Striving to not only bring my readers new music, but introduce myself to new music, I've realized that my "This Week's Picks" have ignored some of my absolute favorite tracks. So please enjoy this week's picks.
"In the Shadow of Life" by Niyaz
I think I have a girl crush on Azam Ali. She is quite the versatile musician perusing a solo career as well as selling some top albums with the groups Niyaz and Vas. I'm not sure there's a track Niyaz has performed that I don't like. Ali was born in Iran, grew up in India and eventually ended up in Los Angles. She brings all of these influences into her music and that is what keeps her music so fascinating. This track is from their first album, Niyaz (2005). There is something about the sounds in this piece that strike some chord deep within me. Normally, Niyaz is quite upbeat and rhythmic (for example, click here), but this track is a diversion from that and is one of their best tracks.
"Tala Sawari" by Ravi Shankar
Everyone knows and loves Ravi Shankar, but I can't help but name him as one of my favorites. I, like many others, easily became captured by the sounds of the sitar and have vivid memories of relaxing as a kid in my room to this album. One of my first CDs was the Beatles' St Peppers Lonely Hearts Club band, that featured the track "Within or without you," which was my introduction to the sitar. I fell in love with the instrument, and shortly afterward, fell in love with the name that has been immortally connected to it: Ravi Shankar.
"Mutoto Kwanza" by Angelique Kidjo
I've already featured Angelique Kidjo while covering this year's World Cup concert, but she's deserves another track. I love this woman, and so does almost everyone else. She's one of the biggest female names to come from Africa since Miriam Makeba. This track is from her album Oyaya! (2004), my first album of Kidjo. I have since collected most of her albums as I love her energy and most of all her voice!
Stay tuned for next week, where I finish my last pick of personal all-time favorites. In the meantime, send me yours!
Monday, 30 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
This Week's Picks (#12)
Please enjoy this week's picks in which we share with you our favorite tracks for the week.
"Naftule attitude 2 (Naftaley's freylekh)" by Yom
This track is from 2008 album, The New King of Klezmer Clarinet. It certainly takes no stretch of the imagination to see why Yom has been dubbed the king of American Klezmer. At the risk of offending all my clarinet friends, I admit that I'm not a fan of classical clarinet, but throw it into the mix in some Mediterranean music, and I am loving it. This piece may be on the short side, but it is about all you can take before you explode from clarinet awesomeness.
"Do Not Love Too Long" by The Abramson Singers
Now here is something you don't hear too often, Canadian folk. The Abramson Singers, from Toronto, formed after Leah Abramson, singer/songwriter, had to stop playing the guitar due to tendentious. Rather than give up music, she wrote a cappella and thus the Abramson Singers were formed. The Abramson Singers are able to beautifully weave vocal melodies together is a mix of folk and indie.
"Red Wine" by Bibi Tanga and The Selenites
Bibi Tanga grew up in Paris as an immigrant from the Central African Republic. Tanga takes his influences from jazz, afro-beat, and funk. Sporting a distinct retro-chic look, Tanga and The Selenites mix this influences together and are able to produce a sound that remains cool and has got just the right groove.
"Naftule attitude 2 (Naftaley's freylekh)" by Yom
This track is from 2008 album, The New King of Klezmer Clarinet. It certainly takes no stretch of the imagination to see why Yom has been dubbed the king of American Klezmer. At the risk of offending all my clarinet friends, I admit that I'm not a fan of classical clarinet, but throw it into the mix in some Mediterranean music, and I am loving it. This piece may be on the short side, but it is about all you can take before you explode from clarinet awesomeness.
"Do Not Love Too Long" by The Abramson Singers
Now here is something you don't hear too often, Canadian folk. The Abramson Singers, from Toronto, formed after Leah Abramson, singer/songwriter, had to stop playing the guitar due to tendentious. Rather than give up music, she wrote a cappella and thus the Abramson Singers were formed. The Abramson Singers are able to beautifully weave vocal melodies together is a mix of folk and indie.
"Red Wine" by Bibi Tanga and The Selenites
Bibi Tanga grew up in Paris as an immigrant from the Central African Republic. Tanga takes his influences from jazz, afro-beat, and funk. Sporting a distinct retro-chic look, Tanga and The Selenites mix this influences together and are able to produce a sound that remains cool and has got just the right groove.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? We love to hear about what our readers are listening to, and if you have a great track to share, send us an email with your review for our weekly "Wednesday's Reader Picks." Here, we want to know what you listen to.
