Reviews

Swaken

Bab L’ Bluz

In the few years between the release of their 2020 debut album Nayda! and Swaken, this hotly anticipated follow-up, Bab...

Reviewed in issue June/2024

One Night String Band Vol One

Old Spot, Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza

The story of how One Night String Band came together is worth recounting. Because of gig conflicts, two old-time duos...

Reviewed in issue June/2024

All Gist

James Elkington & Nathan Salsburg

All Gist, the third album by duelling acoustic guitarists James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg, is an eminently enjoyable, ten-track collection...

Reviewed in issue June/2024

Grietas

Newen Afrobeat

Celebrating 15 years since their formation in Santiago, Newen Afrobeat present Grietas, their dynamic fifth studio album. Enriched by a...

Reviewed in issue June/2024

Nandakke?

Aili

Following the warm reception that greeted the release of their 2021 debut EP Dansu, Japanese/Belgian duo Aili return with their...

Reviewed in issue June/2024

Chronika

Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars

After nearly 15 years playing trumpet in America’s seminal klezmer band The Klezmatics (with whom he is still active), Frank...

Reviewed in issue May/2024

Ifetayo; Glory of Om; Anoda Sistem; ‘Oduduwa’ [single]

Oluko Imo / Black Truth Rhythm Band

With the blessing of his widow, Soundway Records have re-released three landmark albums and a single from the much underrated...

Reviewed in issue May/2024

MRA

Emel | EMEL

Emel Mathlouthi is the Tunisian-American singer-songwriter and producer who drew the global spotlight with her passionate song ‘Kelmti Horra’ (My...

Reviewed in issue May/2024

Alondra

Gao Hong & Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde

Following her award-winning 2023 album with kora-player Kadialy Kouyate, US-based Chinese pipa virtuoso Gao Hong returns with a new duo...

Reviewed in issue May/2024

A LA SALA

Khruangbin

The Texas-based trio of bassist Laura Lee Ochoa, drummer Donald ‘DJ’ Johnson Jr and guitarist Marko Speer may be best...

Reviewed in issue May/2024