Reviews

The Divine Abstract

Charlie Cawood

If the sonic right hook that begins ‘Shringara’ indicates the depth of this debut from Londoner Cawood, then the pretty...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Faha Rain

An Tara

There's an intriguing new fusion scene developing in Ireland, with major musicians exploring how to blend traditional influences with other...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Solotronic

Smadj

His professional career is 24 years old, yet French Tunisian oud (lute) player Jean-Pierre Smadj continues to surprise his followers....

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Fitxadu

Sara Tavares

It has been quite a while since we last heard of Sara Tavares. Due to health problems, the Portuguese singer...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Don’t Ask Silly Questions

Katsha’nes

Don’t Ask Silly Questions is a remarkable compilation of popular Yiddish songs that were heard in London's East End in...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Nazar

Turkwaz

I’ve been a fan of Canadian singer Brenna MacCrimmon for nearly two decades; back when she was a resident of...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Lebanon Elevator

Kamel Nitrate

Kamel Nitrate are to all intents and purposes a fusion band, mixing funk, trip-hop and Arab drum styles. Unfortunately, the...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Olagón

Eighth Blackbird

Inspired by the ancient Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge, the story being recast by poet Paul Muldoon as a caustic,...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Aria

Richard Galliano & Thierry Escaich

The witty liner notes to this collaboration liken the meeting between accordionist Richard Galliano and organist Thierry Escaich to a...

Reviewed in issue April/2018

Radiant Others

Dan Blacksberg

We are, perhaps, most familiar with the sound of a clarinet or violin taking the lead in instrumental klezmer music....

Reviewed in issue April/2018