In The Spotlight: Sammy Stein Talks to Cheryl Pyle

Cheryl Pyle is a jazz flutist who has been playing on the world’s stages for decades. She has played with many of the jazz luminaries and continues to be a dedicated and prolific artist. We decided it was high time for a Cheryl Pyle interview. Here, Cheryl offers an insight into her musical life and …

Mr. Bennett's Mind - Photo by Alexa Drew.jpg

Album Review: “Mr. Bennett’s Mind” – Daniel Bennett Group. Words: Sammy Stein

‘Mr Bennett’s Mind’ (Manhattan Daylight Media, 2024) is the 10th studio release from the Daniel Bennett Group. Having reviewed several of their releases, this is a musical progression in the fullest of senses. The album was recorded at the iconic Big Orange Sheep Studio in Brooklyn, New York, and produced by Grammy-nominated producer MP Kuo. …

Single Review: “The One” – Leigh Thomas

have one question to ask. Why is Leigh not playing packed out arenas? This dude has just released a single that packs a solid punch, it comes with an intro that hits the ground running. And it sounds like he’s got a full band in the studio and they’re having a ball; this is a …

Single Review: “Aurora” – MEUTE

A mix of electronica and a brass band? From Germany you say? Go ahead. I’m listening! This track fuses horns and drums with electronic sounds on the bed of a steady beat… there’s a marimba too. The percussion mixed in is down so well, shakers highlighting the hi hats… this is a banger! The thing …

Single Review: “First House On The Left” – Katherine Priddy

What I like about folk music is that as you listen you can close your eyes and see the story unfollowed as it’s sung, it’s essentially a way to pass down family and local lore through the generations – Molly Malone, Eleanor Rigby, and so many more. This song is no different. Katherine sings of …

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: “Northern Flame” – Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat. Words: Sammy Stein.

Northern Flame by Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat comprises Emma Johnson on tenor saxophone, Fergus Vickers on electric guitar, Richard Jones on piano, Angus Milne on double bass, and Steve Hanley on drums. This collective is fast achieving recognition as one of the most innovative and diverse collectives around. I discovered Johnson …

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: “The Ages” – Richard Davies. Words: Sammy Stein.

The Ages | Richard Davies (bandcamp.com) Richard Davies has followed up ‘A Pagan Landscape’ and ‘Travel Without Movement‘ with another interesting and thematic release with ‘The Ages.’ Exploring combinations of sounds, Davies extends his curiosity through a series of tracks, creating a mesmeric and at times, thoroughly absorbing album. The tracks are titled simple RD …