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 seems ages since I posted about Swansea International Jazz Festival, so it’s good to see it’s back this year. Featuring local, national and international talent, the festival takes place from 13 to 16 June, now hosted by Swansea Council in partnership with the festival’s founders Swansea Jazz Club. 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
It’s a cliche to talk about ‘the difficult second album’. But sometimes that second album is an absolute triumph. And that’s certainly the case with Moonray, the new release from the talented British jazz vocalist, James Hudson, which is out this week (15 March). It’s an intriguing collection of songs, from the title track to … 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
My first music concert was a performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchcestra in the Great Hall of Exeter University, at the age of ten. It sounds very fancy, but my main motivation for going was because it involved a coach trip – always exciting, even if just a few minutes across town – and an … Continue reading
The multi award-winning Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, The King and I is again touring UK theatres. Ahead of its return to Cardiff’s New Theatre next week (Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 November 2023), I’m very pleased to share this interview with Annalene Beechey, who plays Anna to Darren Lee’s King. What … Continue reading
New murals celebrating Cardiff’s musical and architectural heritage have been unveiled in underpasses in the city centre. One designed by Unify Creative, the artists behind the ‘Butetown Mona Lisa,’ is in the underpass beneath Boulevard de Nantes, connecting Kingsway with the Civic Centre. The other by Wall-Op Murals, inspired by the city’s history and the … Continue reading
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