by on

Manhaton Records is delighted that Sari Schorr‘s song ‘Beautiful‘ has been shortlisted for Best Blues Rock Song at the Independent Blues Awards 2019.

The song is taken from Sari Schorr’s celebrated current album ‘Never Say Never‘ which is also nominated for: ‘Best Independent Blues Rock CD‘ and ‘Best Independent Blues New Artists CD‘

The Independent Blues Awards is a public vote at ‘Make a Scene‘ website here that runs until 1st August.

Sari Schorr said of the song: “‘Beautiful’ was one of the most difficult songs for me to write and record. Beauty is a complicated subject because it has become overwhelmingly important to us. We are driven to despair in our pursuit of the unattainable state of perfection. We fall in love with beauty and forget that real love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person.. I am thrilled that this song has been recognised by the independent blues community.”

Released Digitally on Fri 26th July 2019

Never Say Never Tour

August        25 Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival Colne UK
September 15 Darlington Rhythm & Blues Festival UK
September 21 Wotton Blues Festival UK
September 26 Ropetackle Arts Centre Shoreham-by-sea UK
September 27 Chapel Arts Centre Bath UK
September 28 Echo Hotel Music Club, Elizabeth Hall Hook UK

October 3  Jaeren Blues Club Norway
October 4  Mandel Bluesklubb Norway
October 7  Godset Kolding Denmark
October 9  Portalen Greve Teater & Musikhus Greve Denmark
October 12 MC Club Odense Denmark
October 16 Chabah Kandern Germany
October 17 Fricktaler Blues Festival Frick Switzerland

November 3 The Greystones Sheffield UK

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

by on

Review: Ben Poole – Anytime You Need Me

Manhaton Records (Sept 2018)

Reviewer: Dan Mann

Ben Poole returns with his third album release ‘Anytime You Need Me‘, an album that helps build his standing in the blues rock community as his career continues to grow.

I think there’s one thing this album epitomizes, it’s the continuing trend to release albums that don’t conform to the over regimented definition of what blues music should be.

What you end up getting are releases that are like a breath of fresh air, pulling in influences from other genres and with it new audiences.

With ‘Anytime You Need Me‘, Ben has introduced elements of funk, 70’s rock and even a little soul. The album is a little more adventurous then previous releases.

‘Take It No More‘ would be nearer the traditional blues rock track which has elements of King King, which is hardly a surprise with aforementioned band’s Wayne Proctor at the production helm.

While ‘Found Out The Hard Way‘ wouldn’t be out of place on a Mitch Laddie album.

But I found ‘You Could Say‘ a bit too poppy for my palette with Ben’s vocals taking on a high pitch Jonny Lange vibe.

It has to be said the two covers on the album are interesting choices, Don Henley’s ‘Dirty Laundry‘, a track I’ve always loved and Jude Cole’s ‘Start The Car‘. However they work really well and releasing ‘Dirty Laundry‘ as a single will certainly help raise interest from other quarters.

While not every track is to my liking, I think live it will be an entirely different matter and with a heavier live sound they will fill out nicely.

‘Anytime You Need Me‘ is an album, which along with other current British musicians releases, helps cement the UK as one of the top blues & blues rock territories in the World.

 

by on

Blues vocalist Sari Schorr will release her brand new album ‘Never Say Never‘ on October 5th 2018 via Manhaton Records. ‘Never Say Never‘ is Sari’s second album and comes after the critically received debut album ‘A Force of Nature‘ which was released two years ago.

The ‘Never Say Never‘ UK tour kicks off in September and there’s a free song ‘Thank You‘ from the new album which can be downloaded here

September 13 Leicester The Musician Pub
September 14 London Borderline
September 15 Durham Mickleton Live
September 18 Bilston The Robin 2
September 19 Bristol The Louisiana
September 21 Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre
September 22 Derby THE FLOWERPOT DERBY
September 27 Oxford The Bullingdon
September 28 Poynton Legion Bluefunk Rhythm and Blues Club
September 29 Godalming Wilfrid Noyce Eclectic Live Music

Tickets from http://www.sarischorr.com

Official Website

Facebook

 

by on

International Blues/Rock/Soul guitarist, singer and songwriter Ben Poole will release his brand new studio album ‘Anytime You Need Me‘ on Friday 14th September 2018 via Manhaton Records. The new album follows Ben’s critically acclaimed albums ‘Time Has Come‘ (2016) and ‘Live At The Royal Albert Hall‘ (Recorded by the BBC in 2014).

