Two seminal Trojan albums from the golden age of reggae, on one disc, delivering two dozen tracks from the final days of the...
Category - Reviews Zone
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We prefer physical discs unless we have agreed to listen to your music on-line. Oh, and as for genres, we cover almost anything if it is really, really, really good. If we really dig it, we may well then grab you for a chat and a few piccies for our Features Zone or turn up at a gig to see what all the noise is about. So go on then, what are you waiting for?
We have for your delight….a brilliant blast of sizzling jazz tinged nu-soul from Norwegian eight-piece Fieh – pronounced Fee...
March is a very big month for UB40. Their 39-date UK tour sets off to celebrate their 40th anniversary and they drop...
We are really loving this at Music Republic Magazine…Rising Scottish outfit The LaFontaines and their cracking new single “All...
If you do not know who Sigrid is by now, maybe go back to the remote cave you’ve been living in this past two years or so. Since...
March 29th 2019 is a significant date. The day us Brits are supposed to be leaving the European Union and what some...
One of the best blue-eyed soul singers to emerge from the UK in my lifetime, and I’m knocking on a bit now! Paul...
Legendary record producer Mike Vernon was very excited. As we watched a band on stage and then later chatted...
Harmonica player Giles Robson just made history. He’s the first and only Brit’ or European to land a record deal with...
Three discs delivering 66-tracks from six albums, which is the first-ever retrospective of The Staple Singers years...
Want to see two words that adequately and concisely define classy and talented? Well here they are: Thelma. Houston. A...
This is a first-of-its-kind three-CD collection of Carrie’s six albums. As “The First Lady Of Solar (Sound Of Los...
Music triggers memories. Some good, some bad sometimes. We can often trace our lives by the soundtrack to it; and pin down...
A newly re-mastered and expanded double-CD edition of the 1973 debut album by British prog’ rockers Greenslade. This set includes a...
There are 78 pretty good reasons to shell out around a score for this four CD clamshell box set rounding up all of...
In the same year as the legendary Trojan record label is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Doctor Bird are...
. Two words to get me excited: Box. Set. Add a third “punk”, and you have my complete attention. In this case, a...
These multi-albums on one or two CDs re-issues on CD are coming out thick and fast; especially in the soul...
If you are a fan of period drama on TV and you catch the Sunday night prime time showing of Vanity Fair...
Kiwi artist and producer Blair Jolland is a new name to me. He’s London-based these days and earns a crust...
Live albums, compilations and tribute records with lots of stars turning out to pay homage to a hero or...
Southern rock fans are in for a real treat here, with the release of this fabulous four-disc box set from the...
Charged G.B.H., commonly known as G.B.H. since 1984, have been going for 40 years since they formed in...
My talented old mate Stanley Samuel played in Desmond Dekker’s band. He invited me to go see them years ago at a big...
Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert is better known as “Toots”, and with his iconic band The Maytals, is part...
Cock Sparrer were doing their punk thing in London some three years before the Sex Pistols and four years before The Clash...
Soul diva Jean Carne’s music is timeless. Still going strong too. Her soul cuts from the 1970s are still much sought...
Never thought I’d live to see the day I was writing the following words: Inky Dinky Wang Dang Doo for any reason. But...
Legendary. Unique. Sizzlingly soulful. Sassy…. All pretty accurate descriptions of Anita, Bonnie, June...
Harry Zephaniah Johnson may not be a familiar name to many. But he was one of the most influential and under...
With the famed Trojan label celebrating its 50th birthday this year, it is apt that there is a current slew of...
For fans of bands who come under the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal genre, snapping up this three CD...
Yet another legendary British punk band re-release; a good old plunder of the archives to package up a collection of previously issued...
Punk re-releases are like buses! Not a sausage and then hey presto; a few come along all at once. Right now, I’ve a bumper post bag of box...
This is a belting 79-track, five-CD box set rounding up the early and most successful years of British punk legends the Angelic...
Oohh, if you, like me, are a Pie fan; that’s Humble not Jonathan; then you are being properly spoiled right now. Not...
What can one write about this British band and their frigging amazing front man and singer Steve Marriott that has not been written or said about...
