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Articles by Lara Eidi
Live Review : Adam Beattie ‘Home Fires Burning’ Album Launch at Stoke Newington’s Old Church 02.05.26
Adam Beattie – Home Fires Burning Album Launch Live at Stoke Newington Old Church Adam Beattie – photo by Lara Eidi Featuring: Fiona Bevan – vocals, double bass Zac Gvirtzmann- bass clarinet Sarah Beattie – violin Filippo Ferazzoli – electric guitar Adam Beattie – voice, guitars Dave Hamblett – drums Cameo vocals from Annie Beattie, Bob Beattie and Juno Beattie-Bevan The Old Church has rarely felt as quietly arresting as it did that evening—its grandeur softened by an intimate sprawl of...
Live Review : Rob Corcoran and The Necessary Evils deliver a night of courage, hope and truth // Green Note London// April 3, 2026
Written by Lara Eidi Rob Corcoran // Photo by Andy Petrou If Van Morrison met Rory Gallagher in London and the two conjured a collaborative album, it might sound something like Rob Corcoran. The Irish-born, London-based troubadour , a much respected figure on the London roots scene channels both artists through a voice and message entirely his own. The wit of the Irish—though, suffice to say, I try to refrain from stereotypes—runs through Corcoran’s stage persona.
EZ To the World: Where they’re meant to be
The energy in the room was eclectic. No, I wasn’t present myself in the physical sense; I was one of the million people tuning in virtually to witness a historic win for jazz with Ezra Collective snatching the award for Mercury Prize with Free Now at the recent mercury Music Awards. They were to be precise, the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize in its 31-year history. The prestigious £25,000 prize celebrates the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months.
Interview: Ramy Essam releases ‘ Mafi Mafi (Khod) - The New Voice of the Middle East
For the longest time, music artists have depicted the world around them as it unfolds. The change, the revolutions, the social injustice , and the universal story which connects us all : hope. The term ‘activist ‘ has long since been overtly used to describe those artists who use their voice to talk about the world. And what of it? I like to think we can challenge the often negative connotation that comes along when talking about music artists and music artists who are activists.
Premiere : Emily Jane Roberts: I’ll Tell You How The Sun Rose is Stunning and Bold
Emerging guitarist & composer Emily Jane Roberts returns with the 2nd single from upcoming EP ‘The Persistence of Memory’. Inspired by the sounds of Hiatus Kaiyote and Nubya Garcia, shimmering guitar loops intersperse with euphoric horn lines, setting the scene for a brooding keys solo from Sultan Stephenson (Tomorrow’s Warriors).
Album Review : Majamisty Trio returns with triumphant 4th Studio Album -Wind Rose
The Breakdown It’s always a pleasure to champion female artists, and one day I do hope we can all champion each other. Serbian pianist Maja Alvanovij is no exception to this with her fourth studio album ‘ Wind Rose’ out and already making waves across the musical spectrum. Hailed as ‘ spiritually sublime jazz music ‘ ( Jazz In Europe ), this album is a true depiction of the return to art song, hinting at contemporary jazz nuances and I feel deeply rooted in her classical and folkloric influences.
Album Review : Ana Silvera ‘ The Fabulist ‘ is The Folk Album Of The Year.
The Breakdown Without ascertaining any form of comparison to up and coming singer-songwriters, there comes a time when music fans and musicians alike must recognise true , authentic talent when it stands before them, majestic and humble. That is in all honesty what I think of Ana Silvera’s music, and am completely mystified that it took me ages to really discover her music.
Live Review : Efterklang @ Temple Bar ( Athens) - 30/04/22
I’ve waited a long , long time to re-join the Athens scene , so to speak. Not just as a musician myself, having made the grand exodus to London to live the dream like most of us in Athens have. So i decided to pave my way back with my journalists hat on, and , can I just say, it’s a blessing. It’s a gift from the Universe, because I was treated to one of the most magnetic performances I’ve seen in Athens to date. Efterklang will go down as one of the best bands to see live.
Live Review: Grouper @Parnassos Hall/ Plissken Festival ( Athens)
There are really only two ways to enjoy electronic music : dancing in the comfort of your own home, or at a festival. So when Backseat Mafia made its way to the first Athens review to watch American -Ambient artist Grouper, courtesy of Plissken Festival, I arrived at the majestic venue of Parnassos Hall, a venue known mostly for jazz, classical and world music events . My curiosity turned quickly into eager anticipation.
