Eyvind Kang The Narrow Garden (Ipecac Recordings, 2012) The name being entirely new to me, I didn’t even know if Eyvind Kang is a he…
That Dang Kang
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.
Have it Norway
A Report from the Førde Festival by Tom Orr, July 5-8, 2012 “I’m here for a musical event, ” I had to keep reminding myself.…
Greene Scene
Brad Hammonds Group Greene Street (self-released, 2012) Here was a CD cover looked intriguing and inviting. A quartet of guys- an acoustic guitarist, a cellist,…
Bridging the Gap
Ebo Taylor Appia Kwa Bridge (Strut O89CD, 2012) Ghanaian highlife veteran Ebo Taylor has had a long career and this very satisfying new release shows…
Heading in a Sephardic Direction
Ljuba Davis Ladino Ensemble East and West (self-released, 2012) When the Sephardim, the Jews of Spain, were expelled from their homeland following the reconquista of…
New Congo Classics
Modogo & Sam Black Bazar (Lusafrica 562982, 2012) The idea of bringing Congolese rumba back to its roots isn’t a new one, but it’s one…
Chad to the Bone
Mounira Mitchala Chili Houritki (Lusafrica 562662, 2011) Chad, a landlocked Saharan nation plagued by drought, political tensions and ethnic divisiveness, is hardly the most well…
Loads of Latin
Bang Data – La Sopa (Rockolito Music, 2012) Bayonics – Mission Statement (Bayonics, 2012) Congo Sanchez – Vol. 1 (ESL Music, 2012) Brownout – Oozy…
Bands of Renown
Everyone Orchestra – Brooklyn Sessions (Harmonized Records HAR-040, 2012) Alon Yavnai & The NDR Bigband – Shir Ahava (NDR, 2012) The difference between an orchestra…
Musical Minds Meet, Mutual Marvels Manifest
The Toure-Raichel Collective The Tel Aviv Session (Cumbancha CMB-CD-22, 2012) It happens more and more nowadays. Two musicians from different backgrounds have a chance encounter,…