MuzikMan's Reviews And News

Showing posts with label Strawbs. Show all posts

6/16/2026

JOHN FORD OF THE STRAWBS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

Ford is also known from Hudson-Ford, The Monks, and Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera

New album includes covers of Tom Petty’s “Walls” and George Harrison’s “The Rising Sun” plus nine new Ford originals

CD format includes an exclusive 21-song bonus “Best of” disc

Out July 24, 2026 on Iconoclassic Records

John Ford’s 50+ year career has traversed psychedelia with Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera, progressive folk with The Strawbs, eclectic rock with Hudson-Ford, punky new wave with The Monks, and even ’30s-style music hall with High Society. An Englishman in New York since the mid-’80s, Ford launched a solo career spotlighting his melodic gifts and multi-instrumental prowess in power pop and acoustic-based rock settings. For his latest album, the eternally youthful John Ford presents Between a Rock and a Hard Place, a lyrically reflective and musically energetic set.

“As a songwriter the subconscious can bring forth ideas that you may not even be thinking of day to day, but looking back on stages in my life, songs like ‘The Last Goodnight’ and ‘Lilacs and Hollyhocks’ certainly reflect that,” Ford comments. “I think everyone at some point in their lives have been between a rock and a hard place.”

John Ford seamlessly integrates two cover songs into Between a Rock and a Hard Place, including the album’s first single, the Tom Petty-written “Walls.” Ford: “Somehow, even though a great Tom Petty fan, I had never heard his ‘Walls’ song until I heard the Glen Campbell version on the radio. I thought, I can do a decent job with that.” The album’s second non-original is a deep cut from another legend: “George Harrison’s album Brainwashed had some great songs on it, and I hope I did ‘The Rising Sun’ justice.” Uniting Petty, Harrison, and Ford is their mutual love for Jeff Lynne’s productions, an influence heard throughout Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

John Ford has been an on-and-off member of The Strawbs since writing and singing the band’s biggest hit, 1973’s “Part of the Union.” He rejoined the Dave Cousins-founded Strawbs for the band’s final two albums in 2021 and 2023 before founder and leader Dave Cousins’ passing in 2025. “I dedicated this album to Dave Cousins because I was working with him and Blue Weaver right up to the time he was hospitalized. Dave and I had co-written songs on the last two Strawbs albums and I did send him ‘Lilacs and Hollyhocks’ for verses but had to finish the lyrics myself. We had our ups and downs over the years, but we fortunately ended on a good note.”

Between a Rock and a Hard Place is John Ford’s first solo album to be released through traditional, worldwide physical retail distribution. The CD format includes an exclusive bonus disc of 21 career highlights, introducing fans to songs they might have missed from Ford’s self-released albums. “I signed on to Iconoclassic Records because they surprisingly had a great knowledge of my previous work and suggested we have a best of bonus CD with my new release.”

John Ford’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place drops July 24, 2026.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place (CD and Digital, Iconoclassic Records ICON 1096)
1. Between a Rock and a Hard Place
2. The Last Goodnight
3. Land of Dreams
4. Walls
5. Always
6. Lilacs and Hollyhocks
7. Since You’ve Been Gone
8. The Ship and the Sea
9. Who Turned the Lights Out
10. In the Dead of Night
11. The Rising Sun

The Best of John Ford 1998-2026 (CD Exclusive Bonus Disc)
1. Poor Boy Running
2. Movin’ On
3. Acoustic Sunrise
4. Strange Universe
5. I’m a Chameleon
6. Kissed By the Sun
7. Don’t Blame Me
8. Together Apart
9. Natural High
10. Another Tradition Broken
11. Bread and Fishes
12. Love Is a Highway
13. Big Hit in India
14. Life in a Foreign Town
15. What Am I Going to Do Without You
16. Back in England
17. When Did I Ever Let You Down
18. Christmas Rendezvous
19. Cry Me a River
20. Poor Man’s Son
21. You Can’t Keep Me from Singing

To pre-order:
Label store: https://iconoclassicrecords.com/album/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/
Independent retail: https://recordstoreday.com/upc/990481103140
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Rock-Hard-Place-John/dp/B0H1SFSZHD

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/JohnFordoftheStrawbs
https://www.facebook.com/john.ford.401932
https://x.com/johnfordstrawbs

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

9/26/2025

‘Long Lost’ David Cousins & Brian Willoughby Album ‘The Bridge’ To Be Released 28th November

‘Lost’ album features Blue Weaver, Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez, Richard Hudson, Rod Demick, and Mary Hopkin

‘The Bridge’ from Cousins & Willoughby will be released on Friday 28^th November on digipak CD and digital via Witchwood Records, distributed by RSK Entertainment. A true labour of love from the late great David Cousins and his longtime band mate and music collaborator Brian Willoughby, this release is a real treat for fans of The Strawbs, and more. This 2025 version has been remastered by Blue Weaver, who said of the process, “the most important thing was to just get these great songs out there again for all to hear”.

