I know I know. I didn't get to the "This Week's Picks" on Monday. Sorry. I have been overwhelmed by work...but I'm sure you don't care. But... I promise to make it up to you today!
This week's Reader Pick comes from BelindaJ75 and I'm really loving it! Maybe, I'm just in the right mood for this, but this track SO hits the spot today! So...please enjoy!
"Codine" by Jason Isbell and the 4000 Unit
This is a track from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's yet-to-be-released album, Here We Rest. The album releases on April 12, 2011. Jason Isbell hails from northern Alabama, which was hit hard in the recent economic downturn. “The mood here [on Here We Rest] has darkened considerably,” says Jason.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Wednesday's Reader Picks
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? Send in your review of a track for our weekly "Reader's Picks" series. Here, we want to know what you listen to.
And come on readers! I'm sick of hearing my own picks!!
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
And come on readers! I'm sick of hearing my own picks!!
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
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Tuesday, 22 March 2011
This Week's Picks (#36)
I was listening through the "Life of Songlines in 75 albums" playlist today and one of the tracks was from Cedric Watson's self-titled album. I love this track and it put me in a real zydeco mood. So I hope you enjoy this week's Creole picks!
"Zydeco Sont Pas Salés" - Clifton Chenier
Considered the "King of Zydeco", Chenier invented the vest frottoir (the famous zydeco washboard vest) in 1946. Using the washboard and usually a push-button accordion, zydeco has a distinct sound and is Creole music from southern Louisiana and Texas. It was Chenier who toured and brought zydeco to the rest of the world.
"Paper in My Shoe" - Boozoo Chavis
Another zydeco great, Boozoo Chavis is credited with writing many of the zydeco standards. This particular track is the song that made him famous. While Clifton Chenier may be "considered" the King of Zydeco, Boozoo was officially crowned the King of Zydeco in New Orleans in the 1990s.
Cedric Watson Live
This is the artist from the Songlines' playlist that got me grooving to zydeco today. Unfortunately there don't seem to be very many descent videos of him up on YouTube. So, we'll have to settle with this one. But there is a great recording of "Cedric Zydeco" on the Songlines' playlist, so definitely go check that out. While he is an accordionist, vocalist, and songwriter, he is making a name for himself as a reviver of the old Creole fiddling styles of Canray Fontenot and Bebe Carrier. Lots of energy and fun to listen to, Watson is the future of zydeco.
"Zydeco Sont Pas Salés" - Clifton Chenier
Considered the "King of Zydeco", Chenier invented the vest frottoir (the famous zydeco washboard vest) in 1946. Using the washboard and usually a push-button accordion, zydeco has a distinct sound and is Creole music from southern Louisiana and Texas. It was Chenier who toured and brought zydeco to the rest of the world.
"Paper in My Shoe" - Boozoo Chavis
Another zydeco great, Boozoo Chavis is credited with writing many of the zydeco standards. This particular track is the song that made him famous. While Clifton Chenier may be "considered" the King of Zydeco, Boozoo was officially crowned the King of Zydeco in New Orleans in the 1990s.
Cedric Watson Live
This is the artist from the Songlines' playlist that got me grooving to zydeco today. Unfortunately there don't seem to be very many descent videos of him up on YouTube. So, we'll have to settle with this one. But there is a great recording of "Cedric Zydeco" on the Songlines' playlist, so definitely go check that out. While he is an accordionist, vocalist, and songwriter, he is making a name for himself as a reviver of the old Creole fiddling styles of Canray Fontenot and Bebe Carrier. Lots of energy and fun to listen to, Watson is the future of zydeco.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Meet the Musicians: Nicki Maher
In this new series, we get to hear from the musicians themselves. For the inaugural post in the series, I have interviewed London clarinetist, Nicki Maher.
Nicki Maher
Nicki was brought up on a musical diet of Newfoundland folk and Western classical music. She discovered the clarinet when she was eight. Having muddled through the complexities of Brahms and Poulenc, Nicki emerged triumphant having obtained her grade eight with honours, awarded by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since then she has explored the chirps and trills of klezmer clarinet and has delved into the excitement of the additive rhythms of the Balkans with David Bitelli at the University of Southampton. She has also attended the Jewish Music Institute’s (JMI) Klezfest for the last three years under the guidance of Merlin Shepherd, Christian Dawid and Frank London. In September 2009, she started her Masters in Music Performance at SOAS studying the intricacies of Turkish music. As part of this course, she learnt Turkish Romani klarnet style with Selim Sesler and Serkan Çağrı in İstanbul. She has been part of the SOAS klezmer ensemble (which she now co-directs), SOAS Rebetiko band, SOAS Iranian band and has returned to her roots playing the music of the British Isles and its diaspora with the SOAS ceilidh band and the Lime Quartet. She also leads her own band playing Turkish Romani music.
