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Matthew Halsall & the Gondwana Orchestra: When the World Was One

by Phil Barnes
Change, or at least an evolution of the Halsall sound, is very much in the air on this wonderful new record. Credited to Halsall and the Gondwana Orchestra there is a feeling of expansion of the musical palette, further steps on a satisfying journey towards the destination identified on 2012's transitional Fletcher Moss Park. ...
André Santos: Ponto de Partida

by Phil Barnes
There is something wonderful about watching a talented musician make the leap to bandleader and composer on record for the first time. Possibilities have yet to be closed off, the inspiration simply to showcase a personal take on the music they love, the budget not even contemplating high concepts, lavish orchestras, or if you're Rick Wakeman ...
GoGo Penguin: v2.0

by Phil Barnes
Dating the emergence of a cultural phenomenon such as house music in the UK is notoriously difficult. While the tabloid furore probably reached full force in 1988, most would accept that the rise occurred the year before with the first (acid house) 'summer of love.' By any reckoning a lot of time has passed since those ...
Andre Canniere: Coalescence

by Phil Barnes
Coalescence is the perfect title for this engrossing collection from Andre Canniere. The idea that our experiences and influences become absorbed into a larger whole works on many levels both personal and musical. Some would have us believe that true originality in these post-modern times comes only through the juxtaposition of the different elements and influences ...
Shalosh: The Bell Garden

by Phil Barnes
A strong friendship can be a wonderful thing, a connection that allows you to pick up where you left off no matter how long the gap, one that remains strong whatever your respective experiences since you last met. Should you and your friends happen to be professional musicians then that gift can potentially go to a ...
Takuya Kuroda: Rising Son

by Phil Barnes
Remember D'Angelo? Takuya Kuroda and his producer Jose James certainly do--this excellent collection has that loose, swampy, stoned feel from 'Voodoo' closer than anyone since, putting across that feel of thick, still air on a scorching hot, languid, afternoon perfectly. D'Angelo worked because he signposted a way to fuse the classic jazz influenced soul of say ...
Sons of Kemet: Burn

by Phil Barnes
The first thing you notice about Shabaka Hutchings' latest project, Sons of Kemet, is the unexpectedly large feel to the recording's soundscape. Not only does it have the hallmarks of a warmer analogue past but the reverb is at times extraordinary, being akin to hearing the band play in an immense auditorium with twice as many ...
Alexander Hawkins: Step Wide, Step Deep

by Phil Barnes
The effortless and precocious ability shown by British pianist Alexander Hawkins to step between the jazz tradition and music more associated with free improv makes for a heady brew on this thrilling collection. While it is arguable that the genres are far from mutually exclusive the ability to make accessible music from that which is often ...
The Necks at the Bishopsgate Institute

by Phil Barnes
The Necks Bishopsgate Institute London March 21, 2014 The Necks live are a different beast to their studio incarnation. In the studio the mixing desk becomes almost a fourth member of the band with, using the recent Open album as an example, contributions being faded in and out or panned across ...
Zara McFarlane: If You Knew Her

by Phil Barnes
In the current short term, fast buck, major label A&R climate Brownswood stand out like a beacon for the way that they back and develop their artists. Perhaps the different ethos comes from the top, Gilles Peterson is the label boss after all, but in any event less sensitive hands might not have allowed a talent ...