‘Anytime You Need Me‘ was recorded at Superfly Studios in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire produced by Wayne Proctor. “It was an absolute joy to work again with Wayne,” says Ben. “He has a great ear and knows me well as an artist, and the result is amazing.”

Order now for a Signed Copy + Free Download of ‘Holding On‘ from the album
https://www.manhatonrecords.com/product/ben-poole-anytime-you-need-me

To celebrate the release Ben will embark on a 14-date UK tour in November and December 2018. Tickets for all concerts can be booked from http://benpooleband.com/live.

The new studio album marks a point in Ben’s career where he feels he’s really found himself as an all-round guitarist, singer and song-writer. The best representation on a studio record so far of the attitude, energy and excitement that he brings to his live shows. The album is a melting pot of rock, blues and soul but with a pop sensibility in the songwriting allowing it to feel accessible throughout. The overall sound showcases a lot of grit and a swagger, with special emphasis on guitar tones and instrumental performances from everyone who played on the album.

On ‘Anytime You Need Me‘, Ben was ready to do something harder hitting and more guitar based than his previous album, ‘Time Has Come‘. The main focus was still on writing great songs but with far more focus on Ben as an artist. He kept the team small and avoided having too much outside influence on the direction of the music. Ben co-wrote the album with his two writing partners, Wayne Proctor and Steve Wright.

Ben Poole – November/December 2018 UK Tour
TICKETS: http://benpooleband.com/live

Latest Music Bar, Brighton                Wednesday 21 November

The Stables, Milton Keynes               Thursday 22 November

Old Schoolhouse, Barnsley               Friday 23 November

The Meeting Room, Elland                Saturday 24 November

The Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst   Wednesday 28 November

Oran Mor, Glasgow                            Thursday 29 November

Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen            Friday 30 November

The Green Hotel, Kinross                   Saturday 1 December

Früit, Hull                                            Wednesday 5 December

Real Time Live, Chesterfield              Thursday 6 December

The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber           Friday 7 December

Half Moon Putney, London               Wednesday 12 December

The Musician, Leicester                     Thursday 13 December

The Railway, Winchester                   Saturday 15 December

by on

British blues rock band King King kick off their Spring 2018 UK Tour – including shows at the HRH Festival in Sheffield and the Rock & Blues Festival in Newport – at the Worcester Huntingdon Hall on Saturday 14th April.
Xander and the Peace Pirates, Steve Hill and Austin Gold support the Glasgow rockers on selected dates throughout April, May and June as listed below.

King King released their fourth studio album ‘Exile & Grace‘ in October 2017 via Manhaton Records. The album features the band’s singles Broken, (She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’ and Long Time Running which have been big hits on Planet Rock Radio in the UK.

The album was recorded at Superfly Studios and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder and Therapy?).

‘Exile & Grace‘ is King King’s first album of new material since 2015’s multi-award winning ‘Reaching For The Light‘. The new album follows King King’s across-the-board win of five awards at 2016’s British Blues Awards including Best Male Vocal (Alan Nimmo), Best Bass Player (Lindsay Coulson), Best Song (Rush Hour), Best Album (Reaching for the Light) and Best Songwriter.

