The Roots Phrenology

Britain's Got Talent stars The Jive Aces are the UK's # 1 jive and swing band. Renowned for their high energy show, they put Simon Cowell "in a really good mood" and were the first band to reach the BGT semi-finals. They've headlined The Albert Hall, played 30 countries, worked with Van Morrison and played for The Queen. This latest album, the band’s 12th, marks the 20th Anniversary of this line up. "Diggin' The Roots Vol. 1: Rockin' Rhythm & Blues” is inspired by the early influences that generated that initial enthusiasm and lit the flame that started the Jive Aces off on their musical journey. Such influences include Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, Ruth Brown and the great Louis Prima who was the single biggest influence on the band.

Three CDs. Four-hour anthology of recordings that anticipated the late 70s Power Pop movement. Featuring Badfinger, Slade, The Move, Stealers Wheel, Pilot, Dave Edmunds, Brinsley Schwarz, Honeybus, The Kinks, The Who, etc. While the early 70s musical landscape in Britain was largely dominated by introspective singer/songwriters, Bubblegum Pop and underground Rock bands, a handful of acts bravely continued to pursue the classic mid-60s group sound. With the aid of increasingly sophisticated recording studios, they majored in crisp, muscular, hook-laden three-minute pop songs, bursting with chiming Rickenbacker guitars, irresistible choruses and Beatles/Beach Boys-inspired close harmonies. A few (Slade, Pilot, the ill-starred Badfinger) found commercial success, but the likes of Starry Eyed And Laughing, Shape Of The Rain and Octopus proved to be the right bands at the wrong time - too late for the British Invasion that had swept America in the mid-60s, too early to hitch a ride on the late 70s Power Pop bandwagon.

From the pioneering string bands and old-time banjo maestros to country music’s first superstar Jimmie Rodgers, this Rough Guide features many of the trailblazing artists who paved the way for the country music explosion to come.

With its enduring message of comfort and inspiration, gospel music’s origins are rooted in the tragedy of African-American slavery. From the earthy recordings of the evangelist street performers to the polished sound of the jubilee quartets, this Rough Guide features many of the trailblazing artists who paved the way for what has become a global phenomenon.