Music

André 3000: New Blue Sun review – immersive and out there

On his first album in almost two decades, the Outkast rapper re-emerges with a collection of flute-led instrumentals that are characteristically otherworldly

Damien Morris

26, Nov, 2023 @3:00 PM

BBC Philharmonic/Storgårds review – a life-affirming programme from an orchestra firing on all cylinders

From James Lee III’s vivid exploration of Martin Luther King to an electrifying performance of Nielsen’s fourth, this was an evening to lift even the most downtrodden spirits

Clive Paget

26, Nov, 2023 @2:00 PM

Take That: This Life review – more left turns than you’d expect

Gary Barlow and co ditch the synth-pop and roam from swirling strings to ska on their laudable if patchy latest outing

Michael Cragg

26, Nov, 2023 @1:00 PM

Joan Armatrading world premiere review – how did a brilliant pop melodist produce such a baffling mess?

Armatrading’s first symphony, premiered by Chineke! conducted by Andrew Grams, was underdeveloped and dull. Neither composer nor ensemble come out well from this

John Lewis

26, Nov, 2023 @12:14 PM

Raze Regal & White Denim: Raze Regal & White Denim Inc review – a warm, funky psych alliance

The Texas rockers enlist their former tourmates’ guitarist on this slick and soulful meeting of minds

Kitty Empire

26, Nov, 2023 @9:00 AM

Isaiah Collier: Parallel Universe review – an inspired homage to the giants of jazz and soul

Recorded in single-take live performances, the Chicago multi-instrumentalist deftly throws funk, gospel, soul and his own fine voice into the mix

Neil Spencer

25, Nov, 2023 @4:00 PM

One to watch: Zooey Celeste

The California singer’s supremely confident debut album is inspired by surfing and the psychedelic novel he’s writing

Ammar Kalia

25, Nov, 2023 @2:00 PM

CMAT review – every song is like an encore in this fizzing, sad-happy show

Touring her masterly new album, one of the best of this year, Irish country-pop auteur Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson brings unruly energy, wit and guitar heroics to her searing tales of heartbreak

Kitty Empire

25, Nov, 2023 @2:00 PM

The week in classical: Don Giovanni Tenorio; Ariodante – review

Elegant Handel and a fizzing production of Gazzaniga’s rarely seen take on Don Giovanni provided two fine showcases for the next generation of opera talent

Fiona Maddocks

25, Nov, 2023 @12:30 PM

From Bob Chilcott to the Chapel Royal: the best classical Christmas albums of 2023

Winter’s the watchword, from Lassus and Byrd to radiant new works and that rare thing – an opera star who resists the sleigh bells

Fiona Maddocks

25, Nov, 2023 @12:00 PM

Sleaford Mods review – an angry state of the nation report

Touring amid controversy over a perceived lack of anti-war protest, the duo are still sharp on inequality, class tourism and other ills – but get drowned out by the mix

Katie Hawthorne

24, Nov, 2023 @2:10 PM

LSO/Ward review – soaring and accomplished, Faust resisted flashy indulgence

In Bartók and Chausson, violinist Isabelle Faust was elegant and expressive, and conductor Duncan Ward brought orchestral colour and focus to orchestral showpieces by Debussy and Janáček

Andrew Clements

24, Nov, 2023 @1:34 PM