Now Spinning Music Magazine - Interviews & Reviews

Legendary Guitarist Robin Trower talks about the new 50th Anniversary Edition Box Set for Bridge of Sighs, guitars and more.

The original Bridge of Sighs album, released in 1974 and was a huge commercial success: it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US.
Certified Gold by the RIAA.

The Bridge of Sighs 50th Anniversary Box Set is a lovingly curated tribute to one of the finest blues-rock albums of the 1970s. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Robin Trower’s work, this set offers multiple ways to rediscover and appreciate this classic album. From the new stereo mix to the Dolby Atmos surround sound, it’s an essential addition to any collection.

Thank you for all your support Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Billy Morrison, the renowned British guitarist celebrated for his dynamic role alongside Billy Idol, is set to release his latest solo venture, "The Morrison Project." The album features guest performances by Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, DMC, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos, John5, and more. Billy talks about how the album came together, the lyrical themes and talks about each track in turn with stories behind each collaboration. Thank you for all your support Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Did We Reach Peak Vinyl in 2023 & How Did the CD Format Perform? The Now Spinning Magazine Podcast. In this Podcast I am joined again by Karen Emanuel CEO of the Key Production Group.

Back in February Karen suggested we were going to see significant changes in 2023 and we may even reach peak vinyl. So what happened, did we reach peak vinyl and how did the CD perform? Find out in the this latest episode. Karen Emanuel is a multi award-winning business leader with 33 years’ experience in the manufacture of physical music - vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, plus bespoke packaging. Thank you for all you support Phil

Del Bromham Talks to Phil Aston About the New Stray album 'About Time'

Del talks about the inspiration for the album as we go through the album track by track.This is a fantastic album and one of Stray's best of their career. This is the second Podcast I have done with Del and he is a wonderful storyteller, songwriter and musician.

Phil

This has been one of my most fun and enjoyable interviews. Dave Kilminster talks about his early career. Being responsible for getting The Keith Emerson Band together, joining Steven Wilson after a curry and being the guitarist with Roger Waters for now over 17 years.

Thank you for all your support Phil

Uli Jon Roth Interview with Phil Aston for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast Uli talks about The Scorpions, his solo career, inspirations, philosophies and more - enjoy!

In this episode, we have the privilege of diving deep into the world of a true rock legend, Uli Jon Roth. With a career spanning over 50 years, Uli has consistently been at the forefront of musical innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the rock guitar landscape. His influence resonates with countless guitarists and music enthusiasts worldwide.

2023 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Uli. BMG has already reissued the iconic Scorpions albums that Uli played a pivotal role in, reminding us of the groundbreaking influence he brought to the band. And for those eagerly awaiting more, the reissue of Electric Sun’s masterpiece, “Earthquake”, is just around the corner. Slated for release on 29th September 2023, this album has been meticulously restored from the original tapes at Dierks Studios, the birthplace of those legendary Scorpions albums. Thanks to Uli’s dedication and precision, listeners old and new can experience “Earthquake” in its original glory. This reissue will be available globally via Uli’s new label, Alpha Experium, in collaboration with Cargo Records.

But Uli’s genius doesn’t stop at his music. He’s also the mastermind behind the iconic Sky Guitars. These instruments, with their unparalleled tonal range, are a testament to Uli’s vision and craftsmanship. With only about 100 of these guitars in existence, they are a rare blend of art and innovation.

So, sit back and tune in as we explore the life, legacy, and future endeavors of the incomparable Uli Jon Roth. Please Support Now Spinning Magazine You can become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinning or Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/join Or make a donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/nowspinningmagazinewithphilaston Visit the website: https://www.nowspinning.co.uk You will get to see all my videos before general release and exclusive videos not available elsewhere. Thank you for all your support Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Steve Hackett Talks to Phil Aston for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast Here is my interview with Steve Hackett - what a lovely guy! Steve talks about how Classical music has influenced his playing, music as a healer and doctor, Genesis, future plans and more. I really enjoyed this and hope to talk to him again. Make sure you check out my review of the 2CD / BluRay release for Foxtrot at 50! “Foxtrot was a milestone for Genesis, a breakthrough artistically. I’m as proud of it today as I was at its inception. I’m thrilled now to bring that album back in its entirety on tour, and the live release has super quality performance, visuals and production. Steve Hackett” Please Support Now Spinning Magazine You can become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinning or Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/join Or make a donation via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/nowspinningmagazinewithphilaston Visit the website: https://www.nowspinning.co.uk You will get to see all my videos before general release and exclusive videos not available elsewhere. Thank you for all your support Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Carl Dixon from Coney Hatch Talks to Phil Aston

This is one of the most inspiring interviews I have done so far for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast.

Carl talks about his early years, how Coney Hatch came together, all the albums including Friction which is a total AOR Classic.

What makes this interview so special is Carl also talks about the major car accident he had and how with 53 major injuries, losing an eye, almost both legs and arm, getting brain damage and breaking his back at C7 he worked his way back to health and the stage. Carl also goes around the world giving motivational speeches to help others recover from major trauma.

Coney Hatch are releasing a new album recorded live in Germany and it really is a belter! 