‘The Bridge’ was made by Cousins & Willoughby in 1993. Teaming up with David and Brian were Strawbs alumni Blue Weaver, Chas Cronk and Tony Fernandez, plus Richard Hudson and Rod Demick. Four songs feature the incredible voice of Mary Hopkin. The result was quite simply an unforgettable album. Yet, with only 1000 copies produced, it has been ‘long lost’ to fans for many years.

David Cousins liked to make bridges between what was in his thoughts, and what his songs were appearing to say. One might say, he liked to keep us all guessing. As Brian Willoughby has pointed out, the album provided a bridge between a Strawbs’ recording and the duo’s approach to the songs. He chose the Bridge of Sighs, rather than any other, as it is one that remains in one’s memory after going back home from the inspiring City. The photograph of David with Brian emphasises their musical empathy and obvious enjoyment at being in Venice.

For his last trip abroad, before the final stages of his illness meant no more travel abroad, David went to Bergamo and spent an unforgettable day going back to Gandino to visit Gigi again. His love of Italy and his happy memories of making the album encouraged him to have ‘The Bridge’ re-issued. Blue Weaver enthusiastically agreed to re-master the album, and Brian went into action to provide all the help necessary.

This album is for you, and for all the Strawbs fans and others over the years, as well as for all those Italian friends, who were able to enjoy hearing David and Brian, and could say afterwards, “Oh what a day we had”.

Track list:
1. You Never Needed Water
2. Further Down The Road
3. Strange Day Over The Hill
4. Heat Of The Street
5. Morning Glory
6. Cry No More
7. Do You Remember
8. The Plain
9. Oh So Sleepy
10. Song For Alex

Bonus Tracks
11. Desert Song
12. Ways And Means
13. David Talks About Sandy Denny
14. Ringing Down The Years
15. Beat The Retreat

Pre-order ‘The Bridge’: https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/cousins-and-willoughby

Press inquiries (North America): Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Press inquiries (United Kingdom): Chris Hewlett PR, 07966491786, chris@chrishewlett.com

5/09/2025

Music Legends Strawbs To Release 'Magic From the Moon' On Blu-ray June 9, 2025

British music legends Strawbs will be releasing “Magic From the Moon” on Blu-ray on June 9, 2025. A spectacular acoustic and symphonic concert from the Strawbs 40th Anniversary Show, this release showcases the acoustic talents of the Strawbs. The set list covers many milestones over their long career with the Strawbs performing songs from their 1969 self-titled debut album to the Dancing to the Devil's Beat album from 2009.

Special guest Sonja Kristina joins the Strawbs for four of the songs, singing Sandy Denny’s parts. This unique concert also features the closing extravaganza with the legendary Robert Kirby, along with members of the Royal Artillery Orchestra. The full contingent of Electric Strawbs (Dave Cousins, Rod Coombes, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, John Ford and Oliver Wakeman) faithfully recreate some of the great classics in the Strawbs vast repertoire.

The Blu-ray also features an interview with Robert Kirby. Kirby discusses “David’s brilliant attitude towards music”, his time in the Strawbs, and working for the band. Rehearsal footage of the conductor and the orchestra is also included.

This unique show, including the performances which feature Sonja Kristina, has never been released on home video since the concert was performed in 2009. Having only been seen by those in attendance at the show, this release promises to be of great interest among Strawbs fans across the globe.

Set List:
1. Simple Visions (Deep Cuts, 1976)
2. Josephine for Better or for Worse (Dragonfly, 1970)
3. Copenhagen (Dancing to the Devil's Beat, 2009)
4. Cold Steel (Deja Fou, 2004)
5. Sail Away to the Sea (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969)
6. On My Way (All Our Own Work, 1973)
7. All I Need is You (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969)
8. Tell Me What You See in Me (The Strawbs, 1969)
9. Evergreen (Baroque and Roll, 2001)
10. The River (Bursting at the Seams, 1973)
11. Down By the Sea (Bursting at the Seams, 1973)
12. Heavy Disguise (Grave New World, 1972)
13. Where Silent Shadows Fall (Dancing to the Devil's Beat, 2009)

Strawbs official website: https://strawbsweb.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

6/06/2023

Music Legends Strawbs To Release New Album “The Magic Of It All” On July 14, 2023!

SUPERB NEW ALBUM BY STRAWBS FEATURING DAVID COUSINS, BLUE WEAVER AND JOHN FORD

SIGNED POSTCARD AVAILABLE WHILE STOCK LASTS

British music legends Strawbs will be releasing their new album “The Magic Of It All” on July 14th! Recorded in Cape Town, the album features David Cousins, Blue Weaver, and John Ford from classic 1970’s line up joined by some of the finest musicians and singers in South Africa.

