Afion (Macedonian: opium, poppy) is a Croatian-Macedonian band that plays western Balkan music (mostly from their homelands Croatia and Macedonia). Formed in 2003 in Zagreb,…
Artist Profiles: Afion
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.
Star Feminine Band, Dynamic and Youthful Beninese Sensation
Star Feminine Band – Star Feminine Band (Born Bad Records, 2020) Star Feminine Band is an exciting new band from Benin, in West Africa. The…
French Horns and Polish Traditions
Lumpeks (Unzipped Fly/Bolt Records, 2020) Lumpeks is the second volume in the Radical Polish Culture series. The ensemble brings together three French jazz musicians and…
Touki, Excellent Debut from Rising Senegalese Singer Modou Touré
Modou Touré – Touki (ARC Music, 2020) Singer-songwriter Modou Touré continues the great musical traditions of Senegal. He is the son of Ousmane Touré, who…
Meditative Sounds from the American West
James Marienthal – Speak to the Sky (Silver Wave Records, 2020) James Marienthal’s Speak to the Sky features a set of peaceful, meditative tracks inspired…
Corsican Music with an Exciting Twist
A Cumpagnia & Trio Sospirata – Mare Nostrum (Casa Editions, 2020) Mare Nostrum is a remarkable collaboration between innovative Corsican vocal group A Cumpagnia and…
Mehmet Polat’s Inventive Ud
Mehmet Polat – The Promise (Aftab Records, 2020) Turkish composer and ud virtuoso Mehmet Polat continues his marvelous explorations of Middle Eastern music, flamenco and…
Artist Profiles: Natu Camara
Natu Camara was born in Ivory Coast and grew up in Guinea. She got together with three friends to form female R&B/hip-hop band, the Ideal…
Papo Vázquez’s Celebratory Puerto Rican Traditions and Latin Jazz
Papo Vázquez with the Mighty Pirates Troubadours – Chapter 10: Breaking Cover (Pícaro Records, 2020) Trombonist, composer and arranger Papo Vázquez has released a superb…
Harmonious Fusion of Traditional Sounds and Electronic Beats
Thornato – Escape Plan (Wonderwheel Recordings, 2020) Thornato is the world music project of producer Thor Partridge. He travels the globe, collecting music rooted in…