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Geoff Downes & Chris Braide from The Downes Braide Association talk to Phil Aston about the new DBA album Celestial Songs. I talk to Geoff and Chris about the new album looking in depth at each track in turn and also talk about the creative process and the album themes. Downes Braide Association, a collaboration between Geoff Downes and Chris Braide, has delivered four acclaimed studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015), Skyscraper Souls (2017), Halcyon Hymns (2021), and the live album Live In England (2019). This duo seamlessly blends their vast musical experiences to craft a unique progressive rock sound. Geoff Downes skyrocketed to fame with the global hit "Video Killed The Radio Star" in 1979 as part of The Buggles. He briefly joined YES and later co-founded the supergroup Asia, producing hits like "Heat Of The Moment". Downes rejoined YES in 2011, continuing his legacy alongside Steve Howe. Chris Braide, a British singer-songwriter-pianist, has made waves in the music industry from California to the UK. With credits including work with Sia, Lana Del Rey, and Beyonce, Braide's talent is undeniable. An Ivor Novello award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist, he recently clinched a BMI Pop Award for co-writing Sia’s hit "Unstoppable". Thank you for all your support Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Suzi Quatro talks about her new album Face to Face with KD Tunstall. Suzi talks about how each of the tracks and project came together. We also talk about some of deep cuts from her back catalog like 'Angel Flight' her approach to life and the importance to music in everything she does.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Van Halen Special

Steve Rosen Talks About his 26 year friendship with Eddie Van Halen and his book Tonechaser Steve Rosen is a professional music journalist with a career spanning 50 years which saw him accompany numerous bands as a traveling wordsmith for the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Who, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Loggins & Messina, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, Alice Cooper, The Firm, Van Halen, and others. Steve will be a new regular guest for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast Each episode we will focus on one artist or band. Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Danny Bryant is an English blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. He was born and grew up in Royston, Hertfordshire, England. At the age of 14, he began playing the guitar and became a professional guitar player at the age of 18. Since then he has toured all over the world and appeared on bills alongside a number of notable artists such as Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Joe Cocker and Mick Taylor. Danny talks about his career and his new album (his 15th!) Rise and also the influence Walter Trout has had on his playing.

Thank you for all your support

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Supporting New Rock Music - Now Spinning Magazine Podcast Vega Vocalist Nick Workman talks to Phil Aston for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast VEGA release of their eighth studio album, BATTLELINES, on September 8, 2023.

Nick talks about the challenges of being a musician in the streaming era and the motivation and determination behind the new album. Formed in 2009, VEGA are a British hard rock band inspired by bands like Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses, with added flavours from more modern sounds like Muse and Shinedown. Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine https://www.nowspinning.co.uk

Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Now Spinning Magazine Podcast Welcome to the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast.

In this episode I am privileged to welcome a man who continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music. A musician who has been part of our musical landscape for decades, with a career that spans from the British Invasion pop of the 1960s to the progressive rock sound of the 70s and beyond. He has been instrumental in shaping and pushing the boundaries of rock music, fearlessly adapting and evolving his sound. Please join me as I talk to Manfred Mann who discusses 50 years of Manfred Mann's Earth band with stories behind many of the songs and albums. Manfred Mann Official Website https://www.manfredmann.co.uk/ Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine https://www.nowspinning.co.uk

Luther Grosvenor ( AKA Ariel Bender) talks about Art, Spooky Tooth, Mott The Hoople, Widowmaker and his solo career with Phil Aston - The Now Spinning Magazine Podcast.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Andy Powell from Wishbone Ash Talks to Phil Aston Guitarist and vocalist Andy Powell talks about his career in legendary Uk Rock band Wishbone Ash. This extensive interview covers jamming with Ritchie Blackmore, early influences from Fairport Convention to soul music and then a walk through the Wishbone Ash back catalogue from the first album and coming right up to date with the latest album and future plans. " Phil this was a simply fantastic interview. I suspect I've heard most of Andy's internet based conversations down the years and this one was in a league of its own" Chris Wright Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine https://www.nowspinning.co.uk Wishbone Ash Official Website https://www.wishboneash.com

Mary Fahl Interview with Phil Aston At the beginning of this year I placed the album 'Can't Get It Out Of My Head by Mary Fahl at number 5 in my list of the Best Albums of 2022. If you are a fan of Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, ELO, Pink Floyd, Richard and Linda Thompson, Neil Young, Judy Collins, George Harrison then I think you are going to love this. I am still playing it most weeks and I now also have the Deluxe Edition which comes with a 5.1 mix. In this interview I go through the album track by track and also look back at Mary's career including her stunning interpretation of Dark Side of The Moon which is also available on a BluRay DVD in 5.1 "Mary Fahl looks back to some of the essential music that has brought her sustenance and clarity by reinterpreting songs from her greatest inspirations … Pink Floyd, George Harrison, Moody Blues, ELO, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and others. For Mary, this is a tribute to the music that defined her as an artist" Visit - https://maryfahl.com

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Have We Reached Peak Vinyl & CD Sales?  - Now Spinning Magazine Podcast with Phil Aston 

In this episode I am joined by Karen Emanuel CEO of the Key Production Group  

Karen Emanuel is a multi award-winning business leader with 33 years’ experience in the manufacture of physical music - vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, plus bespoke packaging. She believes the music landscape is going to see significant changes in 2023 in regard to the consumption and product balance within physical music formats. Will CD sales rise in relation to vinyl records? 

How will the cost of living crisis affect the marketplace, thanks to lower disposable incomes amongst consumers, and higher energy costs for manufacturers and distributors? Are there more nuanced changes affecting both demand and supply.  

Regular Now Spinning Magazine Subscribers will know I am passionate about physical music and every week monitor vinyl and CD sales in the Chart Watch and New Release Video series.  In this Video Podcast I had the opportunity to talk to someone at the forefront in the manufacture of Vinyl and CDs and I am sure you will all find this very interesting!.  

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine 

https://www.nowspinning.co.uk