Reviews
Sixty/Black to the Future/Notes of Life
With Masekela's live dates cancelled while he recovers from prostate cancer, this budget-price reissue of a trio of classic albums...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: Jan/Feb/2018
La Fasciculation
Their name translates roughly as the ‘Sons of a French Gypsy poodle.’ They were the official group at the annual...
Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: December/2017
Live
A veteran of Mali’s oldest dance orchestra Super Biton de Ségou, Mama Sissoko became the band’s guitarist in 1972. When...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: April/2024
Master of Bamboo Mouth Organ
The free reed bamboo mouth organ, the khaen or khene, is the iconic musical instrument of Laotians living in Isan...
Reviewed by John Clewley in issue: April/2024
Les Îles du Désert
Loy Ehrlich was one multi-instrumental third of France’s esteemed Hadouk Trio, whose co-founder and fellow ex-Gong member, Didier Malherbe, guests...
Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: November/2024
Mohini
Sudeshna Bhattacharya & Mosin Khan Kawa
Norway-based Sudeshna Bhattacharya is one of very few female sarod players, having begun training aged just eight, initially with her...
Reviewed by Jameela Siddiqi in issue: June/2025
The MCO Session
The MCO Session is Palestinian oud virtuoso Nizar Rohana’s revitalisation of his renowned trio format, featuring reimaginings of favourite pieces...
Reviewed by Charlie Cawood in issue: December/2025
If You Can't Stand the Heat
Frank Solivan's satin-smooth, mid-tenor voice soars right off the bat in ‘Crave’, the opening track of If You Can't Stand...
Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: April/2019
Barlande
A set of eight pieces for flamenco guitar and cello: it’s an unusual combination but an effective one. The pieces...
Reviewed by Philip Sweeney in issue: March/2012
All We Have is Now
Self-proclaimed Highland neo-trad quintet Elephant Sessions are a curious mix of traditional roots, electronic, rock and funk. Comprising Euan Smille...
Reviewed by Billy Rough in issue: July/2017
