SoundRoots World Music & Global Culture

Baaba Maal on Television

2009-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Baaba Maal's discography goes back more than a decade, and he's always shown an inclination to blend the sounds of his native Senegal with other influences, from reggae to funk and, on his latest CD Television, electronica. The Brazilian Girls co-produced the album, and you can hear their modern New York sound in there, as on the title track "Television." To be honest, I don't think this is Baaba Maal at his best, though I appreciate his open-mindedness.

More to my liking is an alternative version of the song "International," which you can hear below.

'International' became a crowd favorite as it evolved with new layers and instrumentation. This extended version deviates from the original with its prominent horn section and added rhythms, yet it maintains the high quality of a studio recording.

Here's the video for "Television":

More Baaba Maal:
buy Television
website
facebook
wikipedia
myspace

Global Music by/for/about Kids: Spin The Globe playlist 20 November 2009

2009-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

November 20 is Universal Children's Day, officially "a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children" and unofficially, a great day to explore global music by, for, and about children. (Nov. 20 also marks the day on which the UN adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.) Grab your kids and youthful acquaintances, and huddle around to listen.

Global Music by, for, and about Kids: Spin The Globe playlist for 20 November 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download to past shows: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Hello Bonjour 2/ Sly & Robbie - Global Lingo
Enzo Avitabile & Bottari - Children Are Created Equal - Save The World
Di Grine Kuzine - Leggerezza - Feribot
Samba Salad - Bigi Kaiman - Animal Playground
Baka Beyond - Together Again - Baka Beyond the Forest
Kitka - Nani, Nani, Kitka Mou - Cradle Songs
Warsaw Village Band - Wise Kid Song - Infinity
The Garifuna Women’s Project - Nibari / My Grandchild - Umalali
Thomas Bugitsch et al - Toma que Toma - Songs of Innocence
Zubop - Aardvark - Hiptodisiac
Sally Nyolo & Shingo2 - Tilma (remix) - Drop the Debt
Ziggy Marley - Ziggy Says - Family Time
Kitka - Dzurk, Dzurk - Cradle Songs
Mek Pek - Stop Den Lille Kaenguru - European Playground
Tony Rebel - Bare Necessities - Reggae for Kids Movie Classics

Hour 2
Floxy Bee, The Hikosso Queen - Oluronbi - African Lullaby
Marsada - Silambiak Ni Pinasa - Pulo Samosir
Soznak - Tata y Mama - Dear Dad Tango
Tom Teasley - Dreams of Ghana - Global Groovilization
The Amani Kids - Nyubma ya Bwana - Songs of Peace for the Children of Kilimanjaro
Angelique Kidjo - Battu - African Playground
Shantel - Planet Paprika - Planet Paprika
Rupa & the April Fishes - L’elephant - Este Mundo
Yeh Dede - Tres Golpes - Freedom
Gilzene & the Blue Light Mento Band - Brown Girl in the Ring - Sweet Sweet Jamaica
March Fourth Marching Band - Simplon Cocek - Rise Up
The Shin - Black Sea Firedance - Black Sea Fire
African Show Boyz - Alhaji Bakoni - Brothers Bold

Global Odds, Ends, & Freebies

2009-11-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Some DVD and CD reviews coming your way soon, but today it's a pre-holiday cleanup of things that have been cluttering up my desk, my email, and my mind.

Another NYC show that sounds amazing:
Fire + Fire / Black + Gypsy: The Sounds and Stories of Two Cultures Bound by Rhythm and Race
at Symphony Space Nov. 19 and Nov. 21.
Day of Show: $35 / Advance: $30 / Symphony Space Members: $25

As part of the yearlong Extremely Hungary festival, FIRE + FIRE is a collaborative and conceptual music production that will explore and underscore the dual histories of musical expression and political oppressionthat mark Black American and Roma peoples in, respectively, the USA and Hungary. It will feature an ensemble of 16 performers from both cultures who are both deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions and intensely experimental in their expression of them. The ensemble employs a fusion of spoken word, movement and "jam sessions" to create a brand new vernacular that will spring this tale of two cultures to life.

Hungarian artists: Béla Szakcsi Lakatos, Ági Szalóki, Fatima, Mihály Farkas, Richard Farkas, Robert Farkas, Zsolt Farkas, Gusztáv Balogh, Kiégő Izzók

American artists: Melvin Gibbs, Valerie June, Mazz Swift, Latasha Nevad Diggs, David Pleasant, Ayodele Maakheru, Marilys Ernst

More Info: http://extremelyhungary.org/fire

fire+fire video:

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Mitch over at Sum of Change writes to announce a new weekly music feature called Music Monday. The first installment looks at the waves of ska that have washed over the globe.
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We're curious about the new site Create Culture -- it promises to be "a cultural community of artists and arts lovers who seek hands-on, high-quality and immersive artistic encounters in their travels." We haven't had time to dig around in it yet. If you have, please share your thoughts.
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The 2nd International Body Music Festival is coming up soon -- it will be at various venues in California's Bay Area from Dec. 1-6. Performers include LeeLa Petronio, a tap dancer from France who will be combining non-tap footwork with body percussion; Max Pollak, another soloist, performs what he calls RumbaTap, a form that combines foot-driven percussion with the organic flow of Afro-Cuban rumba; Rashidi Omari, a young Bay Area dancer who specializes in hip-hop contemporary dance, an expression derived from local Oakland culture marked by high energy and a frenetic pace; Festival director Keith Terry’s own solo contemporary body music as well as his duo work with Evie Ladin; the Prescott Clowns, an Oakland youth performance group led by hambone artist Derique McGee; and a student performance group from the San Francisco School, led by Sofia Ibor Lopez. It all sounds amazing.
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If you, like us, are facing the impending Northern Hemisphere winter with a bit of grumpiness, the perfect antidote is some summer music. Like a free summer music mixtape from our friends at Delhi 2 Dublin featuring tracks from MIA, Amadou & Mariam, MIDIval PunditZ, and much more. Seriously, check it out.
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Other free (or almost free) music:

