As I said here, recently I’m a fan of the show Later…with Jools Holland, not always, and not every performance, not even every episode, but I love the format of the show – and that it exists. It’s been a good way to find new music, to be reminded of great artists that you either forgot about or that have made a bold comeback. Some brave performances too. A great showcase for all types, it’s never about gender, race, genre – it’s about music. And so I love it for that. Just recently there have been some amazing performances – so for this edition of Five Songs For Friday I wanted to share some must-see/must-hear/must-dig musical performances from the Jools Holland show. Well, of course you don’t have to dig them. That’s entirely up to you…

1. Oumou Sangare, Djoukourou 

This from a very recent episode – and the highlight of the show for me; not to mention a highlight of the week! I first heard Oumou about 15 years ago or so, in that best way as a reviewer: an album turned up on the desk. It was a new discovery, for me I mean. New to discover. I loved it. I’ve kept up with her music a bit – but this performance is a stunner. Check out that bass playing; every component of this performance in fact. Such joy. And energy.

2. Imelda May with Jools & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Black Tears

So this is from the Annual Hootenanny. So not totally new. But I’ve enjoyed watching/hearing Imelda May’s journey – and it’s one I can trace through Jools Holland appearances. Here she is over a half-decade ago giving a rockabilly twist to Tainted Love. Then there were the performances with Jeff Beck. Which I love. I’m not a huge fan of her, in that I don’t collect her music in any way, and I don’t even know all of it – but I just like some of the things I see and here. Including this.

3. Maggie Rogers, Alaska

I loved hearing the Maggie Rogers EP, a fairly recent release. There’s a story there. But outside of the story just enjoyed hearing the music. This is the first time I’ve seen her perform – first time I’ve really checked out a clip of her in action. So it was nice to see here doing her thing.

4. Dave, Picture Me

I’m a sucker for the cinematic/widescreen/dramatic version of hip-hop where strings or piano frame the words. This one was sent to me by someone, on a whim; suggesting I guess that I might dig it. And I did.

5. Pumarosa, Dragonfly

Someone sent me the album to check out – and I haven’t yet. So this clip was a nice reminder – I like some of the stuff going on here very much. And now I’m off to give the album a go. So thanks Jools Holland…again, that’s what I dig about the show: its mix of old and new and almost any ‘style’ of music.