It may be his use of the talking drum that makes him sound at once the Nigerian he is, but the African jazz piece “Ìbà”…
Temidayo Balogun’s Enchanting Pan-African Jazz Journey
Author: Tom Orr
Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
PJ Far-west selecta Presents Spellbinding Roots Reggae
“Vybz It Up” is trance-jamming roots reggae with bits of electronic seasoning, an impressive piece of work for Belgium’s PJ Far-west selecta. The same artists’…
The Light Remains Bright
Rightly hailed as an influential band themselves, Talking Heads was also a band that absorbed influences. Their 1980 album Remain In Light incorporated rhythms, arrangements,…
Maija’s Splendid Song “Lonely Old Man in the Moon”
Just so you know, the name of American singer Maija is pronounced “Maya.” And her splendidly jazzy “Lonely Old Man in the Moon” is a…
Jacques Bailhe Captivates the Imagination on “Desirs De La Basque”
Slow, mysterious and sonically adventurous, “Desirs De La Basque” by the U.S.’s Jacques Bailhe is a grabbing mixture of classical, Latin, and jazz sounds.
Superior Reggae Vibes by The Conscious Underground
The Conscious Underground, Canadian contenders in the global reggae arena, score a good vibe with “Shalom,” a well-placed plea for peace that’s ever welcome.
Steel Drum Island’s Captivating Spin on the Timeless Tune ‘Hot Hot Hot'”
“Hot Hot Hot” is one of the most recognizable tunes ever to emerge from the Caribbean, and the U.S.’s Steel Drum Island do a particularly…
Scott Emmerman’s ‘Spheres’ Combines Jazz and Indian Vibes with Artful Precision
“Spheres,” a fusion of jazz and Indian influences by American guitarist Scott Emmerman, is a crafty, enjoyable mix in terms of both sources and production…
Forro-Inspired Elegance on John Finbury’s Latest Track “Chão De Nuvem”
John Finbury continues his Brazilian excursion through an American appreciation thereof, this time with “Chão De Nuvem”, an accordion-flavored tune sounding sort of like a…
Melyssa Lee’s ‘Mona’s Song’ Strikes a Chord with Grace”
Canadian folk artist Melyssa Lee aims straight for the heart on “Mona’s Song.” She gets there most gracefully, and you’ll be glad to go along.