nhf blog on Absolute Radio

Just Beautiful

nhf — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:05:00 +0100

Of course it is now Friday night, time to relax and to help you along, my song for the day;

Something Good - by the beautiful and amazingly talented Bic Runga. The song is taken from her excellent album 'Beautiful Collision.'

I promised to introduce my good friend Demonbuttercup to this particular artist therefore I would like to dedicate it to Demon along with my 'Pretty Chic' Monica. And of course to everyone else out there tonight. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0q5KwKR5wY

Guess what? - It's Time To Rock

nhf — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:31:00 +0100

Thttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiOVP85Wmoc

The Zoo by The Scorpions

I just love this track, every time I hear that droning, chugging riff I am throwing shapes like Mr Schenker, Jabs and Bucholz. Hard rock at its finest!

Enjoy

When It's Time To Rock!

nhf — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:27:00 +0100

I saw this dude once, back in the late 1970s at Hammersmith Odeon and it is still just about the loudest gig I have ever been to.

If this riff doesn't get you reaching for the Air Guitar nothing will!

My choice for today, Ted Nugent (The Motor City Madman) and 'Cat Scratch Fever.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AGzgTxPFlY

Nigel

Track of the Day

nhf — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:54:00 +0100

Hi there everybody, I hope you are all well?

Over the last few days I have posted up some tracks that hint at my diverse taste in music. Thus far it has been perhaps a little restrained, so today I thought I would share something with you that is at the harder, edgier end of my spectrum.

I would like to introduce you to The Gutter Twins a band fronted by Mark Lanegan, former lead singer with The Screaming Trees. The track I have chosen is 'Idle Hands,' from their brilliant debut album Saturnalia.

Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrlOfHkl34

Staying in is the New Going Out

nhf — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:10:00 +0100

Hi there, an unusual day for the world I guess whatever your take on Michael Jackson. However, your day has been Aas has been my custom this week I wanted to calm you down with a little selection from my catalogue of music.

Tonight I have chosen a song from the very very talented Keith Urban, who has a lot more to his armoury than being Nicole Kidman's latest beau.

The track I have chosen is 'You'll Think of Me,' a beautiful ballad of broken love. Just take time to listen to the words, could have been written by or for anyone of us at some stage in our lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk1nw4Uoxig

I hope you like it.

Nigel

Crazy Diamond's Chill Out Zone

nhf — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:08:00 +0100

Another beautiful day weather wise in the UK but for me at work, well less said the better. Therefore I have turned to my of my all time favourite, but hugely underrated artists for my track to share with you tonight.

It comes from Jackson Browne and is entitled 'Doctor My Eyes.' I hope it helps you all let go of the stresses of the day.

Nigel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCTYxIsLThA

Guitar Genius

nhf — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:11:00 +0100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNGfD6i7ckQ

I am in the mood to share some of my favourite music with you tonight. I have banged on about Joe Bonamassa on AR for ages but without much response. Please have a listen to this 'Sloe Gin' about 6 minutes of guitar heaven.

You might even treat yourself to a Gin and Tonic at the same time!

Nigel

A song for a summer's day

nhf — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:29:00 +0100

Hhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_R98CYDeAcere in the UK it has been a beautiful day. On returning from work I reached for one of the albums that I always find uplifting; John Mayer's 'Room For Squares.' One of my favourite tracks is 'No Such Thing.'

I hope you like it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_R98CYDeAc

Just Chillin'

nhf — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:28:00 +0100

To all those that have made their way to IOW Festival and those still to go I hope they all have a fabulous time. It looks as though the weather is going to be good across the UK for the weekend.

That being the case, no doubt many of you will roll out the BBQ, fire it up and invite a few friends and/or family round. No doubt music will filter out into the night sky complimenting the chink of glasses, bottles and tinnies!!

As your evening comes to a close and you want to send your guests home with a memory of a wonderful evening what 3 songs will you finish the night with?

After much thought I have come up with these three, eternal and emotional faves of mine;

Cowboy Song - Thin Lizzy, uplifting and evocative

Bad - U2 - Just so wonderfully atmospheric and perfect to drift off into the night sky and then

If I Should Fall Behind - Springsteen and the E Street Band - A song for friends that we will never leave behind.

And what about you my friends?

Rock Chicks

nhf — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:20:00 +0100

Monday 8 June sees the release of the debut album from true Rock Supergroup Chickenfoot. Any fan of real hard rock would be well advised to get down to their local record store or hit the I-Tunes icon on their PC.

Chickenfoot really is a rock supergroup, the brainchild of ex Van Halen and Montrose front man, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony also ex Van Halen bass player, Red Hot Chilli's drummer Chad Smith and harnessed within the confines of a band for the 1st time, the amazing Joe Satriani.

