Matt Henshaw Recommends ... AJA

Ok, so who doesn't like a bit of crazy in their ladies? No one, that's who. I had the sincere pleasure and privilege to play with our AJA on my second show of the year. Nottingham's own electro wizardess. Unassuming, unpredictable and unbound or chained by musical genre, stereotype or prejudice. AJA weaves in and around the music like a free ethereal being. She's got soul in her bones and it's amazing she can generate it from the cold digital mechanics of a laptop, loop and effects pedal.

Before returning to my comfort zone of an acoustic guitar and vocals I made my own musical expedition, an esoteric voyage through the world of alternative beats and flavours, and I'm glad I did. Listening to AJA is so much more rewarding if you've school yourself in the intricacies of Bjork's, Beck's and Moby's back catalogue. Don't worry though if you haven't, there's still entry for all into AJA's world of positive psychedelic vibrations.

An accomplished DJ and songstress the room is filled nigh on all night with colour, sounds and shapes. An modern 24 hour technicolour dream beckons, so if I was to throw a party, after-party or hire a boat for some close friends, sail out to international waters and be as debauched as a libertine after lent I'd give AJA a call and get her behind the decks.

Have a listen, liven up your weekend ...



But, don't you ... forget about me ...

Down in The Deepest Cellar with ReggiiMental pre-gig ...

So, relaxing with Jimmy B-Boy in the glorious city of Derby before our show at the Victoria Inn - Derby, seemingly glorious enjoying its Indian Summer ... he's persuaded me into a full-blown MTV Unplugged style set this evening. The country-rock'n'folk stylings of Can't Hold Back in Derbyshire tonight ... I'll report back on how that goes tomorrow no doubt ...

... also, happening in the city beforehand, with all the Rams returning from Nottingham (if they're not still over there smashing it up celebrating victory!) there's Paul Weller's pal Devlin plus Alex Blood & The Diggers on the Market Square ... Derby sunshine urban capital ... who'da thunk it !

So see you later alligators ... in the meantime ... learn the words to Can't Hold Back ... I like a good sing-a-long me ...


With Love and a billion blessings,
Matt Henshaw.
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay!