Simon Barrett

April is Autism Awareness month. We have decided to focus the program on this subject. It is fair to say that this year the subject of autism has got a great deal more  publicity than in prior years. That has largely been because of a very controversial film 'VAXXED" and its very controversial director descredited Dr. andrew Wakefield.

Please join us for what is likely to be a lively discussion.

It has been another stellar week in US politics as the 2016 election looms on the horizon. Hils and Bernie trading barbs. Trumpzilla has been somewhat quiet for a few days, but I doubt that will last long. Both party's are now talking 'Contested Convention'.

Abroad we have the 'Panama Papers' that are rocking the world and Belgium that seems to have made itself the new mecca for terrorism. Odd really, I always enjoed spending time in Belgium. Great food, great booze, and 'interesting' women.

Pete Liebengood has just published a great novel Accidental Droning. What could be better sex, drugs, politics and drones? He even thows in a dead body in an ice chest! This book is a wild ride from start to finish.

I will be sitting down with Pete to discuss the book, and probably other topics. I am sure that an author this good has much to say on life, the universe and everything.

It sure has been a busy week for Trump. In one sentance he managed to reaise the ire of both the pro choice and pro life camps.Even by Trumps standards this was a new pinicle in diplomacy. Other foot in mouth moments included Nukes for Japan and South Korea, and his campaign manager getting arrested.

Polls show Trump 10 points behind Cruz in tuesdays primarary. That 1237 delegate goal may not be as simple to reach as he once thought.

We must be the laughing stock of the civilized world. Having traded barbs about candidates 'winky' size, our fine would be presidents are in a slanging match about which has the better looking wife. How this helps the ecconomy, secures the border, or gets Washington to function again is not clear.

Lots to talk about this week. The Trumpification of the GOP is clearly making people very nervous. Does this signal a new direction and new definition of what the party stands for? What might happen in Cleveland if it turns into a brokered convention?

Obama has done his job and nominated a new Supreme Court judge, will the senate do their job and approve him?

Genre Peak is Martin Birke (songwriter, electronic-percussionist,vocalist and co-producer) with variety of collaborations from players and singers from all over the world. The new album “Your Sleekest Engine” features collaborations with Steve Jansen (Japan/David Sylvian), Jon Hassell (Brian Eno/Peter Gabriel), Richard Barbieri (Japan/Porcupine Tree), Matt Malley (Counting Crows) with vocals by Martin, Lesley Braden (Fast Arrow) and Charlie Woodward (Falco/Strinx) Manal Deeb (Palestinian artist) additional bass tracks from the late great Mick Karn (Japan/Dalis Car/David Torn). Co-produced by Christopher Scott Cooper and Martin Birke for In Code Music (Publishing). The album will be released on Gonzo Multimedia UK on March 4, 2016.

Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, Melodic Prog trio The Raptor Trail will be releasing their highly anticipated sophomore album “New World” on March 11. 2016. This second release finds the band stretching its wings a bit, with particular attention to vocal harmonies and acoustic based themes. That is not to say there is nothing Prog and heavier on this record as the tracks “Going To Dublin” and “Wheel” will attest. But it's more of an intricate Rock 'n' Roll album, almost galactic sounding, with a ominous cynicism and grim world view. Clocking in at just under 78 minutes it is really like a double album.

Best known for his virtuosic guitar instrumental albums, Tampa guitarist Todd Grubbs will be releasing for the first time a predominantly “vocal” album titled “As The Worm Turns”. Not to fear, you still hear Todd shred on guitar throughout the album, but this time around the tracks are more “song” oriented.

 

Says Todd, “I have been writing and working on these songs for the last couple of years. I have 2 vocal albums with the band 3 Green Windows but I wanted to do a true solo album with a bunch of different singers. I have really enjoyed creating all of my instrumental CDs but I kinda feel like I have made my statement in that genre, my new goal is to equal my instrumental output with vocal projects.”

Not even Mom and big brother could help Jeb. Trump mixes it up the the Pope, The GOP continue to grumble about replacing Scalia. Kasich and Carson refuse to quit. Cruz and Rubio get down and dirty.