Strawbs were high in the charts with “Grave New World” and “Bursting At The Seams” 50 years ago which coincided with a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom in South Africa, when students and workers launched a new wave of resistance against so-called “resettlement”. The resistance in South Africa identified with Strawbs songs, especially “Part Of The Union”, “Lay Down”, and “New World”.

Recognizing this, South Africa documentary maker, Niel van Deventer, approached David Cousins with the idea of producing a documentary about Strawbs and the band’s influence around the world. Niel wanted to film while new songs were being recorded in a Cape Town studio. David Cousins came up with a bunch of his finest songs; Blue Weaver flew over to produce the sessions and co- write some of the material, while John Ford joined in with his contribution to the songs from New York.

Featuring brand-new songs recorded at the Academy Of Sound Engineering in Cape Town, with engineer Peter Pearlson, who worked with Paul Simon when he was recording South African musicians for the “Graceland” album. The South African musicians on this album include Mauritz Lotz, Schalk Joubert, Kevin Gibson, Byron Abrahams, Simangele Mashazi, Marzia Barry and Luna Paige. Cathryn Craig and Nicole Tee joined the singers from the UK. The documentary “The Magic Of It All” will be released July 14, 2023.

TRACK LISTING

1 Ready (We Are Ready)
2 The Magic of it All
3 All Along the Bay
4 Everybody Means Something to Someone
5 Our World
6 The Time Has Come (for Giving Back)
7 Slack Jaw Alice
8 Paris Nights
9 Wiser Now
10 The Lady of the Night
11 Christmas Ghosts

Strawbs “The Magic Of It All” will be available on CD and vinyl. To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/strawbs/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

1/25/2021

STRAWBS Release New Studio Album “Settlement”

Released February 26, 2021

Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the new studio album by the legendary band STRAWBS. “Settlement” is the latest album recorded by STRAWBS, more than 50 years on from the band’s first major label release. The album comes at a time of political and social upheaval, which the lyrics and melodies of the songs reflect. Undeterred by the fact that ‘business as usual’ was not possible because of the global COVID-19 pandemic – working remote from one another, from their own home studios – “Settlement” is a remarkable achievement.

David Cousins, leader of STRAWBS says: “‘Settlement’ is something extraordinary. I can’t think of another band who can go from metal grunge to the lilt of an Irish ghost story – or from a song in 6/8 time to singing in 4/4 over a 5/4 backbeat – in half an hour. The lyrics reflect the times we have been living through and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved.”

“Settlement” is produced by Blue Weaver who played with STRAWBS and Bee Gees in their 1970s heydays. The recording was coordinated from Blue’s studio in Germany, where he now lives. STRAWBS are David Cousins, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez and Dave Bainbridge. Special guests on the album are John Ford, another former member of STRAWBS, who lives in New York, Cathryn Craig, with her lovely voice and unmistakable Southern lilt, who lives in Northern Ireland, and bass player Schalk Joubert, with whom David Cousins performed in South Africa at the beginning of the year. The album will be available both on CD and 180 gram vinyl formats.

“There comes a time when every Settlement is due!”

Track Listing:

1. SETTLEMENT
2. STRANGE TIMES
3. JUDGEMENT DAY
4. EACH MANNER OF MAN
5. THE VISIT
6. FLYING FREE
7. QUICKSILVER DAYS
8. WE ARE EVERYONE
9. CHORALE
10. CHAMPION JACK
11. BETTER DAYS (LIFE IS NOT A GAME)
12. LIBERTY

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/strawbs-settlement-cd-edition/
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/strawbs-settlement-180g-vinyl-lp/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

STRAWBS Release New Studio Album “Settlement”

Released February 26, 2021

“There comes a time when every Settlement is due!”

Track Listing:

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/strawbs-settlement-cd-edition/
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/strawbs-settlement-180g-vinyl-lp/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

4/18/2019

UN Singers to Perform with Strawbs at the Grand Finale of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday April 27, 2019!

We are very pleased to announce that the UN Singers will perform with Strawbs in the Grand Finale of the band’s 50th Anniversary celebration at the Strand Theater, Lakewood NJ on Saturday April 27, 2019.

The UN Singers are designated by the United Nations as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill who convey a message of peace and tolerance, and a celebration of other cultures and religions, through music.

The UN Singers, a club affiliated to the UN Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC), were formed in 1947. Members of the choir come from all walks of life and from all over the world.

Conductor and musical director: Guillermo Vaisman

Strawbs Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

UN Singers to Perform with Strawbs at the Grand Finale of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday April 27, 2019!

Strawbs Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

2/07/2019

UK Music Legends Strawbs 50th Anniversary 3 Days Celebration in Lakewood, NJ - April 26, 27 & 28

Featuring special guests Tony Visconti, Annie Haslam, Larry Fast and others! Weekend celebration of the first album release by seminal British band.

