Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes

Hugh Cornwell and P.P. Arnold – Two Extraordinary Musical LivesIn this episode of Turn Up The Volume from The Stables in Milton Keynes, Nick Coffer meets two artists whose music has helped shape the soundtrack of the past six decades.Hugh Cornwell, former frontman of The Stranglers, looks back at the band's early years, the changing Britain that influenced their sound and the story behind *Golden Brown*. He also talks about his relentless pursuit of the perfect song, his forthcoming album Succubus and why his *Never Say Goodbye* tour may be his last solo acoustic outing – but certainly doesn't mean he's retiring.Then, P.P. Arnold shares her remarkable journey from gospel music in America to performing with Ike and Tina Turner, finding freedom in swinging London and launching her solo career with the encouragement of Mick Jagger. She recalls her friendships and collaborations with some of music's biggest names, including Steve Marriott, Keith Emerson, Barry Gibb and Eric Clapton, and explains why The First Cut Is the Deepest remains such a deeply personal song.Two fascinating conversations about music, creativity, resilience and lives lived far beyond the stage.Find out more about forthcoming concerts and events at The Stables at [stables.org](https://stables.org). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nick is joined by two remarkable musicians whose careers have been built on authenticity rather than chasing fame.First up is the incomparable Ruby Turner. Across a career spanning soul, gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues, she's worked with everyone from Jools Holland and Bryan Ferry to Steve Winwood. But this conversation goes far beyond music. Ruby reflects on why she's always chosen to "serve the music" rather than celebrity, the headteacher who changed her life with a pair of theatre tickets, and how a major knee operation unexpectedly inspired her latest music. It's an uplifting and deeply thoughtful discussion about purpose, resilience and what really matters.Then it's the turn of Kathryn Tickell, one of Britain's most celebrated folk musicians and a true ambassador for the North East. Kathryn talks about growing up surrounded by Northumbrian traditions, discovering that the smallpipes were the instrument she'd been searching for, and why she believes everyone has an instrument that's right for them. She also reflects on her long collaboration with Sting, the importance of staying curious as an artist, and why saying "yes" to the projects that scare you often leads to the most rewarding work.Two artists. Two very different musical journeys. One shared belief that music is about far more than performance – it's about identity, connection and telling stories that matter.Ruby Turner appears at The Stables on Sunday 4 October, while Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening perform on Tuesday 3 November.For tickets and the latest programme, visit stables.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month on Turn Up The Volume, Nick Coffer is joined by two acclaimed artists with remarkable stories to tell.First up is multi award-winning singer-songwriter Elles Bailey, who reflects on the childhood illness that almost took her voice, the extraordinary chain of events that led her to Nashville, and the stories behind albums including Shining in the Half Light and her latest release, Can't Take My Story Away. She also pays tribute to her late friend and fellow musician Matt Long and discusses her long-standing relationship with The Stables.Later, Nick catches up with pianist, singer-songwriter and entertainer Elio Pace. Elio talks about growing up in an Italian musical household, the £5 piano that started it all, his lifelong connection with Billy Joel, and the extraordinary encounters that shaped his career, including friendships with Ronnie Corbett and members of Billy Joel's original band. He also shares details of his long-awaited new album and the tour that brings him to The Stables this September.A vibrant, narrative and fun episode with two amazing artists.Elio Pace — Friday 12th September, 8.00pmElles Bailey: Can't Take My Story Away — Friday 27th November, 7.30pmstables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose stories span decades of music, resilience, and a shared refusal to take the easy road.Sarah-Jane Morris opens the episode discussing The Sisterhood and Sisterhood Two — two albums she wrote with guitarist Tony Remy as tributes to the female singer-songwriters who paved the way for generations that followed. She explains why each artist had to be a songwriter first, shares the remarkable stories behind the songs, and reveals how her own turbulent childhood gave her a personal connection to women like Bessie Smith, Etta James and Janis Ian. From a Pullman train riddled with bullet holes to a recording session in Johannesburg on what would have been Miriam Makeba's 90th birthday, this is a conversation full of moments that stay with you.John Coghlan, the original drummer of Status Quo, joins Nick with half a century of stories and a very clear philosophy: play the song, don't show off. He looks back on the band's relentless touring years, explains why he largely avoided the excesses that consumed others, and shares his memories of the classic lineup reunion — including Rick Parfitt sneaking onto the tour bus with a ukulele for late-night sing-songs. It's warm, funny, and quietly moving.Finally, Teddy Thompson calls in from New Jersey ahead of his new album Never Be the Same. The son of Richard and Linda Thompson has lived in America for over 25 years, and this conversation finds him reflective — about midlife, about change, and about what gets lost when music stops being real. He talks about Auto-Tune as creative death, explains why he always searches for a live clip before trusting any new artist, and is characteristically dry about the gap between who he sounds like and who he actually is.Sarah-Jane Morris: The Acoustic Sisterhood — Friday 5 SeptemberJohn Coghlan with Quo Connection — Saturday 6 JuneAn Evening with John Coghlan — Friday 28 AugustTeddy Thompson — Wednesday 17 Junestables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Coffer is joined by three artists whose work spans continents, genres, and generations of storytelling.Eric Bibb opens the episode reflecting on gratitude, purpose, and what it means to be "the happiest man in the world." The blues legend discusses how simplicity can be powerful, shares memories of meeting Bob Dylan at eleven, and explains why songs have a staying power that history books don't. He talks about his move to Sweden in his twenties, the miraculous string of events that shaped his career, and why music's role in social change matters more than ever.Patti Boulaye shares her extraordinary journey from accidentally auditioning for Hair to turning down major Hollywood contracts. In a moving conversation, she reflects on surviving the Biafran war as a child, why faith and family always come first, and how witnessing death shaped her perspective on fame, success, and what truly matters. She discusses her one-woman show bringing together stories, songs spanning musicals to Afrobeat gospel, and a lifetime of choosing purpose over easy success.Finally, Gary Innes takes us into the world of Shinty—the ancient Highland sport he played to top level—and explains how its discipline, teamwork, and community spirit mirror his work with Manràn. He reflects on the challenge of pushing Gaelic music into the mainstream, the moment their song Latha Math caught the nation's attention, and why traditional Scottish music now fills 14,000-seat arenas. Gary discusses the band's evolution, the lyrical beauty of the Gaelic language, and why intimate venues like The Stables remain at the heart of what they do.Eric Bibb - Monday 24 March, 8:00pmPatti Boulaye - Friday 16 May, 8:45pmGary Innes / Manràn - Sunday 17 May, 8:00pmstables.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.