Rock of Ages Radio Show

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.

Another ‘full house’ at The Hop Pocket for the return of Al Dickinson and his band who have become firm favourites at this premier North West venue, which has now become a mecca for devotees of the blues and quality live music.

The backing musicians, Hugh Bradley on bass & Leigh Stoddard drums were of the highest calibre  complemeting Al Dickinson’s diverse musical range of material with genuine enthusiam, exploring and maximising the true depth of his compelling music. 

The songs were a mixture of ‘covers’, traditional songs and original compositions which I would define as Country Blues/Americana with elements of folk and rock. Al Dickinson has been compared vocally to Chris Rea, but in truth to my ears it is his rough gritty natural vocal intonations that lends itself perfectly as a poweful medium for his own compositions which speak from the heart. The guitar playing was outstanding too, equally a home on slide or standard tunings, Al Dickinson slots his chords and licks neatly into the groove on each and every hand picked musical offering. The highlights of the gig were a rip roaring version of “Messin’ with the Kid” and a breathtaking performance of ”Sultans of Swing”.

There was also a tantalising glimpse of things to come on the forthcoming album with an emotional rendition of “Black Diamonds”, a self penned musical gem which is a true measure of this man and his music. A truly memorable performance!

A treat for blues fans on Thursday 7th May - at BJ’s Blues Club, the Hop Pocket, Carr lane, Chorley.

THE AL DICKINSON BAND - Al Dickinson is back at BJ’s with some great musical friends! ‘check out’ Al’s son Brett on Drums who made his debut at BJ’s last year, and lived to tell the story! Music runs through the veins in this family. Al Dickinson is an extremely accomplished guitarist who has absorbed and digested differing styles which gives him such a unique and engaging musical style, which could be best described as country blues rock. Think of Chris Rea meets JJ Cale with a touch of Dire Straits you won’t be far out. Al tells me the band will be performing the title track from the forthcoming CD release entitled “Whatever Next?” which draws inspiration from the mining community that existed in his native North East.

Only quality songs from these guys and some pretty nifty guitar playing too! Can’t wait for this one!!

The Al Dickinson Band are :- Al Dickinson -Vocals/Guitar, Hughbass– Double Bass/Electric Bass, Brett Telford– Drums.

Band kicks off at 9.30 and as usual it’s Free