Arlo Mckinley: This Mess We’re In

A tide of populism and xenophobia is sweeping the western world. Disillusioned voters are turning to political outsiders and increasingly rejecting the liberal economic solutions of out-of-touch elites. Despite having access to more information than at any time in human history, we are turning our backs on experts, evidence and facts themselves in a new Era of Electronic Ignorance. Many warn darkly of a repeat of the chaos, misery and war of the 1930s.

The full story of the incredible Janie Jones recording career, from her first big hit "Witches brew" in 1965 to her 1983 punk comback supported by "The Clash", who wrote "The House of the Ju Ju Queen" specially for Janie (and backed her on the single). As bizarre and eclectic set of singles as you would imagine from the woman dubbed "London's Vice Queen" by the News Of The World and jailed in 1973, this fascinating CD includes all her a and b sides plus several unissued numbers. The CD concentrates on her musical career with the likes of Jimmy Webb, Marc Bolan and others, and includes detailed notes plus loads of great pictures and cuttings, and a discography. The sixties have never swung quite like this before!

A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters” is a multi-movement work by the acclaimed composer Mike Holober. Written for jazz orchestra, voice, cello, and percussion, it features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” – naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is followed by an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter. Recorded and premiered by the GRAMMY® nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra in June 2023, a double album is scheduled for release on 14th of June 2024.

A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters” is a multi-movement work by the acclaimed composer Mike Holober. Written for jazz orchestra, voice, cello, and percussion, it features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” – naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is followed by an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter. Recorded and premiered by the GRAMMY® nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra in June 2023, a double album is scheduled for release on 14th of June 2024.

A meditation on the beauty of nature and the fate of the planet, “This Rock We’re On: Imaginary Letters” is a multi-movement work by the acclaimed composer Mike Holober. Written for jazz orchestra, voice, cello, and percussion, it features art songs set for chamber ensemble that take the form of imaginary letters to or from selected “protagonists” – naturalist authors, artists, and activists who dedicated their lives to appreciating and protecting the earth we inhabit. Each of the vocal works is followed by an instrumental jazz orchestra piece that reflects upon the text of the letter. Recorded and premiered by the GRAMMY® nominated Gotham Jazz Orchestra in June 2023, a double album is scheduled for release on 14th of June 2024.

This musical journey included the genres of Orchestral, Jazz, Pop and R&B. Needless to say, I was hooked from day one and began to vocalize along with his many recordings. In addition, I learned how to play most of his songs simply by listening, which all originated from my training in both the church and from my father, Charles Walker Sr.’s gospel group, The Walker Brothers.

A musical tribute project co-produced by Chris Walker & Larry Williams.