1. How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get into music?
Well, according to my mum I’ve been performing since I was two... she has recounted a certain situation to me numerous times in which I stood up on a table in a classy French restaurant and belted out several nursery rhymes at the top of my lungs, complete with a flannel on my head... and this was all directly before diving head first into the desert trolley...
As for the inspiration... I’m not sure. My parents have always been interested in music but neither of them are musicians.
2. What or who are your influences?
I have a very diverse set of influences. I grew up listening to the folk music of Newfoundland (where my dad is from) so I imagine that this could be where my folk-ward leaning comes from.
When I ‘seriously’ started learning music, I learnt classical clarinet and classical theory and harmony. When I got to university I rebelled against my past and decided to start learning jazz. I was lucky enough to meet David Bitelli, the jazz horn teacher at Southampton University, who then introduced me to Klezmer and Balkan music as well. Since then I haven’t looked back. I would say that my main clarinet playing influences are – jazz (Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman, Johnny Dodds; Klezmer (Naftule Brandwein, Dave Tarras, Sammy Musiker, Merlin Shepherd, and Christian Dawid); Balkan (Miroslav Bušinovski, Tale Ognenovski, Ivo Papasov and Ferus Mustafov. Turkish: Mustafa Kandıralı, Selim Sesler and Serkan Çağrı).
3. What is your all-time favorite albums?
I have to say that I’m more of an individual track person than having favorite albums. If I had to pick, then I guess the best albums that I own and can think of right now would be:
Selim Sesler – The Road to Keşan
Ivo Papasov – Dance of the Falcon
La Bottine Souriante – Rock and Reel
The Beatles – Sgt Pepper or Magical Mystery Tour. Can’t decide.
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
This list is definitely not definitive or exhaustive.
4. What are you listening to right now?
An ezan on YouTube in makam Segah! Have a listen too if you like:
5. Have any upcoming gigs/shows we should know about?
Yes! With the SOAS klezmer ensemble on the 31st March at The Victoria (E8 3AS) in Dalston. And on the 1st April with Basso Remvasso at St. Ethelburgas (Bishopsgate/Liverpool st.) http://stethelburgas.org/civicrm/event/info?id=264&reset=1
http://www.myspace.com/nickimaher
You can hear Nicki with the SOAS Maqam Project here:
Nicki Maher
1. How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get into music?
Well, according to my mum I’ve been performing since I was two... she has recounted a certain situation to me numerous times in which I stood up on a table in a classy French restaurant and belted out several nursery rhymes at the top of my lungs, complete with a flannel on my head... and this was all directly before diving head first into the desert trolley...
As for the inspiration... I’m not sure. My parents have always been interested in music but neither of them are musicians.
2. What or who are your influences?
I have a very diverse set of influences. I grew up listening to the folk music of Newfoundland (where my dad is from) so I imagine that this could be where my folk-ward leaning comes from.
When I ‘seriously’ started learning music, I learnt classical clarinet and classical theory and harmony. When I got to university I rebelled against my past and decided to start learning jazz. I was lucky enough to meet David Bitelli, the jazz horn teacher at Southampton University, who then introduced me to Klezmer and Balkan music as well. Since then I haven’t looked back. I would say that my main clarinet playing influences are – jazz (Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman, Johnny Dodds; Klezmer (Naftule Brandwein, Dave Tarras, Sammy Musiker, Merlin Shepherd, and Christian Dawid); Balkan (Miroslav Bušinovski, Tale Ognenovski, Ivo Papasov and Ferus Mustafov. Turkish: Mustafa Kandıralı, Selim Sesler and Serkan Çağrı).
3. What is your all-time favorite albums?
I have to say that I’m more of an individual track person than having favorite albums. If I had to pick, then I guess the best albums that I own and can think of right now would be:
Selim Sesler – The Road to Keşan
Ivo Papasov – Dance of the Falcon
La Bottine Souriante – Rock and Reel
The Beatles – Sgt Pepper or Magical Mystery Tour. Can’t decide.
