Articles by: Sammy Stein

James McGowan Ensemble – ‘Reaching In’ (2023)

James McGowan Ensemble – ‘Reaching In’ (2023)

A conceptual album that draws on many influences, ‘Reaching In’ demonstrates James McGowan’s skill at looking beyond genre definitions.

Defne Sahin – ‘Hope’ (2023)

Defne Sahin – ‘Hope’ (2023)

Defne Sahin’s ‘Hope’ is an album of many facets, each one a little gem in the beautifully finished piece.

Silvano Pagliuca-Mena, “La Tarabita” (2023): One Track Mind

Silvano Pagliuca-Mena, “La Tarabita” (2023): One Track Mind

This delightful single is dedicated to Silvano Pagliuca-Mena’s mother, Anna Mena, a performer who dances to Spanish music.

Mark Vickness Interconnected – ‘In the Rain Shadow’ (2023)

Mark Vickness Interconnected – ‘In the Rain Shadow’ (2023)

‘In the Rain Shadow’ is largely inspired by progressive fingerstyle guitarist and composer Mark Vickness’ move to the high desert of California.

Wilma Baan on Overcoming Loss and Her New LP, ‘Look at Me Now’: Something Else! Interview

Wilma Baan on Overcoming Loss and Her New LP, ‘Look at Me Now’: Something Else! Interview

Wilma Baan’s ‘Look at Me Now’ launched at Pizza Express Live in London and has received impressive reviews.

Lyia Meta – ‘Always You’ (2023)

Lyia Meta – ‘Always You’ (2023)

Lyia Meta’s ‘Always You’ embarks on a jazz-pop journey, exploring her take on love, life and fun with songwriting collaborator Denise Dimin.

Zoe Rahman – ‘Colour of Sound’ (2023)

Zoe Rahman – ‘Colour of Sound’ (2023)

Zoe Rahman’s ‘Colour of Sound’ is a heady mix of joy, love and occasional tranquil moments where the music takes you on a giddy trip again and again.

Guido Spannocchi Quartet – ‘Live at Porgy & Bess Vienna’ (2023)

Guido Spannocchi Quartet – ‘Live at Porgy & Bess Vienna’ (2023)

The Guido Spannocchi Quartet’s ‘Live at Porgy & Bess Vienna’ brings forth the full impact of performance and reciprocity between musicians.

Richard Davies – ‘Cosmic Odyssey’ (2023)

Richard Davies – ‘Cosmic Odyssey’ (2023)

Richard Davies’ thoughtful and engaging ‘Cosmic Odyssey’ is an example of why we should follow our dreams – literally.

Andrea Ward – ‘Ribbon of Water’ (2023)

Andrea Ward – ‘Ribbon of Water’ (2023)

The music on ‘Ribbon of Water’ is delicate, yet woven through with a lyrical strength that comes from the experiences Andrea Ward clearly taps into.