King King – April – June 2018 UK Tour

^With Special Guests Xander and the Peace Pirates | *With Special Guest Steve Hill | +With Special Guest Austin Gold

Book Tickets: www.kingking.co.uk/tour

^Worcester, Huntingdon Hall                   Saturday 14 April

Sheffield, HRH Festival                                 Sunday 15 April

^Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree                     Friday 20 April

Darvel, Darvel Festival                                  Saturday 21 April

*Hastings, St. Mary in The Castle             Thursday 3 May

*Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre                 Friday 4 May

*Southampton, The 1865                             Saturday 5 May

*Liverpool, Epstein Theatre                       Thursday 10 May

+Whitley Bay, The Playhouse                    Friday 11 May

+Clitheroe, The Grand                                  Saturday 12 May

*Chester, The Live Rooms                           Thursday 17 May

*Leeds, Brudenell Social Club                   Friday 18 May

*Holmfirth, The Picturedome                   Saturday 19 May

*Frome, Cheese & Grain                             Saturday 26 May

*Exeter, The Phoenix Arts Centre            Sunday 27 May

*Bilston,The Robin 2                                      Thursday 31 May

*Bury St. Edmunds, The Apex                    Friday 1 June

Newport, Rock & Blues Festival                Saturday 2 June

.

by on

King King are pleased to announce the special guests for their January 2018 UK Tour. The award-winning rock blues band will be supported by Rhino’s Revenge (feat. Rhino from Status Quo) at the London Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday 17th January, the Birmingham Town Hall on Thursday 18th January and the Bath Forum on Saturday 20th January. Gerry Jablonski And The Electric Band will support King King at the Edinburgh Queen’s Hall on Friday 26th January and Xander And The Peace Pirates at the Sheffield Leadmill on Saturday 27th January.

King King released their fourth studio album ‘Exile & Grace‘ on Friday 13th October 2017 via Manhaton Records. The album features the band’s singles ‘(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’‘ and ‘Long Time Running‘ which have been big hits on Planet Rock radio in the UK.

The album coincides with King King‘s biggest UK tour to date. The dates include London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Wednesday 17 January), Birmingham Town Hall (Thursday 18 January), Bath Forum (Saturday 20 January), Edinburgh Queen’s Hall (Friday 26 January), and Sheffield Leadmill (Saturday 27 January). Tickets are available via the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898 and can be ordered from www.thegigcartel.com.

The new album ‘Exile & Grace‘ promises to deliver a bigger punch, with killer songs performed with true passion by a fist tight line-up. The album was recorded at Superfly Studios and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder and Therapy?).

Says King King‘s frontman and guitarist, Alan Nimmo, “‘Exile & Grace‘ definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it. We are following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake and Thunder. We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of songwriting and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!”

‘Exile & Grace’ January 2018 UK Tour
Book  Tickets: 0844 478 0898, www.thegigcartel.com

London Shepherd’s Bush Empire      Wednesday 17 January
Birmingham, Town Hall                     Thursday 18 January
Bath, Forum                                       Saturday 20 January
Edinburgh Queen’s Hall                     Friday 26 January
Sheffield, Leadmill                             Saturday 27 January

Official Website

Facebook

by on

Review: King King – Exile & Grace

Manhaton Records (October 2017)

Reviewer: Peter Scallan

King King first came to my attention supporting Gun at one of their famous Glasgow Barrowlands Christmas gigs. I was well impressed and immediately sought out their recorded work, which was equally impressive! This is new opus is their fourth album and is no disappointment.

‘(She don’t) Gimme No Loving‘ opens the album and is a cross of Thunder and classic Marsden/Moody era Whitesnake. Motoring along mostly based on a great staccato guitar riff and organ counterpart, it also has a great chorus. ‘Heed The Warning‘ has a slow build-up intro and is then into a classic funky/blues rock rhythm. Next up is ‘Broken‘ which is a mid-paced blues rocker, based around a neat twelve bar guitar riff and driving rhythm section. It has a great variation for the killer chorus too. Opening with nice clean guitar sound and a Fender Rhodes-type sound, ‘Find Your Way Home‘ is a slow burning soulful blues ballad with a powerful chorus. ‘Tear It All Up‘ as it name suggests takes the feel up a few notches and revolves around another great guitar chop. With driving bass and drums this one really rocks along.