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
This list is definitely not definitive or exhaustive.
4. What are you listening to right now?
An ezan on YouTube in makam Segah! Have a listen too if you like:
5. Have any upcoming gigs/shows we should know about?
Yes! With the SOAS klezmer ensemble on the 31st March at The Victoria (E8 3AS) in Dalston. And on the 1st April with Basso Remvasso at St. Ethelburgas (Bishopsgate/Liverpool st.) http://stethelburgas.org/civicrm/event/info?id=264&reset=1
http://www.myspace.com/nickimaher
You can hear Nicki with the SOAS Maqam Project here:
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Nomad's Calendar: This Weekend
There are some really hot shows going on in London this weekend! Check them out:
Palatka Gypsy Band @ The Warehouse on Sat and @ Inn on the Green on Sun
Can't make any of these? Check out the full calendar for more upcoming world music events in London
- March 17th Thursday 7:00pm: SOAS Radio Live @ Favela Chic (91 Great Eastern Street) £5 Following the success of the first event back in January, Soas Radio Live returns to Favela Chic's bohemian dance-floor, this time bringing to the stage not one but THREE live bands and THREE live sets from Soas Radio's very own DJs.
- March 19th Saturday 8:00pm: Palatka Gypsy Band @ The Warehouse (13 Theed St, SE1 8ST) £10-15 The famous Palatka Gypsy band from Transylvania will be playing at the Warehouse, home of the London Festival Orchestra, on 19th March 2011.
- March 20th Sunday 7:00pm: Erkan Ogur and Ismail Demircioglu + She'Koyokh @ Union Chapel (Compton Ave, Highbury Corner, London N1 2XD) £20 Truly magical Turkish traditional music in the beautiful Union Chapel from the legendary singer and multi-instrumentalist Erkan Ogur, widely regarded as a revolutionary musician who changed the Turkish music scene with his fascinating interpretations of traditional Anatolian songs.
- March 20th Sunday 8:30pm: Palatka Gypsy Band @ Inn on the Green (3 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL) £10 As one of the very few remaining expressions of Palatka Music, the Palatka Gypsy Band can be considered the last avatar of a centuries-old tradition.
Palatka Gypsy Band @ The Warehouse on Sat and @ Inn on the Green on Sun
Can't make any of these? Check out the full calendar for more upcoming world music events in London
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Wednesday's Reader Picks
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? Send in your review of a track for our weekly "Reader's Picks" series. Here, we want to know what you listen to.
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
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Monday, 14 March 2011
This Week's Picks (#35)
It's St. Paddy's day soon and what better way to celebrate than some tunes straight from the land of the leprechauns. Enjoy!
"May Morning Dew" - The Chieftains
These guys are the veterens of the traditional Irish groove and no St. Paddy's day tribute would be complete without them. While they're famous for their upbeat jigs and reels, this has to be my favorite track by them. There's just something about the melody that just send chills down my spine. A mysterious aire, this is a beautiful song. That said, I think its time for something a little more festive...
"Eanair" - Lúnasa
I've featured this band before but I really do love them. While this song treads a thin line towards cheesiness, I think it just holds it off. Instead, you get a beautiful and energetic twist on traditional Irish music. This track is from their debut album, Lúnasa, released in 1998. While we're getting warmer, I think we can still get a little more festive...
"May Morning Dew" - The Chieftains
These guys are the veterens of the traditional Irish groove and no St. Paddy's day tribute would be complete without them. While they're famous for their upbeat jigs and reels, this has to be my favorite track by them. There's just something about the melody that just send chills down my spine. A mysterious aire, this is a beautiful song. That said, I think its time for something a little more festive...
"Eanair" - Lúnasa
I've featured this band before but I really do love them. While this song treads a thin line towards cheesiness, I think it just holds it off. Instead, you get a beautiful and energetic twist on traditional Irish music. This track is from their debut album, Lúnasa, released in 1998. While we're getting warmer, I think we can still get a little more festive...
"Johnny Jump Up" - Gaelic Storm
Now, this is more like it. A great song, about drinking. Gotta love stereotypes. Again this is another group I grew up with and while they too edge on cheesy, I love them. Especially this song. This track is from there 1998 debut album Gaelic Storm. With lyrics like "I fell to the ground and I couldn't get up, after drinking a pint of the Johnny Jump Up," you can't go wrong!
