Editor-in-chief Simon Broughton Publisher & Managing Director Paul Geoghegan Editor Jo Frost Deputy Editor & Reviews Editor Alexandra Petropoulos Art Director Paulina Stopka Advertisement Manager James Anderson-Hanney Online Content Editor James McCarthy Editorial Assistant Spencer Grady News Editor Russ Slater Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Marketing Manager John Barnett Cover Image Miguel Ângelo Contributing Editors Jane Cornwell, Mark Ellingham & Nigel Williamson Subscriptions Director Sally Boettcher Editorial Director Martin Cullingford CEO Ben Allen Chairman Mark Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: 0800 137 201 Overseas: +44 (0)1722 716997 subscriptions@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING +44 (0)20 7501 6683
WELCOME
Music on lockdown, yet again
At the time of writing, most of the UK and large parts of Europe are in the throes of various states of lockdown – a huge blow to live music everywhere. I had been intending to write about my first gig in over six months (The Rheingans Sisters at Kings Place, see p68) and how this would be the start of a gradual increase in live performances. Sadly that’s not the case, so for now I’m holding onto the memory of how wonderful it felt hearing musicians playing live music. The pandemic has seen many of us changing how we listen to music, as James Catchpole remarks in his Soapbox on p81, he’s rediscovered the joys of more focused listening. This issue’s My World interviewee, artist and writer Jackie Morris, confesses that she’s been listening less to music because she’s been “trying to hear the wild music outside” (see p70). Morris’ dedication to the natural world is apparent not only in her playlist choices but also in her depiction of animals and birds that instil a sense of magic and wonder. She isn’t the only artist we feature this issue who shares a love of nature – there’s Jenny Sturgeon and her beautiful Cairngorms mountains inspired project (p19) and Cosmo Sheldrake with his fascination for birdsong (p30). This year is the centenary of Amália Rodrigues’ birth, the Portuguese singer who was instrumental in popularising fado around the world and became its ambassador. Today that role is held by Mariza, our cover star, who pays tribute to Amália on her latest recording (p24). This issue’s bonus CD of music from Switzerland (see p9) offers a considerable range of musical s les from around the world by artists resident in that country – from the Cuban musician Yilian Cañizares to TootArd from the Golan Heights. So plen of musical distraction to help us through the ongoing turmoil of this rollercoaster year.
I’m holding onto
the memory of how wonderful
it felt hearing musicians playing live
Visit our website for more details
about our carbon offsetting:
www.songlines.co.uk/
carbon-offsetting
Jo Frost, editor
PS Why not gi a world of music this Christmas? See p18 for details
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Songlines is published by MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd St Jude’s Church, Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0PB, UK +44 (0)20 7738 5454 info@songlines.co.uk www.songlines.co.uk © MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd, 2020. All rights reserved. No part of Songlines may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publishing director. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editor or Songlines advertisements in the journal do not imply endorsement of the products or services advertised. Please read our privacy policy, by visiting http:// privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will explain how we process, use and safeguard your data. ISSN 1464-8113. Printed by: Pensord Press Ltd, Blackwood, NP12 2A Record trade distribution Songlines 020 7738 5454 Newstrade distribution Seymour 020 7429 4000
Fiona Talkington A BBC Radio 3 presenter, including 20 years with the award-winning show Late Junction, Fiona also curates concerts and festivals. This issue she chats to Hannah James about her clogs (p79).
Alex Robinson A writer and award-winning travel photographer, Alex is the author of the Footprint Brazil guide. This issue he speaks to the Brazilian lead singer of Ayom about their forthcoming debut album (p21).
Sophie Parkes A writer of both fiction and non-fiction, Sophie is working on a novel about English calendar customs and is the author of the offi cial biography of Eliza Carthy. Read her interview with Rachel Newton on p34.
Songlines was launched in 1999 and is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only magazine to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identi . Delivered in both print and digital formats, Songlines, through its extensive articles and reviews, is your essential and independent guide to a world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.
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ISSUE 163 › SONGLINES 03