More bouncy music comes from La Family Dub, who have put together some tasty bhangra and other songs in their "Hot as Curry" mixtape
"The Response" from Tommy T's Ethiopian-flavored album The Prester John Sessions (requires email signup)
"Mul Sheshe" from Fantazia's The Lost Place.
"Caravan" from global percussionist Tom Teasley
Crazy Siberian rock outfit Bugotak offers their entire album Wheels Must Roll for free download.You can also catch a grainy but fascinating video interview with members of Bugotak at archive.org
Not for sale or download, but you can stream all manner of great music from our Canada-based Indian-fusion friends Autorickshaw on their bandcamp site.
Hundreds of recordings are available at the British Library's Archival Sound Recordings site. They don't have a slick audio interface, but with a little work I'm listening now to the music of the Accra Gaily Choir from Decca's archive of West African recordings. Very cool...
Gotan Project offers several free mp3s on the site for their release Gotan Project Live, including "Sola" and "Diferente." For more (including a downloadable interview), see gotanproject.com
If you're into German ska, here's the deal for you. Two free tracks from BerlinBOOMOrchestra: "Nein, Mann" and "Achtung, Achtung!"

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I have to admit I'm unfamiliar with the Uncut Music Award. But the fact that they've chosen Imidiwan: Companions by desert rebels Tinariwen as their winner for the "most inspirational and rewarding album of 2008" does make one sit up and take notice (read more). Not sure why they're a year late, but one can't argue with panel judge Billy Bragg, who says "I think this band will be hugely influential. In the next couple of years we’ll be hearing young bands lifting the tensions and the rhythms of Tinariwen. You find yourself reaching back to the blues to explain what they do, it’s like they’ve turned the whole bloody thing upside down. I really do think they are an Uncut band."
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Cuban diva Omara Portuondo recently had two noteworthy triumphs, becoming one of the first Cuban artists in many years to obtain a performance visa, then winning Best Contemporary Tropical Album at the 10th annual Latin Grammy Awards on Nov. 5 for her CD Gracias. Watch for her US performances in 2010, including Feb. 24 in Washington DC, Feb. 26 in Boston, and Feb. 27 in New York.
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Finally, the North American World Music Coalition has dissolved, largely for organizational reasons, and at the same time it released a roadmap of how global music promotion can move forward on the continent. Here's hoping nothing gets lost in the transition.
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Okay, just one more freebie for you. The Brazilian Music Export Office want you to hear new Brazilian artists. So badly do they want this that they insist you immediately download 36 free songs. You can also listen to and download the songs individually, should you wish.
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That should keep you busy for a while. Back soon with more global goodness.

Monday's mp3: Another life for the Black President

2009-11-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

CD REVIEW
Fela Kuti: The Best of the Black President (Knitting Factory)

Forget the flavor-of-the-month pop stars; the biggest name in global music, the biggest enduring name with lasting impact, may well be the sax-playing son of a Nigerian feminist and a Protestant minister. Fela Anikulapo Kuti, or simply Fela, went through a lot of music and a lot of politics in his life, and 12 years after his death his influence only seems to be growing. Bands playing Afropop, the funky, political big-band music he pioneered, seem to be popping up everywhere from New York to London, from Lagos to the Netherlands, from Ghana to Germany.

A decade ago, MCA Records re-released a number of Fela recordings on CD, though the packaging was sparse. Now Afrobeat fans can rejoice with the announcement by Knitting Factory Records to re-release the complete 45-title Fela discography on both CD and vinyl. At the same time, the new musical FELA!, directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, is opening on Broadway later this month. I'm envious of you folks in NYC who get first shot at the show, but in the meantime I'm grooving to the first release of the series, The Best of the Black President. The double album includes a generous 13 tracks, including many well-known songs (Lady, No Agreement part 2, Zombie). And it sounds great, though I've yet to go back and compare the sound quality to that of the MCA releases.

The folks behind this project have generously provided for your listening pleasure the track "Zombie," which lashes out at the Nigerian military. When it was released in 1977, it became hugely popular with the public and hugely annoying to the military, which sent 1,000 soldiers to attack. his compound. His diatribes against military abuses seem no less relevant today.

[mp3] Fela Kuti: Zombie
from the album The Best of the Black President

I'm excited about the releases coming throughout 2010, and hopeful that the Broadway musical will hit the road before too long.

More Fela Kuti:
Buy CD
Fela website at Knitting Factory
Fela! The Musical
wikipedia

World Music of Change: Spin The Globe playlist 13 November 2009

2009-11-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Playing For Change crowd comes to town next week (see Calendar) and we'll celebrate with music from the groundbreaking global CD as well as other world music of change. Our apologies for the lack of a podcast of last week's show -- we had insurmountable technical difficulties (which will NOT be repeated). Thanks for your understanding.

World Music of Change: Spin The Globe playlist for 13 November 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download to past shows: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album
Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Hugh Masekela - Send Me - Time
Chiwoniso - Only One World - Rebel Woman
La Otrabanda - Camino del Abrigo / On the Sheltered Path - Pueblo Vivo / Vibrant People
Tribali - Never Give Up - Merdeka
Vusi Mahlasela - Wisdom of Forgiveness - Wisdom of Forgiveness
Akasa - World Citizen - World Citizen
Yeh Dede - Exuana - Freedom
South African Double Quartet - Nab ‘Abantu Besibiza / There Will Be People Calling Us - World Music of Struggle
Andrew Oliver Kora Band - Koulandjan - June 2009 Studio Session
Various - A Change Is Gonna Come - Playing for Change
The Black Seeds - Strugglers - Solid Ground
Femi Kuti - Fight To Win - Fight To Win

Hour 2
Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu - New York – London – Addis – The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975
Oscar Sulley’s Nzele Soundz - Bukom - Ghana Special
Blick Bassy - Donalina - Jazz Around the World
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate - Kala Djula - Ali and Toumani
Toto La Momposina - Fidelina - La Bodega
Marta Topferova - Mar y Cielo - Trova
Cesaria Evora - Tchom Frio - Nha Sentimento
Dechen Shak-Dagsay - The Four Unmeasurables - Tara Devi
Vandana Vishwas - Fagun Ke Din Chaar - Meera The Lover
various - Tapatam - Laya Project
Great Big Sea - Run Run Away - Up
Mahala Rai Banda - Am Plecat De Jos - Ghetto Blaster
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba - Saro (feat. Vieux Farka Toure) - I Speak Fula

Ethio Magic

2009-11-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

CD REVIEW

Mulatu Astatke: New York - Addis - London: The story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975 (Strut)

If you were there, if you saw Mulatu Astatke live 40 years ago when his Ethiopian jazz first slithered into the unsuspecting ears of Americans and Europeans, why are you reading this? I'm a latecomer to the wonders of Ethiopian music, enticed by the Ethiopiques series and the more contemporary work of Gigi, Bole 2 Harlem, and the like. This music is a product of contradictions: there's influence from the trade routes from Asia and Arabia, though the landlocked country is relatively isolated on an elevated plateau. The artists who developed Ethiopian jazz and pop clearly were listening to Western music, but used traditional melodies and chords to such an extent that the result sounds like a completely new genre. Like they'd hiked along the jazz river through the funk desert on the way to jazz mountain, but got bored with that and took off through the bush, forging their own path.

