Nomad's Playlist

I've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:21:00 +0000

It might have taken a little longer than I intended, but I finally have the new and improved Nomad's Playlist up and running.

Nomad's Playlist can now be found at www.nomadsplaylist.com

I will be posting from the new site from now on, so I do hope you'll make the move with me.

Thanks and see you over there!

The winds of change

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:25:00 +0000

Just a quick post to let you know I've got lots of great changes coming up for NP.

I'm currently putting together some exciting stuff behind the scenes, and might even be changing blog hosts, so please stay posted!

But to keep you occupied while I get some of these changes going, here's an audio slideshow I've recently put together for a course. I'm thinking about enhancing it with some audio story telling over the top, but I'd love to know what you think. Enjoy!

I'm back! ...well almost

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:23:00 +0000

Yoohoo! Remember me? The person who used to post regularly about world music?

Well, I'm finally back...sort of.

Staying true to my habit of telling people stories they really don't care about, I'll tell you why I disappeared. I had been hoping to connect the blog to my course Introduction to World Music, sharing videos/audio related to weekly topics in the course. But the course didn't run and I kind of gave up to focus on the blog that I get paid to write (Songlines in case you haven't checked that one out yet).

However, here I am again, mainly to encourage anyone even remotely interested to head on over to the Mary Ward Centre website and sign up for the next term of my Introduction to World Music course. It starts in April and is going to be great fun! (Please email me if you'd like any more information about the course)

In the meantime, I will try my best to post regularly with some good music and who knows, maybe some actual writing.

And so I leave you with this, my current favourite video (apologies for the explicit language, but it's a good track):

Balkan Beat Box (BBB) – 'Political F*ck'

This Week's Picks #52

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:54:00 +0000

In a terrible and wound-up mood, I'm in need of a major cool down. So, apologies in advance but this week's playlist is a bit angsty and moody – something to chill out (or belt out) to.

Please enjoy!

"City of Refuge" - Abigail Washburn

Some good ol' banjo music from Bela Fleck's clawhammering wife, Abigail Washburn. Influenced by her time in China, Washburn's banjo playing is not quite what you expect for old fashion Americana. New sounds find there way into the folk strumming for sounds that are both familiar and very strange at the same time.

"You've Got the Kind of Nerve I Like" - Tiny Ruins

I heard this track on Mark Coles' 'The Shed: A Whole New World of Music' show several weeks ago and fell in love. There's something so sweet about this song and though a bit moody, it's just what I needed today.

"Run Away" - Sarah Jarosz

It's all about the lady singers today, and not only is Jarosz an amazing singer with a smooth voice that I can't get enough of, she's a spectacular instrumentalist. A virtuoso on the clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, and octave mandolin, there's not much this New England Conservatory student can't do.

This Week's Picks #51

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:14:00 +0000

After taking a much needed break, I'm coming back atcha with some great tunes. Enjoy!

"Gorpuru" - Gurrumul
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a blind Aboriginal singer and member of the Gumatj clan of north east Arnhemland. His debut album Gurrumul took the world by storm in 2009, making a name for indigenous music and artists. This track is from his recently released second album Rrakala, that appears to be receiving just as much acclaim as his debut.

"Unuttun Mu Beni" - Sezen Aksu

One of my new favourites is the Queen of Turkish Pop, Sezen Aksu. I can hear you asking, 'How can she be the Queen of Turkish Pop? I've never heard of her!' While I'm sure you are probably up-to-date on your pop queens, the album from which this is the first track, Öptum, is her 24th release and still only her first to make it beyond the borders of Turkey. I hope it will be the first of many.

Wednesday's Reader Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

This week's reader pick comes from Susan Crocenzi.

"Leaving Soon" - Meklit Hadero

Hadero is an Ethiopian-born and San Francisco-based singer that is able to combine all her influences into beautiful and poetic jazz-fusion. Recently selected as one of Google's Artists of the week, US readers can download a few of her tracks here.

