MARY CONWAY revels in a powerful reminder that human lives are not defined by physical perfection
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Round-up 2016: Music with Bob Oram
Star critics run through what’s impressed them this year
PAUL DONOVAN recommends the fine performances in this account of the pre-war meeting between the US president and the British king
TECLYN AROD relishes an intimate celebration of jazz improvisation that mixes local and national musicians
The missing sister, the vengeful WAG, cruise ship claustrophobia, and reanimated Avengers
Three great releases of lost concerts by Duke Ellington Orchestra, John Taylor & Stan Sulzman, and Joe Henderson
To rescue Kahlo from the clutches of the corporate art market, we need to acknowledge the overt and covert political dimensions of the work, demands GAVIN O’TOOLE
ANY reflection on a vintage year for gigs has to start with a big shout out to Cassie (Loud Women), Reuben (Songs from Below) and Rory (New Roots).
The best promoters are fans, who love music and make gigs a pleasure to attend. Theirs are always inclusive, friendly, intimate and fun and thanks to that trio I’ve seen enthralling artists — AJAR UK, Argonaut, Bugeye, Maddy Carty, Dolls, Dream Nails, Efa Supertramp, Jordan Le Fay, Fightmilk, Al Goodwin, Lilith Ai, Madame So, Petrol Girls, Alice Phelps, Lee Southall, Chris T-T and Nia Wyn to name just a few.
All deserve mass exposure but being up close and personal is what I cherish most. In a 2,000-capacity venue The Fat White Family lost that connection and had nothing to compare to the sheer joy and exuberance of watching the Loud Women festival or Thee Faction rocking up a pub with the awesome Tuts.
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