I have heard a couple of tracks from the album and it sounds as though it is going to be truly awesome. Hagar has long been one of rock's underrated singers and Satriani seems to be positively revelling in playing in such company. He is in truly scintillating form ripping off riffs and trademark solos in equal measure.

The band play their debut UK show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire towards the end of the month.

Daft name but this is one hot band!!

Nigel

Jackson Browne - Concert Review

nhf — Sat, 23 May 2009 18:22:00 +0100

A couple of nights ago myself and my fellow VIP friend TPBW (Tim) were privileged to spend an evening in the company of Mr Jackson Browne at The Royal Albert Hall.

It was in many ways just about the perfect concert, musicianship of the higest order, from the aforesaid Mr Browne and his assembled band. A stunning well paced set littered with the 'real' songs that have been the man's trademark for over 30 years.

The man himself, although he probably does not know it, he is so humble, is also a born entertainer. His interplay with the audience is something to behold. This was probably best evidenced when, after thanking Eric Clapton for letting him use his PA system, he stood hands on hips, looked about the Hall and said; "Heh it's kinda nice to play in Eric's front room.

To Browne and his band it all seemed so effortless, whether it was the Browne himself on guitar or keyboards, a bass player equally at home with the tradional instrument or bouble bass or the ludicrously talented guitarist stretching the strings with a stunning solo or chopping out some delicious riffs.

Such was the quality of the whole show it seems almost churllish to pick out particular sings but for me I rejoiced at ;Barricades of Heaven, Fountain of Sorrow, Doctor My Eyes, an angry railing, Lives in the Balance and the stunning set closer Runnin on Empty.

And do you know what there was not one profanity uttered all night in a set that ran to well over 2 hours.

This guy is so underrated and understated and although I believe he turns 60 this year he sure isn't runnin on empty, thankfully there's plenty of gasoline left in the tank.

Thank you Jackson, Thursdays can be fun!!

Great Quotes In Rock

nhf — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:16:00 +0100

I read this one in the latest edition of Classic Rock magazine and it sure made me laugh.

When asked if he thought that Rainbow could have become a hugely successful band, former keyboard player Tony Carey replied;

"I actually expected us to be huge, but our banjo player kept shooting himself in the foot by firing great musicians."

A novel description of Richie Blackmore from someone that knows him well!

Book Review - When Will There Be Good News?

nhf — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:36:00 +0100

Kate Atkinson's stock continues to rise with each novel and it is sure to make significant gains as a result of 'When Will There Be Good News.'

It is hard to categorise Atkinson and it does her great disservice to place her solely in the 'crime fiction' genre. The lady is part crime author but she is so much more, part psychological profiler, part counsellor, acute observer of human behaviour and writer of some glorious prose.

When Will There Be Good News, pulls you in with its dramatic beginning; as a family of mother and two children are brutally murdered in rural Devon. The slaughter is witnessed by the third sibling, who is found by a young services man, Jackson Brodie.

Hurtle forward 30 years and Decker, the murderer has served his time,Joanna Hunter, the sole survivor, has built a life as a succcessful GP, wife and mother.

In the space of a few short days there is a terrible train crash in Scotland and Dr Hunter and her little son have disappeared. What has happened to them, has her faimily's killer come after her or has she been kidknapped by the hoods that are trying to muscle in on her husband's failing business ventures??

Enter on cue, Atkinson's hero and heroine; Jackson Brodie, a retired detective and DCI Louise Munroe. Two people who should be together but are destined to be apart.

I have done no more than set the scene here, so much occurs during 480 pages of intrigue, humour, sadness and love.

I am already looking forward to Atkinson's next novel and wondering what she can deliver next time round?

Nigel

Loyal Supporters

nhf — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:55:00 +0100

I know out there in VIP world there are many of you that are committed football fans, that also includes me.

I would love to hear your thoughts on those fans, that when a game goes against their own team, they desert the stadium in their droves, for the sanctity of their home or probably the Pub. I imagine most of you have realised I am referring to the mass exodus from The Emirates last night when Man Utd scored their third goal.

I was at the game and was ashamed at what I witnessed. To me if you love your team, as no doubt they would all profess to, you stay, share the pain and then let them know you still love them at the final whistle. What message did the action of those fans send to the players? " We only really support you when you play great and win?"

Am I naive or maybe just too sentimental? I love Arsenal just as much today as I did yesterday and 42 years ago when my love affair with them began.

I would love to know what others think about the subject.

Nigel

A big welcome home

nhf — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:53:00 +0100

Tonight sees the very welcome home, to her native Milano, to the very very lovely Monica (Azmoni) I am sure you wouls all agree there is a vital ingredient missing on AR when this very 'Pretty Chic' lady is away from us.

WELCOME HOME MONICA - I missed you as did all your friends. Thanks you so much also for arranging for my birthday to be announced, so sweet of you.

Love Nigel xxxx