Reviews
Hillbilly Ragas
The John Fahey-coined term “American primitive guitar” has become murky of late, with some guitarists disregarding it completely due to...
Reviewed by Glenn Kimpton in issue: October/2025
The Best of the Black President 2
This is consistently great music: a sublime mix of jazz, funk and a dreamy groove. Fela Kuti created a whole...
Reviewed by Alastair Johnston in issue: Apr/May/2013
Til My Song Is Done
Emma Donovan | Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
When Australian Indigenous singer Emma Donovan was little, her mother regularly entered her in country music busking and talent competitions....
Reviewed by Seth Jordan in issue: August/2024
Jean Claude Vannier Et Son Orchestre de Mandolines
Jean Claude Vannier Et Son Orchestre de Mandolines
Now here’s an unusual, quirky and charming instrumental set from a French composer with a deserved cult following in the...
Reviewed by Robin Denselow in issue: February/March/2025
Corazón de Piel Afuera
Since 1964's Madrugada, Juan ‘Tata’ Cedrón, at the head of assorted line-ups, has been performing a kind of free-form River...
Reviewed by Chris Moss in issue: Aug/Sep/2012
Leeroy Presents: Fela is the Future
A French hip-hop and beatboxing hero from the early 2000s, Leeroy is at the controls here as curator and producer...
Reviewed by Max Reinhardt in issue: April/2018
The Free Wild Wind & The Songs of Birds
Citing Norwegian chamber-prog band Meer and composer Bear McCreary as influences, The Crooked Fiddle Band’s new and lengthily-titled album comprises...
Reviewed by Tom Newell in issue: September/2024
Lines: Parts One, Two and Three
Lines, the latest of The Unthanks' many ambitious and innovative projects, is a trilogy of song cycles, each with a...
Reviewed by Julian May in issue: April/2019
En Mi Piel
Flamenco artists continue to coin new genres. The Mallorca-born African gitana Concha Buika takes flamenco’s pained message and impassioned spirit...
Reviewed by Chris Moss in issue: March/2012
There is No Other
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi
Having only reviewed the wonderful Giddens-curated collaborative album Songs of Our Native Daughters in #147, it's a surprise to welcome...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: July/2019
