In The Spotlight: Sammy Stein Talks To Charlotte Keeffe

Charlotte Keeffe is one of the most intriguing and interesting improvisers on the music scene. A hugely respected musician, she has an extraordinary ability to take a lungful of air, blow it through a tiny hole in a mouthpiece and create extraordinary music. This year, alongside a kaleidoscope of colourful and talented fellow musicians, Charlotte …

Mr. Bennett's Mind - Photo by Alexa Drew.jpg

Album Review: “Mr. Bennett’s Mind” – Daniel Bennett Group. Words: Sammy Stein

‘Mr Bennett’s Mind’ (Manhattan Daylight Media, 2024) is the 10th studio release from the Daniel Bennett Group. Having reviewed several of their releases, this is a musical progression in the fullest of senses. The album was recorded at the iconic Big Orange Sheep Studio in Brooklyn, New York, and produced by Grammy-nominated producer MP Kuo. …

In The Spotlight: Sammy Stein Talks To Roberta Donnay

Roberta Donnay is a vocalist known for her renditions of vintage songs. Critical Jazz Blog has described her as ‘taking old school jazz and making it new cool,’ and Jazz Times as ‘having a singularly enticing sound.’ Donnay is the leader of The Prohibition Mob, with a mission to explore, celebrate, and promote America’s jazz …

Single Review: “Heed The Call” – Sir Archer

This tune is stunning! This could easily be one of my top tunes of the year! 16th notes on the hi hat with with percussion, lovely bit of electric piano but then the chorus hits with that distorted bass…. The vocals are so soulful it hurts… oh lord the guitar solo! Wowwwwwwwww! I’m in heaven …

Single Review: “The One” – Leigh Thomas

have one question to ask. Why is Leigh not playing packed out arenas? This dude has just released a single that packs a solid punch, it comes with an intro that hits the ground running. And it sounds like he’s got a full band in the studio and they’re having a ball; this is a …

Gig Review: Tom Robinson Band, Blackheath Halls.

L-R: Andy Treacey (Drums), Adam Philips (Guitar/Vocals), Tom Robinson (Lead Vocals and bass), Lee Forsyth Griffith (Guitar/Vocals), Jim Simmons (Piano). On a rainy night in south London I ventured out to Blackheath Halls to go and see the Tom Robinson Band, and boy am I glad I did. I’m by no means a gig reviewer …

Single Review: “West End Girls” – Pet Shop Boys

On 11th January 1986 The Pet Shop Boys scored their first UK No.1 single with ‘West End Girls.’ The first version of the song was released in April 1984, becoming a club hit in the United States, after the duo signed with EMI, the song was re-recorded with producer Stephen Hague. Now I remember the …

Single Review: “Love$ick” Bacao Rhythm And Steel Band

Bacao Rhythm And Steel Band – Love$ick Straight off the bat I knew this track immediately… I didn’t go to the PR write up I went straight to the track, it’s my go to thing so I don’t get prejudiced by knowing who the artist is. The drums starts off the party and it’s punchy …

Album Review: “384,000” – Terence Collie. Words: Sammy Stein

Terence Collie is a talented pianist, composer, and leader. At age seventeen, he joined a band in Jersey, Channel Islands which led to a weekly gig at the Blue Note Bar in St Helier, where he experienced playing supportive concert slots for visiting artists including Teddy Edwards, The Average White Band, Georgie Fame, Andy Sheppard, Jason Rebello, and Digby Fairweather. In …

Single Review: “Vienna” – Ultravox

On 1st January 2013 Ultravox’s 1981 hit ‘Vienna’ was voted the UK’s favourite number two single. The song topped a poll by BBC Radio 2 and the Official Charts Company to find the greatest track to miss out on the number one spot. Vienna was held off by novelty track ‘Shaddup You Face’ by Joe …