John Shand Posts

April 3, 2015 / Album Reviews - Archive

Live in Concert (ACT/Planet) Manu Katche may have changed labels (from ECM to ACT) and trumpeters (Nils Petter Molvaer to Luca Aquino) for this live set in a Parisian club, but the music remains the same curiosity. The drummer’s formula of soft-focus, TV theme-type melodies fleshed out with horn solos…

March 31, 2015 / Concert Reviews - Archive

State Theatre, March 13 “Are you tired?” Omara Portuondo asked the audience in mock surprise at the start of Quizas, Quizas. Everyone had dared to resume their seats after No Me Llores Mas, but an 84-year-old gently implying a want of stamina instantly had the desired effect, the jibe carrying…

March 21, 2015 / Concert Reviews - Archive

City Recital Hall, March 11 There is always an edge to Richard Thompson’s work: only the keenness varies. Whether that edge is bittersweet, sarcastic, witty or devastating, it juts from his songs like his perennial black beret does from his head. That’s not to say the man lacks warmth. On…