Click Here for more details on submitting material to Nomad's Playlist.
- Don't forget to include a YouTube or (similar video/audio link) with your submission, so that our other readers can enjoy the music too!
- We generally keep our reviews less than 100 words— short and sweet and all about the music. If you really love the track and feel inclined to write more, please feel free to do so!
- Please avoid swearing. We love the fact that you are passionate about the music, but try to keep it clean.
- If you submitted a track review and it did not appear in the next "Wednesday's Reader Picks" series, please do not resubmit it. We are restricted to the number of readers picks we can post each week and will hold on to yours for another week.
Click Here for more details on submitting material to Nomad's Playlist.
Monday, 16 August 2010
This Week's Picks (#11)
Please enjoy this week's picks!
"Diaphanes" by Dhafer Youssef
Youssef grew up in Tunisia and at a young age made his first oud out of whatever he could find lying around -- cans, bicycle spokes, fishing net. That young oud player, with his homemade oud, has grown up into a magnificent player. Playing music that captures your attention like only the oud can, Youssef performs music best for contemplation or meditation. The soft melodies are relaxing, and yet provoke introspection and reflection. This track is from his 2003 album, Digital Prophecy.
"Asfalt Tango" by Fanfare Ciocarlia
To wake you up after the calming tack by Youssef, here's something a little more exciting. Fanfare Ciocarlia is a gypsy brass band from Northern Romania. This track is from their 1999 release, Baro Biao. This track is a perfect example of the Balkan groove and should at the very least get your foot tapping.
"Africans" by Nneka
Nneka is a Nigerian-German hip hop singer who sings in either English or Igbo. She grew up in Nigeria, but started her music career after moving to Germany when she was 18. This track was released on her 2005 album, Victim of Truth and asks Africans to wake up and stop blaming.
"Diaphanes" by Dhafer Youssef
Youssef grew up in Tunisia and at a young age made his first oud out of whatever he could find lying around -- cans, bicycle spokes, fishing net. That young oud player, with his homemade oud, has grown up into a magnificent player. Playing music that captures your attention like only the oud can, Youssef performs music best for contemplation or meditation. The soft melodies are relaxing, and yet provoke introspection and reflection. This track is from his 2003 album, Digital Prophecy.
"Asfalt Tango" by Fanfare Ciocarlia
To wake you up after the calming tack by Youssef, here's something a little more exciting. Fanfare Ciocarlia is a gypsy brass band from Northern Romania. This track is from their 1999 release, Baro Biao. This track is a perfect example of the Balkan groove and should at the very least get your foot tapping.
"Africans" by Nneka
Nneka is a Nigerian-German hip hop singer who sings in either English or Igbo. She grew up in Nigeria, but started her music career after moving to Germany when she was 18. This track was released on her 2005 album, Victim of Truth and asks Africans to wake up and stop blaming.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Nomad's Calendar: This Weekend
This weekend see the group featured in our Wednesday's Reader Picks, the Krar Collective.
August 15th, Saturday 8:30pm: Krar Collective and Yak Attack @ The New Empowering Church (1A Westgate Street E8 3RL) Live music by Ethiopian phenomenon KRAR COLLECTIVE - a six string power house of great grooves and exotic moods. Just played at WOMAD festival - everyone loved them.
To see some videos of the Krar Collective, check out Wednesday's post. Here are some videos to get you in the mood for Yak Attack:
(you might want to skip to 0:55 on this video)
Can't make this show? Check out our Nomad's Calendar and be sure not to miss of the other upcoming shows! Do you know of a show that's not on our calendar? Let us know and we'll get it up there.
August 15th, Saturday 8:30pm: Krar Collective and Yak Attack @ The New Empowering Church (1A Westgate Street E8 3RL) Live music by Ethiopian phenomenon KRAR COLLECTIVE - a six string power house of great grooves and exotic moods. Just played at WOMAD festival - everyone loved them.
To see some videos of the Krar Collective, check out Wednesday's post. Here are some videos to get you in the mood for Yak Attack:
(you might want to skip to 0:55 on this video)
Can't make this show? Check out our Nomad's Calendar and be sure not to miss of the other upcoming shows! Do you know of a show that's not on our calendar? Let us know and we'll get it up there.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
This week's reader picks come not as a track review, but an artist suggestion from Julia. The artist is Krar Collective.