Premiere: Richard Meehan delivers class and fervour with ‘Prelude’
Jazz newcomers, Rich Meehan Trio make their debut on the new single ‘Prelude’. Taken from the upcoming EP ‘Suite Antique’, the single is a first taste of the trio’s unique and multi- layered sound. Fusing elements of classical with contemporary jazz and subtle flecks of electronica, the new single and upcoming EP offer an exciting look at this inventive new trio.
Album Review: Ben and Dom dazzle with heartwarming debut album ‘ Shoulder’
The Breakdown By Your Side – Ben and Dom In recent years , we’ve seen a surge of vocal ensembles that have challenged the typical format of a vocal -led group. From vocal improv ( albeit stemming from the influence of jazz, folkloric traditions and shamanic traditions ) to the more refined and impressive chord clusters of English Vocal Artists Jacob Collier, The Swingles, Voces 8, to name a few.
Album Review: Keston Cobblers Club ‘ Alchemy’ is a thing of beauty
After a two-year break-folk favourite Keston Cobblers Club return with their brand-new album, ‘Alchemy’ – the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2019 album, ‘Siren’ . Alchemy is the new album from Indie-folk band Keston Cobblers Club. Returning to their roots, the theme of the album is based on an old folklore from their hometown.
Track: ‘Where Would We Be’ without Amanda Whiting’s Harp?
‘ Where Would We Be‘ is the first single taken from the upcoming album ‘Lost In Abstraction’, the second album from Welsh Harpist Amanda Whiting. Following her critically acclaimed ‘After Dark‘ debut, Amanda Whiting explores new territories – with an emotionally charged energy and spiritual questioning a new soundscape of modernity has emerged.
Track: Ana Silvera and Alan Hampton deliver magic with cross- atlantic collaboration’ Early Frost’
Ana Silvera is a singer-songwriter I’ve had the privilege of reviewing her last two singles, ‘ Halo ‘ and ‘ Ghosts’. It comes as no surprise that her latest single, a magical cross- collaboration with LA based Alan Hampton ( Fiona Apple, Andrew Bird, Robert Glasper) is nothing but pure bliss. Two voices that compliment each other so effortlessly , ‘Early Frost’ is a folk tune that meets halfway across the ocean.
Album Review : Rumpistol’s ” Isola” is an thing of beauty.
‘ New Beginnings’ – It’s not very often that I partake in reviewing what could be traditionally described as ‘ ambient’ music. The word ambient should really be used to describe a texture, or a musical motif. I’m happy to disclaim that the latest album from award winning Danish producer, composer, film composer and pianist Jens B. Christiansen (aka Rumpistol) ‘ Isola’ is nothing short of a compositional masterpiece.
In Conversation with Pianist and Composer Naadia Sheriff
Naadia Sheriff is a UK Jazz Pianist, Composer, Musical Director Arranger and educator. One of the most versatile pianists and musicians out there, her performance and arranging projects are impressive to say the least. She grew up in Bolton in the North West of England. It all began when her mum bought her a toy piano and taught her a few chords when Naadia was four to eventually finding her a piano teacher at the age of 7 – on a real piano.
Album Review : Soulful Songstress Tokunbo releases stunning album ” Golden Days “
The Breakdown – 8.5 Tokunbo : Forgive ( Live Session ) Not every artist finds the task of creating something beautiful out of something challenging easy. That’s certainly not the case for Tokunbo. Although this kind of artistic process often results in masterpieces, the journey alone is hard and lonesome.
Track : Cosmic Crooner is back - ” Reflexopolis “
Cosmic Crooner – Reflexopolis The follow up to a string of successful singles, Cosmic Crooner continues his alluring thread with another lavished serenade. Leaning into the dogmatic quirks of 70s psychedelia and vintage decorum, Cosmic Crooner has noted that ‘Reflexopolis’ is his most reflective and cheerful piece to date. With this fourth release, Cosmic Crooner compliments ‘Reflexopolis’ with yet another striking music video.
Track : Singer and harpist Moira Bailey releases stunning ‘ So You Say ‘
Moriah Smiley – So You Say “”So you say…” emerged from a place of speaking and not being heard but also deeply struggling with mental health. ” Moriah Smiley Singer-Songwriter and Harpist Moriah Smiley is one of those artists that come along and shows us that people still have authenticity. It’s imperative to know more about who this talented songstress is in order to full grasp the personal power of her music.
