Once again, I find myself apologising for the tardiness of my posts. Let's see if I can get back on track. I hope you enjoy this week's picks in the meantime.
"Tawazon I: Balance" - Khyam Allami
This is a track from Khyam Allami's brand new album (released last week) Resonance/Dissonance. I recently attended Allami's album launch, and while I've enjoyed listening to this rising oud star for the past few years, his concert was really something special. I hope to post a review of Allami's new album soon, but in the meantime please enjoy this track and pick up the album yourself.
"Sunshine Day" - Osibisa
And now for something completely different...this should make your hips shake, feet tap, or at the very least, head nod. Osibisa is an Afro-pop band started in the 1970s that claim to have contributed to the founding of 'World Music'.
Showing posts with label fusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fusion. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Album Review: Sol by Aurn Shenoy
Album: Sol
Artist: Arun Shenoy
Release Date: October 30, 2010
Genre/Region: Fusion, Flamenco, Jazz
This four track EP is a preview of the full length album Rhythm of the Sun scheduled to be released mid-2011. While the running time is quite short and I look forward to hearing the full length album, this is a great preview of what is to come.
Ambitiously, Shenoy tries to update the flamenco sound, fusing it with jazz and rock. For the most part, he is successful. Flamenco works remarkably well with jazz sensibilities. The first and best track on the EP is "Rhythm of the Sun" and is a prime example of this. Sensual rhythms support a weaving, jazzy piano and create a deliciously seductive track. The track "Sleepy Town" is another great example of fusion gone right, though it is less jazzy than the first piece.
The other two tracks, however, fall short. "The Violin Song" begins with a very flamenco sound and has promise. Unfortunately, after a minute or so, a very pop-ish drum beat kicks in and the track takes a turn for the worse. "Wanderlust In Keys" is very much the same- lots of potential overshadowed by synthesizer and drum beats.
Despite that, when Shenoy fuses jazz and flamenco well, he creates beautiful sounds and a sensual atmosphere. Overall, this is a promising preview of Shenoy's upcoming album.
You can listen to tracks and watch videos of Arun Shenoy on his website or Facebook:
Official Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ArunShenoyMusic
Official Website: http://arunshenoy.com
Artist: Arun Shenoy
Release Date: October 30, 2010
Genre/Region: Fusion, Flamenco, Jazz
This four track EP is a preview of the full length album Rhythm of the Sun scheduled to be released mid-2011. While the running time is quite short and I look forward to hearing the full length album, this is a great preview of what is to come.
Ambitiously, Shenoy tries to update the flamenco sound, fusing it with jazz and rock. For the most part, he is successful. Flamenco works remarkably well with jazz sensibilities. The first and best track on the EP is "Rhythm of the Sun" and is a prime example of this. Sensual rhythms support a weaving, jazzy piano and create a deliciously seductive track. The track "Sleepy Town" is another great example of fusion gone right, though it is less jazzy than the first piece.
The other two tracks, however, fall short. "The Violin Song" begins with a very flamenco sound and has promise. Unfortunately, after a minute or so, a very pop-ish drum beat kicks in and the track takes a turn for the worse. "Wanderlust In Keys" is very much the same- lots of potential overshadowed by synthesizer and drum beats.
Despite that, when Shenoy fuses jazz and flamenco well, he creates beautiful sounds and a sensual atmosphere. Overall, this is a promising preview of Shenoy's upcoming album.
You can listen to tracks and watch videos of Arun Shenoy on his website or Facebook:
Official Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ArunShenoyMusic
Official Website: http://arunshenoy.com
Monday, 30 May 2011
This Week's Picks (#42)
I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I assure you that I have some great stuff coming up including some album reviews. So stay posted and in the meantime, please enjoy this week's picks!
"Dois Nordestes" - Matuto
Matuto is Brazilian slang for "country boy" or "country bumpkin" and that's exactly what this band brings to the table. The music is very "Carnival meets a jazzy Appalachia" as a fun blend of Brazilian rhythms, bluegrass and jazz improv.
"Tabsakh Dalet" - Bombino
A Tuareg from Niger, Bombino (Omara Moctar) is recognized as a great guitarist of the Sahel and Sahara regions. Bombino is the focus of a new film, Agadez by filmmaker Ron Wyman about Tuareg blues. He has also recently released a new album by the same name.
"Dois Nordestes" - Matuto
Matuto is Brazilian slang for "country boy" or "country bumpkin" and that's exactly what this band brings to the table. The music is very "Carnival meets a jazzy Appalachia" as a fun blend of Brazilian rhythms, bluegrass and jazz improv.
