World Music Acts at Celtic Connections 2015

The world music acts scheduled for Celtic connections 2015 represent a wide spectrum of nationalities and musical genres.

Brazilian singer-songwriter and gifted guitarist Chico César is a major star in his homeland, Chico draws on the distinctive folk traditions and dance rhythms of his native north-eastern region, combining them with samba, reggae, rock and pop.

Chico César
Mon 19 January, 19:30 (7:30pm)
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Main Auditorium, £23 (premium seats – limited availability), £20

The O2 ABC will welcome two outstanding world music artists on Friday 23rd January. The unique cultural traditions of Salento, in the heel of Italy’s boot, find stirring expression in the performances of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino, an internationally acclaimed seven-piece ensemble whose spectacular blend of music, song and dance center on the ancient and mysterious traditions of pizzica tarantata.

 

 

South African vocal group Complete draws on the Zulu-derived tradition of Isicathamiya singing, combing its call-and-response format with gospel and R&B. Originally discovered by the great Hugh Masekela, they’re now taking their inspirational sound to an international audience.

 

 

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino with Complete
Fri 23 January, 19:30 (7:30pm)
O2 ABC Glasgow, £16

The following weekend will see Congolese band Konono No.1 take to the O2 ABC stage. With a fan-base ranging from world music audiences to electronic and avant-rock devotees, the remarkable Konono No.1 channel traditional sounds – thumb pianos, ritual grooves and chanted vocals – through equipment fashioned from salvaged car parts and other junkyard finds, creating a distortion-laden sound that’s both primitive and futuristic.

 

 

Konono No.1
Thu 29 January, 19:30 (7:30pm)
O2 ABC Glasgow, £16

More at www.celticconnections.com