There is an age-old debate of who was the first band or artist to invent punk music as a genre. Everyone comes up with different names to each...
A three CD box Set of Samson material which features 1989’s previously unreleased “Look To The Future”, 1990’s “Refugee” and the 2006 final album...
I have a confession to make…I have exclusively heard the as yet unreleased new solo album from Stray singer...
In a previous life, I wore the hat of record producer, among other things. The quality of the end result and the...
Her sixth studio album release. 10 cuts. Produced by Dale Murray. This Canadian singer songwriter has delivered something...
On hearing just a few tracks, it is therefore a surprise to find out this is the debut album from this Canadian pair. A massively...
A bumper 56 track, four CD box set which offers up Anti Nowhere League’s first three albums – plus a disc of non-LP B-sides...
Wasn’t it Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong who said: “If you have to ask what jazz is, man, you’ll never, ever...
Blues has become an odd beast. Wrestling desperately for any sort of success outside of the relatively small though...
There’s not much more that needs to be said here; other than to tell you that this really is an excellent live album. Angel...
Steve Logan possesses a fine voice and clearly works hard on the song writing side of his skills. Both are presented well on his new album...
Blicher Hemmer Gadd’s wonderful new album “Omara”, recorded live across Germany, England and Denmark during...
Well, here it is! It’s the new album “Bad As I Wanna Be” by Malina Moye. Who, I hear you ask. Don’t worry, I have no idea...
What’s the all conquering, defining and biggest-selling sound of blues today? Why it would have to be Joe Bonamassa and his guitar...
Pianist and singer Mitch Woods is a master American blues musician who has never registered on my musical radar. I admit, this is incredibly...
Many will know this guy, some will not. Well, if you do, you’ll not need convincing to read on and to grab a copy of Rhys...
This is the first official re-release of “Twin Barrels Burning” from 1982 in decades, and it is a definitive edition...
Mixed feelings from loyal Wisbone Ash fans about this 1985 album and the previous 80s Ash release, “Twin Barrels Burning”...
Highly recommended roots and folk album from American singer songwriter Zoe Mulford, now based in the North of...
This young and hungry Manchester four-piece indie rock outfit smacked me between the eyes with their debut release...
Here’s a new name to me, but I am very, very glad to make his musical acquaintance. This is a blinking gorgeous album. Oh so...
Who’s the Daddy? On slide guitar; that’s easy. Elmore James, that’s who. His 100th anniversary this year...
First official release of Wes Montgomery’s one and only concert in Paris, France on March 27, 1965 at the Théâtre des...
There’s nothing more stimulating that hearing a piece of music to conjure up memories – good and bad – of days gone by and...
First time on CD for one of the Trojan label’s most sought after albums. Features the full original album and another...
R&B legend Wilson Pickett and blues star Robert ward both owed a debt of gratitude to a bunch of top musicians who backed them in...
US singer songwriter Todd Kessler delivers an album that is up there with the best of em’ in the singer songwriter, roots and Americana...
From the first few seconds of the opener, “Rattle”, there’s a tingle runs up and down the spine. The ears tune in...
A group formed in 1964 and named after a glance at the wording on a Coke bottle label! Previously recording under the name of The...
As the follow-up to the release of the Bar-Kays “Light Of Life” and “Injoy” albums both on one CD, here is a bumper four of...
A pretty apt title for respected Cincinnati-born, Chicago-based jazz trumpeter and singer Andrew Distel’s new album, “It...
Really cool and classy live blues album, and a five camera high-definition live DVD; featuring the equal talents of...
Kenny Loggins is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. His early songwriting compositions were recorded with...
My late Step-Father was a trumpet player in big bands, jazz gigs and recording. A good one too. Really knew...
I love this man. As an artist, a songwriter, a killer singer and as a humble human being… In a previous life, I had...
One of four new releases from major league Italian solo artists to be issued in the UK in December 2017, on the Blue Wrasse...
This guy is a superstar in Europe and one of the biggest selling artists in Italy for decades. He has shifted in excess of...
Italian music CDs are like buses! None at all on the horizon and then no less than four come along at once! World music at...
World music. What does it mean? To some; they’d expect music played and/or sung by musicians and artists from the African...
