Rod's Ramblings

Please leave a comment Welcome to the 9th episode of my 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' Series where we look at how Bluegrass music has evolved from the origins of Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys through the comedic cover versions played by Hayseed Dixie, the fiddle playing of Byron Berline right up to the country blues of Craig Stapleton. All music has been provided by Epidemic So...

Please leave a comment During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'.  Each of the tracks were recorded using the Propellorhead Reason software.  Sadly, or possibly thankfully, only five of the tracks were salvageable.  Each o...

Please leave a comment During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'.  Each of the tracks were recorded using the Propellorhead Reason software.  Sadly, or possibly thankfully, only five of the tracks were salvageable.  Each o...

Please leave a comment During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'.  Each of the tracks were recorded using the Propellorhead Reason software.  Sadly, or possibly thankfully, only five of the tracks were salvageable.  Each o...

Please leave a comment During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'.  Each of the tracks were recorded using the Propellorhead Reason software.  Sadly, or possibly thankfully, only five of the tracks were salvageable.  Each o...

Please leave a comment During a recent clean out of my loft I came across a CD containing a number of 'musical ideas' which were produced as part of a project I was involved in a number of years ago called 'Baby Boomerang'.  Each of the tracks were recorded using the Propellorhead Reason software.  Sadly, or possibly thankfully, only five of the tracks were salvageable.  Each o...

Please leave a comment In this 8th Episode in the 'Ramblin' Through The Blues Series, I look at the storytellers of the Blues world.  I've chosen a wonderful combination of artists. The contrast between the wit and storytelling of Arlo Guthrie and the warm, conversational musicianship of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. From the infamous littering incident behind Alice's Restaur...

Please leave a comment In this episode we look at the lives of John and Alan Lomax, the father and son team that travelled the southern states of America recording blues music during the 1920s and 30s.  Additional music 'King of Hearts' and 'Little Butterfly' by The Tap Room provided by Epidemic Sounds.  Rod's Ramblings theme tune is 'Late Night Ramble' by River...

Please leave a comment In this episode of Ramblin' Through The Blues we look at the lives of three of the most powerful and influential women in Blues History, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.  Music is provided by Epidemic Sounds in the form of 'Different Times' and ''Deal Breaker' by Jett Everill.  Rod's Ramblings theme tune is 'Late Nigh...

Please leave a comment In this episode of Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at the lives of two great Blues guitarists, Joe Bonamassa and B.B. King.  Additional music is provided by Chester Malone featuring Henry Nolte.  Rod's Ramblings theme tune is 'Late Night Ramble' by River Run Dry.  All music is provided by Epidemic Sounds. 

Please leave a comment In this fourth episode of 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at Paul Rodgers and Muddy Waters.  We follow the trail of the blues, from Muddy’s Mississippi roots to Paul's soulful rock delivery looking at their individual careers and how they both used their musical skills to influence Blues music through the generations.  Music is included by the band &...

Please leave a comment What happens when one of the greatest voices in soul strips it all back to the blues? In 2004, Etta James released Blues to the Bone —a Grammy-winning album of raw, no-frills performances that proved the blues isn’t just history, it’s survival. In this episode, we dive into the stories behind the songs, the family collaboration that shaped the record, and why this late-caree...

Please leave a comment In this episode of 'Ramblin' Through The Blues' we look at The John Mayall and Eric Clapton album, Bluesbreakers, which became known as The Beano album.  We look at the individual band members, review the individual tracks, the recording difficulties that were overcome and the effect that the album had on future generations of music lovers.  Two tracks by Root...

Please leave a comment Join me in the latest Series - Ramblin' Through The Blues.  In this initial episode we talk about the Blues standard, 'Little Red Rooster, the Stones version and the original written by Willie Dixon and recorded by Howlin' Wolf.  Theme music is 'Late Night Ramble' by River Run Dry and the two tracks are 'Suppertime Blues' and 'Stride T...

Please leave a comment Step into the soulful world of the blues as we embark on an auditory journey through one of music's most influential genres. The blues isn't just music—it's a feeling, a story, raw and timeless. From its humble beginnings in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the electrifying stages of London and beyond, this musical tradition has shaped generations...

Please leave a comment The twilight of a controversial genius unfolds in this exploration of Richard Wagner's final opera and complex legacy. As we follow the dramatic conclusion of Der Ring des Nibelungen with Götterdämmerung, we confront the challenging duality of a composer whose transcendent art stands in stark contrast to his deeply troubling personal views. Wagner's anti-Semitism w...

Please leave a comment Dive into the complexities of Richard Wagner's "Siegfried," one of the most celebrated operas in classical music. This week, we explore the potent themes woven into Siegfried's narrative, reflecting Wagner’s own tumultuous life, societal upheavals, and political ideology. Discover how the opera mirrors Wagner’s personal struggles and his revolutionary spi...

Please leave a comment Ever wondered how myth and music intertwine to create legends? On this episode of Rod's Ramblings, we unravel the fascinating world of Richard Wagner's "Die Walküre" and the Norse mythology that inspired it. Discover the legendary Valkyries, the fierce daughters of Odin and Freyja, who navigate themes of strength, love, and sacrifice. Join us as we explor...

Please leave a comment Discover the enduring allure of epic storytelling as we explore both contemporary cinema and classic opera. Ever wondered how a film like "The Brutalist" can captivate audiences for 215 minutes? Or why Richard Wagner's 16-hour "Ring Cycle" remains a pinnacle of musical drama? Join me on Rod's Ramblings for insights into the artistry behind these...

Please leave a comment Imagine a world where a psychological thriller is inspired by real-life experiences. That’s exactly what happened with Mark Edwards’ hit novel "The Magpies," which marked my first exploration into the realm of e-books. In this episode of Rod's Ramblings, I share my passion for the tactile joy of paperbacks and the seamless convenience of e-readers and audioboo...

Please leave a comment What makes a song last and linger in our hearts every holiday season? Remember Shane McGowan, his incredible musical legacy, and the timeless charm of "Fairy Tale of New York" as we explore its cultural impact and the heartfelt tributes from musical icons like Nick Cave, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul Simon. This journey takes us through the Pogues' evolution, fr...

Please leave a comment Ever wondered how an overheard debate in a restaurant could ignite a burning passion? That's exactly how my opera journey began. From the electrifying performance of "Sancta" that left Stuttgart buzzing to Beethoven's relentless struggle with "Fidelio," this episode navigates the captivating and sometimes tumultuous world of opera. We peel back...

Please leave a comment Discover the tantalizing mystery behind Beethoven's enigmatic "immortal beloved" letter and explore how the lost art of letter writing wove through the lives of classical composers like Mozart and Bach. As we reflect on the dramatic decline of traditional correspondence in the UK, you'll be transported to early 19th-century Vienna, where a web of intrigue...

Please leave a comment Unlock the secrets behind Modest Mussorgsky's transformative masterpiece, "Pictures at an Exhibition," and traverse a compelling narrative that intertwines music, art, and Russian cultural heritage. We'll guide you through the imaginative soundscapes of each movement, offering vivid stories and hidden meanings, while also revealing how Maurice Ravel and o...

Please leave a comment In this latest episode in the Harmonious Histories series we answer the question, 'What is the difference between a Sonata, a Concerto and a Symphony?'  We also include a bit of history along the way.  We discuss Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata', Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.  Music tracks are Br...