Have a great track you want posted? Let me know via Facebook, Twitter, email or in the comments below. And remember: Good music transcends language barriers & cultural differences. Great music blows your mind.

Middle Eastern Protest Singers Targeted

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Songlines magazine recently posted an evocative blog about protest singers in the Middle East and their oppression by the current regimes:

With the death toll rising from the ongoing Syrian uprising, one of the voices of the movement, 42-year-old singer Ibrahim Qashoush, has met a gruesome end at the hands of the regime’s security forces. Qashoush, a fireman and poet from the city of Hama in central Syria, had written and sung verses that had become popular features of the uprising in his city, calling on Bashar al-Assad to leave.
      On July 3, he disappeared and according to reports, his body was found in the city’s river with its throat cut and vocal cords ripped out. It suggests the brutality of the regime in the face of open articulation of dissent by protest singers and poets, though all reports from within Syria are impossible to verify due to the regime’s media blackout.
      Hear Qashoush leading the crowds in Hama on this YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH57lRemXtw&feature=player_embedded
      Meanwhile, across the border in Lebanon, where Syria has for so long had a political as well as military presence, the uprising is building tensions. Beirut hipster Zeid Hamdan was jailed temporarily in July over slander charges he faces for defamation of the Lebanese president Suleiman in a song he posted on YouTube in August 2010. The track, ‘General Suleiman’, calls on not only the president, but also the country’s militiamen, corrupt politicians, arms dealers and foreign intelligence operatives to, ‘go home’.
     The 35-year-old musician is a veteran of Beirut’s outspoken independent music scene and used to be one half of the electronica fusion duo Soap Kills. Prosecutors will now decide whether to press formal charges in a Middle East climate of increasing discontent towards those in power.
     Judge the song for yourself at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L83n4zhg8Jw

See the original article here. You can also read my review of the Barbican's recent Night in Tahrir Square here.

This Week's Picks #50

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:40:00 +0000

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.

Wednesday's Reader Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0000

Well, there were no suggestions this week, so I'll post this beautiful video of the Malian songbird Fatoumata Diawara tweeted this afternoon by @SonglinesMag.

The track is 'Kanou' from Fatoumata's debut album (out 19 September). There is some really beautiful movement and cinematography in this video that makes me love the track even more.

This Week's Picks #49

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:49:00 +0000

The kings of desert blues, Tinariwen, are in the news (hehe, that rhymes!) . This weekend The Observer gave away an eight-track live album by them (which you can still download here for a few more days), Songlines magazine is soon to feature them on their cover, an album set to be released at the end of the month, and their extensive autumn tour will include London's KOKO. So, in anticipation, this week's picks are all Tinariwen inspired.

"Tenere Taqhim Tossam" - Tinariwen feat. TV on the Radio

This is a track off Tinariwen's new album, Tassili, due to be released at the end of this month. This has got to be my favourite track by them so far. They are joined by Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio, whose sound fits perfectly into Tinariwen's acoustic album.

"Nak Amadjar Nidounia" - Tamikrest

The younger Touareg blues band, Tamikrest, have been doing their best to keep up with the pace set by Tinariwen. They recently released an album Toumastin to rave reviews. This is my favorite track from that album.

"Adounia" - Bombino

It's unsurprising that the popularity of Tinariwen in the past decade has given birth to numerous Touareg rockers. The latest on the scene is Bombino, and he's good. I had the pleasure to briefly meet Bombino at this year's WOMAD, if only to say hello. I highly recommend checking out his debut album, Agadez.

Rhythm Passport

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:53:00 +0000

With so many gigs, tours, shows and concerts out there, it is hard to know where to start looking. But, if you're free this weekend, next Tuesday, or even some evening in October, I've recently discovered a new website that makes it easier to find world music gigs and puts my 'Nomad's Calendar' to shame.