However it happend, Ethiopia developed a modern sound that's unique in the world and far removed from the musics of its neighbors in North Africa, Arabia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Mulatu Astatke is one of the pioneers of this music, and has been featured in the Ethiopiques recordings. This recording is, we're told, "the definitive Mulatu career retrospective." Astatke has a fascinating history as a traveling musician, teacher, even radio broadcaster. But you don't need to know any of that to know that his music is golden.

Whether he's playing keyboards or vibraphone or just leading the band, Astatke's music was funky and innovative. Take the 1969 tune "Yegelle Tezeta / My Own Memory," which was featured in the Jim Jarmusch film Broken Flowers. It sounds like Dengue Fever doing Afrobeat with its thick organ lead and tight horn lines. A couple songs later, you're transported a different part of the world with the Afro-Caribbean feel of "Asiyo Bellema," complete with conga and steel pan, which is every bit as funky as any New York boogaloo being released at the time. My early favorite, though, is the track "Mulatu," which was the opening song on his 1972 LP Mulatu of Ethiopia. Funk guitar and staccato horns provide the rhythm as Astatke's vibes shimmer above, alternating with sax and flute. It's the kind of song that sounds ridiculous when described, but is nothing short of delicious when heard. That's the magic of Ethio jazz, and particularly of the astonishing Mulatu Astatke.

More Mulatu Astatke:
Buy CD
website (with song samples)
myspace
facebook
Astatke's page on Strut website

Interview on youtube:

And while I can't explain it, I kind of like the Jungle Book gang dancing to Astatke's music:

Monday's mp3: Blasting Down the Ghetto's Walls

2009-11-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Mahala Raï Banda: Ghetto Blasters (Asphalt Tango)

Their name literally means "Noble Band from the Ghetto," but their ghetto music isn't like our ghetto music. Sure their high-energy music has great beats and impels people to dance, but this isn't hip-hop, it's gypsy brass. The members of Mahala Raï Banda hail from two of the most musically famous villages in Romania: Clejani (home to Taraf de Haidouks) and Zece Prajini (upon whose muddy roads you'll find Fanfare Ciocarlia). While this album is clearly less traditional than the work of those two bands, all the hallmarks of gypsy culture are included, from nimble-fingered brass players to cimbalom to rapid-fire vocals.

For the latter, look no farther than "Nu Mai Beau," which kicks off with a blistering pace and never lets up. They slow down a bit for the swinging "Zabrakadabra," but get truly mellow only on "Balada." Yes, that's a ballad, sung with great pathos, though what he's balladeering about, I have no idea since the album comes with no track notes or translations. Still, you'll hardly notice that having been driven into an ecstatic paroxysm of dance by the frenzied sounds of these gypsy sonic alchemists. Alchemy? Yes indeed. How else could one turn Balkan brass into deep, deep dub? One of my favorite albums of the year, hands down.

[mp3] Mahala Raï Banda: Balkan Reggae

from Ghetto Blasters

More Mahala Raï Banda:
Buy CD
website
album sampler

Global Funk + Yasmin Levy interview: Spin The Globe playlist 6 November 2009

2009-11-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's a funky world, and this week's show highlighted some of the best, from Congo to Bombay to Nigeria and beyond. Plus an interview with Israeli singer Yasmin Levy, who is on tour (and performs at Seattle's Triple Door on Nov. 9).

Sorry -- due to technical problems, no podcast of this show is available.

Global Funk + Yasmin Levy interview: Spin The Globe playlist for 6 November 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download to past shows: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Superkali - Eltsugh Ibal Lasiti - Superkali
Professor Longhair - Big Chief - New Orleans Funk- original sound of funk 1960-1975
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Charkha - Charkha The Album
Baku - Mama - Rough Guide to Latin Funk
Captain Yaba - Yaba Funk - YabaFunkRoots
Christine Vainderlis - Call to Freedom - Dance Mama!
Los Fulanos Feat. Chacho - El Pan Y Los Dientes - Achilifunk Gipsy Soul From 21st Century
Cacique’97 - Eu Quero Tudo - Cacique ‘97
Delta Nove - Tororo - The Future Is When
Segun Bucknor - Dye Dye - Poor Man No Get Brother
Mynta - Skip the Click - First Summer
Tony Allen - No Discrimination - Afro Disco Beat
Yasmin Levy - Komo la Raza - Mano Suave
Yasmin Levy interview

hour 2
Yasmin Levy - Mano Suave w/ Natacha Atlas - Mano Suave
Kottarashky - Blatoto - Opa Hey!
Autorickshaw - Ikat - Autorickshaw
Kora Jazz Trio - Chan Chan - Jazz Around the World
Kitka - Kakhuri Nana - Cradle Songs
The Shin - Anushki - Black Sea Fire
Tommy T - The Response feat. Gigi - The Prester John Sessions
Fat Freddy’s Drop - The Raft - Dr. Boondigga & the Big BW
SambaDa - Salve a Bahia - Salve a Bahia
Various artists - War/No More Trouble - Playing For Change

And the next US Minister of Culture is...?

2009-11-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Trick question. Despite a renewal of the discussion among some global music advocate friends of mine since Obama was elected a year ago, there is no Minister of Culture or Secretary of Culture in the United States. Some think that's probably a good thing, given the dramatic political shifts that can occur from one administration to the next.