He’s back with his annual delve into the Craig Charles trunk of funk – and plenty of soul, R&B and much more. 19 choice...
No wonder Chris Stapleton leads the country nominations for the 60th annual Grammy awards, with multiple nominations...
A 14-track sampler on one disc, of the best of the blues in the form of the 14 solo, duo and band acts that made it to the...
Stunning Latin jazz album, which raises the bar several feet, and is a welcome return for the acclaimed Cuban-Scandinavian...
Decisions, decisions. Do I start this review off with a particular line of praise I have in my head after hearing this album...
Debut album from British hard rockers Saints Of Sin, to capitalise on the impact of their first release, the self-released demo EP...
This is a first. All the band’s singles from the 1970s, 80s and 90s collected together on one 18-track album. Ohh, and a...
An early Christmas present for me and all other soul fans out there…this little gem dropping through my letter box this cold and...
I defy anyone to stick a fruit pastel sweet in their mouth, and not chew. To sit in front of the TV when the X Factor is on...
Peter Gabriel writes the foreword here. Genesis fans will love this. But it’s a pretty decent read as a rock and roll, anecdotal journal...
Now you are talking my language…..Steve Marriott is one of the greatest singers to come from these shores in my lifetime, and I admit...
I don’t usually “do” compilations. In my personal music collection or to review as a music journalist. I find many can be...
“The sound of tomorrow and yesterday: Talk-Show blend Velvet Underground, Kraftwerk and McCartney into new pop”. So the PR...
A fabulous seven-disc collection which offers a total of 75 tracks. Six of the CDs captures gigs in the UK, USA and Japan, and the...
This collection gathers three albums Graham Bonnet recorded across the 1990s; “Here Comes The Night” (1991), “Underground”...
I saw and photographed the legendary Mark E. Smith and his iconic band The Fall this past May, at a festival. He didn’t look too...
This veteran British rock band don’t get the acclaim and credit that maybe they have earned and deserve over a 50 year period. Esoteric...
While listening to this lovely second album from Dublin band Kingdom Of Crows, it struck me that there’s plenty of stuff here for...
One of the coolest and classiest albums to hit my desk this year. Really infectious. In fact, cooler than the temp’ inside my...
French rock band Electric Ducks drop their new studio album, recorded and mixed by Mike Fraser – who has worked with the...
The latest chapter in the musical evolution of guitarist and vocalist Mato Nanji is an excellent example of the US blues...
For a bloke who sings most of his repertoire in his native Italian language, and the majority of his fans around the world...
Three disc box set. As the iconic rock band Deep Purple embark on their final live dates around the globe on the “Long Goodbye...
New York rock-blues outfit Jane Lee Hooker are back with their second album, “Spiritus”, which is not a great choice for background...
Yesterday, an old friend of mine said on the telephone that “jazz is dead”. Not any old person, but a guy who knows more about jazz...
There’s a mesmerising and immensely calming quality to the material found on this joyous trip to Senegal and Belgium, and this...
Nicely done chaps. Nicely done…The very impressive debut album from four very talented musicians who collectively call themselves...
This is a real belter of a three disc set; delivering a total of 51 tracks by this fabulously over the top US band who for me...
Jools Holland’s favourite female singer. Hailed a national treasure in the UK, the Jamiacan-born artist spent her formative years...
Class. Pure class. That just about sums up soul artist Phyllis Hyman. Here we have a much welcomed anthology, a two disc homage to...
The title as it is written on the CD cover is a tad misleading. It says III after the band’s name, and then “Moment Gone In The Clouds”...
Music reviewers often use the words “honest” and “real” and “passionate” when describing a performance on recorded work or on stage...
A pretty credible line-up of special guests on this album. Walter Trout, Debbie Davies, Mike Zito, Mike Finnigan and Dennis...
This is a colossus of a line-up; Robben Ford, Jimmiy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta on their first album together under the Jing Chi...
Don’t know this band. T-Bear aka Torbjorn Solberg is from Sweden, but the band are better known in Norway where they play...
If I said Ted Horowitz has a great new record out in the blues / blues-rock genre, it may well attract blank stares and little else. But...