Rhythm Passport was recently launched and is a user-run event listings website that focuses on 'traditional world music to global beats'. Apologies to all my international readers, but Rhythm Passport is only UK-based, though that does not mean 'London-based'. You can find event listings from all over the UK.

The search allows you to filter by date, region, town, venue name as well as the country or continent the music is from. Another great feature is that the next 30 days worth of events are uploaded onto Facebook, making it easy to remind yourself of an upcoming gig you really wanted to check out.

Finally, the best feature of the site are the customised emailing list. If you register and adjust your email settings, the site will email you once a month with a list of events specifically tailored to your preferences (say, South American music in London, or bluegrass in Scotland). You need to register for this feature, but it's definitely worth it! You can register here.

You can check out the website here: www.rhythmpassport.com
Or their Facebook here: www.facebook.com/pages/Rhythm-Passport/170367249680012

Wednesday's Reader Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:15:00 +0000

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, I want to know what you listen to.

Send the review you've written and a link to the track on YouTube to my 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.

Not really up for writing something? No problem, just send me the link to the track.

Now...what's on your stereo?

This Week's Picks #48

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:47:00 +0000

On Thursday I went to Sadler's Wells to see the Tony Award-winning musical, FELA! It was a fantastic show with great music and even better dancing that tell the true story of Fela Kuti and his nightclub, The Shrine. As a result, I've had Fela's unique Afrobeat stuck in my head. So, please enjoy this week's picks, inspired by the legendary Fela Kuti.

"ITT (International Thief Thief)" - Fela Kuti

The Nigerian pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not only a legendary musician, but also a political activist, speaking when many would not. He set out to use his music as a weapon and fight the political corruption. This track was an attack on International Telegraph and Telecommunications.

"Dem Bobo" - Femi Kuti

The son of Fela, Femi is carrying the name of Afrobeat ambassador. Though one of Fela's other son's, Seun, is also continuing the tradition, I personally prefer Femi's music. 'Dem Bobo' is from Femi's most recent album Africa for Africa, which won the 2011 Songlines Music Award for Best Artist.

"Yellow Fever" - FELA!

Here's a sneak peek at a track from the musical FELA! The spectacular music and dancing make up for the jumpy story line. I highly recommended my London readers to pop over to Sadler's Wells and catch it before it leaves, and all my international readers to keep an ear out and definitely catch it if the show comes your way.

Wednesday's Reader Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:10:00 +0000

This week's reader picks is coming at you from DJ Socrates.

'Kilimajaro' - The Shaolin Afronauts

Groovy. I'm loving this! The Shaolin Afronauts are a side project of the Adelaide band The Transatlantics and take their inspiration from 1970s Afrobeat.

This Week's Picks #47

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:36:00 +0000

It's already been a week since I returned from WOMAD and I'm still reeling. I heard some amazing music despite the fact I was there to work and hope to share quick round up in the next few days. In the meantime, this week's picks are inspired by some of the music I heard. Enjoy!

"Galloping Horses" - AnDa Union

Like many attending this year's WOMAD Charlton Park, I was blown away by the Mongolian group AnDa Union. The combination of the two-stringed horse-headed fiddle and spectacular singing, this group is set to make it big. You can see a short clip of AnDa Union performing in the Songlines tent at WOMAD here, where you can hear the powerful voice of their singer.

"Karma Police" - Brassroots

Performing fun covers from the Charlie Gillett Stage, Brass Roots also became a quick favorite of mine. Their repertoire included greats like 'Karma Police' and 'Sweet Dreams' among others.

"Offsprunt" - Alejandro & The Magic Tombolinos

These guys have been everywhere this summer performing several festivals including Larmer Tree and WOMAD. A quintet of international musicians led by Argentinian sax man Alejandro Toledo, the Tombolinos really know how to get a crowd moving while playing their Gypsy stroke rock stroke Middle Eastern stroke Latin stroke a little bit of everything fusion.

World music icons, any thoughts?

