When I first heard this joyful celebration of Africa and freedom, on a mixtape made by Polly Harvey, I thought it must be by an African group. In fact it’s an entirely home-grown affair – a collaboration between the British neo-soul collective Sault and the British singer Michael Kiwanuka.

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Little Richard was not just one of the formative figures in the birth of rock’n’roll but an influence on those to follow. Even if he did ‘borrow’ his own sound and look from a little known predecessor.

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Even in the darkest depths of my lifelong jazzophobia I had a soft spot for Carla Bley. I’m not sure why; maybe because a female jazz musician is such a rarity.

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Khruangbin are the perfect band to play on a sweltering summer’s day… and Texas Sun is the perfect song. (more…)

A member of the audience died when I went to see Endgame at the Old Vic. And the show really did go on… more’s the pity. (more…)

Steve Priest (February 23, 1948 – June 4, 2020) (more…)