"Tabsakh Dalet" - Bombino
A Tuareg from Niger, Bombino (Omara Moctar) is recognized as a great guitarist of the Sahel and Sahara regions. Bombino is the focus of a new film, Agadez by filmmaker Ron Wyman about Tuareg blues. He has also recently released a new album by the same name.
Monday, 4 April 2011
This Week's Picks (#37)
I hope you enjoy this week's picks!
"Ndakuvara"- Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi is a Zimbabwean guitarist. He started began playing in the band Wagon Wheels with Thomas Mapfumo. He has since struck a name for himself, recording 59 albums. Though he was not as politically outspoken as Mapfumo, this particular track was directed at the Zimbabwe's president Mugabe, and the political violence organised by his party.
"Gypsy Part of Town" - J.U.F.
I can't help myself. I love this stuff. I have featured the band, Balkan Beat Box several times, but this is the collaboration of Gorgol Bordello and BBB. J.U.F. stands for Jüdisch-Ukrainische Freundschaft inspired by German industrial band Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft, who got their name from the GDR state organization Deutsch-Sowjetische Freundschaft (German-Soviet Friendship).
"Eddeaa" - Abjeez
These guys not only make some fun music, but fun videos! Abjee is Persian for "sister" as the two main singers Safoura and Melody Safavi are sisters. Abjeez is a "Persian world-pop" band, as they've deemed themselves, and write songs with often humorous lyrics and a lot of fun to listen to and watch.
"Ndakuvara"- Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi is a Zimbabwean guitarist. He started began playing in the band Wagon Wheels with Thomas Mapfumo. He has since struck a name for himself, recording 59 albums. Though he was not as politically outspoken as Mapfumo, this particular track was directed at the Zimbabwe's president Mugabe, and the political violence organised by his party.
"Gypsy Part of Town" - J.U.F.
I can't help myself. I love this stuff. I have featured the band, Balkan Beat Box several times, but this is the collaboration of Gorgol Bordello and BBB. J.U.F. stands for Jüdisch-Ukrainische Freundschaft inspired by German industrial band Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft, who got their name from the GDR state organization Deutsch-Sowjetische Freundschaft (German-Soviet Friendship).
"Eddeaa" - Abjeez
These guys not only make some fun music, but fun videos! Abjee is Persian for "sister" as the two main singers Safoura and Melody Safavi are sisters. Abjeez is a "Persian world-pop" band, as they've deemed themselves, and write songs with often humorous lyrics and a lot of fun to listen to and watch.
Monday, 14 February 2011
This Week's Picks (#31)
I know it's been my recent habit to pick a theme for the "This Week's Picks" tracks. However, this week's theme is simply "awesome stuff I've heard this week." So I apologize if it seems a bit random, but these are still some great picks. Enjoy!
"Music for a Found Harmonium" - Penguin Cafe
As anyone who follows me on Twitter will already know, I've become obsessed with Penguin Cafe as of late. I attended their sold out concert at the Barbican on Wednesday and was blown away. They're music is beyond category, fusing jazz, folk, world, and classical elements. Penguin Cafe is the continuation of Simon Jaffes' original concept of the Penguin Cafe Orchesta by his son, Arthur. I'm actually disappointed there is not a better video of them on YouTube. This is an OK recording, but they are much better than this video gives them credit for. **Keep your eyes out for my review of Wednesday's concert to appear in the next issue of Songlines Magazine!**
"Rumba" - Indialucia
Indian flamenco...'nuff said. Ok, so I know there's a chance that this may sound a tad cheesy to some, but I think it's just so much fun! It's full of energy like flamenco, but without the seriousness of the genre. As a genre spawned from the confluence of various musical influences, flamenco works beautifully as a fusion setting. It could be that I'm bias as I LOVE flamenco music, but Indialucia pull off a really beautiful fusion.
"Turceasca" - Taraf de Haïdouks
I've known of this group for awhile so it might be cheating putting this under the theme of "awesome stuff I've discovered this week", but I have really been getting into them this week. They're a fun gypsy band from Romania, and if you need any other reason to like them, they're Johnny Depp's favorite gypsy band. There you go. They must be awesome!
