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
Talented British jazz vocalist Sarah Moule has a new album on the way – Stormy Emotions is an uplifting collection of songs written by her husband Simon Wallace and the late, great American poet and lyricist Fran Landesman. Sarah spent 18 years working with Simon and Fran, and with this album introduces 10 previously unrecorded … Continue reading
Many performers have been keeping busy online during the coronavirus lockdown – none more so than actress, singer and writer Carys Eleri, who has released two hilarious comedy songs for charity. Downloads of Fat ‘N’ Clean and Beyond The Fence are raising money for Tarian Cymru, a campaign to make and distribute personal protective equipment … Continue reading
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival has always been about more than jazz. I say ‘always’ – it’s actually only been going for three years. But, as the main 2016 line-up is announced (February 2016), the event is so well-established, it seems to have been around for ever. Continue reading
After just three years, the Love Supreme Festival seems to have established itself as a firm fixture on the jazz (and blues and soul) calendar. This year’s edition, again in the beautiful East Sussex countryside at Glynde Place, offered veterans Chaka Khan and (Sir) Van Morrison as main stage headliners, with the likes of Neneh … Continue reading
It’s understandable that Jazz FM has been blowing its own trumpet this week. Landing two big-name veterans to top the bill at the annual Love Supreme Festival is worth trumpeting. American jazz-funk and soul star Chaka Khan will headline on the Saturday (July 4) and Northern Ireland’s rock-blues-jazz-pop maestro Van Morrison is the man on … Continue reading
We’ve all heard the cliche about that “difficult second album”. Imagine how the challenges are multiplied with that difficult second jazz festival. Yet, Love Supreme II was again supreme. The inaugural Love Supreme Festival in July 2013 was such a success, I gave it a glowing 10 out of 10. It was the UK’s first … Continue reading
Gregory Porter is probably the hottest male-vocal property on the jazz scene in 2014 – and he’s likely to be especially hot in his trademark suit and hat when he performs at both Love Supreme and Brecon Jazz this summer! His appeal is clear – a charismatic personality, with an intriguing back-story, and a voice…. … Continue reading
A further impressive chunk of the Love Supreme Festival line-up has been announced, with De la Soul, Incognito and Imelda May among the names grabbing my attention. Jazz FM‘s greenfield festival of jazz, soul, blues and more is back at Glynde Place in Sussex (July 4-6) for its second year, having been given a glowing … Continue reading
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