Now, what are you waiting for! Go sink a pint (or two, or three) of Guinuess and celebrate Éire!
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Nomad's Calendar: This Weekend
Whew! I just updated the Nomad's Calendar and it looks like there's some great stuff going on! Here's what's happening this weekend:
Can't make any of those concerts? Check out the Nomad's Calendar for other upcoming events that you shouldn't miss! Be sure to let me know if I've missed anything and I'll put it up on the calendar!
- *March 11th, Friday 7:00pm: Afro-Brazilian Percussion Magic @ SOAS Brunei Gallery ( Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square WC1H 0XG) FREE hrow aside preconceived musical prejudices, abandon all attempts to catalogue: a rich chemistry of cultural influences is at work when the Adriano Adewale Group gets together on stage. Rooted in the musical traditions of Nigeria, Angola and Brazil and infused with contemporary European classical and jazz styles, percussionist and composer Adriano Adewale’s music is a global fusion of musical influences.
- March 12th Saturday 6:00pm: Karnatic Vocal: Sanjay Subrahmanyan @ The Bhavan (4a Castletown Road, W14 9HE) £10-25 Sanjay Subrahmanyam has performed at innumerable concerts across India and overseas, enthralling his audiences with his powerful and energetic voice.
- March 12th Saturday 7:10pm: Songs of Love and Liberation from Iran @ SOAS Brunei Gallery ( Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square WC1H 0XG) £5-12 This is an academic concert, including vocal and instrumental music.
Can't make any of those concerts? Check out the Nomad's Calendar for other upcoming events that you shouldn't miss! Be sure to let me know if I've missed anything and I'll put it up on the calendar!
Monday, 7 March 2011
This Week's Picks (#34)
I'm in a Brazilian mood today, so please enjoy this week's picks!
"Lero-Lero" - Luisa Maita
A contemporary artist from São Paulo, Luisa Maita is a perfect example of modern Brazilian music done well. Obviously rooted in bossa nova and samba, Maita throws in some pop influences for a relaxed sound. Best part, the label is offering a free download of this track. To download, visit: luisamaita.bandcamp.com/track/lero-lero-free-download
"A Namorada" - Carlinhos Brown
If you are going to talk about modern Brazilian music, you have to bring up Carlinhos Brown. This isn't a new discovery for me, as I came across this song a few years back as part of the album Brazil-The Greatest Songs Ever and loved it. But it does deserve to be a pick as it is just so much fun! Carlinhos is a tropicália artist, which is upbeat, catchy and delightfully different from the low-key samba and bossa nova.
"The Girl from Ipanema" - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz
Now that we've heard some modern Brazilian tunes, we have to dip into a the classics. You can't get more classic Brazilian bossa nova than Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto. I love this track, but I think it's a bit of a shame that Astrud Gilberto looks so awkward when she sings.
"Lero-Lero" - Luisa Maita
A contemporary artist from São Paulo, Luisa Maita is a perfect example of modern Brazilian music done well. Obviously rooted in bossa nova and samba, Maita throws in some pop influences for a relaxed sound. Best part, the label is offering a free download of this track. To download, visit: luisamaita.bandcamp.com/track/lero-lero-free-download
"A Namorada" - Carlinhos Brown
If you are going to talk about modern Brazilian music, you have to bring up Carlinhos Brown. This isn't a new discovery for me, as I came across this song a few years back as part of the album Brazil-The Greatest Songs Ever and loved it. But it does deserve to be a pick as it is just so much fun! Carlinhos is a tropicália artist, which is upbeat, catchy and delightfully different from the low-key samba and bossa nova.
"The Girl from Ipanema" - Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz
Now that we've heard some modern Brazilian tunes, we have to dip into a the classics. You can't get more classic Brazilian bossa nova than Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto. I love this track, but I think it's a bit of a shame that Astrud Gilberto looks so awkward when she sings.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Wednesday's Reader Picks
Have you recently heard a great track that you would like to share? Send in your review of a track for our weekly "Reader's Picks" series. Here, we want to know what you listen to.
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
How do I get my review posted?
Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to our email. Please include the name you would like us to use as the author of the review (it can be your full name, first name, or user name). We will post up to three tracks in a given week.
I have a great track I would like to share, but I don't want to write a review. Can I still share it?
Of course! Please send us an email with a link to the track on YouTube and we might include the track in our "This Week's Picks" series.
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