HomeGround magazine back issues – Update Christmas 2011

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Peter

From the reaction we’ve had (and very many thanks for that!) to issue 79, the final print issue of HomeGround magazine, some readers may want to make up missing issues in their HomeGround collection.

The best place to get back issues of HomeGround magazine is from HomeGround! Don’t pay inflated prices when issues turn up for auction on eBay!

We’ve now done the most exhaustive stock check we’ve done for some considerable while (in the far reaches of the attic at HomeGround Towers) and we’ve set out some back issue offers on the HomeGround page HERE.

The easiest way to place an order for backnumbers is to use the PayPal back issue buttons on the HomeGround page where you can pay by PayPal or by credit or debit card.

The HomeGround page also has details of back issue contents, so when  you’ve made your payment, email us to let us know which issues you would like.

Posted in Homeground | 1 Comment

Reminder: Mark Radcliffe radio interview with Kate this afternoon

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Seán

Update: Part two of the Mark Radcliffe interview with Kate aired today, Tuesday 13th Dec – listen again here (1 hour 33 mins into the iPlayer stream)

The first part of Mark Radcliffe‘s new interview on BBC Radio 6Music with Kate is being broadcast today. The show runs from 1pm-4pm, and we hear that the interviews usually are aired about 2.3opm, but do check the live stream. Part 2 of the interview will be aired tomorrow at the same time. Catch today’s show here.

Posted in Radio | 13 Comments

Rolf Harris – ‘She Moves Through The Fair’ oil painting, exclusive preview!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Seán

KATE BUSH NEWS site exclusive: The Clarendon Fine Art Gallery is offering this oil painting by Rolf Harris. It is based on Rolf’s as-yet-unreleased recorded version of ‘She Moves Through The Fair‘ with Kate. The painting depicts a man and a woman – the two main characters in the song.  The gallery is letting Kate Bush fans know about this piece first, due to its uniqueness and connection with Rolf’s work with Kate. It is not going to be made available as a print.

Oil on Canvas - 16” x 12”

SHE MOVES THROUGH THE FAIR OIL ON CANVAS

All sales enquiries to Daniel Tills:  danieltills@clarendonfineart.com

Clarendon Fine Art
46 Dover Street
Mayfair
London W1S 4FF
020 7499 0947
www.clarendonfineart.com

ROLF HARRIS CBE

Rolf HarrisBorn in Perth, Western Australia, Rolf moved to London at the age of twenty-two, financing himself through exhibitions of his work held in Australia. He enrolled at the City & Guilds Art School in London intending to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become a portrait painter. After a chance meeting with the Australian impressionist painter ‘Bill’ Hayward Veal, however, he began attending an art course run by Veal and soon became his protégé.

In the mid 1950’s Rolf’s paintings were featured in the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy for two years running. While painting continued to be a private passion of his, it was for his television and stage performances that Rolf became a household name. In recent years however he has devoted more time to painting and has had a number of one-man shows, including the ‘Rolf on Art’ exhibition at the National Gallery.

Rolf’s BBC television series ‘Rolf on Art’ achieved the highest TV ratings ever for a UK arts programme. Rolf hosted television’s biggest ever arts event with a live BBC special titled ‘Rolf on Art: The Big Event’ in which he joined the public in recreating a large-scale version of Constable’s ‘Haywain’ in Trafalgar Square. The massive event was such a huge success that the BBC staged two further ‘Rolf on Art: The Big Event’ specials in Edinburgh and London.

Rolf has been awarded the CBE, is a member of the Order of Australia and an honorary member of the Royal Society of British Artists, and has won many awards for his work in the entertainment industry. His portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, commissioned by the BBC to celebrate her 80th birthday, was the subject of a BBC1 programme ‘The Queen, by Rolf’ screened on New Year’s Day 2006. Rolf’s achievements over 65 years in art were celebrated with a touring exhibition and hardback retrospective book entitled ‘A Life in Art’ in 2010. His life and work were further celebrated in a major BBC ‘Arena’ documentary entitled ‘Rolf Harris Paints his Dream’.

Rolf was named as the UK’s best selling published artist of 2011.

