DEEP ROOTS ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2023

Monoswezi: Experimentation is The Order of The Day

Shanu quite simply means “Five” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, home to MONOSWEZI's lead vocalist and mbira player HOPE MASIKE. This, their fifth album, is the most adventurous to date from the lineup representing four n...

by David McGee

Full Story »

The Truth of the Blues, Simple and Direct

Two veterans aging gracefully in the blues field get together with their voices, their instruments and a general aim to honor the late, great piano master Pinetop Perkins, and proceed to make a thoroughly delightful album of ea...

by David McGee

Full Story »

Time, Time, Time, See What’s Become of Me

What's better than one new DONNA HUGHES album? Answer: two new DONNA HUGHES albums. The gifted bluegrass singer-songwriter is back with FROM THE HEART and FLY. We appraise, and praise.

by David McGee

Full Story »

Ingrid Godon’s Emotionally Resonant Art

The 7 Imp spotlight is on SYLVIE NEEMAN's book SOMETHING BIG and its emotionally resonant art by INGRID GODON.

by David McGee

Full Story »

Pushing the Envelope of Nordic Jazz

The Karl Strømme Quintet is opening up new frontiers in Nordic jazz. The group's new album, DYNALYD, furthers the musicians' integration of other styles into the modern jazz tradition. A most pleasing sound it is.

by David McGee

Full Story »