Author Archive
June 10, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: 20 Years of Allenby Tce
The only thing between me and a journalism degree was the Allenby Terrace steps. Well, there was at least one other hurdle – but those steps started to bite. And rather quickly. Best to blame them, since the real reason escapes me still (a good reason to still be writing, funnily enough). Every time I head down that hill I think, still, of being sat right outside the journalism class, my phoney – but all too real – Lucky Strikes. (Just […]
June 10, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
RNZ Feature: Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Re-Viewed!
I’m usually on RNZ once a month to have a chat about some new albums. But now and then I present features on the show too. Last year I had nearly an hour to explore the music of George Harrison. I followed that up with a chat about Ringo Starr and played some of his best Beatles drum bits […]
June 9, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Gig Review: Alicia Olatuja (June 8, 2019)
Alicia Olatuja MFC, Wellington (8pm) Saturday, June 8 Alicia Olatuja has the perfect backstory for a jazz festival appearance in NZ – she was part of the choir at one of Barack Obama’s inaugurations and with that as a springboard she is still in the beginnings of her solo career but has recently released a fine-enough album where she pays tribute to […]
June 9, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 294
Billie Holiday, Lady In Satin (1958) I reckon Billie Holiday is the greatest. The absolute greatest. If I only get to hear one voice – it’s her voice. That would be my choice. I have been listening to her my whole life. I love her voice – and the sad story attached to it. And yet I don’t own […]
June 8, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: Flight
i stand on the grave of dreams to take a leap at all that’s left with all that’s left with all my might what might I have
June 7, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Five Songs For Friday: 30 – Rolling Thunder Reviewed!
Bob Dylan is never far from my mind, my heart, my stereo – if he’s not on the turntable, he’s in my thoughts in some way or another, often informing the music that I’ve chosen to listen to. It’s that deep. He is one of the great musical forces for me – and surely the most […]
June 6, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast # 171: Sugar Magnolia Wilson
Welcome to episode 171 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors –T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and La Petite Chocolat. Now – as you probably know, as well as the usual platforms (this site, soundcloud, iTunes/Apple) you can now get to Sweetman Podcast on Spotify – follow it there and have it saved in your Spotify library. This week it’s a chat with poet Sugar Magnolia […]
June 5, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 295
Elton John, Tumbleweed Connection (1970) Don’t get me wrong, I like Dame Reginald’s greatest hits – well, most of ‘em…but what gets me about artists like Elton John (and maybe Billy Joel, I’m not quite sure if I’m ready to forgive…) is the killer album-tracks and earlier works that get forgotten. The big, big hits dominate…I remember hearing Country […]
June 4, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: Empath
The question to ask anyone is “What are you going through right now?” (What are you dealing with? What’s shaped you? Why are you feeling like you’re currently feeling? How has life – to this point – impacted you? Are you okay? Are you happy? If not, why? What can I do? Is anyone in […]
June 4, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Andrew Cyrille: Lebroba
Andrew Cyrille Lebroba ECM This is Andrew Cyrille’s album – in that he’s the leader, his name is at the top, but the legendary jazz drummer is working here with two other stalwarts of the ECM label, Wadada Leo Smith (trumpet) and Bill Frisell (guitar). It’s truly a trio album and magic happens here – it being the first time all three have […]
June 3, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 296
Joe Jackson, Night and Day (1982) I can’t remember when or how I first got into Joe Jackson – but I feel like I’m forever catching up. Still haven’t read his memoir, missed the chance to see him live here some 15 years ago or so (keep hearing how great it was, know he’ll never come back). I […]
June 2, 2019 by Simon Sweetman