ARE YOU SURE THAT’S A SAXOPHONE? A MEMOIR
‘Are You Sure That’s A Saxophone?’ is the memoir of a gigging musician playing bad gig after bad gig and hoping a high-level music executive would happen to be in the Rose and Crown Pub at the next Open Mic night.
Often comical, often heart-wrenching, Sarah Skinner bares her soul in this memoir. She writes about the promoter who threatened to have her beaten up, the time she played a gig in front of 3,000 people with her foot in a bucket of ice, the time she earned less than an owl for a gig at a village fete, and many many more.
All the stories in the book are based in the U.K. and Europe. Skinner is British-born but now based in Canada, and grateful to have this agonising warts-and-all part of her musical career far behind her.
‘Are You Sure That’s A Saxophone?’ will appeal to armchair travellers, musicians and anyone who realises there’s a little more to making a living as a musician than crossing your fingers and applying for X Factor.
BEAR WITH US (2021)
Bear With Us is a collection of ten original songs from the groundbreaking Red Dirt Skinners.
From as far back as their 2012 album “Home Sweet Home” (a collection of songs about a break in at their home), the Skinners have become well known for writing songs that see the positives in negative situations.
Recent immigrants to Canada (under the “performers of a world class category”), the duo have a unique perspective on life. This album draws on such hard hitting subject matters as dementia, homelessness and narcissistic abuse, whilst still managing to produce music which is uplifting with soaring choruses, catchy lyrics and the ever present award-winning sound of Sarah’s saxophone solos.
This album is a triumph to positive thinking and a further development of the bands signature sound.
Voted in Music-News Top Albums of 2021
UNDER UTOPIAN SKIES (2018)
“If there’s a Pink Floyd of folk music, these guys are it. They’re innovative, orchestral and dreamy, and Sarah is the David Gilmour of the soprano sax.” Roots Music Canada
“I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. It should have had 6. Wonderful harmonies and remarkable heart and depth” Andy Snipper. Music News
“Substantial, beautifully rendered folk music. The Skinners trademark close harmonies elevate their uplifting quality material throughout” Classic Rock Prog Magazine.
“They really do have an across the board appeal. Renowned for their soaring choruses, fabulous soprano sax solos and clever thought provoking lyrics” Jan Hall. Folk Roots Radio
“A band I have a lot of respect for. They don’t pigeonhole themselves. Damn fine music. Fantastic, very accomplished musicians. Absolutely superb”. My Rock Radio.
“A lovely album. Just gorgeous”.Rick Stuart, Roots and Fusion
“With most folk, the most important part of the music is often lyrics. With Red Dirt Skinners, you get that, but you also get incredibly talented musicians” Bucketlist Music Reviews
“A Masterpiece. Audio bliss from the Red Dirt Skinners’ scintillating new album ‘Under Utopian Skies’.” Trevor Oxborrow, Folk at Five
BEHIND THE WHEEL (2016)
SOLD OUT
Voted folk/roots album of the year in several polls on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This album is delightful. I’ll be listening to this for some time to come”. Music News.4/5
“Make sure you put it on the top of your shopping list.” Blues in Britain Magazine.
“A glittering ride of originality full of integrity, inspiration and individuality.” 10/10 Bluesdoodles.
“Simply get this CD ASAP and listen to the accomplished musicianship and cool vocal harmonies” Ian McKenzie, Blues In The South
“Is there a genre called Damn Fine Music? If so, that’s where you’ll find this.” Paul Stewart, Pablo and the Blues show, My Rock Radio
LIVE IN ABERDEEN (2014)
SOLD OUT
“The best live album I’ve heard in yonks!” FATEA Magazine 10/10
“A terrific showpiece. One of the best duos in the business” Blues In Britain Magazine
“Musically set apart from the mass of bands who are just copying what has gone before” Music News 4/5
“A fantastic live band full of warmth and stories that make each track authentic with personal connection” Bluesdoodles 10/10
SINKING THE MARY ROSE (2013)
SOLD OUT
“Close Harmonies don’t come much sweeter” Classic Rock Magazine 8/10 ”
“Homebred male/female duos don’t come more impassioned or impressive” Daily Mirror 4/5
“Outstanding harmonies” R2 (Rock n Reel) Magazine 4/5
“Everything about this album shouts ‘quality’. Just file it under ‘excellent'” Music News 4/5
HOME SWEET HOME (2012)
SOLD OUT
“Extremely polished harmonies and a good dose of raunchy sax” Blues In Britain Magazine
“Male-female duelling vocals that recall the good ol’ times back home” Time Out London Magazine