Jay Stansfield

Variously described as - original, affecting and a tad bonkers, North West musician Jay Stansfield has consistently provided us with an eccentrically pleasing back catalogue of music. He's recently added to that with his third; and for me, best album Birth And Death.

It has an interestingly lo-fi feel (probably due to being recorded in his front room with only a microphone for company) from the start with the luscious My Last, My Grain which has it's electronic roots in everything from Yes and ELO to Pink Floyd and ELP. 












Using his musical influences as a backdrop to his life Jay Stansfield takes us on a powerfully melodious and organ filled journey. Second track in Sex On My Mind focuses on his vocal ability whilst Sometimes I Feel Like A Demon has a more aggressive almost punky soundscape.


His journey takes another musical turn with the lilting The Sadness and it has shades of The Moody Blues of the early 70's whilst the quirky intro of Soul Splitter is more reminiscent of Fiona Soe Paing as it falls into another vocal gem.

In his first three years as a solo artist Jay Stansfield has performed at Liverpool’s Sound City, supported Dodgy at one of their comeback shows and already performed a huge UK tour promoting his debut album LOVISM featuring vocals from Hannah Hird (Ellie Goulding / The Slow Club) including a support slot with Mike And The Mechanics on the Isle Of Man.

Jay Stansfield has received frequent airplay in the UK on Amazing Radio and was invited to record a prestigious session for Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde who is a huge fan. UK radio also includes Croydon Radio, AllFM, SevernFM and BBC Introducing in Lancashire and Wales plus of course Radio KC.

I'd intended to put this blog out a couple of weeks ago...but saved it for 2015 as it might just end up being my album of the year. I'll say no more, you decide for yourself...

With thanks to R.S.Connett

Every song has a complimentary piece of artwork by legendary artist R.S. Connett that fits together to form one giant piece of magnificence. 

Visit his website to view this Californian based artist's version of the universe.

Lumin Bells

Bucking the trend for raucous Indie thrashings Ralph's been playing the Lumin Bells track 'Somehow The Same' with reasonable regularity on his Radio KC Sunday Show these last few weeks.  It's a gentle, reflective tune with hints of the early Moody Blues (I'm trying to avoid the obvious Nick Drake comparisons) or the subtle vocalisations of America and it's been received with no small amount of favourable feedback.  None more so than by Janice Long on BBC Radio 2 after they took the 'Ones To Watch' category at the Liverpool Music Awards at the weekend.








Liverpool six-piece Lumin Bells are - Nico Hercules, Mick Dolan, Danny Poole, Austin Murphy, Nick Henman and Colin Lamont. 

The band formed after Nico found a creative collaborator in Mick Dolan through an advert placed in the music press. The duo immediately bonded over a mutual love of artists such as Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Byrds.










Their first release 'Hold You Inside' immediately found critical acclaim both by music bloggers and the likes of Tom Robinson. It's a sensitive, wistful and soothing track with immaculate musicality and vocals. Many bands strive for years to grasp what Lumin Bells have crafted on their debut. They're currently in Track Studios with Steve Powell putting the finishing touches to their debut album 'The Hidden Room', scheduled for release later in the year.  They're playing a gig with Red Sails and This Morning Call at LEAF in Liverpool's Bold Street on the 13th September and Ralph's been invited along by Tilt Shift Music and will bring you a live review.