(headline image: Allison de Groot – Photo by Phil Cook) Steve Martin and the Board of The Steve Martin Banjo Prize announced in late December…
View More The Steve Martin Banjo Prize Board Announces 2024’s WinnersAuthor: Angel Romero
Allison de Groot: A Modern Banjo Virtuoso Driving Old-Time Music Forward
Allison de Groot is a celebrated clawhammer banjoist recognized as one of the leading instrumentalists in the North American folk music scene. Born and raised…
View More Allison de Groot: A Modern Banjo Virtuoso Driving Old-Time Music ForwardJosé Almarcha’s ‘Un Nuevo Paseo’ Redefines Flamenco with a Modern Twist”
José Almarcha – Un Nuevo Paseo (self-released, 2024) Flamenco guitarist and composer José Almarcha has released his new album, Un Nuevo Paseo. This new set…
View More José Almarcha’s ‘Un Nuevo Paseo’ Redefines Flamenco with a Modern Twist”Inventive Brazilian Percussionist Fabio Bergamini
Fabio Bergamini holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music from Unicamp (Campinas/SP) and furthered his studies in the United States (Berklee College of…
View More Inventive Brazilian Percussionist Fabio BergaminiVigüela: Keepers and Innovators of Central Spanish Traditions
Vigüela (strumming) is a group dedicated to preserving and celebrating the folk music of central Spain. Since its formation in the mid-1980s, the group has…
View More Vigüela: Keepers and Innovators of Central Spanish Traditions“Lion Awakes”: Amayo’s Spirited Solo Debut Bridges Afrobeat and Tradition
Amayo – Lion Awakes (2025) On January 17, 2025, Amayo, the former frontman of Antibalas and a trailblazer in Afrobeat, will release Lion Awakes, his…
View More “Lion Awakes”: Amayo’s Spirited Solo Debut Bridges Afrobeat and TraditionChristine Zayed: An Expert Kanun Performer
Born into a musically inclined Palestinian family and raised between Jerusalem and Ramallah, Christine Zayed was introduced early to classical and contemporary Arabic music, as…
View More Christine Zayed: An Expert Kanun PerformerNyron Higor’s Stunning Self-Titled Album at the Intersection of Brazilian Tradition and Innovation
Nyron Higor – Nyron Higor (Far Out Recordings, 2025) Nyron Higor is a highly talented Afro-Brazilian multi-instrumentalist from Maceió, Brazil. His new self-titled album, Nyron…
View More Nyron Higor’s Stunning Self-Titled Album at the Intersection of Brazilian Tradition and InnovationThe Bagpipe, a Popular Solo and Marching Band Instrument
The bagpipe is a reed instrument, typically featuring either a single or double reed, with an air reservoir housed in a bag. A standard set…
View More The Bagpipe, a Popular Solo and Marching Band InstrumentFabio Bergamini – 7 Portais: A Gathering of Global Percussion Traditions
Fabio Bergamini – 7 Portais (Belic Music, 2024) Fabio Bergamini’s 7 Portais is a captivating exploration of global percussion traditions. Indeed, he expertly combines ancient…
View More Fabio Bergamini – 7 Portais: A Gathering of Global Percussion Traditions