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In Session for GRTR!
Our ongoing series gives specially selected artists and bands the opportunity to provide something a little different from their usual output. This might be a stripped-down acoustic session or a live recording but it all appears here first, exclusively.
We repeat these sessions occasionally in our GRTR! Archive sequence.
Sessions are premiered in the New to GRTR! weekly sequence.
Latest sessions
JOSH TAERK
Lockdown Live session from Canadian singer-songwriter
Throughout “Lockdown” Josh and his brothers have been lifting our spirits with a regular showcase, streamed via Facebook and relayed on the ‘New to GRTR!’ show.
Josh’s set is now streamed every month.
Selected sessions
Sunday 24 January 2021, 21:00
Sunday 20 September 2020, 21:00
Sunday 16 August 2020, 21:00
Previous sessions
RONAN FURLONG
Ronan Furlong has developed a style that is very much his own, telling stories about the human condition and re-exploring timeless narratives from a contemporary perspective.
In this exclusive session Ronan plays selections from his two albums ‘Minerva’s Meddling’ and ‘Diotima’s Ascent’. A third album ‘The King Of Leaves’ was released in November 2020.
Broadcast history
Sunday 27 September 2020, 21:00
RITCHIE DAVE PORTER
Acoustic session from UK blues journeyman.
Pete Feenstra wrote in his review of the album ‘Fast Train Rollin’ “He disappeared from view until the mission statement of his 2015’s ‘Acoustic Blues’ CD/EP. Then in 2016, he cast himself as a ‘Working Class Blues Man’, while the big picture ‘End Of The Line ‘wasn’t so much a comment on his own career, as a definitive exposition of his style, a tautly worked balance between deep emotion, clarity of vocals – both phrasing and diction – and meaning…”
Broadcast history
Sunday 21 July 2019, 21:00
LOUISE STEEL
Acoustic session from Louise and Andrew Dunmore
Louise Steel’s first major inspiration was the song ‘What You’re Made Of’ by Lucie Silvas. Her other influences include Jim Steinmann and Bonnie Tyler. Her debut album ‘Heartstorm’ was released in September 2017.
Broadcast history
Tuesday 22 August 2017, 21:00 (Sunday 27 August, 21:00 repeat)
GEOFF CARNE & THE HATZ
Acoustic session from dynamic blues/rock duo
Geoff Carne has released several solo albums but more recently teamed up with drummer Mick Hatz. Together they released their second album – Get Close – in 2016. They gig regularly including trips to Nashville as well as nearer home.
Broadcast history
Tuesday 22 August 2017, 21:00 (Sunday 27 August, 21:00 repeat)
BRENT HUTCHINSON
Acoustic session from blues rock guitarist
Highly-rated blues rock guitarist, Brent played in the band Planet Graffiti (2009-13) and has since pursued a solo career most recently with his own band.
Broadcast history
Sunday 4 June 2017, 21:00 (Tuesday 6 June 16:00, Thursday 8 June, 21:00 repeat)
ROBBIE RANSOM
Exclusive session from singer songwriter
Robbie’s debut EP – ‘Rocks In My Pocket’ – is now available. The songs on the EP deal with personal experiences, from family (‘I Am Thunder’) to the meaning of life itself (‘Man Alone’) and ‘Symbol Of The Night’ details a fox’s solitary struggle for survival.
Although hailing from London, Robbie’s sound is influenced by American rock and artists such as Neil Young and The Doors. His debut album is lined up for autumn 2016 release.
Broadcast history
Sunday 4 September 2016, 21:00 (Tuesday 6 September 16:00, Thursday 8 September, 21:00 repeat)
CHRIS GRAY
Isle of Man singer songwriter exclusive tracks
Chris’ debut album – Diamonds In Your Tree – was released 6 April 2015 via the Sunn Creative label and displays his bluesy, melodic folk-rock – a style that has drawn comparisons with many of his influences, including Elliott Smith, The Las, Ocean Colour Scene, Ray LaMontagne and Fleetwood Mac.
Gray regularly performs live as both a solo acoustic artist and with his band, opening for Roger Daltrey, Peter Green, The Coral, The Charlatans, John Power, Status Quo, Matt Cardle, Feeder, Turin Brakes and headlining festivals such as the Deep South Festival.
Artist website (Facebook)
Broadcast history
Sunday 19 April 2015, 21:00 (Tuesday 21 April, 16:00, Thursday 23 April, 21:00 repeat)
THE DOWLING POOLE
Three tracks from the highly-rated pop rock duo, Willie Dowling and Jon Poole
The Dowling Poole is a new band formed by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Willie Dowling (ex Honeycrack/Jackdaw4) and Jon Poole (ex Cardiacs).
Both Dowling and Poole have earned solid reputations as writers, session musicians and producers, writing songs, recording and touring with a number of different groups and artists.
