Bluebell Notes

Bluebell Notes episode 14, with Rob Corcoran; Cover versions

You probably thought we'd all emigrated! But, with apologies for the huge delay (blame Neil - if anything's late, it'll be down to Neil!) we present episode 14, where we chat about performing and recording covers of others' work. Our guest at the Bluebell Roots live show was Rob Corcoran, who performed with Roger Askew and, after the show, Jim and Jo sat down to chat with them about Rob's work and about being covered by a very well known Irish musician ... There's a live version of the track discussed and we find out what Jim tried to insist his friends called him at school. As always, we'd love to read your thoughts and comments - wherever you listen, add your thoughts below the episode or comment below the Facebook post! As always, we're grateful to our sponsors, Phil and the team at Long Way Home Productions, who enable us to publish across all the different platforms. Learn more about what they offer at www.lwhp.co.uk [http://www.lwhp.co.uk]  and, while you're at it, check out Phil Jones's live music and theatre productions at www.philjonesmusic.co.uk [http://www.philjonesmusic.co.uk]

Bluebell Notes Off Beat [for Ep. 12]: Katie Spencer; Donna Canale; Nigel Wesson

Bonus episode to accompany Episode 12 - featuring an interview with musician Katie Spencer on her experiences as a woman in music, live music from Bluebell Roots floor spot guest Nigel Wesson, the full interview with Donna Canale, and a second track from her live set. With thanks to our sponsor, Long Way Home Productions. https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic [https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic]

Bluebell Notes Episode 13, with April Moon: Touring

In Episode 13, a new opening greeting, some new clarinet bits and a good discussion of the considerations, mechanics and basic finances of touring for grassroots musicians in the UK and beyond. We chat to Jaime and Jason of April Moon, to get their thoughts on life on the road a long way from 'home' (a fuller version of this chat coming in the bonus Bluebell Notes Offbeat episode) and we have an exclusive live track from their recent performance at Bluebell Roots. Josie has a new Question of the Show for you and we review your responses to the previous show's question. With thanks to our sponsors Long Way Home Productions.  https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic [https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic]

Bluebell Notes Episode 12, with Donna Canale; Women in Music

In Episode 12 - Jo, Jim and Neil still utterly fail to nail their three-part harmony intro - but hey, full marks for effort and tenacity, right?  We feature live music from the July Bluebell Roots show, from Donna Canale, and there's an exploration of the issues that women in the live roots music scene regularly face, including input from Donna. And Jo finally saves us all from Neil's mouth trumpet as she gets her clarinet sting for the Question of the Month/show/episode feature! (Month? Who are we kidding?!) Bonus Offbeat episode coming soon, featuring full interviews with Donna Canale and a special bonus interview with Katie Spencer. With thanks to our sponsors Long Way Home Productions https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic [https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic]

Bluebell Notes Episode 11, with The John Ward Trio; Alternative income streams

In Episode 11, we discuss the ways musicians often find to supplement their income from sales of recordings or live shows. There are some pretty creative ways! We look at grants, crowdfunding, live-streaming and more. There's a chat with John and Lin of The John Ward Trio and a live track from their recent Bluebell Roots set. Jim reveals yet ANOTHER nickname, Neil can't say 'digital' and we discover that Jo can only do harmonies if she goes first! Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Home Productions.