Posted in www.katebushnews.com | Leave a comment

Listen to Kate’s interview this evening with Larry Flick on US radio

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Seán

With big thanks to Louise and Tom for providing the clip:

Posted in Radio | 4 Comments

New 50 Words For Snow illustration commissioned for Prog Rock Magazine

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Seán

Artist Danny Allison writes at Creative Match: “This illustration was a commison for Prog Rock magazine for an illustration to accompany an album review for Kate Bush’s new album 50 Words For Snow” This illustration appears in the current edition of the magazine. More of Danny’s work at his site here. (thanks Louise)

Prog Rock Magazine illustration by Danny Allison

Posted in Other artists | 1 Comment

Kate Bush Tribute Show in Chicago Tomorrow Night (Thursday 8th December)

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Seán

Chicago KB tribute nightSo sorry we’re late with this one! From the organiser’s Facebook event page: “In honor of the release of Kate Bush’s first wholly new full-length album since 2005, “50 Words For Snow,” we are paying tribute to the legendary songstress extraordinaire once again. Parlour on Clark will play host to a coalition of Bush-phile DJs — DJ Joshua, DJ Belazauberin and DJ Josie Bush — spinning a selection of music and videos by Bush herself and the many other artists, new and old, who have been influenced by the innovating musician’s sprawling catalog. The event will serve as a fundraiser for TGIF (Trans, Genderqueer, Intersex Freedom) Pride. Attendees are invited to offer up a $5 suggested donation to help make the first-ever event happen and Bush-themed treats will also be available for purchase. All proceeds from both the door charge and the “50 Words” bake sale will benefit TGIF. Finally, we heard a rumor that several copies — both CDs and on vinyl — of “50 Words” will be up for grabs at the event. Don’t miss this!” (many thanks to Joe Erbentraut and again sorry we missed this before now!) This event may come just in time for some snow in Chicago!

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The Guardian wants Kate album reviews

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Peter

The Guardian writes: “Write for us about: Kate Bush. As her latest album rides high in many end-of-year polls, we want to know what you consider to be the singer’s best work”

See here to get your review published in the Guardian.

Posted in Kate Bush news | 1 Comment

Three more radio interviews with Kate!

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Seán

Jamie Cullum

Three new interviews to listen out for: This evening Kate’s interview with Jamie Cullum was finally played on BBC Radio 2. This was a different interview segment from the one with Jamie that was broadcast on Dutch Radio last month (52 minutes long – listen here). This evening’s interview is a 20 minute segment. From the BBC website: “Jamie conducts a rare interview with Kate Bush, as the British singer-songwriter, musician and record producer talks about the jazz she loves. Kate also tells the story behind Misty, a track on her new album 50 Words For Snow. The two musicians discuss the complex time signatures within Misty and compare them to Take Five by Dave Brubeck, before chatting about their different approaches to composition, and their mutual love of Billie Holliday and Steely Dan.” Listen again to the new interview segment here. (outside the UK? listen here.)

On this coming Thursday 8th December, Kate does an American radio interview with Larry Flick on Sirius XM OutQ Radio, 12pm-4pm UK/Ireland Time (7am Eastern Time USA/GMT-5 hours.) You can listen live here (note that this radio station requires a free signup for 7 day trial, which just needs an email address).

Mark RadcliffeDJ Mark Radcliffe in the UK announced today that he is going to see Kate tomorrow and the resulting interview will be broadcast part 1 on Monday 12th December and part 2 on Tuesday 13th December on BBC Radio 6Music (the show is 1pm to 4pm, the interviews are usually on at 2.30pm). See programme listings at the BBC Radio 6Music site here and here. (big thanks to Louise for heads up on these interviews)
Posted in Radio | 5 Comments

Two new European interviews – but only one with Kate…

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Seán

A new interview with Kate to promote the new album has appeared in Gaffa Magazine in Denmark, see here and here (translation here and here). A second interview doesn’t feature Kate – rather it’s an interview with the presenter of Bios Bahnhof, the German show where Kate made her first ever TV appearance (see clip below!). Interview here, translation here. (thanks Louise)

YouTube Preview Image
Posted in Kate Bush news | 1 Comment

Final print edition of HomeGround! Order your copy now!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Seán

HomeGround 79Issue 79 of HomeGround – The Kate Bush Magazine is going to print this coming weekend. From Homeground: “This is the final printed magazine but HomeGround will continue via the website. Please pre-order your magazine no later than 2nd December – this is essential so that we order enough copies from our printer. The magazine is looking lovely, it is almost finished. We hope you will enjoy it.” Don’t miss the final print edition of this extraordinary magazine – going strong since 1982. It will of course bring you news and reviews of 50 Words For Snow and Director’s Cut.

UK – order Issue 79 – £6.50

Europe – order Issue 79 – £7.50

North America and elsewhere – order Issue 79 – £8.50

Posted in Homeground | 3 Comments

“Hooray!” Kate says a “huge thank you” to everyone on the chart success of 50 Words For Snow!