The krar is a 5 or 6 stringed lute from Eritrea and Ethiopia that often amplified. The Krar Collective is a group based here in London that (obviously) features the krar and plays Ethiopian music with a contemporary edge. Unfortunately, the group has only a few videos available online and the sound quality is not the best, but it does give you an idea of the group's vibrancy and you don't need descent sound quality to admire the energetic dancing.
For a better sound quality sound recording, check out their sample track on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/krarcollective
The krar is a 5 or 6 stringed lute from Eritrea and Ethiopia that often amplified. The Krar Collective is a group based here in London that (obviously) features the krar and plays Ethiopian music with a contemporary edge. Unfortunately, the group has only a few videos available online and the sound quality is not the best, but it does give you an idea of the group's vibrancy and you don't need descent sound quality to admire the energetic dancing.
For a better sound quality sound recording, check out their sample track on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/krarcollective
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Ilham Al Madfai and Khyam Allami
Did you miss last night's BBC Prom featuring Ilham Al Madfai and Khyam Allami? If so, don't worry, you can still catch the concert on BBC Radio 3's website for the next seven days.
I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy this recording. The concert, though late night, was buzzing with energy. Ilham Al Madfai got the audience dancing while Khyam Allami left them dazzled by the beauty of the oud at its best.
Here's more from the BBC Radio 3's website about the two artists:
Two generations interpreting Iraqi music for a contemporary audience: Pioneering Iraqi singer and guitarist Ilham Al Madfai and his group play his own songs and traditional Iraqi favourites, and are joined by Ilham's student, oud player Khyam Allami. Damascus-born and London-raised, Khyam is the first student of Radio 3's World Routes Academy.
Ilham Al-Madfai was once known as the Beatle of Baghdad. He formed his first band in the 1960s, the first band in Iraq that used "modern" instruments in playing Arabic music. His family was against his involvement in music, and sent him to London to study architecture. But he continued to perform with a group, particularly at Cafe Baghdad in London. Leading musicians attended his gigs including Paul McCartney, Donovan and Georgie Fame.
Ilham returned to Iraq to develop his musical career. He introduced Spanish guitar rhythms from Andalusia to Iraqi folk song, appealing to a newer, younger audience. He reached a peak in popularity during the 70s, becoming Iraq's most popular musician of the time.
Click here to listen to the broadcast of last night's Prom.
I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy this recording. The concert, though late night, was buzzing with energy. Ilham Al Madfai got the audience dancing while Khyam Allami left them dazzled by the beauty of the oud at its best.
Here's more from the BBC Radio 3's website about the two artists:
Two generations interpreting Iraqi music for a contemporary audience: Pioneering Iraqi singer and guitarist Ilham Al Madfai and his group play his own songs and traditional Iraqi favourites, and are joined by Ilham's student, oud player Khyam Allami. Damascus-born and London-raised, Khyam is the first student of Radio 3's World Routes Academy.
Ilham Al-Madfai was once known as the Beatle of Baghdad. He formed his first band in the 1960s, the first band in Iraq that used "modern" instruments in playing Arabic music. His family was against his involvement in music, and sent him to London to study architecture. But he continued to perform with a group, particularly at Cafe Baghdad in London. Leading musicians attended his gigs including Paul McCartney, Donovan and Georgie Fame.
Ilham returned to Iraq to develop his musical career. He introduced Spanish guitar rhythms from Andalusia to Iraqi folk song, appealing to a newer, younger audience. He reached a peak in popularity during the 70s, becoming Iraq's most popular musician of the time.
Click here to listen to the broadcast of last night's Prom.
Monday, 9 August 2010
This Week's Picks (#10)
I've had two weeks since the last post and have found some amazing music that I couldn't wait to share. Please enjoy some of my recent obsessions-- this week's picks!
"Storm" by Yoshida Brothers
This has become my obsession for the past few days- rock shamisen. It just doesn't get any cooler than that. The Yoshida Brothers (Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida) are from Japan and both picked up the shamisen, the tradition Japanese lute, before they were five. They released their first album in 1999 and have become a shamisen sensation since then. This track is from their 2003 album, Yoshida Brothers.
