In the summer of 1971 a group of school-leavers embarked on a trip to Russia. The 19-year-old Crotchety Man was one of the party. In those days, a political Iron Curtain separated Europe from the U.S.S.R. and we were warned to behave ourselves. High jinks and selling our Westerner's jeans to the locals could lead…Read more Ukraine
Diagonal
Scanning through the list of artists, albums and tracks earmarked for further investigation, I noticed that one band appeared twice. Diagonal's latest two albums, Arc (2019) and 4 (2021), each had an entry. With nothing else begging to be heard, it was time to follow this oblique reference and acquaint myself with the band. Information…Read more Diagonal
Party’s Over
It's time for a change of style. So far this year, we've had humour, jazz, blues, folk and indie themes - today it's pop and soul. Visually, Rag'n'Bone Man cuts a striking figure. He stands 1.96 m (6' 4") tall and weighs 125 kg (275 lbs, or nearly 20 stone). And his big frame carries…Read more Party’s Over
Sunlight to Blue …
A Burning Shed recommendation this week: Sunlight to Blue ... Blue to Blackness, a 2008 album by The Durutti Column. The band's name has always puzzled me. It turns out to come from an anti-fascist military unit in the Spanish Civil War under the leadership of one Buenaventura Durruti. (Although the commander's name is spelt…Read more Sunlight to Blue …
Light a Fire
There's an examination subject in the Scottish Education system with the title "Modern Studies". It aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. When I was in the middle school (ages 13-15), those of us in the Science stream had two periods…Read more Light a Fire
Abrazo
'Abrazo' is a Spanish word meaning 'hug' or 'embrace'. It's also the title of an album by the French musical duo Emile Parisien and Vincent Peirani. Emile blows a soprano saxophone in a style that floats between classical and jazz; Vincent plays an accordion, bringing a folky feel to the ensemble. It's an unusual combination,…Read more Abrazo
Soho Live at Ronnie Scotts
Peter Green It's deep midwinter here in the Northern Hemisphere. The days are short and the thermometer is hovering just above freezing - much too cold for this Old Man. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, this blogger has been a touch gloomy and lethargic for a couple of days. Am I suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or is…Read more Soho Live at Ronnie Scotts
Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man
In 2018 Aaron Parks, an American jazz pianist, released an album called Little Big. As you may have guessed, Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man is a follow-up, recorded by the same 4-piece band. That much is clear. Things get a little hazy after that. A Bandcamp review, for example, says "Dreams of…Read more Little Big II: Dreams of a Mechanical Man
Plugging the Gaps
Santa Claus brought Crotchety Man much music this year. The cash vouchers were used to plug some of the gaps in the house collection. Just two vouchers funded five purchases, which together delivered 11 albums and very nearly 9 hours of listening. Now that's what I call music! For the record (no pun intended), those…Read more Plugging the Gaps
7-Year Anniversary
Here, in the UK, the seventh anniversary is usually commemorated with woollen gifts. I'm stealing the U.S. tradition of copper this time, though, with a burnished brown top hat engraved with a seasonal motto. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the copper topper! As we complete year seven of the Crotchety Man blog, I see…Read more 7-Year Anniversary
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