It’s a cliche to talk about ‘the difficult second album’. But sometimes that second album is an absolute triumph. And that’s certainly the case with Moonray, the new release from the talented British jazz vocalist, James Hudson, which is out this week (15 March). It’s an intriguing collection of songs, from the title track to … Continue reading
The remarkable story of the USA’s first saint, Francesca Cabrini, is told in a new feature film, being previewed in the UK this week (8 March 2024) for International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday. This powerful epic movie comes from Alejandro Monteverde, award-winning director of ๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ฎ, following Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who … Continue reading
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and ‘queen of UK jazz-fusion’ (so says DJ and producer, Snowboy, and who am I to disagree?), the brilliant Emily Saunders is promising us a new album this year. It’s an exciting prospect, which has prompted me to catch up on her latest releases. So here’s a look at (and listen … Continue reading
How do you go about writing your first novel? First-time author Davey D. Jones, whose debut A Different Reality is gaining rave reviews, kindly shared his thoughts about the writing process and self-publishing. Continue reading
My first music concert was a performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchcestra in the Great Hall of Exeter University, at the age of ten. It sounds very fancy, but my main motivation for going was because it involved a coach trip – always exciting, even if just a few minutes across town – and an … Continue reading
The multi award-winning Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammersteinโs classic musical, The King and I is again touring UK theatres. Ahead of its return to Cardiff’s New Theatre next week (Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 November 2023), I’m very pleased to share this interview with Annalene Beechey, who plays Anna to Darren Lee’s King. ย What … Continue reading
New murals celebrating Cardiff’s musical and architectural heritage have been unveiled in underpasses in the city centre. One designed by Unify Creative, the artists behind the โButetown Mona Lisa,’ is in the underpass beneath Boulevard de Nantes, connecting Kingsway with the Civic Centre. The other by Wall-Op Murals, inspired by the city’s history and the … Continue reading
The spine-chilling stage thriller The Woman in Black arrives at Cardiff’s New Theatre next week [September 19-23] as part of its UK Tour. And I’m pleased to share this interview with the acclaimed author of the original novel, Dame Susan Hill. Continue reading
There’s no shortage of ‘religion’ on film – priests battling demons, nuns singing, monks solving crimes. But a straightforward faith-based film about a church’s revival is much rarer. So, the success of Jesus Revolution might be something of a surprise. This new (2023) feature film from Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle tells the true story … Continue reading
The glorious retro animated Famous Five ads for Great Western Railway are back for summer 2023, with their first new adventure for three years. A new TV ad, Five Get There First, promotes travelling by train and how it can deliver a level of comfort, speed, sustainability and ability to socialise you don’t get by … Continue reading
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