Album Review: “The Summoned” – Mama Terra. Words: Sammy Stein.

I became aware of Mama Terra when I took part in a Jazz FM panel show at Pizza Express, Holborn, London. The band was exploring and recreating partially, Herbie Hancock’s 1973 album ‘Head Hunters’. I was impressed by co-leader Marco Cafolla’s animated exposition of why he likes Herbie Hancock – and then by the music …

Album Review: “Moonshot” – 1201_Alarm. Words – Sammy Stein

120_Alarm comprises Steve Thompson (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nigel Kennedy, Robert Smith, Lisa Stansfield) on Electronics, Laser Harp and Keyboard, Tamar Osborn (Akram Khan, Collocutor, Kelis, Van Morrison, Billy Ocean) on saxophone and flute, Emma Bassett (Adele, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tim Minchin) on trombone, Alistair ‘Titch’ Walker (Divine Comedy, Doolally Tap) on trumpet, Ollie Weston (Amy Winehouse, …

Single Review: “Brother Chumbo” – Kontiki

Years ago I knew a kid in my neighbourhood called Chumbo. His family were from North Africa. I’m not sure exactly where. He was a bright kid, loved his football, and always had a big smile. When he moved, his friends around him were so sad, I never saw him again, and nothing on the …

Album Review: “Delta Breakdown” The Heavy North.

Grumble grumble… Liverpool…. grumble grumble… Talent from drinking the water of the river mersey. Grumble… Annoyingly good songs.  Grumble.  Oh hey!  So…. My boys from Liverpool The Heavy North dropped their new album. And guess what?  It’s bloody brilliant.  This for me takes over from where their debut album left off, it’s bluesy as hell, …

Blog interview: Carol Jarvis

Hello Carol how are you? I’m really great thanks, how are you? I’m thrilled you said that my single had you dancing around Covent Garden! Hope it has set you up for a happy day ahead?! Knowing that has definitely made me smile! I’m great thanks for asking! And yes, I did dance in Covent …

Music News: Grammy Winning Christone “Kingfish” Ingram releases new live album.

Grammy Award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram surprised his worldwide fans by dropping his third album, Live In London. The album was recorded on June 6, 2023, in front of a sweaty, sold-out, standing-room-only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage. Live In London is the guitar-driven live album Kingfish’s fans around the world have been clamouring for …

Live Review: Too Many Zooz, London Jazz Cafe 3rd July 2023. Words: Sammy Stein.

Too Many Zooz are NYC-based trio Leo Pelligrino on baritone sax, Matt Muirhead on trumpet, and David Parks on drums.  London’s Jazz Café was the perfect venue for the trio, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the space was large, packed, and atmospheric. After the first set by pianist/rapper Harvey White who topped his piano playing, …

Blog interview: Becky Crosby

Hi Becky! How are you?  I’m good! It’s been a couple of busy weeks, but I’ve been having a fun time with my single release, birthday show and the warm weather really kicking in! Congratulations on the release of “Love Like Medicine.” How does it feel?  Thank you! It feels great to be able to …

Single Review: “Indigo” – Brasstracks X Adelaide James

This song is proper pop. It caught my ear as I was going through the spotify recommendations and checked out the rest of the album and this is track 2. I thought they were making a mistake when recommendation as part of their jazz curation, but…. This actually works! It’s so catchy, with a singalong …