The BBC Proms has made a (welcome) habit of honouring Black soul legends in recent years like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. This year’s Proms season has turned […]

The music of South Africa’s urban townships (‘mbaqanga‘) jolted Paul Simon out of his creative malaise, resulting in his seminal, kaleidoscopic, and controversial Graceland (1986) album. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, […]

Though lampooned by the punk generation for its self-indulgence, the progressive ‘prog’ rock genre has had its standing somewhat rehabilitated by modern listeners who, as radio DJ Stuart Maconie writes […]

I had the great pleasure of seeing Burt Bacharach perform during what might have been his final UK concert appearance. The late composer’s illustrious catalogue is being given a triumphant […]

The first time I saw Vanessa Haynes, performing at a Ronnie Scott’s Christmas show, she blew me away with a Gladys Knight cover. I remember being disarmed and thrilled by […]

One of the biggest compliments I can give Jazz Voice – the gala which opens each iteration of the EFG London Jazz Festival – is that I invariably leave with […]

South African soprano Golda Schultz joined the Chamber Orchestra of Europe under Robin Ticciati for a Saturday night at the BBC Proms celebrating some of the 20th century’s most distinctive […]

The BBC Proms has previously hosted individual tributes to Black American icons like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. This year’s Soul Revolution Prom cast a wider net, drawing […]

This is a generational talent. I needed little convincing after seeing Samara Joy live at the Barbican for London Jazz Festival a couple of years ago. But she rose to […]

If this was a goodbye, it was a glorious one. As I write this review from my living room table, I’m faced by a striking print of The Supremes by […]

For many, Love to Love You Baby (1975) was their first taste of Donna Summer, the soon-to-be Queen of Disco. A 17-minute symphony of orgasmic moans, the title track still […]

Nina Simone’s work is constantly ripe for interpretation and re-interpretation. With a timeless catalogue marrying romantic tumult with political fury, it’s hard to resist the opportunity to hear these thrilling […]

Lady Blackbird‘s acclaimed debut Black Acid Soul was an austere collection of deep-soul covers. The American singer – real name: Marley Munroe – promoted the album at venues like London’s […]

This festive offering at the Royal Albert Hall was not Jules Buckley‘s first foray into Aretha Franklin’s catalogue. The brilliant arranger and conductor, known for his work with the Metropole […]