"Music for a Found Harmonium" - Penguin Cafe
As anyone who follows me on Twitter will already know, I've become obsessed with Penguin Cafe as of late. I attended their sold out concert at the Barbican on Wednesday and was blown away. They're music is beyond category, fusing jazz, folk, world, and classical elements. Penguin Cafe is the continuation of Simon Jaffes' original concept of the Penguin Cafe Orchesta by his son, Arthur. I'm actually disappointed there is not a better video of them on YouTube. This is an OK recording, but they are much better than this video gives them credit for. **Keep your eyes out for my review of Wednesday's concert to appear in the next issue of Songlines Magazine!**
"Rumba" - Indialucia
Indian flamenco...'nuff said. Ok, so I know there's a chance that this may sound a tad cheesy to some, but I think it's just so much fun! It's full of energy like flamenco, but without the seriousness of the genre. As a genre spawned from the confluence of various musical influences, flamenco works beautifully as a fusion setting. It could be that I'm bias as I LOVE flamenco music, but Indialucia pull off a really beautiful fusion.
"Turceasca" - Taraf de Haïdouks
I've known of this group for awhile so it might be cheating putting this under the theme of "awesome stuff I've discovered this week", but I have really been getting into them this week. They're a fun gypsy band from Romania, and if you need any other reason to like them, they're Johnny Depp's favorite gypsy band. There you go. They must be awesome!
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Album Review: Sigh of the Moor by Jadid Ensemble
Album: Sigh of the Moor
Artist: Jadid Ensemble
Release Date: March 10, 2011
Genre/Region: Fusion, Middle-Eastern, Flamenco, North African
Artist: Jadid Ensemble
Release Date: March 10, 2011
Genre/Region: Fusion, Middle-Eastern, Flamenco, North African
This is the outstanding debut album from the Manchester group, Jadid Ensemble. Skillfully blending flamenco and jazz with Arabic and Turkish sounds, the group produces a blissfully serene album.
The album features a range of instruments with Glenn Sharp, the driving force of Jadid Ensemble, on guitars, oud and saz, Paul Cheneour on flutes and neys, Olivia Moore on violin, Adam Warne on percussion, and Gavin Barras on double bass. Weaving their different sounds and styles together, this talented group takes an atmospheric journey through Southern Spain and North Africa.
With a dramatic opening, Sigh of the Moor begins with a haunting and distant call to prayer that is eventually enveloped by a sublime guitar. This track, “Llamar”, beautifully sets the tone for the rest of the album—evocative yet peaceful.
Despite the overall feeling of calm and tranquility, the album does have a few delightful tracks full of energy. The track “Vandal” conjures images of a North African street market, busy with activity. “Tango Arabe” is passionate and powerful, suddenly breaking into a rhythmic flamenco-inspired finish. “The Storyteller” again brings you back to the streets as if you had just stumbled upon a street performer who launches into a spirited story.
The finest track on the album is “Ilm”. The simple, ancient-sounding melodies weave delicately in and out of each other, slowing building intensity over a steady pulse.
The album lives up to its claim of “film score style production”, creating a musical story that travels through Spain and the Middle East with a clear beginning and end. While the album makes for undeniably beautiful listening, the music is not superficial and the listener has a definite sense of transformation at its conclusion, very much like a film.
I highly recommend this album. Jadid Ensemble has produced an outstanding debut and set the bar high for subsequent recordings, which I will be eagerly awaiting.
You can listen to “Ilm”, "Raag", "Vandal", and "Tango Arabe" from Jadid Ensemble’s Sigh of the Moor on Glenn Sharp’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/glennsharpworld.
Jadid Ensemble is currently participating in the World Music Network’s Battle of the Bands. Visit their page (www.worldmusic.net/battle/track/186/) to hear the track “Sigh of the Moor” and if you like what you hear, you can vote for them.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
This Week's Picks (#27)
This week's picks are inspired by tango. Please enjoy!
"La Esquina" - Federico Aubele
Federico Aubele is an Argentinian singer-songwriter who is recognized for his fusion style, mixing bolero, tango, dub, hip-hop, and reggae. This track is from his 2007 album, Panamericana. Aubele is accompanied by the singer, Natalia Clavier. Aubele's music tends to be chilled, edging on pop-y, but interesting as long as he's sticking to tango inspired tracks.
"Sin Rumbo" - Otros Aires
Otros Aires are an electronic tango project that blend Argentinian roots and electronic beats. This track is from their album Vivo en Otros Aires. While "Sin Rumbo" is obviously influenced by tango, Otros Aires draw on many other traditions including milonga to create a sound much different than some of the other tango based groups.
"Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)" - Gotan Project
The Gotan Project, who I looked at backed in July, is one of the first bands to successfully combine the worlds of folk and electronic music. This track is from their 2001 album, La Revancha Del Tango. The Gotan Project discovered that tango melodies worked beautifully on top of house and dub beats, bursting onto the scene at the turn of the century with a fresh new sound.
