Dec
19
Erland and the Carnival
December 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The last time I saw folk music in action it was in a central London pizza parlour and the guy was dressed in pointy-hooded green medieval tabard with bells on one ankle and a foot-operated drum on his back. He actually used the words hey-nonny-no in one song.
Apr
16
Mamer, Eagle
April 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
The production on this album is astounding. If folk music from the western Xinjiang province is not your bag then at least marvel at the rich sound of this Chinese gem. Mamer sings with a warm bassy croak while gentle guitar and lilting dombra fill in the gaps and if at times the morose low-fi […]
Jun
25
Jorge Drexler, Union Chapel, Thurs 19th
June 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Jorge Drexler was one of South America’s best-kept secrets until he went an won an oscar in 2004 for the soundtrack to Che Guevara flick “The Motorcycle Diaries”. Although the softly-spoken Uruguayan now lives in Spain his appearance at London’s Union Chapel was his first ever UK performance.
Mar
18
Mishka Adams, Soho Pizza Express, 15th March
March 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates You can tell when Mishka Adams likes a song. A dire cover of Air’s ‘All I Need’ was smilelessly sung through clenched teeth while Pat Metheny’s ‘The Moon is a Harsh Mistress ‘ was a real joy, sung with […]
Mar
8
The Storys, Soho Revue Bar, 6th March
March 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates Retuning instruments between songs is a pet hate of mine but in the name of chordal harmony I am oft prepared to swallow this unreasonable prejudice. Tweaking your strings during a song however, is surely beyond the pale. Seriously, […]
Feb
20
The Wave Pictures
February 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates. The Wave Pictures, The Enterprise, 19th Feb 2008 It’s great to see a whammy bar these days. You don’t have to be a guitar geek to appreciate a nice bit of trebly whanging, especially if done with the restraint […]