David Pratt

Les Racines is not only an album of which Ali Farka Touré would have been proud to witness the traditions and beliefs he espoused and embraced being perpetuated, but it also confirms that musically Vieux Farka Touré is now his distinguished father’s rightful heir.

In music that displays fierce energy, frenzied rhythms, and natural harmonies in the rich San Tomean melodic tradition, Antologia Volume 1 brings the Pan African sound of África Negra to a wider audience and most convivialade it is too.

Analog Africa’s latest compilation explores the rebajada scene of Mexico, unearthing and making available musical treasures deserving of a worldwide audience. The album includes a riveting history of Mexican pitch control, (Radson tube amps, heavy-duty Garrard decks), alongside superb archive photographs.

With the release of Moch, self-proclaimed ‘trad fusion’ band DLÙ have heralded themselves as a fresh, innovative and exciting band with a unique, original and eclectic sound. This may already be a strong contender for one of the debut albums of the year.

Heal & Harrow is a refreshingly original & carefully-crafted album, with musicianship & compositions of the highest quality. It illuminates the injustices inflicted on so many innocent women in the past, as well as drawing parallels to ongoing misogynistic attitudes and behaviour.

The live performance of Ordinary Giants, Robb Johnson’s highly acclaimed song-suite was exceptional entertainment, captivating, mesmerising, heartening and distressing, constantly assailing the range of human emotions. The musicianship and vocal contributions were top-class.

Le Vent Du Nord continue to champion the vibrant and eclectic culture and music of the Québécois. 20 Printemps demonstrates how their music has continued to develop and places them at the helm as one of the very best proponents of this genre of music.

David Pratt shares his Top 10 Albums of 2021 including Carbonhobo, Danny George Wilson, Freedom to Roam, Joe Danks, Katy Rose Bennett, Phil Odgers, Ray Cooper, releases from Analog Africa and more.

Analog Africa really is a gift that keeps on giving. Essiebons Special 1973- 1984, celebrating the legendary Ghanaian producer Dick Essilfie-Bondzie, is yet another powerhouse release. Whether you are new to Afrobeat/Afrofunk/ Highlife or already an aficionado, this album is well-worth seeking out.

The Rhythms of Migration is a migratory musical masterpiece and an outstanding album from our Artists of the Month: Freedom to Roam, featuring Eliza Marshall, Catrin Finch, Jackie Shave, Kuljit Bhamra, Donal Rogers, Robert Irvine, Lydia Lowndes-Northcott & Joby Burgess.

It is hard to imagine that there will be a better debut album this year. With ‘The Impossible Wild’, The Last Inklings have shown that they are envelope-pushing visionaries.

Katy Rose Bennett’s ‘Alone on A Hill’ is a markedly unique release, which many will consider brave. She is to be applauded for pushing boundaries and creating a truly fascinating and intriguing album.