Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse & Mick Ord

Looking back, the early seventies can seem like a strange time musically in the UK and perhaps nowhere more so than Merseyside.  The NEXT BIG THING that we were all waiting for following the break-up of The Beatles hadn't emerged and a wide range of musical styles proliferated in the local pub and club scene.For a few years before 1977, Supercharge and Deaf School were leading the pack of bands tipped for bigger things. The former, led by the charismatic saxophonist Albie Donnelly played to packed audiences everywhere - their blues/rock/funk fusion going down well with club and college audiences. Signed by Virgin Records they had hit albums and singles in Australia and famously supported Queen at Hyde Park in front of an estimated 150-200,00 people.  The band's on-stage humour and antics were also a huge hit with audiences as anyone who saw them live will testify. Albie Donnelly's Supercharge is still going great guns in Germany and Holland and the 77 year old scouser has lost none of his passion for music or his wit, as Ian Prowse and Mick Ord discovered when they met up with him in the Liverpool Podcafe for the latest , unforgettable Misadventures in Music.

There can't be too many songwriters who've released albums which have been so universally praised by the critics and yet have had to wait 40 years for the equivalent commercial success but then Mick Head has never been one to follow a predictable career path. His previous bands The Pale Fountains and Shack certainly had a strong "cult" following (admittedly including the likes of Noel Gallagher) but it was only with last year's "Dear Scott" that Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band converted critical to commercial success with such aplomb. At times it's been a rocky road for Mick Head but the future certainly looks bright with the release of his new album 'Loophole' in May and a long awaited autobiography 'Ciao,Ciao Bambino' out in 2025. Ian Prowse and Mick Ord met up with Mick Head in the Liverpool Podcafe for a long-awaited and much anticipated 'Misadventures in Music'

Paul Simpson's band The Wild Swans burned briefly and brightly in the flourishing Merseyside music scene of the early eighties.  They had one celebrated single in the indie charts but disbanded acrimoniously having failed to replicate the commercial success of their contemporaries like Teardrop Explodes, Echo and the Bunnymen, OMD, China Crisis, Dead Or Alive and  Wah! . They say the best stories can always be found in the corners and around the edges of life and Paul's book 'Revolutionary Spirit - A Post-Punk Exorcism' is a case in point. It's a classic of its kind...highly praised by book critics and musicians such as Will Sergent and Bill Drummond. Which won't come as a surprise to people who know him because Paul's a born storyteller.  'Revolutionary Spirit' tells us what it's really like to be in a band, but it's also an authentic slice of social history of life from a vibrant music scene with a seemingly endless list of larger-than-life characters. And plenty of genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. Paul's tells his story in the new episode of the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord.

Bass-playing singer Billy Kinsley is one of the last surviving stalwarts from the Merseybeat era when Liverpool bands were topping the charts on a regular basis. He started playing in bands at the age of 14 and in the Sixties went on to form The Merseybeats and The Merseys.  In the Seventies, he founded Liverpool Express, went on tour with Rod Stewart and played alongside Chuck Berry – neither experience he remembers with any joy whatsoever! Paul McCartney cited "You Are My Love" as one of his favourite love songs and Billy performed to massive crowds in Brazil where they were hugely popular. Billy looks back with his customary scouse humour on a sparkling career spanning 60 years, with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord, in episode 19 of this really special Misadventures in Music podcast.  Enjoy. Here's a link to the playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Fn0GyotpWKV4ZIcMDAVMg?si=c282854fffc84be7

Nobody embodies the spirit of Rock n Roll more than Little Richard. It could be argued that his whole career was a misadventure in music so he's THE perfect subject for our latest podcast. Our guest is the much-respected author/broadcaster, Spencer Leigh, whose biography of the man himself, Send Me Some Lovin', is out now. Born Richard Wayne Penniman, Little Richard claimed he invented rock'n' roll.  He didn't, but his songs - Tutti Frutti, Lucille, Good Golly Miss Molly and many more - changed the rock 'n' roll landscape forever. He was a huge influence on the Beatles, Hendrix and Prince and he lived his life as though he was continually on stage. There really was no one like Little Richard." find out more here:   http://www.spencerleigh.co.uk/

There aren't too many bands from the 70's and 80''s who're still producing compelling new music and not just replaying their biggest hits, but then Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark have always ignored the prevailing musical trends and ploughed their own furrow, which is why the Wirral band's blend of classic Synthpop and contemporary Electronic Dance Music is still wowing audiences.They're smack bang  in the middle of a European tour and their last album The Punishment of Luxury was greeted with widespread critical acclaim, but Andy McCluskey says OMD's next release, Bauhaus Staircase, will be their last.   No, really.  He's our special guest in this month's Misadventures in Music podcast, with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord.Andy talks candidly about OMD's history, their musical influences and looks to the future with optimism as fans await the release of Bauhaus Staircase, their 14th studio album. A big thanks to Roy and Clare from the Podcafe in Liverpool for use of their recording studios. Track Listing Autobahn by Kraftwerk  (extract) Warm Leatherette by The Normal  (full track) Electricity by OMD   (full track) Pyjamarama buy Roxy Music (full track) Dazzle Ships/ Genetic Engineering by OMD  (extracts) Radio Prague by OMD  (extract)

