Maurice Hope

Mandolin Jack “Phoenix In The Ashes” (Independent, 2018)

May 2, 2018 Maurice Hope 0

Prior to Mandolin Jack, Chris Tulloch had been making music and playing in bands ever since the early 1970s. He grew up in the sixties and he has absorbed a feast of varied tones that range […]

The Yellhounds “The Banks Of The Mississippi” (Independent, 2018)

March 21, 2018 Maurice Hope 0

Manchester-band The Yellhounds’ title-cut ‘Banks Of The Mississippi’ from their new four-track EP sees the release open in a rich, melancholy fashion. A genuine feel of America’s south ensues, one that suggests images of the bottomlands captured […]

Beth Nielsen Chapman “Hearts Of Glass” (Proper Records, 2018)

January 24, 2018 Maurice Hope 0

Singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman is one of those naturals when it comes to singing. She makes it seem effortless to perform finely written pieces, and the fact she writes some extremely good songs does her no […]

Interview: Ann Savoy

January 12, 2018 Maurice Hope 0

Adopted Cajun, Ann Savoy of the Savoy Cajun Family Band is carrying on the region’s age-old tradition of music and way of life through her work. Savoy, married to accordionist and accordion builder Marc Savoy, is […]

Chris Blevins “Better Than Alone” (Horton Records, 2017)

December 21, 2017 Maurice Hope 0

Chris Blevins’ music is like a breath of fresh air; his narrative and full-bodied sound and way he removes the veneer to get to the source sets him apart from the field. Americana music has many […]

Sounds from beyond the Shed 245 “Stop….thief…”

September 21, 2026 0

I went to Brighton this week to see The Jayhawks. They were playing at the newly restored Corn Exchange. The gig was being promoted by the excellent Brighthelmstone Promotions, and a good time was promised and […]

Brown Wimpenny “Shady Grove” – chugs like a fast train

September 21, 2026 0

This latest single from Brown Wimpenny heralds the Autumn into Winter tour by the band alongside an ever-changing roster of artists from the same Broadside Hacks record label. The song came into their repertoire in an […]

Video: Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground “Ships at Sea” – wonderfully-warm and woozy

September 21, 2026 0

Check out the absorbing Ships at Sea from Boston-based bluegrass quintet Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground. Written by Toronto-based band Basset, this is a gorgeously-tuneful song that showcases Setiawan’s clear, pure voice. The words are full […]

Articles by Maurice Hope

Mandolin Jack “Phoenix In The Ashes” (Independent, 2018)

The Yellhounds “The Banks Of The Mississippi” (Independent, 2018)

Beth Nielsen Chapman “Hearts Of Glass” (Proper Records, 2018)

Interview: Ann Savoy

Chris Blevins “Better Than Alone” (Horton Records, 2017)

Sounds from beyond the Shed 245 “Stop….thief…”

Brown Wimpenny “Shady Grove” – chugs like a fast train

Video: Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground “Ships at Sea” – wonderfully-warm and woozy

Something for the weekend: Teenage Fanclub “Be With You Tonight”

Benjamin Tod “Country is Dead”