"N'Diale" by Jacky Molard Quartet and Foune Diarra Trio
This is a live performance of the the title track from the recent 2010 release of the album N'Diale. Jacky Molard hails from Brenton and has a reputation for his collaborations after working with musicians from Turkey, Bulgaria, Romanian and Kurdistan. In this, his most recent collaboration, he joined forces with Foune Diarra a singer from Mali. Mixing Celtic sounds with Bambara songs may be a surprising choice, but its true that the two traditions work well together.
"Jolie Coquine" by Caravan Palace
This six person group can best be described as electro gypsy jazz. The group started as many do, a few musicians getting together to jam, but what really launched Caravan Palace's career was a request to create a soundtrack to silent porn films from the early 1900s. After that, they found their own sound, a combination of drum and bass, swing, and the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt, and I'm glad they did. I love this sound and again, this has become a bit of an obsession for me. Anyone want to listen to it again?
(Reviews by Alexandra)
"Storm" by Yoshida Brothers
This has become my obsession for the past few days- rock shamisen. It just doesn't get any cooler than that. The Yoshida Brothers (Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida) are from Japan and both picked up the shamisen, the tradition Japanese lute, before they were five. They released their first album in 1999 and have become a shamisen sensation since then. This track is from their 2003 album, Yoshida Brothers.
"N'Diale" by Jacky Molard Quartet and Foune Diarra Trio
This is a live performance of the the title track from the recent 2010 release of the album N'Diale. Jacky Molard hails from Brenton and has a reputation for his collaborations after working with musicians from Turkey, Bulgaria, Romanian and Kurdistan. In this, his most recent collaboration, he joined forces with Foune Diarra a singer from Mali. Mixing Celtic sounds with Bambara songs may be a surprising choice, but its true that the two traditions work well together.
"Jolie Coquine" by Caravan Palace
This six person group can best be described as electro gypsy jazz. The group started as many do, a few musicians getting together to jam, but what really launched Caravan Palace's career was a request to create a soundtrack to silent porn films from the early 1900s. After that, they found their own sound, a combination of drum and bass, swing, and the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt, and I'm glad they did. I love this sound and again, this has become a bit of an obsession for me. Anyone want to listen to it again?
(Reviews by Alexandra)
Friday, 6 August 2010
Fernando's Kitchen Tomorrow!
Fernando's Kitchen, a 5 piece multi-cultural group, will be playing tomorrow at Rich Mix and shouldn't be missed!
August 7th, Saturday 8:00pm: Fernando's Kitchen @ Rich Mix (35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road E1 6LA) £8 adv/£11 door Fernando's Kitchen is a multi-cultural 5 piece line-up of spanish guitar, flamenco cajon, double bass, trumpet, darbuka, oud and vocals. A unique fusion of Flamenco, Latin, Jazz and North African sounds, the new sensation on London's musical menu not to be missed!
Curious about who Fernando's Kitchen is and what to expect? Check out some of these videos:
August 7th, Saturday 8:00pm: Fernando's Kitchen @ Rich Mix (35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road E1 6LA) £8 adv/£11 door Fernando's Kitchen is a multi-cultural 5 piece line-up of spanish guitar, flamenco cajon, double bass, trumpet, darbuka, oud and vocals. A unique fusion of Flamenco, Latin, Jazz and North African sounds, the new sensation on London's musical menu not to be missed!
Curious about who Fernando's Kitchen is and what to expect? Check out some of these videos:
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? We love to hear about what our readers are listening to, and if you have a great track to share, send us an email with your review for our weekly "Wednesday's Reader Picks." Here, we want to know what you listen to.
- Don't forget to include a YouTube or (similar video/audio link) with your submission, so that our other readers can enjoy the music too!
- We generally keep our reviews less than 100 words— short and sweet and all about the music. If you really love the track and feel inclined to write more, please feel free to do so!
- Please avoid swearing. We love the fact that you are passionate about the music, but try to keep it clean.
- If you submitted a track review and it did not appear in the next "Wednesday's Reader Picks" series, please do not resubmit it. We are restricted to the number of readers picks we can post each week and will hold on to yours for another week.
Click Here for more details on submitting material to Nomad's Playlist.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Back from vacation
Apologies for missing the latest "This Week's Picks" deadline, but I've been on vacation and busy exploring the white cliffs of Dover. I appreciate your patience. We'll get back to schedule with "Wednesday's Reader Picks" tomorrow, so please send in your reviews!
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