Author: bandskool

Three of my heroes on one stage. Really? Who are they then? Well, I will tell you: Keith Mansfield, Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett. Er who? Well, you might know the last one: he was the drummer in The Shadows. Read More …

The techniques associated with playing an instrument are a vital ingredient in determining how far one progresses; although there are plenty of examples of players who work to their strengths within their technical limitations at any given point in their Read More …

So…the big band format has been around since the late 20’s…the early 30’s. at first, it was all about dancing; and then after the war, those big bands that stuck around or rose from the ashes began to think of Read More …

There is no doubt that a relationship exists between time and place and creativity, whatever form it takes. History provides the evidence to support this notion. As a creator, one can only hope that the time and place one finds Read More …

Strict tempo is often an important requirement for dancers; so if you’re a dance band you may need to sit up and take notice when choosing arrangements. Here’s an article written by George Pytlik on the Delta Dance website: ‘Music Read More …

I’ve got a chance to record these guys next Monday night, at the Cinnamon Club in South Manchester. Just pondering about the best approach: just two condensors in XY coincident style? How about adding some spot mikes or a mike Read More …

Currently there is some legal kerfuffle over who rightfully ‘owns’ the descending line in Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. That’s because it sounds rather similar to one used in a song called ‘Taurus’ by 60’s group, Spirit. Indeed, the Read More …