John Shand Posts

February 5, 2018 / Theatre Reviews - Archive

York Theatre, January 21 7.5/10 Originally from Nigeria, playwright Inua Ellams has said that he was born a man, and it was only when he moved to the UK that he became a “black” man. Such profound issues of personal identity, migration, race and racism intermingle with geopolitics, jokes, tall…

February 4, 2018 / Album Reviews - Archive

LOW DOWN JIMMY (http://www.dustyravens.com/) 8.5/10 Listening to this I could taste the dust caking in my mouth and feel my tongue swelling. I squinted at the merciless sun, reached for my water. Empty. My horse was on its last legs – the front ones had given out miles back. I…

February 2, 2018 / Concert Reviews - Archive

City Recital Hall, January 20 7/10 It was advertised as a “unique” double bill. I think “weird” is the word. What should have been the main – arguably the only – event came on first and only played for 40 minutes. That was the Iraqi duo of Rahim AlHaj (oud)…