With a crazy week behind me and another crazy week ahead, this week's picks are much more relaxing than usual. Here are some tracks for those in need of a moment to catch their breath. Please enjoy!
"The Tourist" - Sarah Jarosz
Sarah Jarosz is a talented singer/songwriter from Texas, known for her striking voice and brilliant guitar/banjo/mandolin playing. This track is from her newest album Follow Me Down and is an excellent cover of the Radiohead song.
"Hingala!" - Djivan Gasparyan
Recently, when I am in need of a moment of peace, I have found myself putting on the track "Chiraki Par" from the album Blind Note. The track features the beautiful Armenian duduk and is unfortunately not up on YouTube. Here instead is renown duduk master, Djivan Gasparyan. Gasparyan has played with several big artists including Peter Gabriel, Sting and Hans Zimmer.
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
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.
Monday, 31 January 2011
This Week's Picks (#29)
This week's picks are inspired by good ol' timey bluegrass. Enjoy!
"Bluegrass Breakdown" - Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys
Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, is as ol' timey as it gets. Monroe started playing around with the sound that became bluegrass in the 1940's, characterizing it as "Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddle playing". He named it "Blue Grass" after his home state of Kentucky. It's just a shame that the Bluegrass Boys can't seem to enjoy themselves on stage.
"Crazy Train" - Iron Horse
What is more ol' timey than Ozzy Osbourne bluegrass-style?...Oh...wait. Ok, so it may not be 'ol' timey', but it kind of kicks butt. This is from the album Black and Bluegrass: The Bluegrass Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. Iron Horse is known for their bluegrass covers, and they're quickly becoming my new favorite band ever. Bluegrass Metallica, Bluegrass Guns N Roses, Bluegrass Led Zepplin...and the list goes on. Um, AWESOME!
"Man of Constant Sorrow" - Dan Tyminski, Harley Allen, Pat Enright "Soggy Bottom Boys"
Ok, so the Soggy Bottom Boys are a fictitious band created for the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? and I'm sure pretty much everyone has heard this track before. But this version of the classic bluegrass tune, recorded by Dan Tyminski, Harley Allen, and Pat Enright is a Grammy winner for a reason- it's great! It's also said to be the closest version to the famous bluegrass artist, Ralph Stanley's distinct style of singing. Plus...who doesn't love seeing George Clooney all dirty and 'singing' bluegrass?
"Bluegrass Breakdown" - Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys
Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, is as ol' timey as it gets. Monroe started playing around with the sound that became bluegrass in the 1940's, characterizing it as "Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddle playing". He named it "Blue Grass" after his home state of Kentucky. It's just a shame that the Bluegrass Boys can't seem to enjoy themselves on stage.
"Crazy Train" - Iron Horse
What is more ol' timey than Ozzy Osbourne bluegrass-style?...Oh...wait. Ok, so it may not be 'ol' timey', but it kind of kicks butt. This is from the album Black and Bluegrass: The Bluegrass Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. Iron Horse is known for their bluegrass covers, and they're quickly becoming my new favorite band ever. Bluegrass Metallica, Bluegrass Guns N Roses, Bluegrass Led Zepplin...and the list goes on. Um, AWESOME!
"Man of Constant Sorrow" - Dan Tyminski, Harley Allen, Pat Enright "Soggy Bottom Boys"
Ok, so the Soggy Bottom Boys are a fictitious band created for the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? and I'm sure pretty much everyone has heard this track before. But this version of the classic bluegrass tune, recorded by Dan Tyminski, Harley Allen, and Pat Enright is a Grammy winner for a reason- it's great! It's also said to be the closest version to the famous bluegrass artist, Ralph Stanley's distinct style of singing. Plus...who doesn't love seeing George Clooney all dirty and 'singing' bluegrass?
Monday, 27 December 2010
This Week's Picks (#25)
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.
Last week, we featured dance music. This week, our picks will focus on costume and dress. Please enjoy!
American Style Tribal Bellydance
While this could have been posted in last week's feature on dance, it fits perfectly in the costume/dress category. This is a recent form of dance, developed in California in the 1980s. It takes its inspiration from numerous dance and music styles including Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Spanish, Indian, and Balkan. The costumes aim to reflect the dance's diverse backgrounds. The dancers improvise in groups to music inspired by the same variety of cultures. They wear an elaborate collection of head-wear, jewelery and costuming representing these different cultures. The result is an entertaining and beautiful display of cultural harmony.