On the other hand, having a high-level official whose job it is to promote the positive aspects of USA culture could go a long way toward improving global attitudes about the US at a time when we're still at war in two foreign nations (if you don't count Pakistan...). And it could help reinforce the value of arts education and participation for all Americans. Maybe we need some sort of an arts pyramid, modeled on the government food pyramid.

While there's no indication that Obama is pushing for a new government department, he's certainly showing signs of appreciation for multiculturalism, from the performers at his inauguration right up to this week's announcement of appointments to the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. This group includes everyone from the Librarian of Congress to these private (and some not-so-private) citizens:

Edward Norton, New York NY
Forest Whitaker, Los Angeles, CA
George C. Wolfe, New York, NY
Alfre Woodard, Los Angeles, CA
Kerry Washington, Los Angeles, CA
Anna Wintour, New York, NY
Teresa Heinz Kerry, Washington, DC
Vicki Kennedy, Pacific Palisades, CA
Jill Udall, Santa Fe, NM
Thom Mayne, Los Angeles, CA
Damian Woetzel, New York, NY
Bryan Lourd, Los Angles, CA
Dick Cohen, St. Paul, MN
Ricky Arriola, Miami, FL
Alexa Wesner, Austin, TX
Liz Manne, New York, NY
Anne Luzzatto, New York, NY
Agnes Varis, New York, NY
Reggie Van Lee, Washington, DC
Paula Crown, Chicago, IL
Christine Forester, La Jolla, CA
Madeleine Berman, Franklin, MI
Sarah Jessica Parker, New York, NY
Yo Yo Ma, Boston, MA
Andy Spahn, Universal City, CA

The mission of this group, which has been around since 1982, is to advance "the White House's arts and humanities objectives by working directly with the three primary cultural agencies – National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – to initiate and support key programs; to recognize excellence in the fields of arts and humanities; and to encourage private-public partnerships around those disciplines. Through the leadership of its Honorary Chairman the First Lady and its federal and private members, the PCAH has compiled an impressive legacy over its tenure including initiating the Medal of Arts and the National Medal for the Humanities, catalyzing signature cultural programs such as Save America's Treasures, Coming Up Taller, and AFI Project: 20/20, and taking the lead on groundbreaking cultural delegations to countries such as China and Mexico. Such achievements rely on the unique role of the President's Committee to work with federal cultural agencies, and civic, corporate, foundation, and private funders to further the United States' national investment in its cultural life. As the President of the United States recognizes that a nation's cultural assets contribute to the vibrancy of its society and the strength of its democracy, the PCAH helps to underscore the civic, social, educational, and historical value of arts and humanities in the life of our nation."

That's a mouthful, and this group certainly doesn't have the prominence of a single minister, such as Brazil's Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil. But they're doing some good work, which you can read about here. Honestly, I'm more inclined to agree with those who favor a decentralized cultural promotion scheme, with states, cities, and private organizations promoting the music and arts that work for their geographical areas.

Do you think it's helpful for a national government to have a minister-level cultural office? Discuss:

Kitka: Cradle Songs for All Ages

2009-11-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

CD REVIEW

Kitka: Cradle Songs (Diaphonica)

I'm in the car, driving west into -- I kid you not -- the sunset. Above me a sky with breathtaking swooshes of scarlet and orange, on the stereo otherworldly vocal harmonies that seem to transport me to another time and place. I pull over to watch and listen. Perhaps somewhere in rural Russia a mother is humming this same song to a child, for while the tune opens the new album by Oakland based Kitka, it originated with Jews in the old country. Hauntingly beautiful women's polyphonies are the hallmark of Kitka, which has been together since 1979, and their voices are perfectly suited to the 18 Eastern European lullabies on Cradle Songs. Almost entirely a cappella, the songs range originate in various cultures including Bulgaria, Albania, Georgia, Russia, and Armenia, and often sound deeper, sadder, or more nostalgic than one might expect from songs for children.

"The Armenian lullaby texts have stunningly beautiful poetry, with a lot of powerful, natural and cosmic imagery. But there are also lyrics that convey intense sadness and longing," Kitka singer Shira Cion explains. "The songs tell histories of children and parents lost, of cultural genocide. In many Eastern European lullabies, the mother pours out all the grief, fears, and hopes in her soul when she sings to her child. Our close friend and mentor in Ukrainian folk song, Mariana Sadovska, even jokingly refers to some of the cradle songs from her native tradition as "sadistic lullabies.' "

"At first, I found these lullabies really challenging," reflects Kitka singer Janet Kutulas, whose Greek family sang her one of the songs the group wove into "Nani, Nani, Kitka Mou." "They seemed almost inaccessibly dark. But the more you listen to them, the more and more beautiful they become. They aren’t your stereotypical tra-la-la lullaby."

This song is from the Russian republic of Komi, west of the Ural Mountains. Sung in the Komi-Zyrian language, the lyrics tell of the creaking of the birch pole that holds the cradle as grandmother sings her grandson to sleep.

[mp3] Kitka: Dzurk, Dzurk (Komi-Zyrian)

from Cradle Songs

While I'm generally suspicious of "children's music," this isn't the first album of international lullabies to enthrall me, and this one ranks right up with Lullabies from the Axis of Evil as an album that will entice and perhaps soothe adults and children alike.

If you happen to be in the Bay Area, you can catch them live in the next few days, including a show tomorrow night at St. Gregory of Nyssa Church. For details see their calendar.

More Kitka:
Buy CD
website
myspace
facebook

Monday's mp3: Jamaican Roots, Aoteoroa Style

2009-11-02T08:45:00.001-08:00

CD REVIEW

Fat Freddy's Drop: Dr. Boondigga & the Big BW (The Drop)
The Black Seeds: Solid Ground (Easy Star)

It must be something in the sausage rolls. How else to explain the remarkable claim of New Zealand to be the southern hemisphere's answer to Jamaica? In truth, I haven't heard this claim made explicitly, but added to the the existing library of Kiwi reggae (Ruia, Trinity Roots, Katchafire) these two new releases certainly argue in that direction.

On their second full album, Fat Freddy's Drop hones their soul-dub sound through nine fine tracks. Stripped-down rhythms, rich harmonies, and sparse horns create a chilled vibe perfect for beach or party.

