I am finally home after one of the longest weekends of my life – Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Now, to be fair, I'm not the biggest folk fan, but I do enjoy a few good bands. However, this weekend was not only complete with freezing cold, rain and blow away tents but also chock-full of tin whistle workshops at 8am, bagpipe workshops at 8am, more Morris dancing than you know what to do with and the most miserable punters you've ever met. To be fair, Shrewsbury is a great festival...for those that LOVE folk. It's on a beautiful site, has great sound, and full of interesting workshops and dancing. And the punters do love their folk and make you feel like you're selling a dirty magazine if it's filled with *gasp* world music.
Therefore in protest to this weekend, please enjoy this week's picks inspired by folk – as in this is as opposite of English folk as it gets.
"Secret Agent" - Tony Allen
Throw out the clogs and bring out the booty! This famous Nigerian drummer/singer-songwriter knows how to get down and doesn't spend time crying about the 'good old days'.
"Ina Mina Dika" - Goldspot
The Bollywood classic gets an indie remake by the American band Goldspot. Originally sung by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, this remake was recently heard in the film Today's Special.
"Blue Eyed Black Boy" - Balkan Beat Box
I've featured these guys a few times, but I really do like them that much. This is the title track from their latest album and you won't see any of those folkies jamming out to it.
How many folkies does it take to change a lightbulb? Two. One to change the bulb and one to write about how good the old one was.
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Monday, 13 December 2010
This Week's Picks (#23)
The next several series of This Week's Picks are inspired by an often overlooked important aspect of music: the visual. Music is almost always accompanied by costumes, dress, dance, makeup, and/or theatre. The visual can be as simple as a pair of shades on a blues singer or as elaborate as the grand performances of Japanese kabuki theatre.
This week, our picks will focus on the theatrical side of music from around the world. Please enjoy!
Japanese Kabuki
Kabuki is an elaborate Japanese performance form. The kanji characters that make up the word "kabuki" mean "sing", "dance", and "skill". It originated in the 1600s and characters were played by both women and men. Now, known as yaro kabuki it is only performed by men. There are three categories of kabuki theatre: historical, domestic, and dance. Today, kabuki is the most popular traditional Japanese dance style.
Indonesian Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit refers to the most famous of Indonesian wayang (Indonesian theatre), the shadow puppets. The puppets are made of leather and their articulated limbs are maneuvered by sticks. The performances are accompanied by gamelan orchestras in Java and gender wayang ensembles in Bali. The stories are usually taken from Ramayana, Mahabharata or the Serat Menak.
Indian Bharata Natyam Dance
Bharata Natyam is a traditional dance accompanied by classical music (light instrumentation and a voice). The dance is highly technical and includes detailed neck, head, eye, feet and hand movements that help tell a story. The more famous of these gestures are the mudras, or spiritually symbolic gestures, generally involving the hands. Generally, a woman dances solo and demonstrates both feminine and masculine aspects of movement.
This week, our picks will focus on the theatrical side of music from around the world. Please enjoy!
Japanese Kabuki
Kabuki is an elaborate Japanese performance form. The kanji characters that make up the word "kabuki" mean "sing", "dance", and "skill". It originated in the 1600s and characters were played by both women and men. Now, known as yaro kabuki it is only performed by men. There are three categories of kabuki theatre: historical, domestic, and dance. Today, kabuki is the most popular traditional Japanese dance style.
Indonesian Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit refers to the most famous of Indonesian wayang (Indonesian theatre), the shadow puppets. The puppets are made of leather and their articulated limbs are maneuvered by sticks. The performances are accompanied by gamelan orchestras in Java and gender wayang ensembles in Bali. The stories are usually taken from Ramayana, Mahabharata or the Serat Menak.
Indian Bharata Natyam Dance
Bharata Natyam is a traditional dance accompanied by classical music (light instrumentation and a voice). The dance is highly technical and includes detailed neck, head, eye, feet and hand movements that help tell a story. The more famous of these gestures are the mudras, or spiritually symbolic gestures, generally involving the hands. Generally, a woman dances solo and demonstrates both feminine and masculine aspects of movement.
Monday, 25 October 2010
This Week's Picks (#18)
For this week's picks, we're going retro! These tracks are classics that have no contemporary equal. Please enjoy!
"Independance Cha Cha" - African Jazz
This immortal track was released by African Jazz in 1960 after Congo won its independence. The track reflects the overall good feeling and happiness of a people still basking in the glow of recently won independence. African Jazz was Congo's first full-time performing rumba band setting the tone for the Congolese rumba phenomenon that would take over a continent for the next three decades.
"Enta Omri" - Umm Kulthum
Recognized as one of the Arab world's most famous singers to this day, Umm Kulthum is undoubtedly a classic.Kulthum is an Egyptian singer and actress who was known for her powerful, emotional voice. She could send an entire audience into a musical ecstasy and keep them hanging on every note. This track is one of her most famous songs.
"Rag Charukeshi" - Ravi Shankar
You cannot speak of "World Music Greats" without mentioning Ravi Shankar. Shankar is famous for bringing the sounds of India to America and for his involvement with The Beatles and George Harrison. He is considered to be the best sitar performer of the 20th century.
"Independance Cha Cha" - African Jazz
This immortal track was released by African Jazz in 1960 after Congo won its independence. The track reflects the overall good feeling and happiness of a people still basking in the glow of recently won independence. African Jazz was Congo's first full-time performing rumba band setting the tone for the Congolese rumba phenomenon that would take over a continent for the next three decades.