"La Esquina" - Federico Aubele
Federico Aubele is an Argentinian singer-songwriter who is recognized for his fusion style, mixing bolero, tango, dub, hip-hop, and reggae. This track is from his 2007 album, Panamericana. Aubele is accompanied by the singer, Natalia Clavier. Aubele's music tends to be chilled, edging on pop-y, but interesting as long as he's sticking to tango inspired tracks.
"Sin Rumbo" - Otros Aires
Otros Aires are an electronic tango project that blend Argentinian roots and electronic beats. This track is from their album Vivo en Otros Aires. While "Sin Rumbo" is obviously influenced by tango, Otros Aires draw on many other traditions including milonga to create a sound much different than some of the other tango based groups.
"Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)" - Gotan Project
The Gotan Project, who I looked at backed in July, is one of the first bands to successfully combine the worlds of folk and electronic music. This track is from their 2001 album, La Revancha Del Tango. The Gotan Project discovered that tango melodies worked beautifully on top of house and dub beats, bursting onto the scene at the turn of the century with a fresh new sound.
Monday, 10 January 2011
This Week's Picks (#26)
Please enjoy this week's picks!
"Jiin Ma Jiin Ma" - Orchestra Baobab
This track is from the 2002 album Specialist in All Styles by Orchestra Baobab, a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band. The group formed in the 1970s and quickly won the hearts of music lovers. They broke up in the 1980s after being overshadowed by some of the other great bands of the time, but reformed in 2001. This particular performance is from Live 8 in Johannesburg, which was a series dedicated to ending poverty.
"Punjabi Wedding Song (Balle Balle)" - Red Baraat
Calling themselves 'dhol and brass', Bhangra funk, or Punjabi funk, Red Baraat has created a fresh, updated sound that has been compared to a cross between Bhangra and New Orleans jazz. The group fuses Bhangra rhythm and brass funk. Recognized as a band that can deliver a great performance in clubs, they have only just released their first album, Chaal Baby (2010) (an album I need to get my hands on!).
"Jiin Ma Jiin Ma" - Orchestra Baobab
This track is from the 2002 album Specialist in All Styles by Orchestra Baobab, a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band. The group formed in the 1970s and quickly won the hearts of music lovers. They broke up in the 1980s after being overshadowed by some of the other great bands of the time, but reformed in 2001. This particular performance is from Live 8 in Johannesburg, which was a series dedicated to ending poverty.
"Punjabi Wedding Song (Balle Balle)" - Red Baraat
Calling themselves 'dhol and brass', Bhangra funk, or Punjabi funk, Red Baraat has created a fresh, updated sound that has been compared to a cross between Bhangra and New Orleans jazz. The group fuses Bhangra rhythm and brass funk. Recognized as a band that can deliver a great performance in clubs, they have only just released their first album, Chaal Baby (2010) (an album I need to get my hands on!).
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Top of the Charts
Happy New Year! Here's to a wonderful 2011!
Here's a glimpse at the World Music charts that will begin the new year. (The charts are from the Official World Chart website).
#1. AFROCUBISM - AFROCUBISM (World Circut)
#2. RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - 11:11:00 (Ruby Works)
#3. CHEIKH LO - JAMM (World Circut)
#4. ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE - ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE (World Circut)
#5. AMADOU & MARIAM - WELCOME TO MALI (Because Music)
#6. AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM - CAPTURE (1995-2010) (Real World)
#7. RAVI SHANKAR & GEORGE HARRISON - COLLABORATION (Rhino)
#8. RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - LIVE IN JAPAN (Ruby Works)
#9. GEOFFREY GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU - GURRUMUL (Dramatico/Skinnyfish)
#10. SOUAD MASSI - O HOURIA (LIBERTY) (Wrasse)
I wish you all a wonderful new year!
Here's a glimpse at the World Music charts that will begin the new year. (The charts are from the Official World Chart website).
#1. AFROCUBISM - AFROCUBISM (World Circut)
#2. RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - 11:11:00 (Ruby Works)
#3. CHEIKH LO - JAMM (World Circut)
#4. ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE - ALI FARKA TOURE & TOUMANI DIABATE (World Circut)
#5. AMADOU & MARIAM - WELCOME TO MALI (Because Music)
#6. AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM - CAPTURE (1995-2010) (Real World)
#7. RAVI SHANKAR & GEORGE HARRISON - COLLABORATION (Rhino)
#8. RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - LIVE IN JAPAN (Ruby Works)
#9. GEOFFREY GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU - GURRUMUL (Dramatico/Skinnyfish)
#10. SOUAD MASSI - O HOURIA (LIBERTY) (Wrasse)
I wish you all a wonderful new year!
Monday, 4 October 2010
This Week's Picks (#16)
I hope the following week's tracks will make up for the lack of posts this week. :) Please enjoy!
