Alicia Previn / Through The Decades

If you’ve listened to the radio over the past few decades, it’s likely you’ve heard violinist Alicia Previn. A veteran of TV, radio and commercial jingles, she’s also played on numerous Gold and Platinum recordings around the world, alongside artists ranging from Richard Thompson and Cracker to Great White and Hothouse Flowers, with major releases ahead - see below! This month Previn steps into the spotlight herself, with the release of a new single, “The Purpose of a Dog?”, complete with “aww” inspiring video. Backed by an all-star band, she will have a special release event, hosted by DJ Tim Pyles, at the Casbah on March 20.

What inspired Previn to write “Purpose of a Dog?“As a child I wasn’t allowed to have a dog. We had cats. But when I was ten my new neighbor’s dog would look for me, to play with me after school every day. It was a Weimaraner and since then I melt when I see one. I was given my first puppy late in life and realized the incredible benefit of their devotion, loyalty and loving character.” She considers pet ownership to be important for kids. “I believe every child should have that kind of strong bond in their lives,” she said. “The hardest part of loving a dog is when they eventually die, but the memories never fade. I’ve owned two Weimaraners, both now have gone over the rainbow bridge but I believe I will see them again in Heaven. This is my tribute to my dogs and dog-lovers everywhere,” Previn said.

The song was essentially recorded as a trio. “I played bass, keyboard, synth-style violin and sang, my very talented son Max O’Reilly played guitars and electronic drums, producer of the record Jeff Forrest played live drums.” The involvement of acclaimed producer Forrest (Blink 182 etc. etc.), came about through her label. “My record company, Noize Cartel Records, owned by Matt Alcobia, has worked with Jeff before with other artists and connected us,” Previn said. “Jeff has now produced two songs of mine, of very different styles, “She Ran Red” and “Purpose of a Dog,” and, I can say after very little direction, that he “gets” my music.”

Forrest also shot the song’s video. “He sent me some samples of videos he had done and I could see his tremendous talent,” Previn said. “He came over to my house, where I borrowed my neighbor’s dog and with a few handfuls of treats, Jeff filmed me singing and working with a white Labrador named Finn. He also filmed his other dog-loving friends and used some stock film to create a fun exciting visual experience.”

Previn has taken part in many recording sessions resulting in Gold and Platinum recordings around the world. “It is always kinda nerve wracking for a pop singer to work with a classically trained musician, they have the science, you are learning as you go!,” said Dave Wakeling of U.K. hitmakers, General Public. Previn appeared on the band’s second album, Hand to Mouth. “So, it is a blessed relief when you get to work with someone like Alicia, who speaks both languages! The solo on “Come again” was instant ear candy, whilst also adding a soaring solemnity. A pleasure to record, and a still a pleasure to listen to.”

Does Previn have a favorite session? “I have had the opportunity to record with big artists and college bands, in friends’ home studios and com-

Hemisphere / Blue Sky

Hemisphere have released “Blue Sky,” the first of three videos planned for 2023. Taken from their album, Unity, the video transports the viewer on a journey through space, then a trip to locations around the world, ending in Hawaii. The song was originally written by band members Mike McQuilken and Rob Shinno for their 2021 album, Information Age. The re-imagined Hemisphere version features a live string quartet with arrangements by Peter Sprague.

“We really enjoyed making this video with the full band and being able to shoot everyone together for the first time as Covid restrictions were lowered,” said Shinno. “It was also an awesome experience to shoot the outro live in one of my favorite locations on the islands of Hawaii. Hopefully we captured some the natural beauty and No Ka ‘Oi (best and finest).”

The all-star musicians on this track and video include: Don Bowman (vocals /sax), Rob Shinno mercial studios,” she noted. “The sessions have always been fun and exciting; I like it when the artist knows to let me play from my heart, but it’s also helpful if they have an idea of what they want and can convey it to me. It’s hard to choose just one, but playing on the Hot House Flowers album was a huge event as I happened to be in London at a big showcase review of Irish bands performing, when their manager asked me if I wanted to come record on their first and most successful album, People.”

She concedes that it’s a recent studio visit that stands out. “Above all the recording sessions, I have to say I was blown away when asked just a couple of months ago by my friend, producer and incredible reggae dub-style artist Scientist, to play on a track for Sir Paul McCartney! He ended up featuring me on the recording with a solo section to boot! The song is a re-make of “Frank Sinatra’s Party” from a previous 2019 album called Egypt Station (Explorer’s Edition).”

Previn has plans for a new single later this year, the aforementioned, “She Ran Red,” with as many live dates as she can fit on her schedule. “I hope to eventually re-record songs from my Lovely Rare Tracks album I put out in 2017, of demos I had made during all my years of touring in Europe and US,” she said.

Meanwhile she’ll continue to perform her solo musical revue, Through the Decades, at venues around the Southland. The revue works its way through 40’s-50’s jazz, gypsy jazz, 50’s rock, 60’s, 70’s, ska, punk, pop from the 80’s and 90’s and a few originals, like 2021 single, “Le Brusc.” “This show is to highlight how a violin can be played in many ways outside of the classical form,” Previn said. “It’s music that spans the 20th century and it makes for a show that has something for just about everybody.” www.aliciaprevin.com

(guitar / vocals), Max Zape (keyboards), Mike Mcquilken (drums), Nathan Brown (bass), Rebecca Jade (backing vocals / recording), Janet Hammer (backing vocals / video), Leonard Patton (backing vocals), Tommy Aros (percussion), Chris Klich (sax) and Paul Seaforth (trumpet), with Peter Sprague (string arrangements), as well as video and editing by Sam Sprague.

The next videos from Hemisphere are set to be “Bring the Magic Back,” featuring Janice Edwards, followed by “Laura in the Moonlight”. www.hemisphereband.com