Music

Back in 2011, Yuja Wang’s debut Rachmaninov Second Concerto and Paganini Rhapsody recording announced her as a hugely gifted pianist. Jimmy Hughes thinks this new version fulfils that early promise.

• Jimmy Hughes
• Oct 2024

Only ECM could blend Jazz and Baroque music so successfully. A recording that defies convention and yet is a joy for both classical and jazz fans, according to Jason Kennedy.

• Jason Kennedy
• Sep 2024

To call Kassa Overall a ‘drummer’ is paying this Jazz-meets-Hip-Hop songwriter, bandleader and producer a great disservice. But, he’s also a great drummer! Shaun Marin checks out Overall’s third album.

• Shaun Marin
• Sep 2024

British singer-songwriter and keen record collector Matt Deighton talks to Sean Hannam about his latest album, working with legendary producer Ken Scott, and even listening to Pink Floyd in mono.

• Sean Hannam
• Aug 2024

If you are expecting the raucous, fast-paced post-punk of early Arctic Monkeys records, you are in for a shock with the sentimental lounge-core of The Car, according to Michael Vámos.

• Michael Vámos
• Aug 2024

Dublin-born multi-instrumentalist Cian Nugent, arguably best known as a solo artist, teams up with a band this time to make an album of outstanding contemporary Americana. Jason Kennedy is delighted!

• Jason Kennedy
• Jul 2024

The fifth and final album from English post-rockers Talk Talk is a hidden gem. Michael Vámos says Laughing Stock is the band’s finest and one of the best albums ever!

• Michael Vámos
• Jul 2024

Although the double bass is a majestic instrument, it’s rarely used in solo jazz albums. According to Jason Kennedy, Kham Meslien’s stunning album is the exception to prove the rule.

• Jason Kennedy
• Jul 2024

Howard Jones is celebrating 40 years in the music business with a four-CD collection of his finest music. Sean Hannam talks to the ‘80s pop star and pioneering electronica artist.

• Sean Hannam
• Jun 2024

The London Jazz scene is extremely diverse as this fascinating mashup of Jazz with Hip-Hop, Grime, Dubstep ably demonstrates. Shaun Marin is wowed by this powerhouse of a double LP.

• Shaun Marin
• Jun 2024

One half of 1990s pop superheroes Carter USM, Jim Bob’s back with a new solo album. Sean Hannam caught up with him just after the coronation of King Charles III.

• Sean Hannam
• Jun 2024

There are dozens of recorded versions of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos. Reference Recordings’ latest surround SACD version of Garrick Ohlsson at the Grand Teton Music Festival always sounds relaxed and mature.

• Jimmy Hughes
• May 2024