Rock of Ages Radio Show

Jim Morrison once said ” give me an hour for magic”, was he referring to a moment of pure inspiration or was it simply a poet’s ‘turn of phrase’ to describe a hedonistic desire to linger and revel unashamedly within a state of suspended euphoria. Therein lies the question, how does one achieve the aforementioned feeling of well-being without the use of artificial stimulus? The answer is really so simple, if you love ‘live’ music there is one musical experience you cannot afford to miss, that is a performance by three musical maestros known collectively as the Fuschi 3.

Fuschi 3 could best be described as ‘The Kings of Funk Blues’, but in truth their talents and strengths lie much beyond any generic musical label or tag that could be used to ‘pigeon hole’ this band. In fact where as the average power trio tends to consist of a ‘front man’ posturing guitar player and two backing musicians, in Fuschi3 we really do have a band of three equally talented players. Paulo Fuschi is the vocalist and guitarist who is the catalyst bluesmaster whose warm personable character somehow belies his mastery of the guitar, the intensity of his music and the gift of song crafting. David Lloyd on Electric Bass is the ultimate funkmiester on four strings or more, taking his ‘bass groove’ much beyond reach of the average four stringer. Rick Hughes is a truly dynamic powerhouse drummer whose ‘fills’ and symbol work is second to none and completes this emerging musical ‘tour de force’.

The set was well balanced and contained a mix of ’standards’ covers and some of their own material which was equally well received by the musically perceptive and appreciative supporters at BJ’s, who tucked into a feast of musical delights savouring the flavour of each and every song. Highlights included a superb jazz funk rendition of “Summertime”, an earthy version of “Born Under A Bad Sign” with the self penned “2am” and “Salvation” offering a glimpse of the bands versatility to break new ground into other sub genres. With a forthcoming album recording session planned in November I look forward with relish to be swept away again by a wave of musical euphoria. “Give me an hour for magic!” It really has happened, the doors are wide open for the Fuschi 3!

This album has been a long time coming but the waiting is over. The reward for devotees of this charismatic geordie are truly worthwhile, in as much that we have an organically well produced album that offers the listener an intimate insight into the innermost musical world of Al Dickinson. The CD is a collection of gritty, sentimental, auto biographical and slightly melancholic songs which reveals the musical pulse of the creator of so many fine musical offerings. There are upbeat songs too which identify the writer as a master tunesmith and guitarist who is able to connect easily to the listener as the songs have an honesty and quaintness without being cliche’d or contrived.

Al is accompanied on these recordings by Hugh Bradley on Bass and Leigh Stothard on drums, augmented by Murray Grainger on accordion whose musicianship complements the songs so well. “Black Diamonds” is one of the stand out songs on this album, but there are others also that captivate the listener with equal intensity such as “Three Tastes” and ”Live By The Sword”.

 Above all else it is the sincerity in the voice of Al Dickinson that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries who are also exponents in this genre which I would classify as Roots/Country Blues. Al’s guitar work is wonderfully sensitive and slightly reminiscent of Mark Knofpler at times with a sweetness of tone that leaves you wanting more.

Al Dickinson is a modern day troubadour who wears his heart on his sleeve, never afraid to step out of the shadows into the limelight to show us all that ‘true grit’ and a passion to perform original songs really can win hearts and minds, “whatever next” for Al Dickinson.

The album was produced by Jonathan Taylor and Adam Medlock at Blacksail Records and available through Amazon. The CD dedicated to the memory of Brian “BJ” Jeffery the founder of BJ’s Blues Club.

Check out the Al Dickinson Band ‘live’ at BJ’s Blues Club on Thursday 30th September 2010.

If you love the summer and the outdoor rages, then Friday to Saturday in Thurstaston offers a great few days of pop.

The Sunset Festival takes place on the Wirral and has a number of headline acts, plus a tribute to John Peel. Although the fare on offer is more contempory than the music we play we would still love to give this event a plug as we know a number of our friends will be attending.

Here is a video update about the Festival….

The Rock of Ages Radio Show on the red eye radio network now has a new time slot on Sundays each week.

The show is now available at the same time on both Tuesdays and Sundays, 7pm - 10pm british time and 2pm - 5pm USA (est).

Thanks again for your continued support!