Writer and reviewer of 1940's and 1950's music and events
Welcome to my website!
This is the website for writer and reviewer, Andrew Smith. The picture on the left shows June and I doing what we love, jiving to 1950's music, here at the Rhythm Riot in 2010.
Since 2004, I have written a regular contribution for UK Rock n Roll Magazine, a monthly publication in the UK, available from branches of W.H. Smith and worldwide through subscription. This contribution is the Bettajive Review.
I regularly review weekenders in the UK and over the years these have included The Rockabilly Rave, Rhythm Riot, Hemsby, Twinwood, Rockabilly Boogie, Americana, Shake Rattle & Roll, Rock Ridge Rumble, Mundesley Jive and Rock n Roll, The Hotrod Hayride and the Atomic Festival. My articles are illustrated with photographs supplied by my wife June, samples of which appear below.
We regularly visit Rock n Roll clubs around the UK and review band nights. The reviews include representative samples of the group's playlists, the ambiance of the venue and the DJ's selection. Although we take our music and our scene seriously, all this is presented in a light hearted fashion.
The review also opens with amusing, sometimes it has been suggested, sarcastic, sometimes anecdotal, commentary on what's going on, or what went on years ago, on the Rock n Roll scene.
I also regularly carry out CD reviews, Vinyl 45's and LPs, the occasional artist interview, liner notes for CDs, reviews of vintage car shows, fashion shows and markets.
Examples of these reviews can be found by clicking the links at the top of the page. Please note, all images are copyright.
If you like what you see, help us to keep it free by donating whatever you'd like to using the button below. Many thanks, and enjoy your visit to our site, and come back often
This is the website for writer and reviewer, Andrew Smith. The picture on the left shows June and I doing what we love, jiving to 1950's music, here at the Rhythm Riot in 2010.
Since 2004, I have written a regular contribution for UK Rock n Roll Magazine, a monthly publication in the UK, available from branches of W.H. Smith and worldwide through subscription. This contribution is the Bettajive Review.
I regularly review weekenders in the UK and over the years these have included The Rockabilly Rave, Rhythm Riot, Hemsby, Twinwood, Rockabilly Boogie, Americana, Shake Rattle & Roll, Rock Ridge Rumble, Mundesley Jive and Rock n Roll, The Hotrod Hayride and the Atomic Festival. My articles are illustrated with photographs supplied by my wife June, samples of which appear below.
We regularly visit Rock n Roll clubs around the UK and review band nights. The reviews include representative samples of the group's playlists, the ambiance of the venue and the DJ's selection. Although we take our music and our scene seriously, all this is presented in a light hearted fashion.
The review also opens with amusing, sometimes it has been suggested, sarcastic, sometimes anecdotal, commentary on what's going on, or what went on years ago, on the Rock n Roll scene.
I also regularly carry out CD reviews, Vinyl 45's and LPs, the occasional artist interview, liner notes for CDs, reviews of vintage car shows, fashion shows and markets.
Examples of these reviews can be found by clicking the links at the top of the page. Please note, all images are copyright.
If you like what you see, help us to keep it free by donating whatever you'd like to using the button below. Many thanks, and enjoy your visit to our site, and come back often
Marlene Perez of the Rhythm Shakers at Rhythm Riot 2016
Dave 'Porky' Coates on stage at Witham Public Hall, Essex
Lew Lewis at Atomic 2016
Vicky Tafoya at Rhythm Riot 2016
Laura B photographed at Atomic Vintage Festival 2015
Gizzelle at Rhythm Riot 2014
The Revolutionaires' Ed Stephenson at Witham Public Hall
Lil Gizelle photographed at Hemsby 50
Above is Rockin' Bonnie from Italy at Atomic Festival 2014
Allen Paris, sax player with Phil Haley and the Comments, photographed at Colchester's Jump Back Boogie Club, Essex, England