‘Come on in‘ sings Ruby Turner with gravelly warmth, inviting the listener to a musical journey which, although brief (clocking under three minutes), leaves a comforting, soulful impression. Co-written by […]
Hailing from Donaghmead, Ireland, RuthAnne began her music career writing songs for the likes of Britney Spears, Bebe Rexha, and JoJo. She co-wrote JoJo’s pop/R&B hit ‘Too Little Too Late’ […]
We’ve been a bit slack on the album reviews recently, so here’s four to have a skim over! – Brittany Howard – Jaime Lead vocalist of retro-rock outfit Alabama Shakes, […]
An anthem of contemporary soul – A singer-songwriter from South-West London, Tawiah stunned this writer at her concert last year at The Albany – the highlight of which was her original […]
‘How It Feels’ is the newest single from Tyneside-based songwriter and producer Alex Opal, featuring new wave vocalist Jam Jam. Raised on soul music in its various strands, Opal expresses […]
Boulaye puts on a bizarre show, underscoring her charisma and humour but signalling her serious limitations as a vocalist – Beginning an Aretha Franklin tribute with a breathless rendition of […]
Janette Mason can’t just cover a song straight. A passionate musician with a subversive imagination, she has to add her own touches. In 2014 she released an album, D’Ranged, where […]
Shida provides a visceral and unapologetic examination of a life derailed , with stellar acting and singing from Jeannete Bayardelle – Developed and premiered at the Ars Nova in New […]
Antibalas offered a mix of the popular and the obscure, played with vigour and brought to life by an exciting line-up of guest vocalists – In the event programme, Antibalas […]
A singer-songwriter from France, Ben L’Oncle Soul surprised many with his eponymous debut album in 2010 – which featured a funky re-imagining of The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army‘ and […]
‘…Haynes has an innate soulfulness’ – A lead vocalist with acid jazzers Incognito, Vanessa Haynes has a fanbase across the UK and Europe among soul, funk, and jazz enthusiasts. She recently […]
Though quiet and unassuming in person, the ‘gritty soul’ singer Thabo can bring the house down when he takes to the stage. Having taken a hiatus to focus on new […]
Carroll Thompson – the Queen of Lovers Rock – was utterly radiant on stage – Born in England to Jamaican parents, Thompson rose to prominence in the 1980s when her […]
Written by Clyde Otis, ‘This Bitter Earth’ was hit for rhythm-and-blues icon Dinah Washington in 1960. The string-laden arrangement, with Otis’ sombre lyrics, carries pangs of melancholy. Washington’s commanding delivery […]