Category Archives: Reviews

Playing games

Posted on March 4, 2019 by clivedav184z

My radio review in The Times… Football chat from Lineker and Baker, parenting debates on the World Service and a look at how boys are faring in the age of #MeToo: Too many games, too much hype. Has anyone else … Continue reading →

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New world, old world

Posted on June 6, 2018 by clivedav184z

A fascinating evening of music and readings from Bill Murray and cellist Jan Vogler. They certainly deserved the standing ovations. I had one reservation though: Yes, that Bill Murray — actor, comic, loon and, maybe, the man who has found … Continue reading →

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The man who had too much of everything

Posted on May 31, 2018 by clivedav184z

Talent being at the top of the list. From my Times review of a weighty new account of the rise and fall of the genius that was Robin Williams: The warning signs were there that moment in the 1970s when … Continue reading →

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Lacklustre

Posted on May 14, 2018 by clivedav184z

Ladysmith Black Mambazo seem to be stuck in a rut. From my review of their Bath Festival concert: There’s no question that Ladysmith Black Mambazo are a force for good; they are, after all, the singers who provided the soundtrack … Continue reading →

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Van in vain

Posted on May 7, 2018 by clivedav184z

Not a night to remember. From my review of Van Morrison at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival: If you love vintage blues and jazz, you may have mixed feelings about Van Morrison’s desire to dig through the archives and pay homage … Continue reading →

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More strings than swing

Posted on April 11, 2018 by clivedav184z

From my review of Gregory Porter’s latest visit to the Albert Hall: This might have been a world record. Has anyone in the history of mass marketing dared to perform The Christmas Song when we are still recuperating from Easter? Since this … Continue reading →

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Shock tactics

Posted on March 31, 2018 by clivedav184z

You are a middle-aged, female musician playing a solo gig at a small venue where a gaggle of laddish men, completely uninterested in your songs, are making so much noise that you can barely hear yourself. You politely ask them … Continue reading →

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Joan Baez’s “Fare Thee Well” tour

Posted on March 16, 2018 by clivedav184z

The folk queen is on the road one last time, or so she says. Her voice may be darker than it once was, but that actually is no bad thing – the lengthening shadows give the lyrics extra resonance.  The … Continue reading →

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Voices

Posted on March 8, 2018 by clivedav184z

Sandra Bernhard clearly loved being at Ronnie Scott’s. Wouldn’t it be fun if she became a regular visitor? Mr S himself would probably have enjoyed her brand of humour: Who would have thought she would end up here? Sandra Bernhard … Continue reading →

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Nige swings George

Posted on February 14, 2018 by clivedav184z

My review of Nigel Kennedy’s Gershwin gig at Ronnie Scott’s: Fist-bumps all round. Nigel Kennedy never disguises his pleasure at being on the same bandstand where, as a teenager, he once played alongside his mentor, Stéphane Grappelli. Nearly half a … Continue reading →

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