If there’s one thing that comes close to the enjoyment of a new Cara Hunter novel, it’s attending the launch party for a Cara Hunter novel. I’ve been very lucky over the years to be invited to the gatherings to mark publication of my friend Cara’s ingenious Adam Fawley crime stories, going back to the … Continue reading
I was lucky enough to review some wonderful plays this year [2024], wearing one of my other hats as editor of the hyperlocal website Rhiwbina Info (named Information Platform of the Year for 2024/25 in the Wales Prestige Awards, since you ask!). Three of the very best were at the same theatre – Cardiff’s Sherman … Continue reading
Jean Marchetti was a musician who, like many musicians, fell on hard times. Suffering ill health and with arthritis in her hands, she could no longer play her guitar, and she found herself living in rented accommodation in London. By chance, that’s when David Myers (roughly 50% of our favourite [don’t tell the others] band … Continue reading
He may not be a household name, but I’ll bet you know his work – Gregg Alexander is a songwriter, producer and performer with a knack for crafting some of the most catchy, emotionally resonant songs of the past 25 years. Here I delve into four notable tracks that highlight his remarkable songwriting prowess: Continue reading
One of my favourite jazz writers and performers (in fact, one if my favourite writers and performers of any kind), Emily Saunders, has released her latest single, Sideways. After the three previous tracks, which I reviewed in a post a couple of months ago, Sideways is the next song from her upcoming album, to be … Continue reading
It’s been way too long since this blog caught up with the work of rising New Jersey R&B star Jo Rivers and her video producer, my near-namesake DJ Weltch. So, let’s put that right with a look at her two latest songs, including a collaboration with producer, songwriter, and rapper Don Michael Jr and explore … Continue reading
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and ‘queen of UK jazz-fusion’ (so says DJ and producer, Snowboy, and who am I to disagree?), the brilliant Emily Saunders is promising us a new album this year. It’s an exciting prospect, which has prompted me to catch up on her latest releases. So here’s a look at (and listen … Continue reading
How do you go about writing your first novel? First-time author Davey D. Jones, whose debut A Different Reality is gaining rave reviews, kindly shared his thoughts about the writing process and self-publishing. Continue reading
I’ve enjoyed plenty of reflected glory in recent years from the success of my brilliant crime writer friend Cara Hunter. Her Adam Fawley books have become worldwide hits, and now she has branched out with her first non-Fawley book. She kindly sent me a preview copy of Murder in the Family, an ingenious crime thriller, … Continue reading
As the comedy play The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel embarks on a UK stage tour, I’m very pleased to publish this interview with its author, Deborah Moggach. The play is based on her 2004 novel, These Foolish Things,which inspired the acclaimed 2011 film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, starring Judi Dench and Bill Nighy. With … Continue reading
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