Bonus episode to accompany Episode 12 - featuring an interview with musician Katie Spencer on her experiences as a woman in music, live music from Bluebell Roots floor spot guest Nigel Wesson, the full interview with Donna Canale, and a second track from her live set. With thanks to our sponsor, Long Way Home Productions. https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic

In Episode 13, a new opening greeting, some new clarinet bits and a good discussion of the considerations, mechanics and basic finances of touring for grassroots musicians in the UK and beyond. We chat to Jaime and Jason of April Moon, to get their thoughts on life on the road a long way from 'home' (a fuller version of this chat coming in the bonus Bluebell Notes Offbeat episode) and we have an exclusive live track from their recent performance at Bluebell Roots. Josie has a new Question of the Show for you and we review your responses to the previous show's question. With thanks to our sponsors Long Way Home Productions. https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic

In Episode 12 - Jo, Jim and Neil still utterly fail to nail their three-part harmony intro - but hey, full marks for effort and tenacity, right? We feature live music from the July Bluebell Roots show, from Donna Canale, and there's an exploration of the issues that women in the live roots music scene regularly face, including input from Donna. And Jo finally saves us all from Neil's mouth trumpet as she gets her clarinet sting for the Question of the Month/show/episode feature! (Month? Who are we kidding?!) Bonus Offbeat episode coming soon, featuring full interviews with Donna Canale and a special bonus interview with Katie Spencer. With thanks to our sponsors Long Way Home Productions https://www.facebook.com/LongWayHomeMusic

In Episode 11, we discuss the ways musicians often find to supplement their income from sales of recordings or live shows. There are some pretty creative ways! We look at grants, crowdfunding, live-streaming and more. There's a chat with John and Lin of The John Ward Trio and a live track from their recent Bluebell Roots set. Jim reveals yet ANOTHER nickname, Neil can't say 'digital' and we discover that Jo can only do harmonies if she goes first! Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Home Productions.

Bluebell Notes Offbeat is a companion to the usual monthly shows, but with extra content there wasn't time for in the main episode! In this first bonus episode, to accompany Episode 10, we have the full reports from Jim & Jo at Rochester Sweeps Festival and Jack in the Green, Hastings, plus live music from May's Bluebell Roots show and an exclusive extra live track from Polly Morris's performance at the same show. Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Home Productions.

In Episode 10 (10? Already?) we look at how music is used in rituals and traditions. Jo does all the research, while Jim and Neil chip in unhelpfully. We have an interview with Dorset singer and songwriter Polly Morris as well as an exclusive live track from her performance at Bluebell Roots. Jim and Jo bring us a report from the streets of Rochester during the Sweeps Festival and we introduce our new bonus content - Bluebell Notes Offbeat! Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Home Productions.

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. Bluebell Notes is sponsored by Long Way Home Productions. 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.

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).