Bill Withers has died of heart complications, aged 81. News of the singer-songwriter’s death broke on Friday afternoon, April 3, accompanied by a statement from his family that read: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father. A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and […]

During Band On The Wall’s temporary closure due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the multiple award-winning 200-year-old Manchester venue is digging deep into its archive to pick out some favourite, rare and never-before-seen recordings from gigs gone by. Every week at 7pm on Friday, Band On The Wall will be streaming a full gig from its archive, broadcast ‘as live’ […]

Indie soulman Eric Roberson has been using his self-isolation time this past month wisely and productively – by recording an entire new album, due for release from Friday, April 3. Hear From Here has been put together during the month of March. Says Eric: “I started recording four weeks ago and the songs came pouring out of me. I knew […]

Legendary hip-hop trio De La Soul have confirmed a clutch of live dates across the UK this summer, during which they will be backed by a full band. The schedule runs: Birmingham, O2 Institute [May 16]; Nottingham, Rock City [17]; Bristol, O2 Academy [20]; Cardiff, Tramshed [21]; Brighton, Chalk [23]; Southampton, Engine Rooms [24]; Manchester, Apollo [29]; Margate, Dreamland [July […]

Often busy around these parts, Nile Rodgers and CHIC will be playing Lloyd’s Amphitheatre in Bristol on Thursday, July 16. The gig forms part of the ‘Colston Hall Presents… ’ programme, one of five big events planned this summer in the city. Tickets are on sale now, priced at £59.95 including booking fee – available here or from Colston Hall’s Box Office […]

UK funk stars BRAND NEW HEAVIES have lined up a series of shows across the nation this Autumn. So far promoters AGMP has them down for: OCTOBER       16 LEEDS, UNIVERSITY STYLUS OCTOBER17   HARPENDEN, PUBLIC HALLS OCTOBER 23:   COVENTRY, EMPIRE OCTOBER 24:   BRIGHTON, CHALK OCTOBER 30:   LONDON, INDIGO2 OCTOBER 31:   BRISTOL, ANSON ROOMS NOVEMBER 6:     […]

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2020 has announced its full list of performers. Due to take place between May 5-10 [incorporating the bank holiday], this year’s programme once again balances a core of jazz and mainstream offerings, from today’s biggest stars to heritage legends and next-generation talent. It’s also bringing in some pop for the first time. Headliners include Beverley Knight, […]

The completely wonderful Ms. Jill Scott will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album Who Is… Jill Scott? with a three-date visit to the UK during mid-summer. Jilly from Philly will play London’s IndigO2 on July 14, 15 and 17. Visit https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/search?aid=806530&user_input=Jill%20Scott&q=Jill+Scott&tm_link=tm_header_search

Eight-time Grammy-winning soul star Anita Baker will perform in the UK for the first time in 13 years this summer when she plays the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex. The concert carries extra significance as the show forms part of Baker’s Farewell Tour and will be her last ever UK concert. Says Anita: “I’m so happy to be […]

Lokkhi Terra Ronnie Scott’s, London The warm glow of Ronnie’s 60th birthday celebrations of 2019 may be gently fading in the first few weeks of the new decade, but this is a welcome burst of heat for the rigours of ‘dry January.’ Led by keyboardist-composer Kishon Khan Lokkhi Terra is an inspired proposition, an encounter of Indian, Cuban and African […]