Welcome to the 'news' page. As the site gains traffic, more and more people are asking what I'm up to - keep checking back for updates!
August 6th 2008
Been a while since I made an entry, but it's not because I've been lazy. Work with Red Hot and Blue has been steady and also been working on a bit of promo for the musical. In fact, managed to secure a play on BBC Radio 2 Elaine Paige show for one of the songs from the show. Really pleased with that - it's not an easy task, as anyone who has tried will tell you (who isn't a pro plugger on two grand per week...).
Also got four tracks on a chill-out acoustic CD set on Universal Records, one of which is an original piece. It's simply called 'Acoustic'. Not certain where it will be marketed but prob find it on Amazon.
Been continuing with various other writing projects when time allows and also pleased to be rehearsing with BONED again. Really looking forward to doing some live stuff in the not to distant future - there's also talk of a Christmas single, ha, ha!
Cheerio for now and I'll try to update a bit more regularly in future.
May 9th 2008
Well, as some of you will already know (because you were there), the musical went very well and was a total sell-out. In fact we sold the dress-rehearsal too and ended up with a waiting list, much to the discomfort of the cast at first! It was great to be involved with something that was so well supported. I've had so many wonderful comments about the music - thanks!!
People have been asking what the future holds for 'Mmm Mmm' - well, I'm not entirely sure, but it's unlikely I'll be involved in another production and will probably keep a back seat from now on. I very much enjoyed the creative side of the project and I'm immensely proud of the music, but found the production process quite frustrating...
...however, one part of the project I really enjoyed was working with a fantastic cast - I've been lucky to have met and also become re-acquainted with some great people! Bless you all for bringing my music to life!!
I will now return to what I know best. I need to focus on producing more production music and tracks for release. After hearing my demos of tracks for the musical, my kids think I should record a 'modern' album of songs rather than the chill-out instrumental stuff I've become more known for. I may surprise them yet. Also the great BONED requires attention - the re-released first album 'UP AT THE CRACK' is now online for download from all the top sites. Who knows, we may even do some live stuff too...
I'm vowing to spend more time with my family too, since they have not seen much of me during the 'musical' period.
Anyway, thats probably enough waffle for now and I'll catch you all soon - tale care!!
Ross.
April 6th 2008:
Well, sorry it's been so long since I updated the site, I've been very busy with 'Mmm Mmm' the musical and all things BONED. So, news on two fronts:
Firstly, the re-release of the first BONED album 'Up at the Crack' is set for early May (online only). It will include a few demo tracks also and be available through all major online retailers (iTunes etc).
Secondly, the musical is going well and tracks are nearly finished and ready for mixing - all 18 of them! This is a mammoth task and my partners Phill and Katrina have been working their respective socks and stockings off!! We are delighted with the cast - they are working like crazy also.
The musical will be shown for the first time at the Angles theatre in Wisbech, Cambs, UK from Wed April 30th - Sat May 3rd. So let's see you all there!!!!!!
Tickets can be ordered direct from the theatre box office on 01945 474447 - www.theanglestheatre.co.uk
For more information about this fab new musical visit www.mmm-mmm-the-musical.com
Finally, I almost forgot, apparently there are some of my instrumental tracks coming out on a compilation from Universal Records - Spring time I think..?
Really ought to mention and thank my family for being so patient and supportive - I love you loads xxx
July 17th 2007:
BONED have announced plans to release some live tracks from the King's Lynn gig - all we have to do is mix them and they'll be released through our own website - I'll keep you posted!
June 28th 2007:
Been busy writing and producing more tracks for media, so limited time to update this site, sorry! Well, BONED performed two killer gigs and you can check out details and even watch some footage at www.myspace.com/bonedrock. We're on a bit of a sabatical at present due to members going on holiday at different times, so any notion of more gigs before the Autumn is wishful thinking...keep ya posted - or go to the Myspace site (it's probably more up to date).
I also performed a very rare solo spot at The Angles Theatre in Wisbech a few weeks ago in support of a friend's venture. Played some very old songs for the first time as both songwriter and singer - went well and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 14th 2007:
BONED have announced the first two live performances:
Sunday 6th may - Loddon Jubilee Club (Norfolk) - 7.30 - £5.00 on the door.
