Visual Magic in the Musicals

As part of the WEA's programme of free online taster sessions I'll be presenting 'Visual Magic in the Musicals' next Friday, a two hour appreciation of cinematic invention in the golden age of Hollywood. For more info and to enrol, follow the link. Did I mention it's free?

Shindig! No.104

I had great fun making my selections for the giallo Deep Cuts feature in this month's Shindig! Magazine - out today - but it did leave me with a strange aversion to ketchup on my chips. Elsewhere from the mag's talented team there's a nice Vinyl Art for fans of my old pal Guy Webster; a great long Amon Düül II feature (fifty years!); and an interview with Leon (El) Michels about his influences that should come with a Discogs marketplace blocker - you will buy records. And why not?

Shindig! No.103

Happy SD! Day everybody. Some fantastic stuff in issue 103, including that Eric Burdon cover story, a catch up with Paul Weller, a rather lovely obituary of Marie Laforêt, a real bit of deep-digging with Amanda Trees, and me in the Family Album column unwinding the colourful threads that led to France Gall's 1968. Lots to keep you busy!

Spring 2020: A Mixtape

Cambridgeshire Alliance of Lifelong Learners

The Cambridgeshire Alliance of Lifelong Learners is a new initiative in the city, and a very welcome one. With any luck I'll be getting involved and teaching 5 weeks on Film Music in April, but like all new ventures it needs bums on seats. So if you're in Cambridgeshire and you like film music, then above the Baptist church on Friday mornings is the place to be. Spread the word!

Shindig! No.100

I'm still so pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to Shindig! Magazine every month. And out this week is issue 100! I made a long distance call to the desert for Vinyl Art this month, and boy was it worth it. Here's to the next 900 issues.

Special Effects in the Movies

Starting 26th February I'll be presenting 5 weeks of 'Special Effects in the Movies' at the lovely Letchworth Settlement. It'll be great fun so click through and sign up!