"Enta Omri" - Umm Kulthum
Recognized as one of the Arab world's most famous singers to this day, Umm Kulthum is undoubtedly a classic.Kulthum is an Egyptian singer and actress who was known for her powerful, emotional voice. She could send an entire audience into a musical ecstasy and keep them hanging on every note. This track is one of her most famous songs.
"Rag Charukeshi" - Ravi Shankar
You cannot speak of "World Music Greats" without mentioning Ravi Shankar. Shankar is famous for bringing the sounds of India to America and for his involvement with The Beatles and George Harrison. He is considered to be the best sitar performer of the 20th century.
Monday, 30 August 2010
This Week's Picks (#13): My Favorites
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!
"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!
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
This week, one reader has brought us the beautiful voice of Kiran Ahluwalia.
"Vo Kuch!" by Kiran Ahluwalia
Kiran Ahluwalia is a famous for her ghazals and Punjabi folk songs. This track is from her debut album, Kiran Ahluwalia 2005. Ahluwalia was born in India, raised in Canada and now based in New York City. She studied with guru Vithal Rao and traveled extensively in the Punjab to immerse herself in the folk music.
(Submitted by Anonymous)
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.
Please visit our Reader Submission Details Page for more information on how to submit any material to Nomad's Playlist.
"Vo Kuch!" by Kiran Ahluwalia
Kiran Ahluwalia is a famous for her ghazals and Punjabi folk songs. This track is from her debut album, Kiran Ahluwalia 2005. Ahluwalia was born in India, raised in Canada and now based in New York City. She studied with guru Vithal Rao and traveled extensively in the Punjab to immerse herself in the folk music.
(Submitted by Anonymous)
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.
Please visit our Reader Submission Details Page for more information on how to submit any material to Nomad's Playlist.
Monday, 31 May 2010
This Week's Picks (#3)
Please enjoy this week's picks and don't forget to check out the constantly updating Map feature!
"Au Grand Jamais" by Bensé
This track is from Bensé's self-titled album, released in 2009. He is a celebrated French artist who has the tendency to walk away from the beaten path of his contemporaries who believe music should be all too serious and profound. With "Au Grand Jamais," Bensé delivers a melodic, delightful and unashamedly light hearted tune that brings a smile to your face. The lyrics are sweet and befit the mood Bensé successfully creates—a happy-go-lucky environment without a care in the world.
(Reviewed by Rafi)
"Kabhi Kabhie" by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
This duet is the title track from the 1976 movie "Kabhi Kabhie" (Love is Life). The movie is a love story that spans two generations. It tells a story of a poet and his love that cannot be. The song echos the themes of the storyline in that it speaks to lost loves, repentance, and forgiveness. In its purest form, the lyrics could be best described as poetry. The words were written for the single purpose of captivating the audience's hearts and minds to the main protagonists of the film. The basuri and drums typify the beauty and gentleness of Bollywood music in that era. The song is rounded up by Lata's distinct voice that adds a touch of majesty and gravitas to the slow rhythmic beat of the song.
(Reviewed by Rafi)
"Sabu Yerkoy" by Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabate
This track is from the recently released and long awaited album, Ali and Toumani. It was the last album this Malian duo recorded before Ali Farka Touré passed away. Ali Farka Touré is a world renown blues guitarist/singer and Toumani Diabate is an equally well-known musician and kora player. This duo successfully blends their sounds into a soothing and beautifully interlocking tune. The soft vocals and engaging, yet subtle, rhythms draw the listener deeper into the song. Closing your eyes, it is easy to imagine yourself transported to steaming, sunny day in Mali.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Au Grand Jamais" by Bensé
This track is from Bensé's self-titled album, released in 2009. He is a celebrated French artist who has the tendency to walk away from the beaten path of his contemporaries who believe music should be all too serious and profound. With "Au Grand Jamais," Bensé delivers a melodic, delightful and unashamedly light hearted tune that brings a smile to your face. The lyrics are sweet and befit the mood Bensé successfully creates—a happy-go-lucky environment without a care in the world.
(Reviewed by Rafi)
"Kabhi Kabhie" by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
This duet is the title track from the 1976 movie "Kabhi Kabhie" (Love is Life). The movie is a love story that spans two generations. It tells a story of a poet and his love that cannot be. The song echos the themes of the storyline in that it speaks to lost loves, repentance, and forgiveness. In its purest form, the lyrics could be best described as poetry. The words were written for the single purpose of captivating the audience's hearts and minds to the main protagonists of the film. The basuri and drums typify the beauty and gentleness of Bollywood music in that era. The song is rounded up by Lata's distinct voice that adds a touch of majesty and gravitas to the slow rhythmic beat of the song.
(Reviewed by Rafi)
"Sabu Yerkoy" by Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabate
This track is from the recently released and long awaited album, Ali and Toumani. It was the last album this Malian duo recorded before Ali Farka Touré passed away. Ali Farka Touré is a world renown blues guitarist/singer and Toumani Diabate is an equally well-known musician and kora player. This duo successfully blends their sounds into a soothing and beautifully interlocking tune. The soft vocals and engaging, yet subtle, rhythms draw the listener deeper into the song. Closing your eyes, it is easy to imagine yourself transported to steaming, sunny day in Mali.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
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