"Autorail" by Orchestra Baobab
Orchestra Baobab are a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band that formed in the seventies and epitimizes the sound of the genre. This track is from their 1993 album, Bamba, which features recordings from the 1980s. The band famously mixes Cuban rhythms with Wolof and Mandinka traditions from West Africa creating the smooth sounds you hear in the video.
"Walodhani No Mazaha (Those Who Thought it was a Joke)" by Mohamd Ilyas
Moving closer to my own research insterests, here's a piece from the spice island of Zanzibar. Mohamad Ilyas is taarab musician. Taarab is Zanzibar's biggest musical export, and is a genre of mixed styles and shows Arabic influences. While I spent time in Zanzibar studying other genres of music, it was impossible to avoid this beautiful music. It is easy to understand why so many people love taarab.
"Mast Qalandar" by Faiz Ali Faiz and Titi Robin
Pakistani qawwali singer Faiz Ali Faiz and French guitarist Titi Robin join forces in this album to create an inspiring fusion. This track is from the recently released album Jaadu (Magic). This track is fun and moving. The qawwali singers add an undeniable force to Titi's music and the creative sounds that come out of this partnership are simply wonderful.
"Autorail" by Orchestra Baobab
Orchestra Baobab are a Senegalese Afro-Cuban band that formed in the seventies and epitimizes the sound of the genre. This track is from their 1993 album, Bamba, which features recordings from the 1980s. The band famously mixes Cuban rhythms with Wolof and Mandinka traditions from West Africa creating the smooth sounds you hear in the video.
"Walodhani No Mazaha (Those Who Thought it was a Joke)" by Mohamd Ilyas
Moving closer to my own research insterests, here's a piece from the spice island of Zanzibar. Mohamad Ilyas is taarab musician. Taarab is Zanzibar's biggest musical export, and is a genre of mixed styles and shows Arabic influences. While I spent time in Zanzibar studying other genres of music, it was impossible to avoid this beautiful music. It is easy to understand why so many people love taarab.
"Mast Qalandar" by Faiz Ali Faiz and Titi Robin
Pakistani qawwali singer Faiz Ali Faiz and French guitarist Titi Robin join forces in this album to create an inspiring fusion. This track is from the recently released album Jaadu (Magic). This track is fun and moving. The qawwali singers add an undeniable force to Titi's music and the creative sounds that come out of this partnership are simply wonderful.
Monday, 27 September 2010
This Week's Picks (#15)
For this week, we're keeping to an "Asian" theme. I don't feature much from the Middle East or East Asia often so please enjoy this week's picks!
"Kidda" by Natasha Atlas
Natasha Atlas is a Belgian singer known for her fusions using largely Arabic genres. Some of her music features hip-hop, drum and bass, and reggae. This track is a beautiful example of this fusion.
"Yi Zu Wu Qu" by Lingling Yu
I first heard this Chinese instrument, the pipa, this week played by a friend and thought it had the most amazing sound. Lingling Yu is a virtuoso on the pipa and is internationally known. She has recently released a new album, Xu Lai and I highly recommend picking it up.
"Rast Taqsim" by Naseer Shamma
Naseer Shamma is an Iraqi musician who follows the Baghdadi School of oud playing. He is the only musician to construct the eight string oud following 9th century texts by the music theorist, al-Farabi.
"Kidda" by Natasha Atlas
Natasha Atlas is a Belgian singer known for her fusions using largely Arabic genres. Some of her music features hip-hop, drum and bass, and reggae. This track is a beautiful example of this fusion.
"Yi Zu Wu Qu" by Lingling Yu
I first heard this Chinese instrument, the pipa, this week played by a friend and thought it had the most amazing sound. Lingling Yu is a virtuoso on the pipa and is internationally known. She has recently released a new album, Xu Lai and I highly recommend picking it up.
"Rast Taqsim" by Naseer Shamma
Naseer Shamma is an Iraqi musician who follows the Baghdadi School of oud playing. He is the only musician to construct the eight string oud following 9th century texts by the music theorist, al-Farabi.
Monday, 6 September 2010
This Week's Picks (#14): My Favorites (continued)
Last week, I realized I had not yet featured some of my all time favorite music. This week I'm showcasing a few more of my all-time favorite tracks. Please enjoy!
"La Bush Resistance" by Balkan Beat Box
I know I've already featured these guys in my very first "This Week's Picks" but I just love these guys so much. This track, from their self-titled album, is not only a great one for their ability to update Balkan sounds, but for the lyrics. "Bring the dance and leave the guns." It's a great philosophy.
