Our latest reviews
The Something Rain by The Tindersticks
The Tindersticks have released their ninth studio album in a 20-year career. It finds Stuart Staples and co. in a reflective mood which is not usual for the band that is sometimes compared to the American band Lambchop. The Something…
Simone Felice by Simone Felice
There is a scar that runs down Simone Felice’s chest that is a stark reminder of the congenital heart defect he has had since childhood. This has clearly been a source of inspiration behind his self titled debut, although not…
Come Sunday by Charlie Haden & Hank Jones
The late Hank Jones played piano for practically every superstar jazz singer/band including Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall. So here is his final recording, and perhaps fittingly it is a collection of old time religious spiritual songs that…
Voice of Ages by The Chieftains
This recording marks 50 years since the band’s formation and although a series of special guest albums are being released, this one has a bit more of an edge to it compared to other efforts that are overweight with big…
New Wild Everywhere by Great Lake Swimmers
Oh my, oh my! I have just had the pleasure of listening to the new recording by the Great Lake Swimmers. Ever since I heard 2009’s Lost Channels I have been waiting to see what this Canadian indie folk band…
This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark
Released to coincide with the Texan troubadour’s 70th birthday, this is a wonderful and fitting tribute to a vastly underrated and classic songwriters’ songwriter. Indeed the stellar cast of performers who have turned out to honour the man attest to…
Release Me by Lyle Lovett
The old comfortable shoe returns with an album primarily made up of covers. Originally labelled a country singer, Lyle Lovett inhabits a far wider genre, one that includes Jesse Winchester and Townes Van Zandt and other storytellers, interpreters and troubadours…
Chopin Nocturnes, Ewa Kupiec
The Nocturnes are not only some of the most well known works for solo piano, but are some of the most loved. Every pianist has recorded it and if they haven’t, it’s on their list of works to perform and…
Shower Songs
Who likes a little bit of schmaltz occasionally? I certainly do, and schmaltz I can sing along with is my favourite. This new compilation from ABC Classics is a mix of classical, popular, musicals and basically a whole selection of…
Debussy, Szymanowski: Piano Works, Rafal Blechacz
Rafal Blechacz is a Polish pianist who is already internationally known, after sweeping up all five prizes in the 15th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in 2005. This is his most recent recording with three works of Claude Debussy and…