Rocking to the Classics

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 07 September 2017 > Celebrate

The biggest music festival in the world isn’t Glastonbury or Lollopallooza, it’s a classical music festival: the two-month annual BBC Proms series in London. Started in 1895 with the specific aim of popularising classical music, the final night of the series, the Last Night of the Proms, is now an institution watched by millions around … Continue reading “Rocking to the Classics”

A Summer of Fish ’n’ Chips on ARTE

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 21 July 2017 > In the News

Every summer, ARTE announces a new theme for six weeks of special programming. This year, until 20th August, ARTE’s “Summer of Fish ’n’ Chips” is celebrating six decades of British pop culture with plenty of movies, documentaries et concerts. The Summer of Fish ’n’ Chips is full of great concert recordings from PJ Harvey, Blur, … Continue reading “A Summer of Fish ’n’ Chips on ARTE”

“I am Groot!”: My Kingdom for a tape!

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 04 May 2017 > What's On

Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot are back for “Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2”, an adventure through the cosmos to try and track down Peter Quill’s mysterious father. If you’ve seen “Volume 1”, you’re guaranteed to be interested in its sequel. After Iron Man, The Hulk, etc… Marvel has continued its big-screen adaptation of … Continue reading ““I am Groot!”: My Kingdom for a tape!”

Jamaican Rebel Music

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 26 April 2017 > What's On

Jamaica is famous for reggae, and in particular Bob Marley. But Jamaican music has a long and complex history, and is much more influential than seems credible for a nation with a population of less than 3 million. In music, as in athletics, Jamaica punches well above its weight. An exhibition at the Philharmonie demonstrates … Continue reading “Jamaican Rebel Music”

Ella Fitzgerald Online Exhibition

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 26 April 2017 > Webpicks

2017 is the centenary of the birth of Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most recognized voices in jazz history. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is hosting an exhibition in tribute to “The First Lady of Song”. The online version is an excellent authentic document for classroom use. The mini-site is fairly succinct, with … Continue reading “Ella Fitzgerald Online Exhibition”

Jack Savoretti: Interview with a Musician

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 19 April 2017 > Ready to Use

Listen to or download extracts of our interview with Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti for classroom use. The extracts have varied levels and themes as Savoretti discusses the advantages of multicultural schooling, the ups and downs of his musical career, and a Bob Dylan song which is his lucky talisman. Vocabulary and structures Comparisons School Intercultural … Continue reading “Jack Savoretti: Interview with a Musician”

Jack Savoretti: Listen Up!

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 19 April 2017 > What's On

Jack Savoretti is a fabulous singer and songwriter. But more than that, he’s an inspiration to young musicians. In the age of the Pop Idol ideal of instant fame, Savoretti has done it the hard way and is convinced that has made him a better musician. You may not recognise Savoretti’s name… yet. But after … Continue reading “Jack Savoretti: Listen Up!”

Ed Sheeran on Top of the World

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 24 March 2017 > In the News

Remember albums? Those CDs or even vinyl records from the days before music was delivered by phone or computer? Today, charts worldwide are dominated by music streamed from the likes of Spotify and Deezer and Ed Sheeran’s new album, Divide, has broken streaming records.  Streaming music services have brought big changes to the music industry. … Continue reading “Ed Sheeran on Top of the World”