"I grew up listening to American Black music from the early ’70s, loving soul music and loving jazz, and discovering reggae and hip-hop," explains Samoan-born electronics wizard Chris Faiumu (a.k.a. Fitchie). "That music wasn’t that developed here. I had to look offshore to find good music. And it mostly seemed to be African-American artists of the '70s and '80s. Indigenous people drew parallels in the work of Bob Marley in their own struggle here in this country. Reggae is a music that suits the taste of life here."

The Black Seeds take a more straight-ahead reggae approach, though the surf guitar riff that opens the CD's first track "Come To Me" suggests something a little different. With more focus on vocals than Fat Freddy's Drop, the Seeds' conscious lyrics are up front: "Slingshot" admonishes one to "Simmer down your temper now / Don't inflame the problem now" or it'll come right back to you. "Strugglers" makes a powerful case for taking care of the less fortunate: "Take what you need / and give what you can." And who could resist the imagery evoked by the song title "Love Is a Radiation"?

"It’s all about the island sound: speed ukulele, church choirs, the rhythm of the Samoan log drum. After all, if you live on the island, are you going to put on AC/DC?" says The Black Seeds' guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Barnaby Weir. "There are African rhythms in every music, and we believe you can find the journey of the rhythm all the way down to New Zealand."

[mp3] Fat Freddy's Drop: The Raft
from Dr. Boondigga & the Big BW

[mp3] The Black Seeds: The Strugglers
from Solid Ground

Maybe it was Bob Marley's visit to Aoteoroa some 30 years ago that sparked this music, but the Kiwis have taken it in their own direction, and it's well worth catching this musical wave.

Links:
Fat Freddy's Drop website (album sampler)
The Black Seeds website
New Zealand reggae events

Halloween!: Spin The Globe playlist 30 October 2009

2009-10-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

Global songs celebrating the spirit of Halloween this show, plus some old favorites and new releases. Live locally, boo globally!

Halloween!: Spin The Globe playlist for 30 October 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download for a limited time at: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen - Darker Side of Night - Inspiration Information
Bugotak - The valley is covered with ice of dead people’s tears - The Wheels Must Rotate
Mahala Rai Banda - Zabrakadabra - Ghetto Blaster
Tango Siempre - Dance of Death - Only Human
Tinariwen - Assuf Ag Assuf - Imidiwan / Companions
Divoký srdce - Nebeští jezdci / Ghost Riders in the Sky - Late Gathering
Omar Torrez - Llorona - Dynamisto!
Alex Cuba - Vampiro - Agua del Pozo
Irene Farrera & Venezuela Viva - El Brujo de la Sabana - Serenata
Cicala Mvta - Ghost Requiem - Ghost Circus
Varttina - Aijo - Ilmatar
MarchFourth Marching Band - Nightmarika - Rise Up

Hour 2
Rupa & the April Fishes - Culpa de la luna - Este Mundo
Speed Caravan - Idemo Dalje - Kalashnik Love
Porangui & Zang - Dunia Sala - Terra Sangrada
Ken Boothe - Shanty Town (007) - Rocksteady: The roots of reggae
Mulatu Astatke - Emnete - The Story of Ethio Jazz
Baaba Maal - Dakar Moon - Television
Ipercussonici - Chiacchiere - Tuttipari
Kottarashky - Opa Hey - Opa Hey!
Cambalache - La Muerte - Download from artist site
Jacco Muller & Victor Ghanam - Ziryab - Viento del Desierto
Slavic Soul Party - Sancti Petri - Taketron
Eduardo Mendonca & Show Brazil! - Blue Rio - Brazil and Me
Yeh Dede - Freedom - Freedom

Global Nightclub

2009-10-30T07:55:00.001-07:00

CD REVIEW

various artists: Jazz Around the World (Putumayo)

World Torch? Global Nightclub? There's got to be a better title for this disc, which may fall under the broad umbrella of "jazz," but is certainly a narrow slice of the global jazz available today. Granted, Putumayo are playing to the audience they've built up with their relatively smooth, accessible series of CDs, and the included artists provide 11 interesting, quality tracks.

The songs -- from artists ranging from Cameroonian Blick Bassy to Maori Mataraina Pipi -- have a certain soft sameness that will appeal to fans of Sade more than those of Mingus. Often the songs feel more like pop ballads than jazz, the gentle familiarity reinforced by the inclusion of a couple cover songs. Keletigui Diabate teams up with Habib Koite his band Bamada on the balafon-led "Summertime at Bamako" and the Kora Jazz Trio plays a delicious Africanized version of the Cuban classic "Chan Chan" woven from kora along with the traditional piano.

Full Tracklist:
1. La Mer - Chantal Chamberland
2. Quiereme Mucho - Niuver
3. Donalina - Blick Bassy
4. Chan Chan - Kora Jazz Trio
5. Young And Naive - Heather Rigdon
6. J'aime Mon Lit - Kad
7. Polka Dot Bles - Sherele
8. Te Reo O Papatuanuku - Kataraina Pipi
9. Summertime At Bamako - Bamada/Habib Koite/Keletigui Diabate
10. Destinos - Asere/Billy Cobham
11. Open The Door - Hugh Masekela/Malaika

Jazz Around the World is a fine CD, just be aware of just what kind of jazz you're getting.

Buy CD
Putumayo website

Monday's mp3: Jorge Ben Meets Afrobeat

2009-10-26T14:48:00.001-07:00

CD REVIEW

Cacique'97: Cacique'97
(Footmovin' Records)

The Iberian Peninsula has long been an area of shifting, merging culture, in large part because of its position as a gateway to Africa and the Ottoman world. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that the latest Afrobeat troupe to emerge comes from Lisbon, and also incorporates musical elements of former Portuguese colony Brazil. Their name comes from a term meaning "chief" in indigenous Brazilian tribes plus the "'97" as a commemoration of the year Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti died.

The energy and arrangements of their self-titled album would make Fela proud, though as a non-Portuguese speaker unaided by any song notes or lyrics, I have no idea if they're singing about social injustice or just a desire to visit the mall. Okay, their press info indicates the former, mentioning their "activist approach and promotion of social awareness" and a couple of the songs include English lyrics, but still, would it have killed them to include some track notes? That quibble aside, this is some of the freshest Afrobeat I've heard in some time, and you've got to like a group that can make a Jorge Ben song (the opening track "Jorge De Capadocia") sound like it's straight outta Lagos. Highly recommended!