Their sixth album. The first in four years. This skillful Canadian outfit delivers an all originals album that is the sound of musical...
An extremely accomplished debut album from hard rockers Kiss The Gun – a very promising and powerful new British, female-fronted...
Belgian blues-rock singer and guitarist Joost de Lange delivers a blistering power trio format live album of a dozen cuts – a mix...
We all like before and after contrasts, don’t we? Such as home renovations, vintage car restoration or even major weight loss…...
My favourite harmonica players? Funny you should ask…Stevie Wonder, Magic Dick of the J Geils Band, Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero, Giles...
Canadian singer-songwriter Jasper Sloan Yip drops a third album, seven years after his debut which was released on his 23rd...
The main photo on the Home page of the website of this five-piece band based in Hamburg, is taken in front of a bunch of open umbrellas...
On my very first trip to Nashville in 2004, I went into the fabulous but sadly now closed Tower Records store, and filled two...
Former front man of mega US band Hootie and the Blowfish and now a big country star, Darius Rucker is back with a brand new album, “When...
A new name on the blues-rock scene; Ghalia Vauthier. Belgian singer-songwriter fronting a band from Louisiana on some raunchy...
What a lovely pianist. One would need to be very careful how to say that out loud! Richard Bennett is a Canadian, moving to New York in...
One of my favourite albums of 2017. Yes indeed. Quite something. One of those song collections where it is impossible to second...
Exclusive – First Review Anywhere If Steve Jordan, superstar drummer and mega producer, and Will Lee, superstar bassist and mega...
What have we here? A ballsy, in your face rock album with a bluesy core, that packs a bumper punch from the off. A superb singer, great...
FIRST REVIEW ANYWHERE There’s a bit of a story behind how I first discovered this guy. It involves a backstage VIP toilet and the awning...
Had the pleasure of this guy’s company in Nashville a couple of times. Nice guy, great voice, skilful guitarist and a superb song...
This legendary British band are partly responsible for the fact I have spent almost 40 years in the music business in some capacity...
Ballsy, no holds-barred blues – killer guitar licks and growling vocals from this exciting US artist. His ninth solo album...
Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart: The Usual Suspects (3MS Music) 6th October 2017 – Vinyl LP
This album came out on CD previously, launched at Glastonbury Festival when the band appeared there. Here’s a new limited...
Graham Bonnet is a singer for all seasons. From his days with The Marbles, two hits with Bee Gees’ songs (“One Woman” and...
This is a fun read. 208 pages, updated from a previous edition, this book traces the 230 nights of touring across six continents with...
Live recordings are hit and miss. Often they are patchy, an uneven listen and unless there are big bucks in the budget, more often...
Miss the summer? Yeah, in the UK, blink and we missed it! No, I mean; do you yearn for the warmer and longer days, now the chill winds...
Let’s begin by a little bit of under-statement, shall we? Taken from Daisy’s own website, which says the new album, her third, is: “An...
If your face doesn’t break out in a great, big fat smile during first ear-hole of this album, I’d check your pulse to make sure you are...
Lovely blend of voices and some very fine and uber-classy singer-songwriter material, on an album that shines very brightly indeed...
You want different? You crave an artist with a distinctive voice and his own sound? You long for lyrics that mean something from a writer...
In music reviews, we often see a record described as “ambitious” or “honest”. That can sometimes mean the writer wants you to read...
The never-before-heard live recording by the Bill Evans Trio featuring bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack DeJohnette recorded in...
As a 15-year-old music obsessed kid back in 1974, I single-handedly annoyed family, neighbours and friends by blasting out certain...
Blending voices is a skill. An art. Whether that be a duo, close harmonies, backing vocals or a full choir. It doesn’t always work...
Rob Jungklas is a bit of a legend in his native Memphis. He has dropped 10 albums since his debut, “Closer To The Flame” in 1986. He ahd...
Americana singer songwriter Lesley Kernochan’s creative inner flame was lit as a child when she first heard the likes of Paul Simon and...
Gorgeous. Lovely. Beautiful. But enough about me! Seriously, this record really is a wonderful job and showcases singer-songwriter Daniel...
I really liked the last album this lot put out, but this release is much stronger. The vocal, the songs, the performances, the overall...
