John Murry began recording The Graceless Age (produced by Murry, Tim Mooney, and Kevin Cubbins) four years ago in San Francisco. From there, he brought the tapes to Memphis and back again, adding layers of sound. As John Murry says, “No matter how many fuzz pedals I use, no matter how many synths, they’re always going to say ‘Mississippi’ and ‘southern rock.’” Of course territory figures into the songs of The Graceless Age, but good luck pigeonholing.

Christopher Rees‘ latest album, Stand Fast, will be released 18 February. He has been quite prolific in a relatively short time – his previous CD, Heart On Fire, which was produced in Austin, Texas and featured a full-blown horn section, was put out in May 2011. Christopher is a charismatic performer on stage and all his albums celebrate his passion and commitment towards music, love, life and his dedication to the art of serving the song.

Robin Bennett, now of The Dreaming Spires, is a familiar figure on the Oxford music scene, who with his brother Joe was formerly part of two influential bands – Goldrush and Danny & The Champions Of The World and co-founded not one but two award-winning festivals, Truck and Wood.

More information at www.empty-rooms.com/jmurry13.html