Marianne Faithfull review – the longer she plays, the better she gets
Appearing at the famous jazz club for the first time, a physically diminished Faithfull sat down, had a cup of tea and proved she is still a powerful performer
The Hot Sardines review – a special spin on retro-jazz
The New Yorkers seemed a little subdued, but the likable outfit’s mixed set pleased the Ronnie’s crowd
Allen Toussaint: American Tunes review – an affecting swansong
His final studio album proves an affecting swansong from the late New Orleans composer, producer, pianist and legend. Here Toussaint treats jazz classics by Fats Waller, Billy Strayhorn, Bill Evans and others to his intricate yet funky piano skills, much … Continue reading
Leyla McCalla : A Day for the Hunter, a Day for the Prey review – powerful songs about death and freedom
Leyla McCalla is a Haitian American based in New Orleans who is both a fine, soulful singer and a classically trained cellist who also plays banjo and guitar. She has worked with the celebrated Carolina Chocolate Drops, and her second … Continue reading
Damir Imamović’s Sevdah Takht: Dvojka review – a new take on Balkan blues
Sevdah is one of the great musical styles of the Balkans, with its songs of melancholia, loss or longing inviting comparisons with the blues, Portuguese fado or the sad-edged morna of Cape Verde. Damir Imamović comes from a family of … Continue reading
Bombino: Azel review – desert blues hybrid more efficient than exciting
Bombino is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Niger, with his own take on desert blues. He has a rock-star image and sets out to target indie-rock fans as well as African music devotees. There’s nothing wrong with that, as new … Continue reading
Byron Bay Bluesfest review – mixed bag lineup brings mixed bag crowd to waterlogged but glorious weekend
The usual masters of blues and roots came out for Bluesfest – but with a few buzz names to attract a younger crowd, the energy didn’t always mesh
Rokia Traoré: Né So review – reflective and lyrical
The Malian singer’s sixth solo album glides from desert blues to a reworking of Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit
Hidden gems of 2015: great records you may have missed
From the thrill of Brittany Howard’s alter ego to joy on the Wirral, our critics pick some of this year’s under-the-radar releases
Harry Manx review – blues sprinkled with Indian spice
With a dazzling range of instruments, Harry Manx brings an exciting eastern twist to blues, pop and jazz classics
Steve Earle review – raw and reflective bittersweet blues
The former wild man of country played a powerful set of pained blues music inspired by his latest divorce
Rickie Lee Jones review – woozy wanderings through New Orleans
The singer-songwriter spices her set with the musical heritage of her new hometown – and a waspish Chuck E’s in Love
Maki Asakawa: Maki Asakawa review – intriguing retrospective of late Japanese singer
Asakawa’s spine-tingling power is in full evidence on this fine compilation of her career highlights
Martin Harley and Daniel Kimbro: Live at Southern Ground review – a charming Nashville hour
Blues guitarist Harley and his new bass companion get into a smooth groove with this live-in-the-studio set
Keith Richards: Crosseyed Heart review – surprisingly compelling
Keith Richards’s first solo record in nearly a quarter-century leaves you wanting more