[mp3] Cacique '97: Sr. Diplomata
from the album Cacique'97 (not yet available anyplace I could find except the Portuguese online store fnac) -- Also available from iTunes (Thanks, Francisco)

More Cacique'97:
myspace
facebook

Global Mix: Spin The Globe playlist 23 October 2009

2009-10-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

KAOS's fall membership drive is nearing its end, so now is the time for you to become a KAOS member or renew your membership by calling 360-867-5267 or pledging online. Spiffy thank-you gifts and of course that warm feeling you get from supporting a community institution.

Thanks to everyone who pledged during this show; I believe it received the highest level of support of any KAOS show during this membership drive!

Global Mix: Spin The Globe playlist for 23 October 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download for a limited time at: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Tarika - Avelo / Ghost - Son Egal
Ozomatli - Love and Hope - Street Signs
Cuchata - Dia Del Sol - Cuchata
Djelimady Tounkara - Yamaryo - Sigui
Lo’Jo - Bonjour Ignorance - Bazar Savant
Susheela Raman - Sarasa - Love Trap
Orishas - 537 C.U.B.A. - A Lo Cubano
The Shin - Black Sea Firedance - Black Sea Firedance
Autorickshaw - Caravan - Four Higher

Hour 2
Ojos de Brujo - Quien engana no gana - Bari
Nawal - Sana - Kweli
Cesaria Evora - Tchom Frio - Nha Sentimento
Yasmin Levy - Adio Kerida - Mano Suave
Cacique’97 - Jorge de Capadocia - Cacique ’97
Zap Mama - Rafiki - A Ma Zone
KAL - Mozzarella - KAL
Oliver Mtukudzi - Right Direction - Neria soundtrack
Forro in the Dark - Baiao Embolado - Light a Candle
Le Vent du Nord - Octobre 1837 - La Part du Feu
Kobo Town - Blood & Fire - Independence

Thanks for your support of noncommercial, community radio!

Monday's mp3: The Sound of Civilization Clashing

2009-10-19T21:03:00.001-07:00

A fascinating multicultural project, Clash of Civilizations not only puts musical traditions in a blender, but also sprinkles in those often taboo subjects, religion and politics. Boston-based composers Milan Kovacek (aka Hip Son) and Nikola Radan both hail from Serbia, a land that has suffered more than its share of clashes. They explain:

For centuries, a harmful myth has been perpetuated that we live in a divided world, that there are fundamental differences between races, cultures, and civilizations, and that this divide can only be bridged by military, economic, or cultural domination. The Clash of Civilizations collective represents one effort to challenge this myth by illustrating the common musical bonds found within all cultures.

Their album Counter Propaganda opens with "Declaration of Independence," blending beats with a recitation of portions of the historic American document and the powerful refrain of the traditional Black gospel song "Job:" "God giveth / God taketh / Blessed be the name of the Lord." Clash of Civilizations are willing to take on controversy and injustice wherever they see it. "Les Cities" is about the housing projects in Paris that house many Arabs and Muslims from former French colonies in North Africa. "Hiroshima" includes selectinos from President Truman's radio address following the bombing of the Japanese city along with traditional Japanese Imperial Palace music recorded during World War Two. And the title track lays the blame for cultural clashes squarely on the shoulders of our rulers:

Yet still, we are divided,
it's the clash of civilizations
controlled (of course) by governments' operations.

Leaders of this world defuse your speech,
listen to the song of the crowd
singing Love out loud.

Clash of Civilizations don't tar all leaders with this brush; they gained recognition in 2008 for recording a song called "Change in America" and subsequently donating it to the Obama campaign.

One of my early favorites is the song "Hagia Sophia," with lyrics that include the Trisagion ("Thrice Holy") considered one of the oldest prayers in Christianity and audio samples of an imam chanting from a mosque in Istanbul/Constantinople, a place Christians and Muslims worshiped and fought over. The song is embellished by elements of both Byzantine chanting and Middle Eastern instruments.

[mp3] Clash of Civilizations: Hagia Sophia
from the album Counter Propaganda

Though their loud, electronic-infused, often-brash music is pretty far removed from the rootsy songs we general prefer, Clash of Civilizations' social and political mission, and their clarity about where their songs come from make this a fascinating album full of searing hope and fierce optimism.

More Clash of Civilizations:
Buy it!
website
myspace

Top 10 World Music CDs: Spin The Globe playlist for 16 October 2009

2009-10-16T14:21:00.001-07:00

KAOS's fall membership drive is underway, so it's time for you to become a KAOS member or renew your membership by calling 360-867-5267 or pledging online today. You'll receive spanky thank-you gifts and of course that warm feeling you get from supporting a community institution.

This week's show featured selections from our top 10 global music releases this month, plus other music from around the planet. Thanks for your support of KAOS community radio!

SoundRoots trivia: This is our 800th post! How cool is that?

Top 10 World Music CDs: Spin The Globe playlist for 16 October 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download for a limited time at: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
10- The Black Seeds - Strugglers - Common Ground
9- Kailash Kher - Kaise Main Kahoon - Yatra (Nomadic Souls)
8- Slavic Soul Party - Baltica - Taketron
7- Kimi Djabate - Bagi - Karam
6- Forro in the Dark - Perro Loco - Light a Candle
5- Shantel - Being Authentic - Planet Paprika
4- Jimi Tenor / Tony Allen - Cella’s Walk - Inspiration Information
3- Christine Vainderlis - Dance Mama! - Dance Mama!
2- Mahala Rai Banda - Nu Mai Beau - Ghetto Blaster
1- The Shin - Temel: Walkin’ and Smokin’ in NYC - Black Sea Fire
Kasbah Rockers w/Bill Laswell - Fikou - Kasbah Rockers

Hour 2
iPercussonici - Terra, na - Tuttipari
El Combolinga - Cumbia Caimanera - Espana
Ziggy Marley - Take Me to Jamaica w/ Toots Hibbert - Family Time
Segun Bucknor - You Killing Me - Poor Man No Get Brother
Oreka TX - Jai Adivasi - Nomadak TX
Speed Caravan - Hotel Zyannides - Kalashnik Love
Rupa & the April Fishes - Culpa de la Luna - Este Mundo
Gotan Project - Una Musica Brutal - La Revancha del Tango
Mark Weinstein & Omar Sosa - Gratitude - Tales from the Earth
Angelique Kidjo - Voodoo Child (slight return) - Oremi
Antibalas - Big Man - Who Is This America?

