Ian Lomax
Growing up with older siblings made Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard etc. my earliest musical memories. So no surprise that a few years later I was sourcing vinyl from any black American blues and R&B artists I could find.
Ironically, it was the white blues octogenarian, John Mayall, who sparked my interest in jazz with his “jazz/blues fusion” sessions. Nearly 50 years on and thousand of records later, I haven’t stopped exploring.
Whilst I yearned for a musical career - alas, it never happened. However, 40 years as a criminal barrister and judge gave me the discipline to listen carefully before passing judgement. Essential skills for any record critic, you may think!
The Blues Brothers
Detailed book traces the story of a film that was reviled by many critics but struck a note with the populus and grossed millions of dollars
Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer: But Who’s Gonna Play The Melody?
Two bass virtuosi confound expectation and sustain interest through a set covering the GAS, some bebop and some classical
Sarah Jane Morris: The Sisterhood
The singer who came to light with Republic in the 1980s dedicates a set of originals to 10 prominent female performers of the last century
Jimmy Reed: Three Classic Albums Plus
The Chicago bluesman's mix of country and urban blues with danceable rhythm led to hits and possibly an influence on modern pop
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Melody Gardot: Worrisome Heart
Gardot may not be a jazz singer in strict terms but her 2006 debut, here reissued, showed a convincing command of the American songbook
Various: Matchbox Bluesmaster Set 12 – Blues Like Showers of Rain
With its twelfth set Matchbox turns to the British country-blues scene of the 1960s and 1970s and artists such as Mike Cooper and Jo-Ann Kelly
The Full Circle Quartet: The South Downs Suite
Romantic salute to chalky southern England has saxophonist Josephine Davis reminding, in keeping with the pastoral mood, of Jan Garbarek
Bob James: Jazz Hands
Now in his 80s, the smooth-jazz master is still on the case in this set mixing jazz-funk, cinematic soundscapes and hip-hop jams
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Daniel Smith Blues Band: Blues, Boogie, Bayou & Ballads
Bluesy set from British pianist featuring Alan Barnes and Jaelee Small variously reminds of Jools Holland, Dr John and Bob James
Christian McBride’s New Jawn: Prime
The bass player's quartet gets heavy this time, playing angry free passages among swing-driven items that sometimes hint at melody
T-Bone Walker: T-Bone Blues
Vinyl reissue of mid-50s set from the putative inventor of the guitar solo includes 'national treasure' Stormy Monday and two bonus tracks
Various: Matchbox Bluesmaster Series Set 10 – Home Time Skiffle
Matchbox's 10th features Blind Boy Fuller and Sonny Boy Williamson as well as 'country girls' and such 'home time skiffle' as the Hokum Boys
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