"Ja Fun Mi" by King Sunny Ade
I blame my obsession with world music on this man. When I was seven I came across his album, E Dide, and asked my mom to buy it. I got it and could not stop listening to it. How many seven year olds jam out to Nigerian pop music? While I couldn't find E Dide on YouTube, here's another great track from a great artist.
"Tabla Toy" by Beats Antique
Picking just one song from this trio was difficult. Like most of the other artists feature this week and last, I love just about every song they've ever made. One of the trio is a dancer, dancing during their live shows, therefore, every song has a great beat or deliciously slow melody to snake along to. While this video does not feature any dancing, I highly recommend checking out some other videos that do, like this one.
"La Bush Resistance" by Balkan Beat Box
I know I've already featured these guys in my very first "This Week's Picks" but I just love these guys so much. This track, from their self-titled album, is not only a great one for their ability to update Balkan sounds, but for the lyrics. "Bring the dance and leave the guns." It's a great philosophy.
"Ja Fun Mi" by King Sunny Ade
I blame my obsession with world music on this man. When I was seven I came across his album, E Dide, and asked my mom to buy it. I got it and could not stop listening to it. How many seven year olds jam out to Nigerian pop music? While I couldn't find E Dide on YouTube, here's another great track from a great artist.
"Tabla Toy" by Beats Antique
Picking just one song from this trio was difficult. Like most of the other artists feature this week and last, I love just about every song they've ever made. One of the trio is a dancer, dancing during their live shows, therefore, every song has a great beat or deliciously slow melody to snake along to. While this video does not feature any dancing, I highly recommend checking out some other videos that do, like this one.
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!
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.
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)
Monday, 21 June 2010
This Week's Picks (#6)
Please enjoy this week's picks.
"De Los Amores" by Susana Baca
This track is off the Peruvian singer, Susana Baca's album, Eco De Sombras (2000). Baca gained her respected status as an international artist after the release of her 1995 album, The Soul of Black Peru. Full of heart-felt emotion, this song gives me goosebumps. The lyrics sing of love's pain, "como duele el esmero, como duele (How love hurts, oh, how it hurts)." In only the way a South American songwriter can, Susana Baca crafts a song that is both an alluring, delicate combination of sounds and a tormented cry from the heart.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"World Massala" by Terrakota
Terrakota is a genius fusion group that describes themselves effectively as roots/reggae/afro-beat. This particular track is from their forthcoming album to be released in October 2010 and adds even more to their eclecticism. Incorporating a Punjabi groove into their reggae and afro-beat sounds, Terrakota creates a new sound that works surprisingly well. Sections that are highly Punjabi in influence give way to hybrid reggae bits, amazing listeners with the effortless blend. Terrakota's other tracks are great if you are in the reggae mood, but this track can get you grooving anytime.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Romeo & Leila" by Ghalia Benali
This title track from Ghalia Benali's 2007 ablum. As the title suggests, this entire album represents a meeting of east and west- from the Western story of Romeo and Juliet and it's Eastern equivalent Kais and Leila. In this spirit of this blending, Ghalia uses her beautiful Arabic vocals over a background of oud and cello playing a mixture of both Eastern and Western classical music while throwing in a bit of jazz. Singing in Arabic, Benali says of this choice "...[Arabic] gives to me a feeling of mystery and magic, the weight of the word and its musical quality...the effect is immediate, the emotion that I try to forward is released, and often the spectator does not need 'translation to feel what I express."
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"De Los Amores" by Susana Baca
This track is off the Peruvian singer, Susana Baca's album, Eco De Sombras (2000). Baca gained her respected status as an international artist after the release of her 1995 album, The Soul of Black Peru. Full of heart-felt emotion, this song gives me goosebumps. The lyrics sing of love's pain, "como duele el esmero, como duele (How love hurts, oh, how it hurts)." In only the way a South American songwriter can, Susana Baca crafts a song that is both an alluring, delicate combination of sounds and a tormented cry from the heart.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"World Massala" by Terrakota
Terrakota is a genius fusion group that describes themselves effectively as roots/reggae/afro-beat. This particular track is from their forthcoming album to be released in October 2010 and adds even more to their eclecticism. Incorporating a Punjabi groove into their reggae and afro-beat sounds, Terrakota creates a new sound that works surprisingly well. Sections that are highly Punjabi in influence give way to hybrid reggae bits, amazing listeners with the effortless blend. Terrakota's other tracks are great if you are in the reggae mood, but this track can get you grooving anytime.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Romeo & Leila" by Ghalia Benali
This title track from Ghalia Benali's 2007 ablum. As the title suggests, this entire album represents a meeting of east and west- from the Western story of Romeo and Juliet and it's Eastern equivalent Kais and Leila. In this spirit of this blending, Ghalia uses her beautiful Arabic vocals over a background of oud and cello playing a mixture of both Eastern and Western classical music while throwing in a bit of jazz. Singing in Arabic, Benali says of this choice "...[Arabic] gives to me a feeling of mystery and magic, the weight of the word and its musical quality...the effect is immediate, the emotion that I try to forward is released, and often the spectator does not need 'translation to feel what I express."