Track : Harry Katz and The Pistachios release ‘ Oh Yes’
MusicNewsPremiereTrack / Video PREMIERE: Laddio Bolocko take you on an ear-splitting trip back in time with ‘Nurser’, announce retrospective boxset for May Gareth O Malley March 4, 2022 Featuring former members of The Mars Volta, the Psychic Paramount, Dazzling Killmen and Panicsville, Laddio Bolocko burned bright and then burned out in 2001.
Track: Ana Silvera releases second single ‘ Halos’ from forthcoming album ‘The Fabulist’
Songstress Ana Silvera continues to shine in her delivery of song, vocal artistry and storytelling with her newest track ‘ Halos ‘; the second single from her forthcoming album ‘ The Fabulist’. We had the pleasure of reviewing her feature single’ Ghosts’ . ‘Halo’ continues to evoke celestial and spiritual growth from a year of personal trauma from Silvera, unabashed by using music as a tool for the confessional.
Track: Mica Millar’s soulful ‘ Preacher Man ‘
Independent, UK soul newcomer Mica Millar has bursted unto the scene with a compelling new single, ‘Preacher Man’, – the first taste of her debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ coming June 2022.
Album Review: Palace celebrate resilience in the midst of fear with ‘Shoals’.
The Breakdown – 9.5 “Consider them both, the sea and the land; and do you not find a strange analogy to something in yourself?” Herman Melville. If I were to try and capture the essence of empowering narrative behind The Palace’s new album ‘Shoals’, this would be it. A depiction of the inner and outer conflict ; the dichotomy of fear and joy; the parallel of of what we perceive to be our true self versus how others see us.
Discover: Singer Sayed Sabrina is a soul - busting Tour De Force
We live in a musical world where the quintessential soul singer has become synonymous with either reflecting the sounds and timbres of old, stemming from Janis Joplin to Chaka Khan, or Mama Knows Best to the lady that did it all, Aretha. Then , along comes Sayed Sabrina. I should say she’s been around for a while and is hugely underrated, which should definitely change. Bold, yet vulnerable , her voice is so damn confident it doesn’t even need a full band to back her up.
Track : Ana Silvera Stuns with ‘Ghosts’.
Singer-songwriter Ana Silvera releases her stunning new single ‘ Ghosts‘, ahead of her highly anticipated second album ‘The Fabulist‘ ( April 22 Release ). Ana is considered to be one of the leading voices of the alt-folk scene, and has certainly made her unique mark with her emotive vocal prowess, carefully crafted lyrics and a masterful storyteller in her own right.
Track: Widowspeak offer hope with ‘Everything Is Simple’
Widowspeak – Everything Is Simple Widowspeak, (singer-songwriter Molly Hamilton and guitarist Robert Earl Thomas have announced their sixth studio album, The Jacket, to be released 11th March via Captured Tracks. The debut track ‘ Everything Is Simple’ is a stunning preview of their album. ‘ Everything Is Simple’ feels like a spiritual song about shifting perspectives in the face of adversity.
Playlist: New Years Ode playlist
Yeah, it’s 2022, happy new year and all of that, but we’re still taking a little look back at last year with our end of years / retrospectives, and the like. You should definitely, as a point of reference, go back and check out our 100 albums of 2021 you shouldn’t miss, its here.
Album Review: String duo Balladeste shine with sublime ‘Beyond Breath’
The Breakdown In my humble opinion, this album should have been one of the Grammy contenders for the World Music /Classical category, and I for one would like to invite the listener to celebrate this truly magical and masterful release . – 9.9 Balladeste are string duo Tara Franks ( cello) and Preetha Narayanan ( violin). Their much anticipated sophomore album, ‘Beyond Breath’ was released earlier this year in October 2021 to rave reviews, and quite frankly , it’s really no surprise.
Track : Dolly Dagger Channels The Halloween Spirit With ‘ Say What You Wanna’
Dolly Dagger: Say What You Wanna Charged with feminine power and rocking vocals , Australian artist Dolly Dagger delivers her second single “Say What You Wanna” October 22nd with pure courage, conviction and a killer instinct. The track features heavy guitar riffs , crafty and catchy lyrics , all to inform the lister that there are clever ways to end old friendships.
