Andy Rourke was the other melodic genius in the Smiths: spry, funky and masterful | The Smiths

‘Sophistication’ … (L-R) Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce (drums), Morrissey, Johnny Marr performing on The Tube.

The creation myth of the Smiths is well-known: inspired by a South Bank Show documentary about the songwriting partnership Leiber and Stoller, Johnny Marr turns up unannounced on Morrissey’s doorstep, meets with the singer’s approval […]

Esbjörn Svensson: HOME.S. review – buoyant, capricious, sweepingly melodic | Esbjörn Svensson

The artwork for HOME.S.

When Esbjörn Svensson made his UK debut at the 1999 Swedish Jazz Extravaganza festival, the then-34-year-old pianist/composer’s jubilant fusions of Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Keith Jarrett and his own playful muse showed exactly why his […]