Bluebell Notes
Grass roots music, convivial conversation, live music, artist interviews, themed discussions
Episodes
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 Jamie 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 rece...
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 fo...
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...
Bluebell Notes Offbeat is a companion to the usual monthly shows, but with extra content there wasn't time for in the main episode! In this first bonus episode, to accompany Episode 10, we have the full reports from Jim & Jo at Rochester Sweeps Festival and Jack in the Green, Hastings, plus live music from May's Bluebell Roots show and an exclusive extra live track from Polly Morris's performance at the same show. Bluebell Not...
In Episode 10 (10? Already?) we look at how music is used in rituals and traditions. Jo does all the research, while Jim and Neil chip in unhelpfully. We have an interview with Dorset singer and songwriter Polly Morris as well as an exclusive live track from her performance at Bluebell Roots. Jim and Jo bring us a report from the streets of Rochester during the Sweeps Festival and we introduce our new bonus content - Bluebell Notes...
For episode 9, Jim, Josie and Neil chat about health and wellness for musicians. There's a review of April's Bluebell Roots event and the new venue, including a live track from Paul Winter, and they chat to Erica Steenkamp about her musical beginnings, the impact of health issues on her and her partner Chris, and much more, and there's an exclusive live recording of her track, Julietta. Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Hom...
In episode 8 (the second Episode 8, as far as Neil is concerned) we talk pros and cons of musicians travelling for gigs, there’s a mention of Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival, (ahead of a bonus episode!) and a review of March’s Bluebell Roots, including a live track from Phil Jones. Our featured artist is Joe Topping with whom we have an in-depth chat and a live song (ostensibly about socks, but …). Plus, we pack Philippa and Michael ...
In episode 7 (despite Neil thinking it's episode 8 - just ignore him), Josie, Jim and Neil discuss the basic finances of running events in the live roots music scene, how volunteers contribute a huge amount to that scene, and navigating charity events. There's an in-depth chat with Sussex-based American singer-songwriter Erika Olson, who talks about (among other things) the balance between her work as a musician and parenthood, and...
Following the Christmas Bluebell Roots event, where we didn't have a 'main' guest, this episode focuses on musicians' online presence - websites, social media and so on. There's a set of tunes from traditional Irish duo Ceol Na Mara - Out On The Ocean, The Kesh and The Blackthorn Stick, - and the usual chat with Jo, Jim and Neil.
In Episode 5, Jo, Jim and Neil discuss the balance between the political nature of some musical performances and the entertainment aspect of performing, and how these can complement or inform one another. In an in=depth chat with artist Steve Pledger, they explore this in some detail, and we hear live music from Steve's November Bluebell Roots set. They also look forward to what 2025 has in store for the Bluebell Roots live show.
In this episode, Jo, Jim and Neil talk about getting started performing live, with Lewes duo Two's Company, Kathy and Mick Gibbs. On the way, there's talk of songwriting and collaborating with others, plus a live track from their Bluebell Roots performance. Also featured is a live track from Terry Lees.
In this episode, Josie, Jim and Neil discuss how music is relevant to listeners, using social commentary and stories. We chat to Mark, Sarah and Clara of The Self Help Group about harmonies and storytelling, and feature an exclusive live song from their set, and one from Lisa Pritchard and Jason Loughran.
In episode 2, episode, Jim, Jo and Neil talk about putting on small, intimate shows, chat with The Long Shorts about their music and Chris's house concerts, and we hear from Philippa about how she creates a meal, what's in her greenhouse, and she shares her recipe for babaganoush! With live tracks from The Long Shorts and Nigel Horn.
In this first episode of Bluebell Notes, hosts Jim, Jo and Neil chat with The Browns and Philippa Vine of the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen. There are live tracks from the June Bluebell Roots event and Philippa talks food!
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