Album Review: “Letters To George” – John Hollenbeck. Words: Sammy Stein

https://johnhollenbeck.bandcamp.com/album/letters-to-george   John Hollenbeck is a genre-fluid composer/percussionist, renowned in both the jazz and new-music worlds. He gained widespread recognition as the driving force behind the unclassifiable Claudia Quintet, and the ambitious John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, groups with roots in jazz, world music, and contemporary composition. He has earned six GRAMMY nominations and has worked …

Single Review: “Pull To Refresh” – Devin Gray. Words: Sammy Stein

Devin Gray is a drummer, composer, and bandleader currently working and living in Brooklyn, New York City. Gray is involved in many musical projects and has worked with innovative musicians including David Liebman, Tony Malaby, Gary Thomas, Ingrid Jensen, Dave Burrell, Dave Ballou, Michael Formanek, Nate Wooley, Stephan Crump, George Garzone, Chris Speed, Drew Gress, …

Single Review: “Into The Groove” – Madonna

For me Madonna was part of the big three along with Prince and Michael Jackson. The 80s was full of their music, and everyone knew their songs, if they weren’t touring they’d be releasing music and they were iconic. They set stages around the world alight.  So, it’s weird for me to be saying Madonna …

Single Review: “Without” – Tiger Mendoza ft. Emma Hunter

This track caught my ear because of the lush string arrangement and also Emma’s strong vocal on top. She sits right in the mix. I love the lyrics:  “I am like a tree without its leaves I am like a river without its water And nothing will ever be the same…” The beat is four …

Single Review: “Blue Monday” – New Order

As today is supposed to be Blue Monday I thought I’d revisit an 80s classic. This song has all the synthesiser goodness incorporated with early samples. The version I’ve picked out is the original 1983 mix, which clocks in at 7:30 – this would have set the dance floors alight back in the day, because …

Album Review: “Cabin 19 Fever” – Wild Card. Words: Sammy Stein.

Wild Card is a London-based jazz combo led by French guitarist Clement Regert with British drummer Sophie Alloway and Australian organist/keyboardist Andrew Noble. Formed in 2011 and with five album releases to their name, the trio is popular on the UK jazz scene and performs regularly, with residencies at prestigious venues including The 606 Club and Ronnie …

Single Review: “Outside” – Greysha

Greysha is back! This is one of the tracks from her new EP “Fresh Out The Feeling”, and being familiar with her sound I know she wasn’t going to bring anything short of excellence.  This track is moody, which is typical of her sound, electronic drums, with guitars in minor chords, vocals swirling around and …

Single Review: “I’ve Got Nothing John” – Coco And The Lost

I think this is the perfect breakup song! A take on the classic dear John letter maybe?  “Thinking of a reason we should stay together 12 months on, I’ve got nothing John.” This is a brutal lyric, wrapped up in a really up tempo indie pop song, the chorus is infectious.. Favourite part of this …