Thursday 10th May - College of West Anglia, King's Lynn - 7.30 - £5.00 on the door (all proceeds to Teenage Cancer Trust).
For more info on the above dates, please visit www.boned.biz
February 2nd 2007:
Sorry for leaving it so long to update, but Happy New Year to all!
Things have not been quiet in the world of RG and BONED has been occupying much time. The CD is out, selling steadily and has received Local and National airplay! We're currently rehearsing for some live dates, hopefully kicking off around March/April time - looking forward to that! We're also heavily involved in the business side of things, so there's never a dull moment!! For more info, don't forget to visit the websites...
October 22nd:
Good news folks! The 'Up At The Albert' EP will be released Monday 30th October 2006. We are doing an exclusive web-launch on Thursday 26th October - visit www.myspace.com/bonedrock for more info on how you can be part of the exclusive audience!
Although the EP is released on 30th October, you can pre-order by visiting www.boned.biz - that way you'll have the CD on the day of release!
August 30th:
Well, the CD is with manufacturers and, hopefully, all is well and we're on schedule for an end of October release. We will be working with our PR company to maximise our profile and make people aware of us, but will also be calling on all known friends to help! So be prepared for some hassling...
I can assure everybody that when they purchase the CD, they will not only own something that sounds and looks fab, but also have contributed to the crucial care provided by the Teenage Cancer Trust! We are donating a healthy £1.00 per copy sold directly to them!!
August 11th:
Sorry for such a delay in updating, however, I've been very busy putting the finishing touches to the mixes for the new Boned CD, set for release late October. We have to get it ready at least six weeks prior to release for PR. It's been a bonkers few weeks, but well worth it. It's a four track EP (re-recordings of the tracks we played at the RAH) and will be available from our website - www.boned.biz (coming soon) - and Worldwide by download. £1 from every CD sold will go to The Teenage Cancer Trust!
Noakes haven't been completely idle during this time, with a couple of gigs - including a small festival at the Five Miles Inn at Upware - a beautiful setting and well run gig - we played late afternoon and people were just getting going - a great atmosphere and superb venue for that kind of thing. Thanks again to Kieron for doing a great job with sound.
Next Noakes date in my diary is Tuesday 22nd August, White horse @ Holme - but check their gig list first!
May 25th:
Friday's Noakes gig at Stuart House Hotel, KL is cancelled (not by us). Next gigs are as follows:
Friday 9th June, Angel, Wisbech (TBC).
Tuesday 20th June, Holme White Horse.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Meanwhile, Boned are in the studio working on the forthcoming EP to follow up the Albert Hall gig. It's likely to be brand new recordings of the four songs performed at the gig plus some bonus stuff - stay tuned. Or for more Boned info visit the MYSPACE page.
April 29th 2006:
The Boned saga continues, with the band formulating plans for the future, watch this space...
April 17th 2006:
Returned home from Brother-in-law's wedding in Germany to loads of emails about 'Boned' - all good stuff! Look, we've even made the Gibson web site - actually, we were the only band who's guitarists exclusively used Gibson guitars on the night...
April 6th 2006:
Next Noakes gig is Tuesday 18th april - White Horse - Holme.
Work continues on the 'new project' slowly but surely...
Well, we did the Royal Albert Hall gig! It was a superb day and deserves a whole page - so click here for the lowdown...
Feb 14th 2006:
The John Noakes Experience Gigs:
Friday 3rd March - Stuart House Hotel - King's Lynn.
There will be more 'Noakes' dates coming up soon.
Once a rocker...always a rocker? Rumours are spreading that Ross (aka Billy) will be performing a very high-profile gig with rock band 'Boned'...they are billed to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in March. Could this be the same 'Boned' - what are the chances of that happening...come on! What d'ya reckon? The least I can do is perpetuate the mystery...
Meanwhile, work continues on the 'new project', a collection of musical (and vocal) pieces which are evolving well and could also include some interesting contributions...