To rescue Kahlo from the clutches of the corporate art market, we need to acknowledge the overt and covert political dimensions of the work, demands GAVIN O’TOOLE
AT THE age of 85 and with a lifetime of singing and campaigning for progressive causes, Peggy Seeger has just released her latest album and it has been described as “probably” her final one.
Yet the songs and the themes explored in First Farewell demonstrate that she is as committed as ever to using music to express both life and hope in these particularly challenging times.
Composed of entirely new songs and with support from sons Calum and Neill MacColl and daughter-in-law Kate St John, the album reflects on growing older as well as developing further concerns such as peace, the environment and feminism that Seeger has had throughout her career.
JULIA TOPPIN recommends Patti Smith’s eloquent memoir that wrestles with the beauty and sorrow of a lifetime
STEVE JOHNSON salutes the mellifluous tones and clear-minded political message of a uniquely relevant Birmingham-born singer-songwriter
STEVE JOHNSON relishes a celebration of the commonality of folk music and its links with the struggles of working people the world over
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to Ethiopian vocalist SOFIA JERNBERG


