In this episode of Talking the Groove we speak with Parisian singer/songwriter Claudia Isaki about the recent release of her 3rd EP, More Flowers, and her artistic and creative processes and influences.

In this episode of Talking The Groove we are joined by Brussels based Belgian/Senegalese artist, composer, vocalist and playwright Adja.

In this episode of Talking the Groove we speak to alto saxophonist, composer, songwriter, producer and Tomorrow's Warriors alumnus Camilla George about her new album Ibio Ibio released on the 30th September 2022 on Ever Records.

Music excerpts used in this podcast

Camilla George - Epke (Ever records) (from Ibio Ibio)

Camilla George - Abasi Isang (Ever records) (from Ibio Ibio)

Camilla George - Abasi Enyong (Ever Records (from Ibio Ibio)

Camilla George - Nehimiah Got Free (Ubuntu Music) (from The People Could Fly)

Camilla George feat. SANITY and Daru Jones - Creation Abasi and Atai (Ever Records) (from Ibio Ibio)

In the week where Jhelisa released her 11 minute Opus track, Oxygen, on Dorado Records we spoke to the composer, arranger, singer and traveller about how spaces and places and her travels across the USA, Brazil, South Africa and her time spent in London influenced her as an artist.

So extensive was our conversation that we decided that a two part interview was not only justified but absolutely necessary.

Music excerpts used in this episode

1. Jhelisa Anderson - Oxygen

2. Vicki Anderson & Bobby Byrd - You're Welcome, Stop On By

3. Jhelisa Anderson - Flute Band In Gauteng

4. Jhelisa Anderson - Far I Have Come, So Far I Must Go

Cleveland Watkiss is a don of Black music; a founder member of the groundbreaking 1980s UK ensemble The Jazz Warriors, MC and vocalist for Goldie's Metalheadz Drum and Bass and Jungle nights, member of Project 23, the first DnB outfit to utilise live instruments, musical collaborator with artists from Bjork to Julian Joseph to Orphy Robinson to Talvin Singh and Professor of Voice Studies at Trinity Laban.

Now, the release of his new album and tour of The Jamaican Songbook sees Cleveland cover seminal works of Reggae, Roots, Ska and Mento tunes from his parents' home and the music he grew up with and we spoke about this and more.

In this episode we are absolutely delighted to be talking the groove with singer, composer and lyricist, the brilliant Tess Hirst.

You will no doubt know of Tess through her 2019 album , these days, released on the Jazz Refreshed label and created, written and performed with bassist Daniel Casimir.

Tess and I spoke just as she is in the studio recording her new album.

In a week where she completed a premiere performance of a composition for and with the LSO Percussion Ensemble, had another of her compositions performed by the renowned Chineke Orchestra and was also named as an elected member for the Ivors Senate and having just completed a UK tour supporting Nubiyan Twist and the first leg of a US tour with Andrea Bocelli it is a real honour to be joined by Ayanna Witter-Johnson on Talking the Groove.