Kev Rowland

Martin Carthy: Transform Me Then Into A Fish (2025) There is no doubt that Martin Carthy MBE, one of Britain’s most influential folk musicians, remains a defining force in the genre. Renowned for his d […]

The Wildhearts: Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts (2025) When it comes to bands who have never truly gained the commercial success they deserve, then the Wildhearts must surely be near the top of the list. I […]

Adam Fairhall & Johnny Hunter: Play Mary Lou Williams (2025) Apparently, it is rare for Discus Music to suggest the musical content of a new release, but label owner Martin Archer enjoyed a live gig by this duo so […]

Buddy Guy: This Is Buddy Guy! (1968) Now, Buddy Guy is an eight-time GRAMMY winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and is recognised as a […]

Whitechapel: Hymns in Dissonance (2025) Whitechapel have had their fair share of drummers, but the rest of the band has been incredibly stable, being exactly the same since 2007. I was […]

Killswitch Engage: This Consequence (2025) There are few bands who have been around for more than quarter of a century who can say they still have four founder members, while drummer Justin Foley […]

Ben Lloyd: Leave No Stone Unturned (2025) Ben Lloyd is back with his third album, following on from 2024’s ‘Leap of Faith’, again recorded with producer Tim Julian. What is different this time […]

Des Horsfall's Kuschty Rye: The Bastard's Tin (2019) There is no doubt there was wide acclaim for the first album in the planned trilogy, and in 2015 the second was released available in (of course) a metal […]

Des Horsfall's Kuschty Rye: The Good Gentleman's Tonic (2011) Due to New Zealand’s geography, and where I work compared to where I live, it is not unusual for me to be on a plane multiple times a month and g […]

Daniel Garbin: Rising (2025) It is not unusual for jazz musicians to be involved with universities and colleges, but normally that is in relation to their musical area of knowledge, […]

Patricio Morales: La Tierra Canta (2025) The latest album by acoustic and classical guitarist Patricio Morales are old tunes he wrote when he was just starting out as composer, impressionistic […]

Jessica Jones Quartet: Edible Flowers (2025) The Jessica Jones Quartet is a two-tenor quartet, featuring the husband-and-wife team of Jessica and Tony Jones, and here they are joined by drummer […]

Groovology: Almost Home (2025) Based in Honolulu, Groovology was formed during the pandemic and comprises Aaron Aranita on woodwinds and piano, David Yamasaki on guitar, Ernie […]

The Exu: The Exu (2025) Recorded on my 61st birthday (I kid you not), here we find James Mainwaring (saxophones), Dave Kane (double bass) and Emil Karlsen (drums) kicking up a […]

Melodic Meltdown: Second Skin (2003) Many years ago I reviewed some releases by guitarist Michael Søbygge and his band Melodic Meltdown, and it was something of a surprise to hear from him […]

Abigail Williams: A Void Within Existence (2025) I have no idea what has happened, but since their last album, 2019’s ‘Walk Beyond The Dark’, there has been quite a shift in the Abigail Williams ranks […]

Noel Okimoto: 'Hō'ihi' (2025)“Hō‘ihi”is a Hawaiian word that means to treat with reverence and respect and here Hawaiian drummer Okimoto shows respect for the jazz tradition and th […]

Ashley Hutchings: Million Dollar Ash (2025) Ashley Stephen Hutchings was born on 26th January 1945, which means he celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year. Known by his affectionate nickname […]

Mitch Towne: Refuge (2025) Mitch Towne has worked as a keyboardist with a wide variety of top artists including Buddy Miles, Aloe Blacc, Terrace Martin (playing organ on his […]

Vader: Humanihility (2025) A few years ago Vader grabbed their Polish mates Hate and blasted around the world, including a jaunt to little old Aotearoa, which certainly surprised […]