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, …

Single Review: “The World Is Here For You” – Immy Owusu

This track grooves on nicely! It reminds me of the music that we used to play in my house growing up in so many ways – the analogue sounds including the organ, which I’m going to hazard a guess at being a Vox. The synth lead gives it away that this artist is influenced by …

Single Review: “12 Inches Of Love” – Alice Offley

Alice is back with a track that could burn up the dance floor easily! It’s got a groove for days based around a four on the floor beat, punctuated with timbales – brining in elements of latin rhythms, the basis of which disco in New York was built on in the early 70s. This song …