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, UK music legends Strawbs, plus a host of guest performers, former Strawbs, and Strawbs-related artists, will be performing at the Strand Theater in Lakewood, NJ on April 26-28, 2019!

Come join a weekend celebration of the first album release by seminal British band Strawbs!

Strawbs are Britain's most successful international progressive folk-rock band. They are mentioned in the same breath as progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson and The Moody Blues. Strawbs have a devoted fan base that continues to grow on the strength of their incredible live performances together with their classic albums over the years including “Grave New World”, “Bursting at the Seams”, “Hero & Heroine” and “Ghosts.” The band has achieved sales of over three million albums, seven consecutive Strawbs albums have featured in the US Billboard Top 200 albums.

Many top musicians have featured in the Strawbs line up over the years, including Sonjia Kristina, Blue Weaver, Don Airey and as well as Rick Wakeman , both his classically trained sons Adam and Oliver have been featured, a certain compliment to the band's talent. After several years of touring in both acoustic and electric lineups, in 2017 Strawbs released “The Ferryman's Curse,” their first studio album of original material in eight years. The album returned to the album charts and garnered rave reviews worldwide!

The current Strawbs line-up comprises David Cousins, lead guitarist Dave Lambert, bass player Chas Cronk, and drummer Tony Fernandez, who recorded and toured together in the 1970s. They are joined by keyboard and guitar virtuoso Dave Bainbridge of Iona - a band who created a mystical blend of rock, folk, Celtic and ambient music - a perfect match for Strawbs.

ARTISTS:

STRAWBS (Present)

David Cousins (1968 - present)
Dave Lambert (1972 - present)
Chas Cronk (1973 - present)
Tony Fernandez (1978 - present)
Dave Bainbridge (2016 - present)

With
TERRA NOVA ORCHESTRA - 30 PIECE ORCHESTRA

STRAWBS (Past)

Blue Weaver (1971 - 1973) (subject to visas) – Amen Corner, Mott the Hoople, Bee Gees (Played on “Saturday Night Fever” and the 1970s hits)
John Ford (1969 – 1973) – Velvet Opera, Hudson Ford (Writer of Strawbs biggest single “Part of the Union”)
John Hawken (1973 - 1976) – Nashville Teens, Renaissance, Illusion
Brian Willoughby (1978 - 2092) – Mary Hopkin, The Monks, Nanci Griffith

SPECIAL GUESTS

Tony Visconti – David Bowie, T Rex, Moody Blues, Gentle Giant, Angélique Kidjo
Annie Haslam – Renaissance
Larry Fast – Nektar, Synergy, Peter Gabriel
Eric Bazilian – The Hooters, Joan Osborne
Wesley Stace – John Wesley Harding, Cabinet of Wonders
Cathryn Craig – Bill Medley

HIGHLIGHTS

Tony Visconti – conducts Strawbs with the Terra Nova Orchestra for the first orchestral performance of “Oh How She Changed”, the band's first single, featuring a new Tony Visconti arrangement.

David Cousins, Blue Weaver, John Ford will play the whole of Strawbs classic album “Grave New World” with Eric Bazilion and narrator Wesley Stace.

Annie Haslam – sings Sandy Denny's “Who Knows Where The Time Goes” with the Terra Nova Orchestra, featuring a brand new arrangement by Tony Visconti.

Eric Bazilion – sings “What If God Was One Of Us,” the hit he wrote and produced for Joan Osborne, with Strawbs and the Terra Nova Orchestra.

Sandy Denny and the Strawbs – the classic songs recreated by Annie Haslam and Acoustic Strawbs.

Larry Fast and David Cousins – Peter Gabriel's synthesizer master and the complete songwriter put a new edge on Strawbs lesser known material.

WHERE:

Strand Theater
Center for the Arts
400 Clifton Avenue
Lakewood
New Jersey 08701
Phone: (732) 367-7789

Historic 1922 theater for the Jersey Shore.
60 minutes from Newark Airport
90 minutes from Manhattan

DATE AND TIME:

Friday - 26 April 2018
Performances 6pm - 10.30pm

Saturday - 27 April 2018
Performances 1pm - 10.30pm

Sunday - 28 April 2018
Brunch (VIP) 10am - 12 noon

TICKETS:

VIP $300 (sold out)
All performances plus Sunday brunch with artists

Weekend $200
All performances

For more information:
Strawbs official website: www.strawbsweb.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

UK Music Legends Strawbs 50th Anniversary 3 Days Celebration in Lakewood, NJ - April 26, 27 & 28

Featuring special guests Tony Visconti, Annie Haslam, Larry Fast and others! Weekend celebration of the first album release by seminal British band.

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