Feature : Ramy Essam releases ‘ Mafi Mafi (Khod) – The New Voice of the Middle East
For the longest time, music artists have depicted the world around them as it unfolds. The change, the revolutions, the social injustice , and the universal story which connects us all : hope. The term ‘activist ‘ has long since been overtly used to describe those artists who use their voice to talk about the …
Premiere : Emily Jane Roberts: I’ll Tell You How The Sun Rose is Stunning and Bold
Emerging guitarist & composer Emily Jane Roberts returns with the 2nd single from upcoming EP ‘The Persistence of Memory’. Inspired by the sounds of Hiatus Kaiyote and Nubya Garcia, shimmering guitar loops intersperse with euphoric horn lines, setting the scene for a brooding keys solo from Sultan Stephenson (Tomorrow’s Warriors). Previous support from Jazz Revelations, …
Album Review : Majamisty Trio returns with triumphant 4th Studio Album -Wind Rose
It’s always a pleasure to champion female artists, and one day I do hope we can all champion each other. Serbian pianist Maja Alvanovij is no exception to this with her fourth studio album ‘ Wind Rose’ out and already making waves across the musical spectrum. Hailed as ‘ spiritually sublime jazz music ‘ ( …
Track : ‘Ensoul’ from Ambient Jazz Ensemble – One for the contemplative soul
Ambient Jazz Ensemble share the atmospheric and bewitching new single ‘Ensoul’ due out May 11th, the first single to be shared from upcoming album London Fields due out July 8th via Here & Now Recordings. AJE is the passion project of acclaimed composer, writer and producer Colin Baldry. Baldry’s previous works can be found on …
Album Review : Ana Silvera ‘ The Fabulist ‘ is The Folk Album Of The Year.
Without ascertaining any form of comparison to up and coming singer-songwriters, there comes a time when music fans and musicians alike must recognise true , authentic talent when it stands before them, majestic and humble. That is in all honesty what I think of Ana Silvera’s music, and am completely mystified that it took me …
Live Review : Efterklang – Temple Bar, Athens 30.04.22
I’ve waited a long , long time to re-join the Athens scene , so to speak. Not just as a musician myself, having made the grand exodus to London to live the dream like most of us in Athens have. So i decided to pave my way back with my journalists hat on, and , …
Live Review: Grouper – Parnassos Hall/ Plissken Festival, Athens 20.04.22
There are really only two ways to enjoy electronic music : dancing in the comfort of your own home, or at a festival. So when Backseat Mafia made its way to the first Athens review to watch American -Ambient artist Grouper, courtesy of Plissken Festival, I arrived at the majestic venue of Parnassos Hall, a …
Premiere: Richard Meehan delivers class and fervour with ‘Prelude’
Jazz newcomers, Rich Meehan Trio make their debut on the new single ‘Prelude’. Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Suite Antique’, the single is a first taste of the trio’s unique and multi- layered sound. Fusing elements of classical with contemporary jazz and subtle flecks of electronica, the new single and upcoming EP offer an exciting …
Album Review: Ben and Dom dazzle with heartwarming debut album ‘ Shoulder’
In recent years , we’ve seen a surge of vocal ensembles that have challenged the typical format of a vocal -led group. From vocal improv ( albeit stemming from the influence of jazz, folkloric traditions and shamanic traditions ) to the more refined and impressive chord clusters of English Vocal Artists Jacob Collier, The Swingles, …
Album Review: Keston Cobblers Club ‘ Alchemy’ is a thing of beauty
After a two-year break-folk favourite Keston Cobblers Club return with their brand-new album, ‘Alchemy’ – the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2019 album, ‘Siren’ . Alchemy is the new album from Indie-folk band Keston Cobblers Club. Returning to their roots, the theme of the album is based on an old folklore from their hometown. The …