Kamasi Washington

With August's festival calendar seemingly busier than any other month, those of us with a persuasion to stand in a field watching live music are spoilt for choice. While V Festival might be the most corporate and therefore populist, the more discerning fan of both music and the arts in general would probably be found elsewhere. Such as Green Man for instance. Situated on the Glanusk Park estate in Crickhowell to the eastern point of the Brecon Beacons, it prides itself on being one of the most unique festivals around. Having grown from a capacity of just 300 people when it started in 2003 to the 20,000 revellers here to party this weekend, it's become a festival season highlight even with such a saturated market.

What also sets it apart is the stellar line-up organisers Fiona Stewart and Ben Coleman regularly pull out of the bag, and this year's edition was no exception. With the "sold out" signs hoisted long before this weekend, its reputation for putting quality control first speaks for itself. While its picturesque setting and heavy focus on locally sourced organic produce also render it a cut above the standard festival fare of greasy burgers and warm Carling where daily nourishment is concerned.

Indeed, the only thing that cannot be guaranteed is the weather but then this is the British summer time, right? Right. So without further ado, having acquired our passes and pitched up, Contactmusic are immediately drawn to the impressive bill taking place on the Far Out Stage this Thursday evening. Flamingods experimental take on psychedelic world music and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's full throttle sonic assault prove to be particular highlights. So much in fact that headliners Wild Beasts actually seem unsure about following either act on stage and play a surprisingly muted set of material mostly lifted from new record 'Boy King' instead.

Continue reading: Green Man 2016 - Live Review

Jazz isn't a genre of music that's had a ton of relevance in the musical landscape over the last decade or two. There's been notable acts and the genre's influence has been felt in other genres, in certain aspects of electronic music, hip-hop and even metal.

However, in the 21st century it's been difficult to pinpoint a figure who's emerged that's been on the same level of prowess as one of the greats such as Miles Davis or Dave Brubeck. Or at least it was until last year, when Kamasi Washington emerged with his three-hour long, aptly titled 'The Epic', a tour-de-force in jazz which saw Washington himself as band leader on saxophone display rich, vibrant, gripping skill which doesn't let up across the three hours and his band followed suit. This record has had a crossover appeal, getting more attention in the general music landscape as opposed to just being a success in the jazz scene. Tonight in Manchester Kamasi Washington continues to build jazz's relevance in the 21st century. 

Beforehand though we have Sarathy Korwar leading his own trio, where they display sh*t-hot musicianship that prepares you for the main event with very flashy keyboard playing, sporadic finger work on an acoustic guitar which sounds very eastern and Korwar himself providing a tight, solid backbone on the drums.

Continue reading: Kamasi Washington - Manchester Academy- 28.06.2016 Live Review