Paul Barr
Paul Barr is a former Readings Carlton music specialist
Review — 1 Jun 2021
Beeswing: Fairport, Folk Rock and Finding My Voice, 1967–75 by Richard Thompson
In Beeswing, songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson gives his account of the amazing period of cultural change in 1960s London and beyond. This period in music has been written…
Review — 26 Apr 2021
Road to the Sun by Jason Vieaux, Los Angeles Guitar Quartet & Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny: Road to the Sun is new territory for jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. The winner of 20 Grammy Awards, Metheny has truly embraced a new musical horizon with this…
Review — 2 Mar 2021
Fermi’s Paradox by Ronn McFarlane, Carolyn Surrick & Jackie Moran
Acclaimed lutenist Ronn McFarlane and violist da gamba Carolyn Surrick found themselves at loose ends in early 2020. There were no concerts or recordings in sight, and the other band…
Review — 19 Aug 2019
Rooted by Martin Simpson
Martin Simpson has been a key player in the UK folk scene since his 1976 debut album, Golden Vanity. Since then, he has become a top-flight acoustic guitarist. He…
Review — 21 Jul 2019
Run Home Slow by The Teskey Brothers
The Teskey Brothers debut album was one of the standout releases of 2017, ending up on many people’s best of the year lists. The album introduced a band of four…
Review — 25 Feb 2019
The Gloaming 3 by The Gloaming
Irish traditional/contemporary ensemble The Gloaming follow up their ground-breaking and bestselling previous two albums with The Gloaming 3. There’s nothing original about the title, but the band’s intention to…
Review — 27 May 2018
The Prodigal Son by Ry Cooder
Legendary guitarist and American roots music interpreter Ry Cooder is back, firing on all cylinders. After a six-year break this is one of his best efforts ever. His previous topical…
Review — 25 Feb 2018
Whistle Down the Wind by Joan Baez
Joan Baez has emerged from a 10-year hiatus with a powerful new studio album. Her voice has a different range, earthier and more contemporary. Many of the songs on Whistle…
Review — 22 Oct 2017
Blue Maqams by Anouar Brahem
Blue Maqams is the thirteenth release on ECM for Tunisian oud-master/composer Anouar Brahem. Brahem has achieved great success for the label with his ability as a crossover artist, taking his…
Review — 26 Feb 2017
Elwan by Tinariwen
Elwan (Elephants) is album eight from Sahara Desert rebel-guitar rockers Tinariwen and it shows the band continuing to develop their sound. With three lead guitars and two further guitarists, the…