In 1969 they sold more records in America than any other band including the Beatles and the Stones but within a few years Creedence Clearwater Revival had split up with a bitterness rarely matched, even in the topsy-turvy world of rock music. Fast forward 50 years, and former leader and main songwriter John Fogarty is back on tour, including the UK and Ireland, so now seems as good a time as any to look back on his former group's unique musical legacy and discover what made them one of the biggest bands in the world....and what destroyed them. In 1993 Bruce Springsteen said that CCR  were "not the hippest band in the world, but the best". Writer John Lingan has written a critically-acclaimed biography of the band - 'A Song for Everyone - the Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival.' It's an engrossing tale. John's our special guest in this month's episode of Misadventures in Music,  with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord."

It's difficult to imagine now but back in the early sixties, soul was  'underground' music in the UK - rarely played on the radio, and only appreciated by a small number of aficionados.  Within a few years, records by artists on the Tamla Motown label would sell in their millions but in the very early 60s, very few people had heard of it. Among a small cult of fans was a Liverpool teenager Frank Collins who went on to form a blue-eyed soul band <strong>The Excels</strong> who later played at the Cavern Club, not singing rock n roll or Merseybeat, but soul music with intricate harmonies. Frank's 60-year career would take him onto the singles chart with the band Arrival then the British soul/funk pioneers Kokomo</strong> and later working with Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, Tom Robinson and many more. He's still writing and performing regularly today. We're delighted to have Frank as our special guest on this month's Misadventures in Music with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord 'Bill Harry's Sixties Snapshots - on Arrival/Kokomo' -  https://sixtiescity.net/Mbeat/mbfilms191.htm BBC Four soul documentary- 'When Motown Came to Britain'. Urbanista Music Podcasts Playlist : Money  - Barrett Strong Be My Baby - The Ronettes Friends - Arrival I Will Survive - Arrival A Little Bit Further Away - Kokomo Romance in Durango -Bob Dylan Swansong - Kokomo

In the new season of Misadventures in Music' (episode 13) Ian Prowse and Mick Ord take a deep dive into the UK's Post-Punk music scene (1978-1982) with New Jersey-based writer and filmmaker <strong>Russell Craig Richardson</strong> who has been working on a documentary film about the genre, having lived among many of the musicians in the UK at the time. He talks about some of the leading characters, including those he interviewed such as Jah Wobble from Public Image Ltd. and Paul and Steve Hanley from The Fall. Russell's a great storyteller and his musical choice contains more than a few surprises as well as post-punk classics. Watch the trailer for the documentary on the website here

Season one of Misadventures in Music has now come to an end and what a great year it's been. Ian Prowse and Mick Ord have had some fantastic conversations, debates and uncovered a few truths in 12 amazing episodes, plus bonus content. In this episode we look back at some of the highlights and our favourite moments. From David Fishel discussing getting stabbed at a gig to the difficulties of working with Shane McGowen. Our presenters also discovered how popular and talented Lindisfarne’s Alan Hull was with some amazing feedback from fans across the world. In fact, there were so many great moments it really was really difficult to get them all in one episode. However, you can listen back over season one and enjoy some of the great discussions with brilliant guests such as Paul Hemmings, Malik al Nasir and Rory Taylor. Season two will be along later in the year with more debates and Misadventures in Music

Rory Taylor runs the Positive Vibration Festival, regular Reggae Socials at District and represents international reggae artists at home and abroad.  He is on a mission with Positive Vibration to bring reggae to a wider audience. Rory came to Liverpool to study law in 2003.  He is an intellectual property lawyer who is also passionate about raising the profile of reggae in Liverpool and beyond. In 2013, as part of a collective, Rory began Positive Vibration with a small event in the Kazimer gardens featuring local DJs and a couple of bands. Rory and Positive Vibration have brought a range of acts to its Baltic-based festival include Lee Scratch Perry, Roni Size, Sister Nancy and many others.  Rory also works with the Jamaican High Commission and tourist board, linking up with organisations and charities as well as artists and musicians. For an example of Rory’s close working relationship with the Jamaican High Commission, Rory was contacted to look at ways of promoting the Jamaican netball team whilst based in Liverpool: Tracks Baba Brooks Band - Teenage Ska Toots & The Maytals - Do the Reggay. Bob Marley - Concrete Jungle. King Tubby & Augustus Pablo - King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown Madness - Night Boat to Cairo Sister Nancy - Bam Bam Prince Fatty ft. Shniece and Horseman - The Model.

