Bluebell Notes

Bluebell Notes, episode 9, with Erica Steenkamp; Health & wellness

For episode 9, Jim, Josie and Neil chat about health and wellness for musicians. There's a review of April's Bluebell Roots event and the new venue, including a live track from Paul Winter, and they chat to Erica Steenkamp about her musical beginnings, the impact of health issues on her and her partner Chris, and much more, and there's an exclusive live recording of her track, Julietta. Plus, there's all the usual stuff - a review of the last live event; Jim unleashes another nickname; Josie visits the physiotherapist and has a question for listeners; Neil makes a sketchy claim about what constitutes jazz, and we finally nail our barbershop harmonies. 

Bluebell Notes, episode 8, with Joe Topping: Travelling; Fat Tuesday; networking

In episode 8 (the second Episode 8, as far as Neil is concerned) we talk pros and cons of musicians travelling for gigs, there’s a mention of Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival, (ahead of a bonus episode!) and a review of March’s Bluebell Roots, including a live track from Phil Jones. Our featured artist is Joe Topping with whom we have an in-depth chat and a live song (ostensibly about socks, but …). Plus, we pack Philippa and Michael away into a cardboard box, there’s a ‘nude’ performance, Jim reveals yet ANOTHER nickname, Josie struggles with fractions and Neil is in tears (but for good reasons).

Bluebell Notes, episode 7, with Erika Olson. Finances, volunteers & charity

In episode 7 (despite Neil thinking it's episode 8 - just ignore him), Josie, Jim and Neil discuss the basic finances of running events in the live roots music scene, how volunteers contribute a huge amount to that scene, and navigating charity events. There's an in-depth chat with Sussex-based American singer-songwriter Erika Olson, who talks about (among other things) the balance between her work as a musician and parenthood, and there's a live track from her Bluebell Roots set. There's more live music (or civil engineering) from Heather Martin, and a preview of a collaboration between Nigel Horn and Marylin Thomas.

Bluebell Notes, episode 6; musicians' online presence and social media

Following the Christmas Bluebell Roots event, where we didn't have a 'main' guest, this episode focuses on musicians' online presence - websites, social media and so on. There's a set of tunes from traditional Irish duo Ceol Na Mara - Out On The Ocean, The Kesh and The Blackthorn Stick, - and the usual chat with Jo, Jim and Neil.

Bluebell Notes, episode 5, with Steve Pledger; politics vs entertainment

In Episode 5, Jo, Jim and Neil discuss the balance between the political nature of some musical performances and the entertainment aspect of performing, and how these can complement or inform one another. In an in=depth chat with artist Steve Pledger, they explore this in some detail, and we hear live music from Steve's November Bluebell Roots set. They also look forward to what 2025 has in store for the Bluebell Roots live show.

Bluebell Notes, episode 4, with Two's Company; starting out performing; songwriting & collaborating

In this episode, Jo, Jim and Neil talk about getting started performing live, with Lewes duo Two's Company, Kathy and Mick Gibbs. On the way, there's talk of songwriting and collaborating with others, plus a live track from their Bluebell Roots performance. Also featured is a live track from Terry Lees.

Bluebell Notes, episode 3, with The Self Help Group; harmonies and storytelling

In this episode, Josie, Jim and Neil discuss how music is relevant to listeners, using social commentary and stories. We chat to Mark, Sarah and Clara of The Self Help Group about harmonies and storytelling, and feature an exclusive live song from their set, and one from Lisa Pritchard and Jason Loughran.

Bluebell Notes, episode 2, with The Long Shorts; House concerts

In episode 2, episode, Jim, Jo and Neil talk about putting on small, intimate shows, chat with The Long Shorts about their music and Chris's house concerts, and we hear from Philippa about how she creates a meal, what's in her greenhouse, and she shares her recipe for babaganoush! With live tracks from The Long Shorts and Nigel Horn.

Bluebell Notes, episode 1, with The Browns, Bluebell Roots event

In this first episode of Bluebell Notes, hosts Jim, Jo and Neil chat with The Browns and Philippa Vine of the Bluebell Farmhouse Kitchen. There are live tracks from the June Bluebell Roots event and Philippa talks food!