Influenced by pop masters such as XTC, Blur, 10cc, The Kinks and The Beatles , The Dowling Poole debut album ‘Bleak Strategies’ is an eclectic and contemporary sounding mix of semi-psychedelic pop, somehow quintessentially British-sounding, laced with harmonies and a multitude of influences from the best of 50 years of rock and popular music.
The band’s new single ‘A Kiss On The Ocean’ is released on 1 December.
Broadcast history
Sunday 10 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 14 July , 22:00, repeat)
Sunday 30 November 2014, 21:00 (Tuesday 2 December, 16:00 and Thursday 4 December, 21:00, repeat)
JOHN ILLSLEY
Three acoustic tracks from the Dire Straits bassist/vocalist
John Illsley was a founder member of Dire Straits and remained with that band until their eventual break-up in 1995. He made a significant contribution to shaping the band’s sound.
John released his first solo album – ‘Never Told A Soul’ – in 1984 and has since released five more including the latest ‘Testing The Water’ (2014).
He’s promoting the new release in the UK on tour (October 2014).Album review/interview
Broadcast history
Sunday 10 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 14 July , 22:00, repeat)
Sunday 5 October 2014, 21:00 (Tuesday 7 October, 16:00 and Thursday 9 October, 21:00, repeat)
EUPHORIA AUDIO
Exclusive session from upcoming Wakefield alt-rockers
Euphoria Audio formed back in 2008 and a turning point came after their appearance at the annual music industry event in Los Angeles (MuseXpo) which led to work with record producer and songwriter Jeff Blue (Linkin Park, Korn) and record producer Brandon Friesen (Nickelback, Sum 41) on a 4 track EP.
Their self-titled debut album, produced by Friesen, was released in September 2014.
Broadcast history
Sunday 10 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 14 July , 22:00, repeat)
Thursday 18 September 2014
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Sunday 14 September 2014
THE RISING
Exclusive session from rising Irish pop-rockers
The Rising released their debut album ‘Coming Home’ in August 2014. They formed out of the highly-regarded band EXIT and – stripped down to a trio – the emphasis is now on powerful and memorable melodies tinged with Americana and country influences.
Broadcast history
Thursday 11 September, 21:00, repeat
Tuesday 9 September, 16:00 repeat
Sunday 7 September 2014, 21:00
PICTUREHOUSE
Exclusive session from Ireland’s best kept secret
PictureHouse recently reformed after a ten year break. They released three studio albums during the period 1996-2003 and enjoyed great success touring with the likes of The Corrs, Meat Loaf and Bon Jovi. They reunited in 2012 and released ‘Evolution’ in Ireland in 2013.
This latest album is released in August 2014 by Cherry Red Records. PictureHouse have collaborated with Lasse Anderson, son of ABBA’s Stig Anderson to fashion a classic pop album with irresistible melodies and sense of purpose.
Broadcast history
Thursday 21 August 2014, 21:00
Tuesday 19 August 2014, 16:00
Sunday 17 August 2014, 21:00
TOM FULLER
An exclusive session from Chicago-based journeyman, with John Lewis (guitar)
When Tom was a boy he wanted to be two things: a businessman and a rocker. He grew up to be both. However, life’s obstacles would get in the way of a career in music until fifteen years ago, when Fuller discovered he could write songs that people wanted to hear. Fuller says, “That’s when I was able to take my music seriously.”
Ever since then Fuller has worked with hit producer Rick Chudacoff, who over the years has helped create the Tom Fuller Band’s unique sound. Fuller released his debut album ‘Chasing An Illusion’ in 2005, and followed-up with 2008’s ‘Abstract Man’ and 2011’s ‘Ask’, of which the latter Tom recorded with two of Paul McCartney’s bandmates, Abe Laboriel, Jr. and Brian Ray.
‘Freedom’ is the new album from the Tom Fuller Band. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois, before being mixed at the historic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and mastered at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, ‘Freedom’ features eleven songs about a life lived, built on a foundation of hard-earned wisdom, heartbreak, addiction, love, loss and hope.
Broadcast history
Sunday 10 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 14 July , 22:00, repeat)
Thursday 5 June 2014, 21:00
Tuesday 3 June 2014, 16:00
Sunday 1 June 2014, 21:00
LISBEE STAINTON
Exclusive acoustic tracks recorded by the highly-rated singer-songwriter
Lisbee features regularly in our Singer Songwriter sequence (Mon-Fri, 14:00). Her latest album is ‘Word Games’ and she’ll be promoting it via a series of dates from 15 March.
Lisbee originally launched her career in 2007, when she became the first unsigned singer-songwriter to play London’s O2 Arena, performing two shows to 30,000 people. Since that time she has gained many admirers and media attention including playlisting on BBC Radio 2.
