Latest editorial
by Nana Backland, Merseyside Morning Star Readers & Supporters Group
The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
In the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s murder, JOHN GREEN wonders whether the government will really get to grips with the root cause of these attacks on our MPs
The new PM’s opening addresses offered hope, council homes and reform — but little detail on how any of it will be delivered, warns CLAUDIA WEBBE
Nature as well as society works dialectically, asserts the Marx Memorial Library and Workers’ School
Tori Freestone Trio
In the Chop House
(Whirlwind WR 4648)
TORI FREESTONE is a young south London saxophonist who blows a very singular horn. When I spoke with her at last November’s London Jazz Festival she told me that the music that she plays has a direct line to her forebears, who were east London watermen and boatspeople’s families.
People who crossed over and came south of the river “at about the same time that the Greenwich foot tunnel was built” (it was opened in 1902).
She remembers how important folk music, particularly shanties and the work songs of the river workers, were to her family and how she would sing and play violin with them when she was a young girl. And it is as if that sound has never left her, passing into her own musical blood.
Chris Searle speaks to British pianist ZOE RAHMAN
CHRIS SEARLE urges you to listen to two new albums by the US Indian pianist VIJAY IYER
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance
As part of the 2025 London Jazz Festival Rich Mix offered intriguing sessions titled 'Persian Jazz,' CHRIS SEARLE was there