Neil Spencer

3 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Neil Spencer

Idris Ackamoor was a champion of Afrofuturism long before that term was coined; his 70s band the Pyramids combined funk and avant-garde jazz with Egyptian flavours and a keen awareness of Afro-American history. (Sun Ra is an obvious fellow traveller.) Since his re-emergence a decade back, Ackamoor has deliveredfour impressive albums for the Strut label, which is marking National Record Store Day with this recording of a 2024 San Francisco concert.

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Neil Spencer

With six members, the Gigspanner Big Band is not particularly big, though their collective elan has a forceful presence unmatched in British folk: a little classical, a little jazzy, highly inventive while their material remains almost entirely traditional. Founded by fiddle player Peter Knight, once of Steeleye Span, the ensemble contains two duos and a trio as well as the full six piece.

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Neil Spencer

Saxophonist extraordinaire Branford Marsalis claims his garlanded quartet is “a chamber group rather a jazz group”, by which he presumably means they are not thirsting for innovation but happy to celebrate and interpret tradition. Hence Belonging, a reprise of Keith Jarrett’s groundbreaking 1974 album that is also Marsalis’s debut for the Blue Note label skilfully resurrected by Don Was.

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Neil Spencer

Folk’s connection to the mythic and magical traditions of our isles has been in the ascendant for several years, spurred on by cinematic “folk horror” and the lingering influence of The Wicker Man. This debut from singer Liz Overs is thick with pagan references – unsurprising given that shehas hosted a monthly radio show devoted to Sussex folklore, and has for years sung with local group Chalk Horse Music.

2 months ago | theguardian.com | Neil Spencer

Since her 2007 debut, Wild and Undaunted, Londoner Lisa Knapp has blazed an impressive trail at the avant edge of British folk, her bravura vocals lighting up self-penned songs and well-loved standards, while the inventive arrangements of partner and producer Gerry Diver – now credited as co-creator – have helped capture the wyrdness, wonder and darkness of folklore. On Hinterland, the pair repeat the trick to thrilling effect.