Track: Jazz Prodigy Camille Bertault delights with ‘ Look At What A Mess You Made Of Me’.
It’s not everyday you get to see a rising jazz vocalist make her own mark in the often male dominated jazz world celebrating viruoistic playing . Camille Bertault is a force to reckoned with , as she makes her own mark as a vocalist, phenomenal improviser and world class musician.
Track : Dakota Jones shines with new video for ‘Black Light’.
Dakota Jones: Black Light Following the recent release of their critically acclaimed debut album – Black Light, the unstoppable NYC 4-piece Dakota Jones release their new video for the flirtatious title track. Dakota Jones are a rising funk, soul and blues rock band from Brooklyn, New York City. Comprising of Tristan Carter-Jones (vocals), Scott Kramp (bass) Steve Ross (drums), and the aforementioned Randy Jacobs (guitar).
Track : Joshua Crumbly releases jazz-electronica single ‘ Three’ of Sophomore Album ‘ ForEver’.
Joshua Crumbly : Three , from ‘ ForEver’. Multi talented bassist, producer, and songwriter Joshua Crumbly released his new song “THREE” with an official video featuring animation by Renata Zeiguer. Featuring Michael Rocketship on synthesizer, “THREE” is the third single off of Crumbly’s sophomore full-length ForEver ( via Shahzad Ismaily’s figureight records).
Album Review: Remembering- A vocal ode to humanity.
The Breakdown 100 – 9.0 There’s a certain resistance to hear voices , speaking or singing in their most vulnerable, unscripted and unwavering form. Almost as if meeting a stranger for the first time and allowing for a conversation to unfold without the small talk. It’s not easily done ,and since this pandemic encroached and invaded life as we know it, it’s led us to believe that more than ever we need to allow for a space in which to jump straight into the soul baring stuff that makes us human.
Track: Damon Albarn’s ‘The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows’-
The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows, the new studio album from Damon Albarn, will be released by new label home Transgressive Records on 12th November 2021. The title track is truly more than a suggestive indication of ex-frontman for Blur’s Damon Albarn every growing maturity as an artist in his own write. Inspired by the landscapes of Iceland, the track was originally intended as an orchestral piece.
Track: Polly Paulusma revives the folk classic with sublime ‘ Barbary Allen ‘
Folk Singer, composer of English Literature Professor, Polly Paulusma is a force to be reckoned with. Already a highly established folk singer , Paulusma recorded her latest album ‘Invisible Man Music ‘ , a collection of traditional folk songs that influenced novelist Angela Carter, gracefully re-told by Polly Paulusma. The album is a sonic portrait readings by Paulusma as well as guests Kathryn Williams and Kirsty Logan.
Track : Lady Blackbird delivers show stopping vocals with ‘ It’s Not That Easy ‘
Lady Blackbird is a force to be reckoned with. Her voice is undoubtedly comparable at least to the greats, and it’s no wonder she’s been referred by Giles Peterson as ‘”the Grace Jones of jazz” . We at Backseat are delighted to share her brand new single ‘It’s Not That Easy’ lifted from her highly-anticipated and debut album Black Acid Soul, due for its long awaited release on September 3rd via Foundation Music/BMG.
Track: Liv McLean delivers stellar sound with ‘New Pair of Eyes’.
Liv Mclean is a soulful jazz fusion artist , distinguished in sound by her wonderful versatile voice randing from raspy soulfulness to indie inflections. It’s no wonder that Tremorverse Records are featuring her as an artist their upcoming compilation album by showcasing her truly lush yet groovy track ‘ ‘New Pair Of Eyes’.
Track: Fink’s ‘Sort of Revolution’ is true to its word.
Fink is the kind of artist that makes you nostalgic for bygone times, old loves and the beauty of youth. He’s the artist that inspired many, following his own singer-songwriter journey that truly is adaptable to the times. He has released a beauty of a song ‘ Sort of Revolution’ ahead of his upcoming Album “IIUII” ( out on August 20th on R’COUP’D). This follows the recently released ‘Warm Shadow (IIUII)’ single and announcement of a 58 date European tour.
