Helen George: From singing along to Sinatra to starring in ‘High Society’
Dance / Jazz / Music / Theatre

Helen George: From singing along to Sinatra to starring in ‘High Society’

Helen George grew up listening to her jazz-fan father’s records – now she’s singing some of those timeless songs on stage, as the star of a lavish new production of the classic Cole Porter musical High Society. About to start a 20-week tour after its run in London, the production lands in Cardiff soon (21-25 … Continue reading

‘Current’ explores the sounds of jazz and more on the water
Art / Documentary / Film / Jazz / Music / Songwriting / Writing

‘Current’ explores the sounds of jazz and more on the water

It seems to me there’s something primal about our relationship with water – we’re instinctively drawn to it, whether rivers, lakes, or the ocean; we come from it, in evolutionary terms and through birth; and we are mostly made of it (roughly 60%, apparently). Perhaps that’s why Current, the new album from New York-based Dutch … Continue reading

Are you sure? Ten things you never knew about The 1957 Tail Fin Fiasco
Jazz / Lyrics / Music / Pop / Rock / Songwriting

Are you sure? Ten things you never knew about The 1957 Tail Fin Fiasco

Those very good friends of this blog, The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco have released a new album. And to mark the occasion – some notes on the ten tracks, along with ten things about the band (nine of which are true). With thanks to the band’s Malcolm Moore, here are those notes about the new release, … Continue reading

Rebecca’s new single captures smooth sounds of summer
Jazz / Lyrics / Music / Pop / Songwriting

Rebecca’s new single captures smooth sounds of summer

The new single from London singer-songwriter Rebecca Poole is released on Friday (20 June 2025) – a day before midsummer’s day. Appropriately, it’s called Summer Days [not to be confused with the Emily Sanders classic of the same name], and it captures the mood of the season from the start – “Don’t you love those … Continue reading

‘All As One’ with Emily, the queen of UK jazz-fusion
Dance / Jazz / Lyrics / Music / Songwriting / Writing

‘All As One’ with Emily, the queen of UK jazz-fusion

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

Swansea Jazz Festival is back on the waterfront
Funk / Jazz / Music / Soul / Wales

Swansea Jazz Festival is back on the waterfront

The much-missed Swansea International Jazz Festival is back this summer. The city’s celebration of jazz has had two years off because of the pandemic, and had already switched to a more low-key autumn event because of budget uncertainties in 2019. But now, thanks to a partnership between the city council and Swansea Jazz Club, it’s … Continue reading