Mention the music scene in 1960’s Britain and most pop fans would cite the ‘Mersey Beat’ or the ‘London Scene’ as being the back-beat for the...
Introducing one of the UK’s best kept secrets, singer-songwriter Linda Campbell. This is her third album, but in her mind it is her...
There’s a shed load of so-called blues rock merchants on the UK pub and club circuit right now, and some are churning out albums...
I referenced Sally Barker in a review I wrote at the weekend, of another female singer-songwriter; where I said that for me, there has...
What’s not to like? Steve Miller Band. Great singer. Great guitarist. Timeless songs. Part of the soundtrack to my life and to many, many...
Matt Bianco’s “Gravity” is their 13th studio album, and I very much doubt that # 13 will be unlucky in this case. It’s a very decent...
The pairing of two British music legends – two genuine pioneers – on this sterling album, is a match made in heaven. Courtney...
If some music gives you chills, apparently you may have a unique brain, so says a scientific study I just read about. Don’t know about my brain...
This is the “long lost” recording made by PP back in the day, produced by Bee Gee Barry Gibb and Eric Clapton, an album PP never thought...
I finally gave in. I have been fighting the urge to switch the gas heating back on after the summer. Last night, I waved the white flag...
You will probably recall an ‘X Rated’ hit back in 2003, from a young US singer called Eamon. That R&B hit was “Fuck It (I...
If you were present at the Monsters of Rock Festival in 1980 or Bristol’s Colston Hall the same year, to see US rock band...
Former Prince school friend and band-mate Andre Cymone has had a pretty successful career as a bassist, songwriter, solo artist and...
It’s a lovey warm feeling when someone reaches out across the pond and via the wonders of the internet, introduces me to a new band and to...
She’s here now as I write this review. This Canadian-born, New Zealand-based singer songwriter just blew the roof off a respected venue in...
A quirky, acquired taste release which takes a few spins to “get”. The 10 cuts trace the life of one Heath Common, dating back to the 60s...
Amid a legal row with then current and former members of the band, this album had to be released under the name ARS. Unfortunate abbreviation...
Triple album offering on two discs from this cult band of Native-American rooted musicians, whose two founder members started out...
Writing this review while listening to random tunes, and what comes on: “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles. I kid you not. Spooky huh...
It’s tasty, but there’s not enough of it to fill you up. If that was the answer; what was the question? Well, the question would be; what...
I’ve heard this kind of thing done before. Or should I say, attempted. Close multi-harmonies, a la Byrds/CSN&Y, in the modern day with...
One of the very best albums in a decade. Fact. I have never been more certain of awarding the maximum five stars in a review, than I am...
A new name to me. Arrived in a package of CDs from a Sweden-based music PR today. Always enjoy sifting through what this guy sends me, as...
This has been out a wee while, and if the truth be known; I “mislaid” the CD James sent me ages ago to consider for review. So, my bad! Where did...
This is the perfect soundtrack to the summer; but sadly, we did not really get one in 2017, and this cracking collection has arrived as...
I loved the Trojan label. Well, most of their output back in the late 1960s and the 1970s, when I had a much slimmer waist, more hair and my back...
Guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen signed to Elektra Records in 1992, releasing his sixth studio album, “Fire & Ice”, that February. Featuring Göran...
Fabulous 33-track 2-CD set of classic recordings by the legendary – and vastly under-rated – Brenda Holloway, drawn from Motown’s...
I saw and photographed The Fall at a festival in May. Apparently, Mark E. Smith’s rider on the contract was 60 fags and a bottle of spirits. He...
I was really, really bored over the August bank holiday weekend. Plans to cover a festival fell through due to the unreliability of a...
Very, very pleasing 10-track smooth jazz album from US trombonist, composer, arranger and band leader Geoff Alpert. His debut solo...
What can one say or write about Miles Davis that has not already been covered a zillion times before? Best to let his musical legacy speak for...
A character in the recent smash hit movie “La La Land” – musically and fashion-wise – was influenced by real life jazz legend...
Ahh, good old Clive Powell, aka Georgie Fame. he has also been known as Georgie Fortune in his time, too. The man’s music career has...