The Shin playing "Potato Story" live in Karlsruhe, Germany:

Family Time with the Marleys

2009-10-15T15:45:00.001-07:00

CD REVIEW
Ziggy Marley: Family Time (Tuff Gong)

It's not a lack of young children in my day that keeps me away from most kids' albums. It's that, you know, smarmy sheen that most of the albums give off. So these days I approach any children's CD with trepidation. Not only does Ziggy Marley's Family Time surpass my admittedly low expectations, it's truly a joy on the ears. While clearly intended for younger listeners with its simple melodies and clear, positive messages, Family Time is a wholesome dose of light reggae that won't offend older listeners.

You may even find yourself singing along, as when mom Rita and sister Cedella Marley join Ziggy on "I Love You Too." Ziggy's "ABC" is the freshest alphabet song in ages, and the spoken-word recording of Jamie Lee Curtis' poem "Is There Really a Human Race" makes a powerful, positive (if oddly music-free) statement about humanity to close out this uplifting CD. Definitely recommended for young and youthful listeners.

You can even enter a contest by making a video for the song "Ziggy Says" -- just follow the instructions and submit your entry by Dec. 15. Of course, this should be a family project!

More Ziggy Marley:
Buy CD
website
youtube

World Music Top 10, October 2009

2009-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

The marvelous Georgian group The Shin has rocketed to the top of the charts this month with their new Gypsy-flavored album Black Sea Fire. (A review of the album is forthcoming.) Also new we have more Gypsy music from Mahala Rai Banda, a mixed bag of funk and South African music from Christin Vainderlis, and Finland meets Nigeria in the music of Jimi Tenor and Tony Allen. Shantel rounds out the top five, and the other five albums are no slouches, so check them all out.

SoundRoots / Spin The Globe Top 10 Global Albums, October 2009
(click on album title for sound samples / more info)

1. The Shin: Black Sea Fire
2. Mahala Rai Banda: Ghetto Blaster
3. Christine Vainderlis: Dance Mama!
4. Jimi Tenor / Tony Allen: Inspiration Information 4
5. Shantel: Planet Paprika
6. Forro in the Dark: Light a Candle
7. Kimi Djabate: Karam
8. Slavic Soul Party: Taketron
9. Kailash Kher: Yatra (Nomadic Souls)
10. The Black Seeds: Solid Ground

The Shin "Black Sea Fire" live in concert, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2009:

Monday's mp3: Yeah, Yeah, Yeh Dede

2009-10-12T22:13:00.001-07:00

CD REVIEW

Yeh Dede: Freedom (self-released)

Their CDbaby "recommended if you like" list includes Ozomatli, Paul Simon, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. I'm not sure I get the first two, aside from the similarity of singing (sometimes) in Spanish and leaning (always) toward acoustic global roots music. If you're a fan of global women's harmony, however, Yeh Dede is bang on. Singing songs from a variety of cultures (Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Ladino Spain, and Israel) and in a variety of language, the six women of the US-based group weave sweet harmonies as they celebrate global consciousness and impel you to dance.

Their rich songs suffer in parts from recording choices that put the instruments at a distance. That aside, Freedom is a solid offering with positive messages and spiritual oomph, and I look forward to hearing more from Yeh Dede.

This song, Yeh Dede explains, is a fusion of a popular Israeli song and a kids' song from Ghana, both of them advocating peace.

[mp3] Yeh Dede: Salaam
from the album Freedom

More Yeh Dede:
website
buy CD
myspace

Global Brass, Christine Vainderlis: Spin The Globe playlist for 9 October 2009

2009-10-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

It's HonkFest week (http://www.honkfest.org), and we celebrated with brass music from all over the world...and right here at home in the USA. Plus an interview with Christine Vainderlis (http://www.myspace.com/christinevaindirlis) about her life and the musical journey that is chronicled in her new CD Dance Mama!

KAOS's fall membership drive begins next week, but you can beat the rush by becoming a KAOS member or renewing your membership online today. Same spanky-fresh prizes, no waiting on the phone. You can even help us shorten the length of the drive Just visit: http://kaos.evergreen.edu/membership/join.html -- Thanks!

Global Brass: Spin The Globe playlist for 9 October 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download for a limited time at: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album
Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Bollywood Brass Band - (Ek Ho Gaye) Hum Aur Tum / You and I Are One - Bollywood Brass Band
Afrodelic Stegosaurchestra - Blue Waterbuffalo - Afrodelic Stegosaurchestra
Ziggy Marley w/ Laurie Berkner - Future Man, Future Lady - Family Time
Gangbe Brass Band - Gbedji - Whendo / Roots
Christine Vainderlis - Indaba (Home) - Dance Mama!
Christine Vainderlis interview - -
Christine Vainderlis - Call to Freedom (excerpt) - Dance Mama!
Christine Vainderlis interview - -
Christine Vainderlis - Dance Mama! -Dance Mama!

Hour 2
Shantel - Planet Paprika - Planet Paprika
MarchFourth Marching Band - Ninth Ward Calling - Rise Up
Mahala Rai Banda - Ding Deng Dong - Ghetto Blasters
West Philadelphia Orchestra - Other Gods - West Philadelphia Orchestra
Max Pashm - Klezmernaki - Never Mind The Balkans
David Gould - Next Year in Jerusalem - Feast of the Passover
Soznak - Tata y Mama - Dear Dan Tango
Boban I Marko Markovic - Khelipe Cheasa - Devla
Karoline de la Serna - Feminidad - Traduzca
Porangui Zang - Earth Flight - Terra Sangrada
Speed Caravan - Hotel Zyannides - Kalashnik Love
Schael Sick Brass Band - Oh, Shirin Shirin! - Majnoun
Besh o Drom - Neyem, Neyem… - Can’t Make Me

Monday's mp3: The Jewish Exodus, in Dub

2009-10-05T16:25:00.001-07:00

As a person of faith, I respect and admire the traditions of most other faith traditions. And you know I love sacred music from pretty much all over. And I forgot to wish you a happy new year (happy 5770!) recently and while I don't know my Simhat Tora from my Shavout, I'm totally down with the music of David Gould. Actually, his new album revolves around one of the better-known Jewish holidays, Passover. You know, back when Yahweh sent ten plagues to smite the Egyptians, and the Jews were given a special mark to put above their doors, so that the plagues would, yes, pass over their families.