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Wednesday's Reader Picks
This week reader joann3737 shares the artist Buika.
"Sombras" by Buika (featuring Chucho Valdés on piano)
This track is from Spanish singer, Buika's newest album El Último Trago. This album features the pianist Chucho Valdés and is a tribute to one of Buika's earliest influences, Chavela Vargas. Vargas was a ranchera singer. Ranchera is a traditional Mexican genre made popular during the revolution and generally focuses on topics of love or patriotism. This track, titled "Sombras" (translation: shadows), features the raw and passionate voice of Buika. Her lyrics are heartfelt, and typical of the ranchera style, about love and the pain of being away from a lover. Valdés' playing perfectly fuses with Buika's voice and lifts the tone enough to keep the track from being too depressing.
(Reviewed by joann3737)
Do you have a favorite track you'd like to share? Click here for details on how to submit your track for our next edition of "Wednesday's Reader Picks".
"Sombras" by Buika (featuring Chucho Valdés on piano)
This track is from Spanish singer, Buika's newest album El Último Trago. This album features the pianist Chucho Valdés and is a tribute to one of Buika's earliest influences, Chavela Vargas. Vargas was a ranchera singer. Ranchera is a traditional Mexican genre made popular during the revolution and generally focuses on topics of love or patriotism. This track, titled "Sombras" (translation: shadows), features the raw and passionate voice of Buika. Her lyrics are heartfelt, and typical of the ranchera style, about love and the pain of being away from a lover. Valdés' playing perfectly fuses with Buika's voice and lifts the tone enough to keep the track from being too depressing.
(Reviewed by joann3737)
Do you have a favorite track you'd like to share? Click here for details on how to submit your track for our next edition of "Wednesday's Reader Picks".
Monday, 14 June 2010
This Week's Picks (#5)
Please enjoy this week's picks.
"Soda Soap" by Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars
Yesterday, I excitedly attended the Celebrating Sanctuary Concert on London's Southbank hoping to see the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars play live. Much to my dismay, they were not to end up performing due to visa issues (which you can read more about here). So, instead, I'll settle for listening to YouTube videos. They founded the band from members of a Guinean refugee camp after being displaced from their homes in Sierra Leone. This track is off their first album, Living Like a Refugee released in 2006. A few months ago, they released a newer album, Rise and Shine, that I also highly recommend. This song features social commentary based around soda soap, a locally made soap. The commentary is skillfully embedded in upbeat rhythms and great guitar riffs.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Inion ni Scannlain" by Lúnasa
And now for something completely different. Always being a lover of Irish music, I have really embraced this band. The quintet of fiddle, guitar, bass, flute, and pipes/whistles has been around for awhile and produced eight amazing albums. This track is from their 2001 release, The Merry Sisters of Fate. Accomplishing what seemed like the impossible, this band has produced a traditionally based Irish group rivaling the Chieftains. The track is a perfect example of how they have achieved their international status. It features the band's trademark flute sound, which I may simply be partial to as a flute player. However, even those who do not simply melt at the flute's beautiful lines, will appreciate the calm and soothing effect of this song.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Mama Please" by Cirrus
This France-based fusion group features Tunisian singer Nawel Ben Kraiem and a mix of world-folk instruments such as bouzouki, guitar, and djembe. This track is quite powerful with the harsh and driving instrumental background. The lyrics are filled with fear and anguished- "Mama please, mama please, mama please take off the light... Papa will beat you if he found you there." This track and group offers a different side to what you might expect from "world-folk"- a dark and intense song filled with distress.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
Don't forget to visit our Map Feature that is always be updated as we cover more tracks from around the world.