In the Spring of 2011, as the finishing touches were being added to Lisbee’s third album, ‘Go’, Paul Carrack invited her to be the main support act for his tour of mainland Europe, declaring Lisbee as “the new Joni Mitchell”. She has subsequently toured with Gretchen Peters, Seth Lakeman, Ben Montague and a series of her own headline dates.
Broadcast history
Thursday 20 March 2014, 21:00
Tuesday 18 March 2014, 16:00
Sunday 16 March 2014, 21:00
FEDERAL CHARM
Three exclusive acoustic tracks recorded by the highly-rated blues rockers.
Federal Charm was formed by Nick Bowden and Paul Bowe in the summer of 2011 when they wrote the basis of their debut album on 16 track recording unit playing all the instruments themselves. The pair recruited Danny Rigg and L.D. Morawski to complete the line-up and the final recording of the album.
The band brings together retro blues rock like Free and Led Zeppelin with a modern melodic twist that is totally compelling.
Broadcast history
Sunday 26 June 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 30 June , 22:00, repeat)
Thursday 26 December 2013, 18:00
Thursday 31 October 2013, 21:00
MAGENTA
Five exclusive tracks recently recorded by the influential prog-rockers
Magenta have recently released their sixth studio album, ‘The Twenty Seven Club’, which marks a return to their more progressive roots. The band were formed in 1999 by Rob Reed who had previously worked with band member Christina Booth in Cyan and Trippa. Guitarist Chris Fry has remained in the line-up since their debut album ‘Revolutions’.
Broadcast history
Sunday 3 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 7 July , 22:00, repeat)
Sunday 27 April 2014, 13:00
Wednesday 25 December 2013, 18:00
Sunday 22 December 2013, 21:00
Sunday 3 November 2013, 22:00
MARTIN BARRE
Four exclusive tracks recorded by the Jethro Tull guitarist and his band.
Broadcast history
Sunday 3 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 7 July , 22:00, repeat)
Sunday 27 April 2014, 13:00
Wednesday 25 December 2013, 18:00
Sunday 22 December 2013, 21:00
Monday 7 October 2013, 21:00
Sunday 29 September 2013, 22:15
HENRY PARKER & the Velvet Loons
Recorded live in London, July 2013
There’s a buzz surrounding guitarist Henry Parker who releases a debut single on 15 September: ‘Red Fox’. He only picked up a guitar for the first time in 2006 but is already being feted by “those in the know” – Total Guitar magazine described him as a guitar legend in the making.
Previously, Henry Parker put together the ‘Magical World’ concept and invited various established musicians to collaborate, including Ray Fenwick (Ian Gillan Band), Clem Cattini (Tornados) , Neil Murray (Whitesnake), Colin Farley (Cutting Crew), Terry Pack (The Enid), Mark Stanway (Magnum) and Mike Hurst (legendary producer).
Broadcast history
Saturday 14 September 2013, 18:00 (with DANI WILDE)
Sunday 8 September 2013, 20:00
ALBANY DOWN
UK-based blues rockers Albany Down have produced an exclusive acoustic session for GRTR!
The band’s second album ‘Not Over Yet’ was released in April 2013 and has been gathering great reviews ever since.
The four-piece are based in Bedford and mix classic heavy rock with a bluesy edge. They formed in 2008.
Broadcast history
Sunday 26 June 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 30 June , 22:00, repeat)
Thursday 26 December 2013, 18:00
Sunday 8 September 2013, 20:00
Sunday 4 August 2013, 18:00
Thursday 6 June 2013, 21:00
FAY & LATTA
Yorkshire-based “electro-acoustic” duo Fay & Latta have recently produced an exclusive live session for GRTR!
Including new material and tracks appearing on their album ‘Beauty In Chaos’. Get Ready to ROCK!’s Pete Whalley wrote: “…such is the strength of the songs, playing and achingly beautiful vocal performance that (Mik) Kaminski is merely the cherry on the top of an already perfectly baked and iced cake.”
Broadcast history
Sunday 26 June 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 30 June , 22:00, repeat)
Wednesday 25 December 2013, 18:00
Sunday 22 December 2013, 21:00
Sunday 4 August 2013, 18:00
Thursday, 25 July 2013, 21:00
DANI WILDE
Dani Wilde is one of the rising stars of the UK blues rock/roots scene. Her three solo studio albums and live appearances have garnered glowing reviews including our own Pete Feenstra who wrote: “Dani Wilde is a crossover artist with big potential”.
Dani’s latest material is all about great songs with honest, soulful vocals. Our exclusive session was recorded with her current single – ‘Loving You’ – earlier this summer.
Broadcast history
Sunday 3 July 2016, 18:00 (Thursday 7 July , 22:00, repeat)
Sunday 27 April 2014, 13:00
Thursday 26 December 2013, 18:00
Saturday 14 September 2013, 18:00
Monday, 26 August 2013, 18:00
Thursday, 15 August 2013, 21:00