El Chicano - In the Eye of the Storm (in-akustik, 2009)

 

Azteca - La Piedra del Sol (in-akustik, 2008)

 

The success of Santana in the late 1960s and early 1970s was only the tip of the iceberg of a new wave of U.S.-based rock bands that combined Latin American melodies, Afro-Cuban beats and the vitality of rock, electric blues and jazz. While the salsa revolution was being led by Puerto Ricans and Cubans, the Latin rock revolution was carried out by Mexican American musicians (sometimes called Chicanos in California). Two new videos provide the opportunity to experience two of the leading bands of the era, El Chicano and Azteca. 

Rainforest World Music Festival organizers assured international world music fans that there are no special travel requirements. "For those travelling from outside Sarawak, please note that there is no travel restriction into Sarawak and Malaysia at this present time despite of the travel advisories on the Influenza A(H1N1), " said Ben Jimbau, festival Chairman. "For the latest update on the situation, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, http://www.moh.gov.my/MohPortal/index.jsp, provides comprehensive updates on the current situation. We, on our part, will continue to update you all on the latest situation, should there be any."

American singer-songwriter showed his interest in world music early in his career. Before many other musicians jumped in the bandwagon, his music reflected the folk traditions that went beyond the United States. One of such pieces was the Andean inspired hit song "El Condor Pasa." Later, Paul Simon popularized South African and Brazilian music with the albums Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints.

 

In 2007 the Library of Congress in the United States invited a group of renowned international musicians to honor Paul Simon as the first recipient of the Gershwin prize for popular Song. His guests and Simon himself (sometimes solo or with some of his friends) perform Simon's most memorable songs. The event was videotaped and is now available in a DVD with 5.1 Surround Sound titled Paul Simon And Friends.

Cuban musician and composer Juan de Marcos Gonzalez deserves more credit than he gets. Not only did he put together the renowned Afro-Cuban All Stars, but he was also an essential figure in the development of the popular Buena Vista Social Club. But his talent goes even further. Juan de Marcos Gonzalez composes his own material. Although his ensembles play many Cuban classics, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez has added new songs to the Cuban popular music songbook.

The CD and DVD double set by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez with Afro-Cuban All Stars, titled Absolutely Live (DM Ahora! Records and GG & LL Records), offers a fabulous opportunity to experience the energy and passion of one of the finest ensembles of Cuban musicians.

 

This essential film about Cajun and Creole culture in southern Louisiana that was made in 1972 is now available on DVD. The Dedans le Sud de la Louisiane documentary focuses on the background of the French speakers in Louisiana, as well as their music and daily lives. The artists that appear on the film are part of what some have called the Golden Age of Cajun music. Some of the biggest names of the time are featured in live performances, jams and also in their daytime jobs. The impressive list includes Nathan Abshire, Alphonse Bois Sec" Ardoin, Clifton Chenier, the Balfa Brothers (Rodney & Dewey), Zachary Richard, and Canray Fontenot, many of whom have passed away.

The early 1970s saw the rise of several Latin rock bands that incorporated Afro-Cuban and other Latin American music elements. Santana is the best known and  its leader Carlos Santana is still an influential figure. Other groups like El Chicano, Azteca, Malo, Tierra and Sapo were short lived although they left an important legacy. One of those band, Azteca, got back together in 2007 and played a concert on September 15th at the Hollywood Key Club. The live performance was recorded and has now been released as a CD (From the Ruins) and DVD (La Piedra del Sol).

 

War - Greatest Hits Live (Avenue Records R2512351, 2008)

War- a world music band? I’d testify to it in a court of law. Their mixture of soul, rock, jazz and blues with Afro-Latin and Caribbean rhythms was groundbreaking for its time (paving the way for groups like Ozomatli) and they managed to turn equal measures of fun and social consciousness into pop chart success. Forty years after first forming, they’re still out waging their musical campaign with a largely reconfigured lineup under the leadership of singer, keyboardist, composer and original member Lonnie Jordan.

This live DVD, shot in Anaheim, California late in 2007, is a testament not only to how timely their songs continue to be but how well they still connect with a crowd after all these years. Beginning with the expanded lament of “The World is a Ghetto,” they waste no time laying down and holding on to a righteous vibe through such classic hits and monster jams as “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” “Ballero,” “Gypsy Man,” “Spill the Wine,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and of course the East L.A. anthem “Low Rider.”

The music of Galicia (northwestern Spain) will be showcased tonight at WOMEX in Sevilla (Spain). Three of the best current Galician roots music acts will perform at the official WOMEX venues.

9.30pm. Mutenrohi concert at Plaza de España, pavillion 2.

11.00pm. Xosé Manuel Budiño concert at Plaza de España, pavillion 2.

00.45am. Narf concert at Teatro Lope de Vega.

More information at http://www.galiciantunes.com