One thing the Hebrews were lacking at that time, though, was good reggae. And that's where David Gould comes in. An alumnus with John Brown's Body, Gould knows his reggae as well as his spiritual history. He first put the combination together in 2001 on his debut album Adonai and I (remixed as Adonai in Dub). Now he's back with 12 original pieces that on the surface sound like great, fresh reggae & dub tracks. Listen closer and you can hear snippets of the trek of the Hebrews, as well as some klezmer/Jewish melodic bits. All along with classic, righteous reggae beats. Perhaps nowhere is this combination more evident and interwoven than on "Next Year in Jerusalem."

[mp3] David Gould: Next Year in Jerusalem
from the album Feast of the Passover

Gould isn't the first or only one performing Jewish reggae, of course. Matisyahu, Klezska, King Django, Ron Wiseman, and others have contributed to this ... well, let's be honest ... micro-genre. Gould's reggae chops set him apart, and Feast will feed "secular" reggae fans just as it will adventurous Jews. Highly recommended.

More David Gould:
Sample/buy CD
website
myspace

Secret Afrobeat Agent

2009-10-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

I've been itching to share some new Tony Allen with you, since my affection for the pioneering Afrobeat drummer is perhaps the worst-kept secret on SoundRoots. One of the best-kept secrets has been his new album Secret Agent, which a promotions person (whose name shall remain secret to protect the generous) sent me some months ago, only to extract a promise from me not to make it public. Which led, of course, to much inner anguish and a reluctant silence. Now, my friends, the silence can officially be broken, and I offer you the title track. The rest of the album is just as good. Listen, groove, rejoice.

Tony Allen
"Secret Agent" (mp3)
from Secret Agent (World Circuit)
More On This Album

“Music is my mission,” says Allen. “I never get satisfied and I’m still learning from others. The musical world is very spiritual, and I don’t think there’s an end to it.”

More Tony Allen:
Buy CD
"Secret Agent" song remix contest
website
myspace

Short film on the album Secret Agent:

Global Music of Nonviolence: Spin The Globe playlist for 2 October 2009

2009-10-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

It's Gandhi's birthday today, and in lieu of cake, we served up a satisfying helping of world music focusing on nonviolence and peace.

One way to support peace and justice is to contribute to local institutions such as social service charities, educational organizations, and community radio. Yes, community radio -- which helps keep you in touch with your neighbors, with under-reported news from around the world, and with non-corporate viewpoints and diverse music.

KAOS's fall membership drive is in October, but you can beat the membership rush by becoming a KAOS member or renewing your membership online today. Same spanky-fresh prizes, no waiting on the phone. You can even help us shorten the length of the drive Just visit: http://kaos.evergreen.edu/membership/join.html -- Thanks!

Global Music of Nonviolence: Spin The Globe playlist for 2 October 2009
as heard on radio KAOS, 89.3 FM

Listen/download for a limited time at: soundroots.podomatic.com
More show info at spintheglobe.earball.net

Artist - Song - Album

Hour 1
Dhol Foundation - Colours of Punjab (theme) - Big Drum Small World
Gangbe Brass Band - Awhan-Ho - Whendo / Roots
Akli D. - Salam - Ma Yela
Nahini Doumbia & Les Espoirs du Mali - La Paix - Percussion and Songs from Mali
Toots & the Maytals - Give Peace a Chance - Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set
The Third Planet - Salam Salam - The Third Planet
Nour-Eddine - Aman (Peace…) remix - The Music of Morocco
Los de Abajo - War 4 Peace - Latin Ska Force
Yeh Dede - Salaam - Freedom
Mzwakhe - Nobel Peace - Now Is the Time
Kavita Krishnamurti & L. Subramaniam - Transcendental Peace - Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace
Common Chords - What Time Will It Be?- (single)

Hour 2
Cacique’97 - Sr. Diplomata - Cacique’97
Debashish Bhattacharya & Bob Brozman - Sujan Re - Mahima
Nawal - Salama - Aman
The Shin - Potato Story - Black Sea Fire
Clara Moreno - Samba de Negro - Miss Balanco
Christine Vaindirlis - Indaba / Home - Dance Mama!
Shantel - Sura Ke Mastura - Planet Paprika
Taraf de Haidouks - Dragoste de la Clejani - Taraf de Haidouks
Robert Macht - Ikan Kuning - Vishnu
Shukar Collective - The Wind - Urban Gypsy
Slavic Soul Party - Laughter Club - Taketron
Sawt El Atlas - Ness / People w Natacha Atlas - Donia
Ali Hassan Kuban - Hela Houb / Let’s Do It - Real Nubian

Slide Guitar Bliss

2009-10-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

I was blessed to be asked to introduce Debashish Bhattacharya's show at Seattle's Jazz Alley last night. Today I'm still floating from the amazing joy and chemistry expressed by the Indian slide guitar master and his tabla-playing brother Subhashis Bhattacharya. Their US tour continues tonight in San Francisco (see more dates below), but for now, a few images from the show. Note the unique guitar design, and the unusual slide ukulele.

1st October, Yoshi's, San Francisco, CA
2nd October, First Baptist Church at 909 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Organiser - Kalakendra http://www.kalakendra.org
3rd October, Jain Temple Auditorium, Milpitas CA
4th October, Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad CA
9th to 11th October, Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond VA

12th to 16th October, Workshop, Hartford, CT (Raga Music Workshop with Pt. Debashish Bhattacharya in Hartford)

16th October, Charter Oak, Hartford, CT
17th October, Calvary Church, Philadelphia PA
18th October, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
19th to 20th October, Pittsburgh workshops, Pittsburgh PA
21st October, Rhodes College, Memphis TN
23rd October, Indian Society Auditorium, Lawton

More info:
www.debashishbhattacharya.com
Latest CD: Calcutta Chronicles
also check out: Calcutta to California