Roy Ayers at Subterania (Review)
Some scintillating musicianship, if mostly from the band. – Subterania, previously known as Acklam Hall, was opened in 1989 and hosted the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Madonna, […]
Introducing Alex Parvenu
Sat in a Central London café nursing an unnecessarily large Americano, I wait for my guest: up-and-coming British soul artist Alex Parvenu. My first encounter with Mr Parvenu was in […]
Beverley Skeete and Friends at The Pheasantry (Review)
While she may not be a household name, Beverley Skeete has musical pedigree. Firstly, she sang for twenty years in Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Moreover, her repertoire as a backing […]
At Last: The Etta James Story at Cadogan Hall (Review)
Vika Bull has all guns blazing in this terrific Etta James tribute. – ‘I’d rather go blind, boy.’ This refrain fades out solemnly in the recording of this iconic blues […]
Tawiah at The Albany (Review)
Introspective, absorbing performances from an independent artist with fresh, contemporary vision. – At a sold-out show at The Albany – an arts centre in Deptford, South-East London – 191 audience […]
Alexander O’Neal at The Boisdale (Review)
In a word: lethargic. – The opinions of this writer are certainly at odds with the audience at The Boisdale last night – most of whom, after digesting their sophisticated […]
Christmas Soul Plans!
Yes, it’s only October. But John Legend is releasing his Christmas album this month, and if you want a soulful Christmas you best get planning now. So kindly detach your […]
Natasha Watts at Pizza Express Live (Review)
‘Watts’ voice is mellow but thick in tone. Loud and powerful enough to cut through the band, but always smooth and warm.’ – Rarely have I come across a vocalist […]
Round-Up: Macy Gray, Bruce ‘Mississippi’ Johnson, Gladys Knight
You know the drill – just another round-up of some soul music releases/performances on our radar: Macy Gray, Bruce ‘Mississippi’ Johnson, and Empress of Soul Gladys Knight. Macy Gray – Ruby […]
D’Influence at Nell’s Jazz and Blues (Review)
‘Bass-driven, distinctly British, and groove-laden.’ – While a late sound-check meant that this writer had to stand outside the venue in the drizzle, the 1990s acid jazz group came through […]
The Gospel Blues Series at Pizza Express High Holborn
An afternoon of raw gospel singing, storytelling, and testifying. – ‘Gospel, blues, soul, and a slice of pizza’, announced CrazySexyCoool Entertainment founder Ovie, introducing the afternoon’s performance. Drawn from Ovie’s […]
September Round-Up: Sy Smith, Bashiyra, India Arie, Reel People Feat. Tony Momrelle
Read below for a round-up of September soul music releases! Sy Smith – ‘Camelot’ For her third single from the terrific Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete, Sy Smith […]
Hil St Soul and Alex Parvenu at Nell’s Jazz and Blues (Review)
Hil St Soul’s comfort on stage, and the natural ease of her vocals, mirrored the smooth, neo-soul grooves of her original material. – Located inconspicuously next to a Sainsburys in […]
Dionne Warwick at Royal Albert Hall (Review)
“Buoyed by the wonderful acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall, the crackle and husk of Warwick’s voice dazzled.” – Sauntering to the stage in her golden and black tiered gown, […]