Episode 10 of Misadventures in Music was recorded at SVARA Radio based in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle. The boys are joined by David Fishel who is musician from Liverpool and has produced the JazzScene radio show broadcasting in several countries between 1992 - 2002.  David Fishel has worked with Malcolm McLaren, Patti Boulaye, Steve Levine and 'discovered' Anabella from Bow Wow Wow.  He spent 21 years in Norway as a producer/presenter for NRK, Norwegian national radio where he interviewed some of his jazz heroes. David's love for music started when he was introduced to Liverpool R & B band, Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen, who played in Hamburg before the Beatles in 1960.  To say that he knows how to tell a story is the understatement of the year. He's now in the middle of writing his autobiography - he's given Misadventures in Music a sneak preview.  You have been warned! - podcast contains swearing and sexual references Track Listing Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen - Hallelujah I Love Her So Charlie Parker - They Can't Take That Away from Me Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild in the Country Brecker Bros - Skunk Funk

Paul Hemmings, co-founder of the amazing Viper Label is our guest in episode 9 of the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord. Paul, ex-Las's and Lightning Seeds guitarist, co-founded the label in 1999 with another ex-La's stalwart and solo artist in his own right, Mike Badger. The label specialises in vintage blues, rock n roll, country &  gospel recordings and has released more than 150 "roots" albums and singles along with notable releases from the La's and Captain Beefheart, in addition to noted Merseyside artists such as Edgar Jones & Mr Badger himself. Paul's love of these iconic recordings shines through and he's already agreed to return to our studios in the future to continue the Viper story and showcase the vintage roots recordings of which he is rightly so proud." PLAYLIST - all from Viper Label 1) Buddy Jones - Rockin Rollin Mama   - from Out There - The Wondrous Roots of Rock n Roll 2) The Reefer Song - Fats Waller  - from Ultimate 30's and 40's Reefer Songs 3) Then We'll Need that True Religion - Rev Edward Clayton  from The Very Best of American Religious Songs 4) Rock Me - Sister Rosetta Tharpe                               as above 5) Riot in Cell Block Number 9  -  The Robins ( from Banged Up - American Jailhouse Songs) 6) Folson Prison Blues - Johnny Cash ( as above) 7) Space Guitar - Johnny Guitar Watson --- from Hot Guitars album 8) Bo Meets The Master - Bo Diddley --- The Ultimate Halloween Party All music is licensed with PRS - Read more about the Viper Label here

Many political and military observers are calling the current war in Ukraine  the most serious conflict that Europe has faced since World War Two, without for one moment demeaning the impact of other conflicts such as the wars in the former state of Yugoslavia 30 years ago. In episode 8 of Misadventures in Music Ian Prowse and Mick Ord discuss how different songwriters have viewed some of the other conflicts that have plagued the world over the years, from the Spanish Civil War in the Thirties, through to Vietnam and the Falklands War, taking in a range of differing perspectives such as Nina  Simone, Bruce Springsteen and Christy Moore. Episode Notes .https://www.countryjoe.com/war.htm

When 18 year old Mark Watson met the American jazz musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron after a gig in Liverpool in 1984 little did he realise that the star was going to play such an important role in his life. Mark had just been released from 9 years in the care system and could barely read or write. Nevertheless he WAS streetwise and blagged his way into the backstage area of the Royal Court theatre in the hope of shaking Gil's hand and praising him for his performance. Something about Mark's character affected Gil and he invited him to become a roadie with the band and over the years their relationship blossomed and Gil became his friend and mentor. Fast forward to 2022 and Malik al Nasir ( Mark changed his name when converting to Islam 30 years ago) is doing a PhD at Cambridge University and has just released a book - Letters to Gil - describing the impact Gil had on his life and telling HIS story about how the musician saved him where the care system in the UK had failed. Malik is this month's guest in the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord - both huge Gil fans. It's a genuinely astounding story about generosity of spirit and the power of music." Track Listing "Cane" from the album "Secrets" based on a novel called "Cane" by Gene Toomer about post slavery segregation in the rural south where he grew up. It aligns with my fathers experience in the cane fields of Demerara in Guyana. The song is adapted from the characters in the book and poems about them. "Karintha" and "Becky". "Washington DC" from the album "Moving Target" This was the song that first introduced me to Gils work and caused me to go to that fateful meeting at the Royal Court Theatre in 1984 which forever altered the course of my life. "On from a broken home" from the last album "I'm New Here". I was with Gil when he wrote this poem in 1988 whilst we were on tour in the US with Ritchi Havens. I'd been telling Gil about my issues and he said "you're not the only one with issues" and proceeded to read me what he'd just written. That was 88 but it didn't get released until 2010. "Immigrants - Free at Last" by Malik & The O.G's (Song features Gils drummer Rod Youngs & Gils percussionist Larry McDonald). It was my response to the xenophobia that we faced growing up by people always telling us to "go back to where you came from". After working with Gil I attained the knowledge to answer that trope.