Copasetic Foundation Celebrates Ten Years. Words: Sammy Stein

May 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Copasetic Foundation. What began as an informal vehicle for jazz and related music words and music productions has grown to become an established, non-profit collective that creates and produces live music and theatre shows, to promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and related music via …

Album Review: “It’s All We Have” – Diana Torti and Sabino de Bari. Words: Sammy Stein.

Diana Torti is a singer, improviser, and composer based in London. She has performed in jazz clubs, theatres, and international festivals. Her CD “On A Cloud” (2019, SLAM Productions) was nominated among the best jazz vocal releases of 2019 by The New York City Jazz Record. Torti is also a lecturer and researcher and has …

Album Review: “Happy Music For Orchestra” – Alex Paxton. Words: Sammy Stein

It is not often a musician or composer makes me sit up, listen and then listen again and again to the music, but Alex Paxton took me by surprise – I am almost ashamed to say I knew nothing of his music until now but I believe it should be shared.  This album is like …

Album Review: “Goddess The Seahorse” The Fabulous Red Diesel. Words: Sammy Stein.

The Fabulous Red Diesel is not your average jazz ensemble. The ensemble sits somewhere between jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, and sheer mayhem and it suits them. Their unique take on life and music have inspired many, but they follow their own path. A mix of different personalities, the band creates entertaining, self-aware shows and …

Single Review: “Focus” – Nyla Sings

Nyla Sings – Focus This is a gorgeous acoustic number! WOW. Nyla’s voice comes in giving the whole song warmth, over a bed of acoustic guitar, finger snaps, 808 drums and synth bass. The beat stutters nicely skipping little bits here and there which makes it pleasing to the ear. Thing is though…. It’s short …

Single Review: “Bluff” – Morena Santi and D’Larm

This tune… Morena comes out all cylinders firing with a fine vocal over drums made up 808 sounds, and analogue synth parts. This is the kind of tune you can easily get down to.  Morena delivers a playful vocal, which sits right on top of the instrumental, and you can tell she had fun while …

Single Review: “Patience” – JFlames ft. Amethyst

JFlames is back with a smooth retro soul track! And he’s brought with him a singer that delivers the goods!  Amethyst is the star here, bringing a vocal that’s so warm to the ear, and boy can she harmonise. JFlames has given her a lush blanket of a beat to wrap her vocals around. The …

Single Review: “You’re My Favourite” – Alice Offley

Alice Offley is back with a funky disco track that’s got that summer energy, as the days are getting longer and sunnier this is the tonic that we need. The guitar riff is reminiscent of 80s pop, but Alice brings the bass action making it just as funky – this being her instrument it’s no …

Single Review: “Silence Is Music” – Florie Namir & Franck Biyong

Florie Namir is back with a stunning ballad and a duet partner – Franck Niyong. Their voices are very different, Frank has a soulful touch whereas Florie’s vocals are suited to folk/jazz but they find a middle ground, and this song is a perfect vehicle for this.  It’s an acoustic number, the percussion is gorgeous, …

Single Review: “Love Has Come” – SōMuch

SŌMuch are back and they’ve got an EP! This is one of the new tracks that hasn’t yet been heard.  The sound is sophisticated, very polished – but what would you expect of a band mentored by Ralph Rolle of Chic?  Let’s break it down.  The back beat is laid back, the hats give the …