African Desert Blues
It is easy for a certain dress or style to become associated with a genre of music. Desert blues, for example, conjures images of light, flowing robes and howli head scarfs. While this may be the traditional Touareg style of dress, it becomes associated with the music the moment artists begin traveling and bringing their music to other cultures. Thus, groups like Tinariwen, rock out in full desert dress and a concert would not be the same without that accompanying visual.
AfroCubism
In other situations, the choice of dress may be a conscious decision. AfroCubism is a collaboration of musicians from Cuba and Mali. When seen in a live performance, like the above video, you can easily spot the Cuban musicians from the Malian musicians based on their choice of dress. In this case, the choice of dress is an reaffirmation of culture and background that highlights the collaboration between two different musical genres that are elegantly compatible.
Last week, we featured dance music. This week, our picks will focus on costume and dress. Please enjoy!
American Style Tribal Bellydance
While this could have been posted in last week's feature on dance, it fits perfectly in the costume/dress category. This is a recent form of dance, developed in California in the 1980s. It takes its inspiration from numerous dance and music styles including Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Spanish, Indian, and Balkan. The costumes aim to reflect the dance's diverse backgrounds. The dancers improvise in groups to music inspired by the same variety of cultures. They wear an elaborate collection of head-wear, jewelery and costuming representing these different cultures. The result is an entertaining and beautiful display of cultural harmony.
African Desert Blues
It is easy for a certain dress or style to become associated with a genre of music. Desert blues, for example, conjures images of light, flowing robes and howli head scarfs. While this may be the traditional Touareg style of dress, it becomes associated with the music the moment artists begin traveling and bringing their music to other cultures. Thus, groups like Tinariwen, rock out in full desert dress and a concert would not be the same without that accompanying visual.
AfroCubism
In other situations, the choice of dress may be a conscious decision. AfroCubism is a collaboration of musicians from Cuba and Mali. When seen in a live performance, like the above video, you can easily spot the Cuban musicians from the Malian musicians based on their choice of dress. In this case, the choice of dress is an reaffirmation of culture and background that highlights the collaboration between two different musical genres that are elegantly compatible.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
This Week's Picks (#20)
Things are a little crazy as I pack and prepare for my trip back to the States, so this week's post is abbreviated. However, I hope you enjoy and please send in your picks for Wednesday's Reader Picks!
"Sweet Home Chicago" - Robert Johnson
Ok, so I'm not going home to Chicago, but rather than criticize me you should be thanking me for not choosing Christmas music (which I have already pulled out). As I pack my bags for a holiday season at home, I do enjoy listening to this track. I'm not the only one craving my old home in the States.
"Sweet Home Chicago" - Robert Johnson
Ok, so I'm not going home to Chicago, but rather than criticize me you should be thanking me for not choosing Christmas music (which I have already pulled out). As I pack my bags for a holiday season at home, I do enjoy listening to this track. I'm not the only one craving my old home in the States.
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.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Album Review: Ghost Towns by John Statz
Album: Ghost Towns
Artist: John Statz
Release Date: August 12, 2010
Genre/Region: American folk, folk rock
While the classic "is folk music world music" debate is still argued among some, Nomad's Playlist will state its position by reviewing a folk artist from Wisconsin, USA for it's first album review. In all honesty, I have never been much of an American folk fan. Dylan and his signature irksome voice put me off the entire genre. However, I may be a convert after discovering this up and coming Madison, WI artist.
To say this might sound contradictory as John Statz is a huge Dylan fan and is certainly influenced by him. The Dylan influence was more evident in his solo, live recorded album, An Evening with John Statz (2008). This was the album that introduced me to him and it perfectly captures the intimate setting that make a good John Statz show. That said, Ghost Towns marks a more mature sound with Statz settling into his own style. While his voice has lost some of its typical folk twang, I find myself missing the elegant acoustic guitar lines that made me fall in love with his 2008 album.