Ohhhh, now this is talking my language. Tom Browne is a superb artist and his classic track “Funkin’ For Jamaica” was a cut I played to...
Five discs, a bumper 65 tracks. Unavailable for many years on CD, the two albums from 1981 have now finally been treated to a...
Does this band get the credit and full recognition that their pioneering music deserves? Answers on a post card to……………In the meantime...
A much anticipated release for rock fans and especially for admirers of the NWOBHM bands. Samson formed in the 1970, and stormed on to the mid...
One of my all time favourite guitarists. Back in the 1970s, I wore out the vinyl LPs by the New York-based session player supergroup Stuff. Eric...
Glenn Hughes aka “The Voice Of Rock”, is a man who really doesn’t need any introduction. His work as front man with Deep Purple was enough...
This man really does deserve the label “legend”. Still going strong at the age of 64, still in very fine voice indeed. Solo and as part...
If it is big band music at its finest you are after, then look no further than the fifth album release from the exciting US 18-piece, The...
A beautiful voice on a beautiful six song EP of originals from this talented Swedish singer songwriter. The title referring to her choice...
The fourth studio album from UK singer songwriter Russell Joslin delivers 14 impressive self-penned songs which examine heart, unrest and...
There’s been quite a few decent albums come out of Australia in recent times. Especially in the roots and acoustic genres. This one is toward the...
A fabulous way of celebrating your 20th studio album release, putting out a record that it would not be unfair to describe as, “career defining”...
This Baltimore outfit make a wonderful noise. They say it is “alt. country”, but that’s not the full story by any means. The alt. bit may well be...
* FIRST REVIEW ANYWHERE – Music Republic Magazine’s Tip For Success * A new name to me. Brighton-based, Northampton-born...
Now you are talking my language…I have been a huge fan of Mr Lang since I almost drove my car off of a sheer drop in thick fog on the Isle...
I like biographies and autobiographies. As a journalist and music writer, I can usually tell when it has been written by the subject...
Who this guy wrote songs with, had hits with and who he was married to for many years should NOT be the angle here. It might well be a...
For a guy who tragically died in a motorcycle accident at the tender age of 24, and who has been gone 45 years, Duane Allman made a huge...
Sport and music often goes hand in hand. In this case, it goes glove in glove, so to speak. In the autumn of 1974, Muhammad Ali and...
* Exclusive first review * I don’t usually “do” ambience stuff; the chill out genre, totally instrumental sounds where it’s all whale noises and birds...
I don’t do hype. I am not here to do a publicist’s job. I don’t “sell” artists or their wares. I don’t give away free adverts. What...
Jaco Pastorius needs little introduction. This album is a newly discovered recording of Jaco’s New York Word Of Mouth Big...
On a sticker attached to the front cover of my copy of this new record, it says this is a “newly unearthed jazz gem.” Is it...
A first-of-its kind two disc Labelle anthology that includes key tracks from the pioneering group recorded between 1973-1976...
Now you are talking. The baddest bass man out there. Saw him on stage with George Duke opening for Cameo, at what was then called...
This is an unusual one well worth dipping in to. The first-ever compilation to tell the story of the UK’s Mushroom Records...
The Cramps were a wild American rockabilly band, formed in 1976 and active until 2009. The band split after the death of lead...
An often overlooked rock and ‘all sorts’ outfit, Fandango originally formed in 1976, when singer Joe Lynn Turner hooked...
A really captivating three-disc collection which offers up no less than 87 tracks, and some really under the radar stuff here that...
Expanded reissue of the 1977 album “Play Me Out” by ‘The Voice Of Rock’ Glenn Hughes. The album is now augmented with a second disc...
The legendary Mr Steven Van Zandt aka Little Steven, drops his first solo album for almost two decades, re-working songs spanning his...
After I sold my entire vinyl record collection a few years ago, I began to regret the loss of some of it instantly. I have managed...
Such a lovely album. The Canadian twosome drop their seventh thus far, and they feel it is THE album they were always...
Unlucky for some; 13. Not for UK singer songwriter Pete Boddis. His new album “Spinning Wheels” offers up 13 very nice self-penned songs and a...
