DENNIS BROE finds much to praise in the new South African Netflix series, but wonders why it feels forced to sell out its heroine
‘I think of the saxophone in a very vocal way’
CHRIS SEARLE interviews saxophonist and flutist Tori Freestone on the release of her duo album with pianist Alcyona Mick
Tori Freestone and Alcyona Mick
[Daniel Devlin] 
CARL DEATH introduces a new book which explores how African science fiction is addressing climate change
In his second round-up, EWAN CAMERON picks excellent solo shows that deal with Scottishness, Englishness and race as highlights
Fiery words from the Bard in Blackpool and Edinburgh, and Evidence Based Punk Rock from The Protest Family
MATTHEW HAWKINS is mesmerised by a performance that dissolves the line between audience and performer
MATTHEW SHARPE recommends the essays of a Renaissance politician that instruct and unnerve after 400 years
GAVIN O’TOOLE welcomes the reissue of a seminal work of revolutionary theory that have genuine relevance in the current context
THE south London saxophonist and flautist, Tori Freestone, comes from a long line of Thames watermen going back to the 18th century. Her father is an ex-merchant seaman and lover of marine folk songs and shanties.
She speaks proudly of her great uncle on her mother’s side, the Welsh-born miner, trade unionist and communist, Idris Williams — Somme veteran and one-time member of the Mountain Ash male voice choir, who emigrated to Wonthaggi, Australia in 1920, and led the historic five month miners’ strike in 1934, while also being an active choral singer, brass band conductor and chair of the Miners Union theatre: an astonishing all-rounder. “He travelled around Australia with my grandfather Thomas, performing in community centres,” says Tori.
More from this author
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to Chris Laurence, bassist and bandmate of saxophonist TONY COE
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to vocalist Jacqui Dankworth
CHRIS SEARLE pays tribute to the late South African percussionist, Louis Moholo-Moholo
Re-releases from Bobby Wellins/Kenny Wheeler Quintet, Larry Stabbins/Keith Tippet/Louis Moholo-Moholo, and Charles Mingus Quintet
