Spanish musician and composer Hirahi Afonso (Gran Canaria, 1996) opted for the timple as his vessel to chart unexplored musical waters. Credited with breathing new…
Timple Innovator Hirahi Afonso
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
The Timple, the Small Guitar of the Canary Islands
(headline image: Beselch Rodríguez holding a timple) The timple, a small guitar with five nylon strings originating from the Canary Islands, Spain, is a quintessential…
Sideline, a Formidable Bluegrass Band
North Carolina bluegrass band Sideline got together in 2012. Initially, it was a jam band featuring friends who played professionally in other bands. Founders Steve…
Multifaceted Gabonese Afrojazz Singer Pamela Badjogo
Pamela Badjogo, an Afro-Jazz luminary from Gabon, has a gifted, captivating, soulful vocal style. Born on the 3rd of December 1982 in Libreville, Gabon, her…
Banjo Virtuoso and Educator Tray Wellington
Banjo virtuoso Tray Wellington is from Ashe County in western North Carolina. Captivated by the banjo during his early teenage years, Wellington quickly found himself…
Aziza Brahim Honors Sahrawi Tradition and Embraces New Sounds
Aziza Brahim – Mawja (Glitterbeat, 2024) Aziza Brahim‘s fifth album, Mawja, set for release on February 23rd, 2024, features her signature mix of Saharan and…
The Splendid Talking Strings of Norway and Finland
Knudsen & Syrjälä – Talende Strenger / Kertovat Kielet (Taragot Sounds, 2023) Talende Strenger / Kertovat Kielet (Talking Strings) is a collaborative album by two…
Cabra, New Expressions Grounded in Spanish Folk Traditions
Cabra – Cabra, Vol.1 (Segell Microscopi, 2024) After three immensely enjoyable years of careful crafting, without any rush, as is Cabra’s preference, they have announced…
Dan Bau, the One-String Zither of Vietnam
The dan bau is a one-string zither native to Vietnam. Initially, the dan bau had only four components: a bamboo cylinder, a wooden stick, half…
Jolifanto, From Deep Flamenco to Electronica and Beyond
ZA! + Perrate – Jolifanto (Lovemonk, 2024) Jolifanto is a collaborative, experimental debut album by ZA! and Perrate, two distinct musical forces from opposite corners…