Lotte Kestner "Cliff" Video

Lotte Kestner is probably my favourite singer songwriter. Ever since a transfixing first viewing of Trespasser's William, somewhere around 2004, I have been progressively more spell-bound by everything that has emanated from the pen, and the voice of Anna-Lynne Williams. This is far from the first time I've eulogised about her voice in writing, and I'm sure it won't be the last, either. Lots of people have special voices, but not many use them to their full, spectacular potential.

Having released a couple of albums independently, Lotte Kestner now returns with a new album, Bluebird of Happiness, on a new label, Saint Marie Records. The video for the album's first single, Cliff, can be seen below.

I'll have a review for the album here in the not-too-distant future, but in the meantime, sit back, bask in the wonder of this single, and then pre-order the album forthwith. Perhaps this will finally be Anna-Lynne's time to enter the spotlight of the wider public consciousness that her beguiling talent undoubtedly deserves.

With Anna-Lynne currently hard at work with Robert Gomez on the follow up to last year's triumphant debut Ormonde album, Machine (featured in my albums of the year) as well as a follow up EP of her own, 2013 is already shaping up to be a special year.

Trichotomy - Strom *Free Download*

Trichotomy are one of the coolest jazz bands on the planet right now. Their new, brilliant album, Fact Finding Mission, releases on February 4th. In the run up to the release, and the band's forthcoming UK tour, the band have released the storming Strom as a free download.

You should go here to get it: Trichotomy "Strom" Free Download Link

Catch the band on tour at the following dates:

Trichotomy: ‘Fact Finding Mission’ UK Tour 2013

05/02    MILTION KEYNES                                  The Stables                    

www.stables.org
06/02    LONDON                                                   Pizza Express Jazz          

www.pizzaexpresslive.com
07/02    DORKING                                                  Watermill jazz              

 www.watermilljazz.co.uk
08/02    BURY ST EDMUNDS                              The Apex                          

www.theapex.co.uk
09/02    SOUTHAMPTON                                     Turner Sims                  

www.turnersims.co.uk
10/02    CARDIFF                                                   Café Jazz                            www.cafejazzcardiff.com
12/02    CORNWALL                                             St Ives Jazz Club                                 www.stivesjazzclub.com

13/02    NOTTINGHAM                                         Lakeside Arts Centre  

www.lakesidearts.org.uk
14/02    LEEDS                                                        7 Arts                                  

www.sevenleeds.co.uk 
15/02    MANCHESTER                                         Matt n’ Phreds              

www.mattandphreds.com

www.trichotomymusic.com
www.naimjazz.com

Joel Peter - Wrap My Ankles

Joel Peter's new video is a cracker. Joel used to be in Retrofect, who I liked a lot, and used to play gigs with a fair bit. One of the few bands I used to look forward to going to see (I sound so jaded!). It was really quite sad when they called it a day, and it's great to see Joel Peter has now come along with a debut, self-titled EP of intelligent, articulate summery-pop. I'm looking forward to digging into the EP further and I'm sure I'll find more delights when I do.

(I also quite like it because my bandmate Ben is in the band, favouritism is allowed, right?)



In an entirely uncynical aside, it's nice to see a video of an indie-ish song in which the band look as if they like each other and are having fun. I must be getting old....

Check out the video, download the EP. Keep an eye on Joel Peter this year