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:56:00 +0000

As some of you may have noticed, I am returning after almost a month's hiatus. I wish I could tell you that I had been traveling distant countries in search of good music, but instead I have been taking a much needed break. I would like to thank all those who have stuck around and assure you that Nomad's Playlist is back.

Now, on to more exciting business. Songlines magazine is asking for world music icon suggestions. Do you have an artist in mind that you think has changed the face of 'world music' or an artist is is chomping at the bit to follow in the footsteps of the greats? If so, hop on over to Songline's Facebook page and let them know. They will be putting some of the suggestions in their next issue.

http://www.facebook.com/songlines#!/songlines?sk=app_11007063052

For more details, read the Icons feature in their new issue (#78, August/September).

This Week's Picks #46

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0000

This week's picks are inspired by some funky Ethiopian sounds. Please enjoy!

"Guragigna" - Dub Colossus

A band of musicians from London and Addis Ababa, these guys fuse dub and reggae with Ethio-Jazz to create some kicking tracks. I have been really enjoying the most recent album Addis Through the Looking Glass, of which this is the best track.

"Yekermo Sew" - Mulatu Astatke

I've featured another track by Mulatu, but here's one more. Mulatu is the father of Ethio-Jazz, though he might as well be the father of cool. *Sorry, that was pretty lame, but it's getting awful late and I'm really enjoying the chill factor of this track*

Meet the Musicians: Glenn Sharp

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:47:00 +0000

In this series, we get to hear from the musicians themselves. This month, we hear from multi-instrumentalist Glenn Sharp.

Glenn has been working as a guitarist for many years and world music is his passion. His recent performances include flamenco, Latin, Arabic and African music.Glenn has worked as a session guitarist on numerous albums and has been a producer for many years. In addition to his solo performances, Glenn is the guitarist for flamenco group Calaita with singer Chico Pere. He has gigged and toured with numerous world-music artists including Nitin Sawhney and Aref Durvesh, and has colloborated with musicians from Nigeria, Sudan, India, Spain, Palestine and Egypt.

1. How long have you been performing and what inspired you to get into music?

I have been gigging now for 20 years. All sorts of performances, from events groups to solo classical recitals, hip-hop, jazz, experimental electronica and finally ‘world music’, flamenco in particular. When I was eight years old, I heard my next door neighbour playing guitar. I don’t think she realised at the time that she was to be my teacher every week for the next five or so years! I discovered flamenco in 1996. I saw a Paco Peña gig and the next morning I changed everything and dedicated to myself to learning flamenco guitar. Been hooked ever since!

2. What or who are your influences?

Far too many to mention, so I will just concentrate on the more recent ones. My guitar hero is Gerardo Nuñez, who is also a fantastic composer, my saz hero is without doubt, Erkan Oğur (also a wonderful composer) and my oud favourites are Simon Shaheen, Nasser Shamma and Nizar Rohana. I would say my biggest influences are Erkan Oğur, Trio Joubran, Yasmin Levy, Vicente Amigo, Goksel Baktagir, Yair Dalal as well as classical composers such as Gorecki, Duruffle, Verdi and Arvo Pärt.

3. What are your all-time favorite albums?

Anadolu Beşik and Gülün Kokusu Vardı by Erkan Oğur

Duquende y la guitarra de Tomatito

Ganoub - en arabe vent dire sud

Maqamat Ziryab by Simon Shaheen

Koyaanisqatsi by Philip Glass

Ciudad de las Ideas by Vicente Amigo

Vision by Tarik Banzi

Verdi Requiem

East meets East by Nigel Kennedy and Kroke

Miles_Gurtu by Robert Miles and Trilok Gurtu

Power to the Women by Madosini

Sounds of Sudan

Berber Blues by Cherifa

Rise by Anoushka Shankar

Everything by Le Trio Joubran, Camarón, and Gerardo Nuñez

4. What are you listening to right now?

The Silimbo Passage by Seckou Keita–amazing combination of kora and Egyptian violin with some flamenco vibes!