We slip into stomping bass mode for ‘Betrayed Me‘ which reminds me of prime time Bad Company. However, it’s more bluesy with Alan Nimmo’s blues guitar playing and a great understated vocal performance – a classic example of more is definitely less! ‘Long Time Running‘ opens up with drums and guitar is very reminiscent of a classic Whitesnake again and could easily sit on Come and Get It. It has another great guitar chop leading into a great twelve-bar bridge leading to the inevitable catchy chorus. Next up is ‘Nobody Knows Your Name’ which again draws on more blues rock influences with a Free/Kossoff style guitar riff opening the song. It also draws on more recent influences which structural elements of the song drawing on the likes of AC/DC – but let’s face it they probably draw on the same influences as Mr Nimmo! Closing song ‘I Don’t Wanna Lie‘ slips back into a more traditional blues feel. It bounces along on a great base line with almost reggae-ish feel at times. It has the feel of classic Eric Clapton about and that’s certainly no band thing.

On this album the band stretches out more into blues rock with a whole range of classic feels and sounds while retaining their own sound, mainly due to Nimmo’s vocals and guitar playing. The sound to my ears is crisp and tight – impeccable production in my opinion. The songs are also right on the money. My only criticism of the album is that it ends too quickly – but they do say you should always leave your audience wanting more and this certainly does. If you haven’t heard these guys, do yourself a favour and a pick up a copy or even better, go see them live! At the moment Alan Nimmo is recovering from throat issues which resulted in surgery and this lead to the cancellation of their tour supporting the album. All that remains for me to say is get well Alan but only come back when you are really ready. Like me, I am sure the growing legion of King King fans will be waiting with bated breath for your return!

by on

King King have released an  official music video for their new single ‘(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’.

The single is taken from the band’s forthcoming fourth studio album ‘Exile & Grace‘, released by Manhaton Records on Friday 6th October.

The new single was mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder and Therapy).   The new album promises to deliver even more of a punch from King King, with killer songs performed with true passion by a fist tight line-up.

You can download or stream the new single from iTunes

“Exile & Grace definitely has a rockier feel and sound to it,” says King King’s frontman Alan Nimmo. “We are following our influences from the Classic Rock genre, Bad Company, Whitesnake and Thunder. We really set out to challenge ourselves with this album. We’ve stepped up the quality of song writing and pushed ourselves physically in both performance and delivery!”

King King are pleased to announce their biggest UK tour to date. The band will play a series of high profile concerts, including London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday 18th October. Tickets are available from the 24 Hour Box Office: 0844 478 0898 and from www.thegigcartel.com.

Bath, Forum                                                       Saturday 14 October
Birmingham, Town Hall                                Tuesday 17 October
London Shepherd’s Bush Empire              Wednesday 18 October
Sheffield, Leadmill                                         Thursday 19 October
Edinburgh Queen’s Hall                               Friday 20 October

Official Website

Facebook

by on

King King - Live

Review: King King – Live

Manhaton Records (October 21st 2016)

Reviewer: Dan Mann

King King are a band on the rise, a band managing to bridge the gap between blues and rock audiences, and bridging it with some style it must be said.

Ahead of their November UK Tour supported by Broken Witt Rebels, sees the release of their first live album, which was recorded in front of their home crowd at Glasgow’s O2 ABC on May 14th of this year.  The release will be  available as a double CD or a deluxe version complete with Live DVD (The DVD was recorded at The Picturedrome, Holmfirth on April 13th 2016). This review is for the CD version.

Live albums can be a bit of a Marmite thing, either love them, hate them or the recording’s great or truly awful. Thankfully we’re on a double positive with this release. The sound isn’t perfect but that’s not a negative. What I mean is it’s not sounding like a studio album with a bit of clapping and whoops added! It is as described, a ‘live’ album.

King King take us through what I like to think is something for everyone. From the blues rock ‘Rush Hour‘ off their last album to the more ‘traditional’ ‘Wait On Time‘ which has a delicious helping of  Hammond organ, courtesy of Bob Fridzema.

They have a great front man in kilt wearing Alan Nimmo and I must mention the rhythm section of Lindsay Coulson (bass) and Wayne Proctor (drums), who keep things on a tight and even keel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the extended live versions of ‘Long History Of Love‘ from the ‘Standing In Shadows’ album and ‘Stranger To Love‘ from last year’s ‘Reaching For The Light‘

All in all a great release that captures the live essence of King King, and if you have not yet had the chance to see them in the flesh so to speak then get yourself a ticket for the upcoming tour.