Album Review : The Mountain Goats - ‘ Dark in Here’
Rating : 9/10 If there was a way in which one could imagine themselves frozen in time, ‘Dark in Here’ would be the soundtrack for that moment. Sincere, grounded, beaming with analogue sound complete with stellar bandmates and an impressive storyteller, indie folk band The Mountain Goats have delivered a narrative of old school blues, jazz, Western and at times chaotic mess born out of jam sessions with their album ‘Dark in Here’.
Track : Venice Beach Duo ‘ Movie Club’ deliver the cool with ‘ Trap Door’
Picture this : you’re high on life. You ‘re high because you don’t need anything other than what surrounds you. All you need are balloons , funky post-apocalyptic outfits, a kick ass camera man and you’re set. You could say it recalls a scene from the 1950’s classic ” The Red Balloon”, but the difference is you’re walking entirely in reverse through widely different locations.
Album Review : Haitus Kaiyote soar with ‘Mood Valiant’
The Breakdown Mood Valiant is an act of love, of courage, of altered perspective, of sister-and-brotherhood. Brainfeeder / Ninja Tune – 8.9 Hiatus Kaiyote return in 2021 with their new album Mood Valiant, on Brainfeeder Records/Ninja Tune.
Album Review: ISQ - ‘Requiem for the Faithful 2.0’ - The Remixes
The Breakdown Postmodern in sound, ISQ are clearly visual storytellers. It is clearly an ode to re-creating in a time where nothing makes sense, and sometimes we all take comfort in the unknown. CP Records – 8.7 There’s something to be said about the mere act of dancing, post-covid. Let’s just start with that. Whether you’re into club culture or not, we’ve all had a burning desire to dance, with other people. That free flow ecstatic waltz into movement, that enables us to feel human again. Enter ISQ.
Album Review: Saint Sister dazzle on ‘Where I Should End’
The Breakdown Simply put, the new album by the duo of Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty deserves recognition of the highest calibre, Self-released – 9.7 Saint Sister (credit: Audrey Gillespie) When Where I Should End found its way to my email, so to speak, I welcomed it with a huge smile. I feel compelled to share my own personal connection, if you will, dear reader, with the talented duo.
Track: Heavenly debut with ‘Soon’ by new duo Wanderland.
I had the pleasure of reviewing songstress Natalie Higgins ( known as Natalie Wildgoose) debut single ‘You’, here at Backseat Mafia. Needless to say I wasn’t sure what to expect from this up and coming songstress ; I had anticipated a clear distinctive sound following the likes of a jazzier Laura Marling, perhaps with Imogen Heap influences.
Track: The Mountain Goats relish in Wild West psychedelia with ‘Dark In Here’
CALIFORNIAN staple The Mountain Goats have released the title track “Dark in Here” ahead of their album, out on June 25th on Merge Records. Led by songwriter John Darnielle, the band’s sound on “Dark In Here” could be summed up as a sinister, wild yet calming Spaghetti Western soundtrack; instead of guns as ammo you have guitars and a bass, instead of cowboys you have brooding vocals.
Album review: Final Step - ‘Disconnections’: passionate, rhythmic and unashamedly funky
The Breakdown Passionate, rhythmic and unashamedly funky, whilst displaying a compositional creativity that highlights bandleader Matteo Finali's jazz credentials - I can't wait to hear them perform live – 9.0 I LOVE fusion bands. I really do. You never know what to expect, and that’s because they’re a fusion of flavours. Italian musicians in particular have always delivered when it comes to jazz music, a truly energetic burst of blues, funk and rock and roll.
News: Joni Mitchell celebrates the 50th anniversary of ‘Blue’ with a remastered set of her four Reprise albums
“I THINK the artist has always been in conflict, maybe because he has time on his hands to think with a lot of high ideals and values, and he’s got to recognize their beauty. “And at the same time, the flesh is weak and has too many appetites, so you’re in that continual conflict with yourself, you know. You can express these really high and beautiful thoughts but your life may not back them up.” Joni Mitchell, from conversations in the book Both Sides Now: Conversations With Malka Marom.
Album review: Portico Quartet - ‘Terrain’: a truly reflective journey
The Breakdown Terrain is what we need to listen to when we're ready for the beginning of a truly reflective journey. God knows we've all had that year. GONDWANA – 9.5 PORTICO QUARTET have always been a vibe. Since their formation, in my opinion they’re one of the few instrumental jazz-psyechedelic-electronic bands to live up to that musical blend, and furthermore, they’ve always been able to tell a story.
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