Americana Music - new book and live music event

» On The Trail Of Americana: Book Launch (greennote.co.uk)

Featuring live music from the Dustbowl Sinners and Mandolin Jack, two distinctive UK Americana acts, with a short talk and book signing by author Ralph Brookfield.

About the book

In this thorough exploration of the history and spread of Americana Music around the world, Ralph Brookfield goes beyond the headlines to uncover what drives singer songwriters to go to Nashville, play in small clubs and create their music against the increasingly difficult backdrop of Covid-19, dwindling recording revenues and fragmentation of the music industry. With so many music venues closed, and incomes reduced, musicians speak of their hopes and fears for the future of the industry in challenging times.

Interviews with: Emily Barker, Yola, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Dave Cobb, Paul Kelly, John Murry, Lindi Ortega, Wildwood Kin and many more.

About the author

Ralph Brookfield trained as a molecular physicist, worked as a freelance writer and software engineer, ran his own software business then became a director of technology in the digital television industry until 2012. Since then, he has pursued his passions of writing and music which he combines in his songwriting, playing regularly with his band in the Ealing area, the crucible of RnB music in the UK, where he also manages and promotes grassroots music. He is married, has two grown-up children, and is a founder member of the infamous Hanwell Ukulele Group.

About the bands

The Dustbowl Sinners are purveyors of fine Roots, Blues, Country & Americana music. www.thedustbowlsinners.com

Mandolin Jack is a songwriter and musician with a wide range of roles, jobs & experiences. After the demise of the folk-group Frogmorton, in the early 80s he was sharing the singing & songwriting with guitarist (Big) John Evans as part of roots-based London band The Extraordinaires, playing Fender rhodes piano & Korg hammond organ. He writes on piano, guitar, or mandolin - whichever fits the mood of the song - but his preferred gigging instrument is usually the mandolin which explains the name. Mandolin Jack's country songs are tainted with traces of British folk music, Mississippi blues, Appalachian hillbilly & New York bebop... www.mandolinjack.com

Reviews

This book is the story of the richest tapestry of music ever found in one country. So join in with the author on this journey of discovery, from coast to coast, from around the world, this wonderful music, this is Americana.

- Pete Clack, Blues in Britain Magazine

This is a great and informative read for any fan of the world's coolest music genre, Americana.

- Nash Chambers, award-winning Music Producer

A deep, inquisitive dive into the Americana story so far. In the best possible way, Ralph Brookfield's roots are showing.

-Paul Sexton, Music writer and broadcaster.

On the Trail of Americana Music by Ralph Brookfield, published by Supernova Books, an imprint of Aurora Metro www.aurorametro.com Publication Date: Tuesday 14th September 2021 Price: £15.99 Binding: Paperback ISBN: 9781913641092 (print)

REVIEW COPIES AVAILABE contact: marketing@aurorametro.com

Interviews with the author can be arranged. For more info call 0203 261 0000

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