Album Review: “Green Park” – Benet McClean. Words: Sammy Stein.

It’s the energy that grabs you. I reviewed Benet Mclean’s ‘The Bopped and The Bopless’ back in 2016 and have not tired of it. So, it was a little trepidation I pressed ‘play’ on Mclean’s latest release ‘Green Park’. I mean, how can you top ‘The Bopped and The Bopless’? Mclean does not even try …

Single Review: “Finally Alive” – Edsun

Track Of The Day “Finally Alive” @edsunmusic This starts off as what I thought would be a retro disco track, especially with that piano and the bass drop.. but then it kicks into something funky, loving the muted guitar on this… watch out for the drum rolls because that’s where it changes up into a …

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: “The Power That Is Woman” – Ida Kudo

  This song is so strong.. vocals, lyrically, musically, it is so well put together and it’s not afraid to challenge what is going on in the world… What do I mean about the lyrics?  Well the opening line is: “You got blood on your hands, There’s blood in my pants, what’s the difference? My …

Blog interview: Modeste

Congratulations on the release of “Queen” how does it feel?    Thank you, yeah, honestly it feels good to be able to show another aspect of my writing. “Queen” has a much more romantic feel than my previous releases. What’s the story behind the song?    The story is actually based on a fictional scenario. …

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 …

Single Review: “To The River” – Dorsten

Arizona brother and sister duo Dorsten are back and what a number! This song starts off with footsteps and claps slowly, along with finger picked guitars, then Sophie comes in with her signature powerhouse vocal.  Careful. She will knock you off your seat.  Little blonde girl with the big voice?  Of course she is.  This …

Single Review: “No Blame” – Christina Chong

This track is interesting in so many ways. It’s a powerful ballad, which starts off guitar led, and I get the feeling that the acoustic guitar plays a vital part in the pecussion of the overall arrangement. I’ll explain why shortly.  Christina’s vocals are warm, it sits right at the front of the mix, she …

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, …