Anne Murray has sold more than 55 million records in her sparkling career – opening the door for other female Canadian singers such as Shania twain, k...
This intriguing album very recently dented the mid-20s in the UK album chart. Hawkwind are back and in mighty form. The UK space rock pioneers...
A beautifully packaged – hard back book in Racing Green with each of the 2 discs stuck to the inside cover – double CD...
I have long been a big admirer of this guy’s work. Quantic, aka Will Holland. Reviewed many of his albums and one can never second-guess...
This is a different one…Accomplished producer, composer, songwriter, arranger and musician Stephen Emmer’s latest project supports the War...
If I write two magic words at the start of this review, I am positive it will grab the attention of at least 50% who get to read...
One of the very first ‘big’ gigs I ever saw was Rainbow at the Granby Halls, Leicester (a huge hangar style roller skating...
This is a truly stunning singer-songwriter release. John Statz. A new name to me and I am really, really, really pleased to make...
Pioneering R&B and funk band Mtume charted 11 singles in the US charts, including the classic Juicy Fruit,” and all of those...
Spyder Turner. An often-overlooked soulful singer who deserves re-appraisal and respect. Spyder Turner’s output has covered doo wop...
Garland Jeffreys. If this cool cat were a building, he’d surely have a preservation order slapped on him! They don’t make ‘em like this...
More than five decades ago, in 1964 to be precise, a group of musicians assembled in a UK recording studio to cut what would become a classic...
I was brought up on a diet of many musical genres. My two older brothers were soul boys, and so I used to lay in bed at night while they...
In my Top Five best blues albums of the year thus far. Selwyn Birchwood’s “difficult second album” doesn’t sound like it caused him many...
The Queen has a staff member at Buckingham Palace to break in her new £1,000 a pair shoes by wearing socks and then walking about on the carpets in the Palace...
Janis Ian. Folk legend. Singer. Songwriter. A star for five decades. A songwriter’s songwriter. It takes a brave soul to set...
This is perhaps an album for those who may have uttered those immortal words at some stage; “Man, I really cannot get in to jazz.”...
“A striking new album from one of our very best.” So reads the PR blurb sent with this advance copy. Well, it would say that, wouldn’t it...
He and his music have been called “absolutely terrific” by the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and it has also been said by the music press...
Deluxe three disc CD set, ‘Van Morrison – The Authorized Bang Collection’ is the first official comprehensive anthology ever...
A very welcome CD box set retrospective of this legendary Australian rock outfit’s more recent releases of their 42 year career. A...
A much under-rated rock singer who deserves to take a turn in the spotlight once again. Graham Bonnet’s “Anthology” is the first...
Seminal Blackpool post-punk band’s entire early discography in one box set. A cracking 99 tracks on five discs. The Membranes came...
A bumper five disc, 89 track box set from this unique band from Watford – Rickmansworth to be precise – formed back in 1980, offering...
One of the very best rock and blues bands this country has ever produced. Fact. This sparkling gem of a release confirms that...
He’s a soul man at heart. The voice, the guitar playing, the song writing. Robert Cray may well have Grammy awards and many accolades as...
Hot on the heels of her 2016 debut album ‘A Twist of Blue’, London jazz artist Fiona Ross’ has released a new double-album ‘Just Me (and...
You could say that US saxophone man Jared Sims plays with spirt. Or perhaps, more accurately; spirits! Check out the third cut on his...
UK blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Danny Bryant had a dream. One which he fulfils with his brand new double live album “BIG”...
This man could do no wrong for me. At all. Ever. The late and very great blues man, Master of the Telecaster, the Iceman; Albert Collins...
Since his 18-year residency as guitarist and music director of US TV’s “The Tonight Show” band ended in 2010...
Rohey: A Million Things…This album is getting a lot of love at soul and jazz radio right now. Gilles Peterson and Jamie...
Your first ever gig opening for Thin Lizzy is a damn good start for any band, eh? That’s how Witchfynde started out, eventually a hot hard rock act at the same...
A tough one for me, or any critic/reviewer/journalist who is reviewing a release from an artist they know personally, they...
If you have ever had to wait for your telephone line to be fixed in the UK, you will see the irony in this band’s name...