"Soda Soap" by Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars
Yesterday, I excitedly attended the Celebrating Sanctuary Concert on London's Southbank hoping to see the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars play live. Much to my dismay, they were not to end up performing due to visa issues (which you can read more about here). So, instead, I'll settle for listening to YouTube videos. They founded the band from members of a Guinean refugee camp after being displaced from their homes in Sierra Leone. This track is off their first album, Living Like a Refugee released in 2006. A few months ago, they released a newer album, Rise and Shine, that I also highly recommend. This song features social commentary based around soda soap, a locally made soap. The commentary is skillfully embedded in upbeat rhythms and great guitar riffs.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Inion ni Scannlain" by Lúnasa
And now for something completely different. Always being a lover of Irish music, I have really embraced this band. The quintet of fiddle, guitar, bass, flute, and pipes/whistles has been around for awhile and produced eight amazing albums. This track is from their 2001 release, The Merry Sisters of Fate. Accomplishing what seemed like the impossible, this band has produced a traditionally based Irish group rivaling the Chieftains. The track is a perfect example of how they have achieved their international status. It features the band's trademark flute sound, which I may simply be partial to as a flute player. However, even those who do not simply melt at the flute's beautiful lines, will appreciate the calm and soothing effect of this song.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Mama Please" by Cirrus
This France-based fusion group features Tunisian singer Nawel Ben Kraiem and a mix of world-folk instruments such as bouzouki, guitar, and djembe. This track is quite powerful with the harsh and driving instrumental background. The lyrics are filled with fear and anguished- "Mama please, mama please, mama please take off the light... Papa will beat you if he found you there." This track and group offers a different side to what you might expect from "world-folk"- a dark and intense song filled with distress.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
Don't forget to visit our Map Feature that is always be updated as we cover more tracks from around the world.
Monday, 17 May 2010
This Week's Picks (#1)
Deciding upon the very first tracks for our "This Week's Picks" series was not an easy task. These had to be really good. After much soul searching, we've decided upon our three tracks that I am sure will not disappoint. Without further adieu, I would like introduce our top three picks for our series premiere.
"Masimango" by Mbaraka Mwinshehe and Moro Jazz Band
I recently traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania and came across a small shop with a shelf of local music. I came away with a few selections, but this album Tanzania Dance Music ended up being the real treasure. This track my favorite off the album, however the whole album is fantastic. The distinct guitar style makes it easy to understand why Mbaraka was often called the Franco of Tanzania. The big band sound urges you to your feet, and the vocals provide the unmistakable East African flavor. This truly is dance music.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"El Negro Estan Cocinando" by Los Van Van
Los Van Van was my introduction to Cuban music. With the recent attention they've been receiving after their long awaited return to the USA for a tour this past winter, it only seems appropriate that they appear in the premiere of NP's picks. This live performance of "El Negro" is a prime example of their energy and groove. It is impossible to stay still when listening to this track. Formed in 1969, Los Van Van have been reshaping salsa music for forty years. Their recent return to Miami drew no protesters (unlike their performance 10 years before) and heralds better times for Cuban musicians in the States.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Sundary Arak" by Balkan Beat Box
I can't help but love this track. While I may be slightly bias and love anything I've ever heard by this group, this instrumental track really grooves. Based in Brooklyn with a sound and background that crosses several borders, this group successfully mixes world music with pop, hip-hop, and rock. The horns in this track kick in over a grooving pulse, and get down and dirty with some gooey, irresistible lines. Balkan Beat Box is able to convincingly give a modern twist on the Balkan melodies without losing the spice like many modernizing attempts.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Masimango" by Mbaraka Mwinshehe and Moro Jazz Band
I recently traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania and came across a small shop with a shelf of local music. I came away with a few selections, but this album Tanzania Dance Music ended up being the real treasure. This track my favorite off the album, however the whole album is fantastic. The distinct guitar style makes it easy to understand why Mbaraka was often called the Franco of Tanzania. The big band sound urges you to your feet, and the vocals provide the unmistakable East African flavor. This truly is dance music.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"El Negro Estan Cocinando" by Los Van Van
Los Van Van was my introduction to Cuban music. With the recent attention they've been receiving after their long awaited return to the USA for a tour this past winter, it only seems appropriate that they appear in the premiere of NP's picks. This live performance of "El Negro" is a prime example of their energy and groove. It is impossible to stay still when listening to this track. Formed in 1969, Los Van Van have been reshaping salsa music for forty years. Their recent return to Miami drew no protesters (unlike their performance 10 years before) and heralds better times for Cuban musicians in the States.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
"Sundary Arak" by Balkan Beat Box
I can't help but love this track. While I may be slightly bias and love anything I've ever heard by this group, this instrumental track really grooves. Based in Brooklyn with a sound and background that crosses several borders, this group successfully mixes world music with pop, hip-hop, and rock. The horns in this track kick in over a grooving pulse, and get down and dirty with some gooey, irresistible lines. Balkan Beat Box is able to convincingly give a modern twist on the Balkan melodies without losing the spice like many modernizing attempts.
(Reviewed by Alexandra)
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