5. Have any upcoming gigs/shows we should know about?

Working on a collaboration with percussionist Guy Schalom for gigs later this year; a fusion of Flamenco and Arabic music with Flamenco dance. All my other forthcoming dates available at www.myspace.com/glennsharpworld

Hear samples of tracks from Glenn's latest album with the Jadid Ensemble: www.jadidensemble.com
Read my review of the Jadid Ensemble review: http://nomadsplaylist.blogspot.com/2011/01/album-review-sigh-of-moor-by-jadid.html

This Week's Picks (#45)

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:14:00 +0000

I just got back from a fantastic show at the Barbican featuring Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and Lizz Wright, three of the most amazing voices on one stage. So, here are a few videos for this week's picks before I head to bed. Enjoy!

"Malaika" - Angelique Kidjo

"I Put a Spell on You" - Dianne Reeves

"Amazing Grace" - Lizz Wright

Album Review: Resonance/Dissonance by Khyam Allami

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Album: Resonance/Dissonance
Artist: Khyam Allami
Release Date: On sale (June 2011)
Genre/Region: Middle Eastern

The oud (Middle Eastern lute) is a beautiful instrument to begin with, but when combined with Khyam Allami's musical sensitivity, it is divine. Resonance/Dissonance is the debut album of a young artist who has already had quite an amazing career. With degrees from the School of Oriental and African Studies, he has gone on to be the first recipient of the World Routes Academy scholarship from BBC Radio 3 and world class performer.

I attended Khyam's album launch on May 4th and was impressed. He ran through each track in order and offered a beautiful preview of the upcoming album (which was to include a DVD of performances). I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of his album. When I finally did, I was not disappointed.

Though this is Khyam's debut album, he did not treat it as such. It is bold and ambitious. Risky for a first release, it was a risk worth taking. Khyam's solo oud weaves poetic melodies, at times dark and soulful. Joined by percussionist Vasilis Sarikis, Khyam pieces together an album that is meaningful and intense. His website states, 'conceptually, it is filtered through a life in London influenced by myriad figures; the work of C.G. Jung, the mysticism of Jorge Luis Borges, the independence and forward thinking of Frank Zappa, and Secret Chiefs 3, the ingenuity of various masters of Middle Eastern music such as Hossein Ali Zadeh, Naseer Shamma and Riyadh al-Sunbati.'

As an album with such a range of inspirations, it comes as no surprise that it takes the listener for a ride through a variety of emotions. A quiet and thoughtful beginning, the album opens with the track 'Individuation'. Building upon a very simple and yet elegant melodic theme, the track is pensive but not calm. Then the album moves through semi-improvisations that are all as intense and thoughtful. It features graceful moments of simplicity as well fiery passages of virtuosity. Ultimately, the album rests and reflects with final track, 'Reverie.'

If this all sounds like flowery, over-indulgent praise, have a listen for yourself. Khyam is not only blessed with a virtuosity for which all musicians strive, but a sense of musicality and musical passion that cannot be learned.

You can hear a preview of the album on Khyam's website: www.khyamallami.com

This Week's Picks (#44)

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:29:00 +0000

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.

This Week's Picks (#43)

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:34:00 +0000

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'.

John Statz- Kickstarter

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:46:00 +0000

John Statz put together a fantastic album last year (reviewed here) and is planning his next venture for a fourth studio album. This August, he will be working with the legendary producer Bo Ramsey to release a new album, Old Fashioned.

His last album was something really special, but with the help of Bo Ramsey, I expect the new album to blow it out of the water. Statz is using Kickstarter to help fund the project and needs your help. Visit his campaign page to pledge and receive some really cool stuff, I promise it will be worth it!

Album Review: Sol by Aurn Shenoy

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 09:41:00 +0000

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

This Week's Picks (#42)

noreply@blogger.com (Nomad's Playlist) — Mon, 30 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

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.