living, austerity and love. The recording process has taken about four months and I’ve been lucky to have the support of the great and the good of Coventry and the radio station I work at.”
So to answer my own question, So was it worth the wait? Well one big YES. It’s an intelligent and musically pleasing collection of a human being that has given his life to music and the love of music. Of course it’s brilliant, and of course you should own it. It’s available right now at The Coventry Music museum, for just £5.00. The album is launches at Knights at the 2-Tone Village on 9th June.
I Am Cov
On Sunday April 29 from noon to 3pm, I will be at Fargo Village, as part of “I am Cov”, a networking event for musicians who want to work, perform or study in Coventry.
If you are associated with music from the area, it’s a no brainer to attend, please come and say hello.
Goodbye
So sad to say goodbye to two great local musicians, John “Snowy” Rose, who played for various local bands including The Phoenix Rock N Roll Band and Still Thirsty.
His funeral will be at 10.45am on Wednesday May 2 at Canley Crematorium.
Coventry. Goodbye also to Stuart Colman, radio presenter, member of The Cataracts, Beat Preachers, Pinkertons, Flying Machine and successful music producer. Both top blokes, both will be missed.