In place of the acoustic, Statz has updated the folk sound with a full band and rock/alt-country influences. The album is the result of his tours in the States, Europe and Canada. "Whether it was bullet holes and bombed rooftops in Sarajevo, or desolate abandoned buildings and decaying main street America, the album title seemed very pertinent to the state of the world today" (quoted from his website). However, this is not a heavy album through and through. Even the track "Ghost Towns," which has the type of social commentary message you would expect from a folk song, is upbeat and rocking. A few of the songs do have the heavy soul and acoustic atmosphere of typical folk, such as "Night Train To Sarajevo" and "Julija."
The track "Best Girl" is a fun, revamped version of "Best Girl of '16" from his 2008 album. Again, I personally fell in love with his exquisite acoustic guitar lines of the earlier album, but that does not stop this new version from having its own merits. "Best Girl" is more upbeat than its earlier counterpart and is a better setting for the lyrics detailing a solider coming home to his best girl.
The best song of the album is "The Wichita Waltz." The track is slow and about a love story gone sour. It is a little more country than I would normally like, but the absolutely beautiful harmonies sung by Whitney Mann send chills down my spine.
Overall, this is a well put together album with a wide variety of tracks to keep the listener interested. Statz has really grown into a distinct sound since his last release and I expect he will continue to produce some great music as he keeps touring and taking inspiration from his travels. The album will be released on CD and vinyl as well as mp3 download on August 12th, 2010. To preview a few singles from the upcoming album, be sure to visit http://johnstatz.bandcamp.com.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
Sunday, 27 June 2010
A Tribute to the World Cup Losers #1: South Korea & USA
Alright, so maybe calling them "losers" is a little harsh seeing as they made their way into the final 16, but this new series will focus on the countries who are eliminated during the final stage of the World Cup. As the 2010 World Cup in South Africa moves into the elimination stage, Nomad's Playlist will be showcasing our favorite picks from the countries unfortunate enough to be thrown out of the running.
South Korea
Losing their match against Uruguay yesterday, South Korea is the first to be eliminated from the World Cup final 16, and the first to be featured here on Nomad's Playlist.
"Kayagum Sanjo Variation" performed by Hwang Byeonggi
This piece is performed on the Korean instrument, the Kayagum, a 12 string zither-like instrument. The style of music is sanjo, literally meaning scattered melodies and involves some improvisation. Byeonggi is one of the most famous performers of the Kayagum sanjo. This piece is relaxing, though not by a lack of interesting material. Byeonggi shows off his skill with beautiful patterns in a demonstration of the appeal of Korean music. A perfect tribute and send off for a country who was unfortunate enough to be sent home so soon.
United States of America
With an attempt that surprised most, the USA still came up short in their match against Ghana. However, they won the honor of being our our second featured country in the series.
"Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is an icon of American delta blues. His signature voice and slide guitar set the standards for all other blues musicians to follow. His poorly documented life and mysterious early death have added to Robert Johnson's mystic and the creation of Faustian legend. As one of my favorite all time blues artists, we are sadly left with only a legacy of 29 songs by the blues great. This one, one of his more famous, is a great song for the USA as they return home from the World Cup. "I went down to the crossroad/fell down on my knees/Asked the lord above "have mercy now/ save poor Bob if you please."
South Korea
Losing their match against Uruguay yesterday, South Korea is the first to be eliminated from the World Cup final 16, and the first to be featured here on Nomad's Playlist."Kayagum Sanjo Variation" performed by Hwang Byeonggi
This piece is performed on the Korean instrument, the Kayagum, a 12 string zither-like instrument. The style of music is sanjo, literally meaning scattered melodies and involves some improvisation. Byeonggi is one of the most famous performers of the Kayagum sanjo. This piece is relaxing, though not by a lack of interesting material. Byeonggi shows off his skill with beautiful patterns in a demonstration of the appeal of Korean music. A perfect tribute and send off for a country who was unfortunate enough to be sent home so soon.
United States of America
"Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is an icon of American delta blues. His signature voice and slide guitar set the standards for all other blues musicians to follow. His poorly documented life and mysterious early death have added to Robert Johnson's mystic and the creation of Faustian legend. As one of my favorite all time blues artists, we are sadly left with only a legacy of 29 songs by the blues great. This one, one of his more famous, is a great song for the USA as they return home from the World Cup. "I went down to the crossroad/fell down on my knees/Asked the lord above "have mercy now/ save poor Bob if you please."
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