Tinariwen, Union Chapel, London, 29 November 2012

The band opened with a haunting, droning acapella song before the full band in acoustic form kicked in. They somewhat overestimated our rhythmic talents and repeatedly encouraged the audience to clap along to the polyrhythms. Most of us initially resisted, rather than ruin their beautiful music, but then became caught up in the music and clapped out a simple steady rhythm.

The show wasn't very acoustic, with only one acoustic guitar on evidence. I don't think anyone will have asked for their money back, though. I found myself completely lost in the hypnotic rhythms and melodies, and they seem so fleeting and immediate because I can't 'hum' any of the tunes in my head.

There was a really stunning near-solo song towards the end of the set, with a whole blues band conjured up from, at least to start with, one guitar, played by the bassist left-handed but with standard, right-handed stringing, giving it a really exotic, but bluesy sound. They then played a run of storming foot-tappers to end the main set.

The encore opened with two songs played really effectively with just an acoustic guitar and a drum before the whole band came on for a really rousing finale. A really fun gig. Ca va bien!

Sam Lee, Union Chapel, 29 November 2012

Sam told great stories about the songs he played, their history and who had taught him each one. The inventive arrangements and accompaniment, using instruments from all over the world, made a great contrasting backdrop for Sam's traditionally stylised folk singing style.

There was also a lovely moment after Sam's 'last' song when two of the guys from Tinariwen joined Sam and traded verses on a live 'mash up' they'd tried out for the first time an hour and a half before the show. I wouldn't be surprised if they do something together again in the future.

Songlines Awards Concert - 23 November 2012 - Barbican London

Songlines Magazine put on a concert of winners of its awards at the Barbican, London. This was the first time they had done this. It was a great opportunity to see and hear something new as well as Tinariwen, an existing favourite. The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 9 December on 'World on 3'

Fatoumata Diawara

Winner - Best Newcomer

Fatoumata opened with an acoustic number. She has an amazing voice. Her band joined her for the rest of the set. They were great fun, getting the crowd singing, clapping and waving. Another singer joined Fatoumata for harmonies and also played an impressive, exotic looking array of percussion instruments. A particular favourite was a song called "war" about peace.

Anoushka Shankar

Winner - Best Act

Anoushka's band were introduced as vey multi-cultural. The set fused and played with flamenco and classical Indian music. The band included a flamenco singer and guitarist and they opened with a song sung in Spanish but translated from an Indian poem. A number of the songs played with structures and tones that were common to both cultures. The Flamenco musicians left the stage and the set ended with a more traditional Indian song which allowed for solos from each musician.

Tinariwen

Winner - Best Band

Tinarewen were on fine form with their desert blues rock. The band blend traditional sounding singing ad melody with rock instruments. The lead switched between 3 frontmen who seamlessly picked up their guitar and main vocals from one another. The crowd were clearly fans and went wild when the band were presented with their award.