Philip Thomas

This collage of sounds from traditional Balkan music and song and modern electronica will delight lovers of dance music and of more experimental sounds in equal measure. A long-awaited debut album from Balkan Taksim that fans and new listeners will welcome.

Fans of the West African style of guitar playing cannot fail to be delighted by the selection from the archive of Shem Tupe, one of the giants of the genre known as Omutibo who, sadly, passed away recently.

Born and raised in Lombardy-speaking Rivoltano, double-bass player Roberto Cassini now calls Perthshire home. Ansema We Stand finds him combining the sounds of his homeland with Scotland, aided by the likes of Anna Massie, Ross Ainslie, Hamish Napier and Greg Lawson. It’s a musical experience that will repay a little patience with huge pleasure.

Based on Matt Carmichael’s debut album we can, and should, expect great things in future from these guys as individuals and as a quartet. Where Will The River Flow is one for late nights…close your eyes and bathe in it! Top-quality music.

Norfolk-based Mari Joyce has produced a richly rewarding, dark and soulful album of complex songs with a spiritual. Great songs and a chance to drift away but not get caught up in the way life is at the moment. A valuable and enjoyable experience.

Harriet Riley and Alex Garden deliver a compelling and beautiful album. If you have an adventurous side to your nature this CD will reward you well.

This celebration of twenty years of Kleztory’s commitment to the genre demonstrates that Klezmer is a living tradition and this album portrays it at its absolute best.

If you are a fan of Jez Lowe you will love this, as I did. If you are new to his work, then this will prove to be a great introduction and will certainly send you off looking for more.