Simon Barrett

About the Book I have studied Tudor history for over fifty years; the fascination for that era and the people who made up the family of Henry VIII has never waned. I used to say to people, “When I read about Henry VIII, his siblings or his wives, it isn’t as if I’m learning something; it’s more like I’m being reminded.” Reminded indeed – so perhaps I wasn’t that surprised when I discovered through DNA analysis and genealogy that I am a direct descendant of Margaret Tudor, and therefore Mary Queen of Scotts. Henry VIII is my eighteen-time first cousin! So, I decided to visit my kin. What fun! Within the following pages, you will travel with Bridget Littleton, a rich and beautiful young woman who, with the help of the Bermuda Triangle, is transported back in time to Tudor England. Most of the book is fantasy, of course. Were it not, we’d all be paddling our way to Tudor times for a visit, but I have stuck to the basic facts of life in Tudor history. Yes, I have played with it a bit, but the basic facts a

It has been a bumper week for Trump and his Trumpettes. Sean Spicer claims that Iran fired on a US navy vessel - BUNK Lap dog Kellyanne Conway invents the 'Bowling Green Masacre' (BUNK) which resulted in the 2011 Iraq refugee ban (BUNK). There was no ban. Trump gets his travel ban unbanned by a 'so called' judge. The republicans seem to be losing their lust for a wall. Few think that Mexico will pay.

A look back at the week in'Trump'.

President Trump, let the games begin

What happens when a group of top studio musicians get together in their free time? A unique mixture of sophisticated composition, passionate improvisation, scathing social commentary and biting humor, BANDZILLA play furious funk, sleazy soul, punk jazz and heartfelt ballads. Led by acclaimed composer/arranger/guitarist Richard Niles, the 25-piece jazz-fusion orchestra was originally formed in the studio to play on the seminal Grace Jones track ‘Slave To The Rhythm’. Since then, Niles & BANDZILLA have performed and recorded with Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, James Brown, Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey, Pet Shop Boys, Michael McDonald, Cher and Tina Turner.   

Trumpification is 5 days away. Oddly the country seems less united than ever.What sort of world are we facing?

Tokyo bares all about his new single

“Womack Style” is the latest album project from Binky Womack, a member of one of the most iconic music families of all time. Nephew of music legend Bobby Womack, Binky's new album is released through Gonzo Multimedia UK.   Binky has his own studio in Burbank, California (The Ear Hole Recording Studio) and acts as a producer to many top line artists. He also has a publishing company, Bindelari Music, which is represented by World Domination Music for the world excluding North America. Bindelari is also the vehicle for new acts such as Jae, as well as Binky's own material.

Lots to talk about as the US prepares for 'trumpification'.

Much to the excitement of guitarists worldwide, guitar legend Paul Nelson has released his new album “Badass Generation” to critical acclaim! Grammy winning guitarist Paul Nelson was Johnny Winter’s protege guitarist in the Johnny Winter Band. Paul has toured with countless worldwide touring artists and performed live and or on recordings along side major artists such as Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Robben Ford, Joe Perry, Mark Knofler, Brian Setzer, Dr. John, Slash, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth, Los Lobos, Kim Wilson, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Reb Beach, Steve Morse, John Popper, Debbie Davies, Los Lobos, Quin Sullivan, Tinsley Ellis, Lucky Peterson, Joe Louis Walker, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, John Medeski, Joe Walsh, Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Earl Slick, Hubert Sumlin, Pete Rivera, Rick Derringer, Harvey Brooks, Bill Evans, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Uptown Horns, Blues Brother Horns, Reese Wynans, Edgar Winter, Ray Davis, Geor

“The Roadmap In Your Head” is the 13th studio album from the Spirits Burning space rock collective, and the second to feature keyboardist Cyrille “Clearlight” Verdeaux. The album has a strong Gong presence, as it includes performances by four musicians from Gong’s Radio Gnome Invisible Trilogy (Daevid Allen, Steve Hillage, Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe), and four members of the current Gong (Ian East, Fabio Golfetti, Dave Sturt, Kavus Torabi). Clearlight is a project of French songwriter and composer Cyrille Verdeaux that blends classical romanticism and prog-rock experimentation. The first Clearlight album was released under the name “Clearlight Symphony,” in 1974, by British major label Virgin Records. The most recent release was 2015’s “Impressionist Symphony.”

Trump continues to flesh out his staff. Not all of his picks are getting A+ marks, but we shall need to wait and see.

The UK are set to have sweeping changes in the legal spying laws. Can we expect the same here in the US? Trump contivues to buillt his cabinet and other serious positions. Some are asking is this what 'draining the swamp' looks like?  

There is plenty to talk about this week. Trump continues to be unconventional. Fidel Castro is dead. Jill Stein forces a pointless recount.

Another busy week in the transition to President Trump. The Oxford Dictionry has declareed that Post-Truth is their word of the year.Post-truth politics is the phrase that has become popular. No one cares about the facts, only the message counts.

Much to the anticipation of music aficionados worldwide, renowned LA songwriter Bob Beland is releasing his new album “Left Of Center” on his own independent label Wrong Way Works! Beland is an American born musician/songwriter from Los Angeles, CA, where he has performed, written and recorded original music from 1973 to the present. His diverse career spans over four decades. I will be sitting down with Bob Beland and exploring his new album. It is delightful, listen in and hear some of the music

The people have spoken. Trump will indeed be our new leader. So lets talk about it. Draining the swamp in Washington, sounds great, but can he do it?

Tuesday is two days away. Election 2016 is down to the wire.

Over the past quarter-century there has been a huge upsurge in Hip Hop and Rap music emanating from the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area. The trend continues to this day with some great new artists and labels popping up not only in San Francisco and Oakland, but in the adjacent suburbs of Vallejo and Richmond, California. This includes FloRocker, a dynamic artist and producer who has been in the game for many years, and is proud to announce his new 12-track debut album, Rich In The Heart, due for worldwide digital and physical release on October 28, 2016. FloRocker is releasing this album as a celebration of life, spanning club songs to street records, and with a variety of genres represented including Rap and Hip Hop.

It has been another busy week in the Presidential race.Trump continues to trip himself up, and Clinton continues to be mired in the email trouble. What bothers me is that the race has become so polarized I wonder if who ever wins, will they be able to move the country forward?