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Seán

From Kate’s official site this evening:

A thank you from Kate

From Kate… I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has embraced  ’50 Words For Snow’ with such warmth and positivity. I am totally blown away by the response to the album and am so delighted with the chart position of No 5 today. Hooray!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed:  Del Palmer for all his really great work throughout the recording process and his input during the mixing. To Stephen Tayler for his invaluable work on the mixes and to Stanley Gabriel who assisted us. To all the wonderful musicians especially Steve Gadd for the incredible feel he has brought to the whole piece, to Danny for his beautiful guitars, to dearest Bertie for his fantastic performance and for all his enthusiasm, to Jonathan Tunick for his gorgeous orchestrations and to John Giblin, Danny Thompson and all the guests who have brought their special energies into the music. To everyone on the team who have done such a terrific job and most of all to all of you who take it into your homes and your hearts and make me feel so privileged to have my work received with such love.

Many thanks,
Kate x

Posted in Official announcements | 39 Comments

Kate enters UK album chart at no.5

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Peter

We can confirm that 50 Words For Snow has charted in the UK official album charts at no 5, as announced on BBC Radio 1, this is Kate’s 10th top 5 album, out of 11 releases.

As long time HomeGround reader Paul Thomas has pointed out, “this makes her the only female artist to have top 5 albums across 5 decades..70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and this new decade (whatever this decade is called..) – I am very proud to be a fan and so pleased she is still makimg exceptional music – and she hasn’t done any tv to promote the album; the record sales are down to her loyal fanbase and her reputation as the best and most original female artist of all time..shall I stop banging on about her now??“

Big congratulations to Kate, Del and everyone else involved.

Dave, Krys, Peter and Seán. xxxx

Congratulations to Kate!

UPDATE: We hear that 50 Words has entered the German charts at #7, Netherlands Album chart at no. 10, and the Norweigen album chart at no. 18, Ireland at no.12, Belgium at no.27, Australia at no. 22 and Finland at no. 11. The album has entered the Billboard charts in the US at number 83 (and a number 7 entry in the US Independent album chart). More as we get them.

Posted in Kate Bush news | 47 Comments

“I am enthralled by a musical vision”: The Intercostal Clavicle

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Peter

8.5/10 from Ben at the sumptuously named Intercostal Clavicle:

“It is a calmer, more intimate album than we have come to expect. Of course, intimate moments abound on Kate Bush’s earlier records, but here the dominant sound is piano with fewer embellishments than usual. The layered, spacious soundscapes are absent. This is to be listened to holed up indoors away from winter storms, chilling and warming by turns. The songs are all built around the concept of snow and the music softly echoes its magical fragility. We are never trapped Under Ice … Her voice is captivating, the production lush and meticulous, but I relish most the elements of play and surprise. The ideas are fully formed, the characters speaking as clearly as her Cathy in Wuthering Heights, but we are never sure what will happen next … In 50 Words for Snow, Kate Bush has produced hushed music which gleams in an icy hinterland. Like snow, it invites and unnerves, giving its gift quietly. I am enthralled by a musical vision which has yet to waver or disappoint. How lucky we are.”

Posted in Reviews | 4 Comments

“A brilliant and warm ode to the season upon us”: The Alternative Review

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Peter

4 stars from Mathew French at The Alternative Review:

“it strains the limits of belief to think that she’s still able after all of these years to churn out material worthy of note, let alone albums that challenge her heyday masterpieces. But lo and behold: 50 Words For Snow is just as focused, creative, and emotionally conscious as her best albums … Bush just refuses to fall victim to age. At 54 years old her vocals sound a bit burly, taking on a much deeper tone than that of her older wails, but they only helps to service 50 Words For Snow in a positive way. Her voice is very sentimental and comforting here, almost as if she’s singing to us from inside a log cabin in the middle of a dead, cold night — clad in warm garments with a woollen cover draped over her by the fire as she recalls tales of love and loss. … Forsaking grandiosity in favor of snow-inflected landscapes, 50 Words For Snow is essentially Bush’s provocation for wintry surrealism. The songs have a slow, meditative tempo and revolve (mostly) around crisp piano, Bush’s warm vocals, and delicate percussion. More than anything though, 50 Words For Snow works well as something minimal; unlike other releases, Bush really fixates on the inclusion of negative space to make way for drafty ambiance. These songs aren’t aimless in their approach though: they sometimes burst into small sections of unadulterated bliss – just enough to satisfy a craving for emotional fulfilment...”

Posted in Reviews | 2 Comments

“A haunting beauty which sends chills down the spine”: The Manc Review

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Peter

Donna Gorey at the Manc Review:

“an album, whose narrative singing and enchanting concept, creates post-modernistic storytelling, reaffirming Kate as an original and experimental artist … a classic album, which nurtures the perpetual willo-the wisp spirit of Kate. Although it takes a few listens to completely appreciate the album, it thinks outside the box, containing a haunting beauty which sends chills down the spine. Its picturesque music, whose orchestral and stripped down acoustics, glide effortlessly across an intense, emotional backdrop. Like snow, on a hillside, “50 Words For Snow”, melts subtly revealing a lush core at its own organic pace.”

Posted in Reviews | 2 Comments