Matatia Foa’i, the master percussionist of Polynesian fusion band Te Vaka, has released a superb percussion album titled “Te Vaka Beats Vol. 2.” Matatia talked…
Interview with Polynesian Percussion Maestro Matatia Foa’i
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.
Artist Profiles: Khac Chi
When Vietnam’s premier music ensemble arrived in Vancouver in 1992 for a gig at the Vancouver Folk Festival they knew instinctively that it was time…
Artist Profiles: Farah Siraj
Farah Siraj was born in 1983 in Amman, Jordan. She grew up in Jordan in an environment rich in Middle Eastern music. At the age…
Flamenco Appeal Across the Atlantic
The lure of flamenco has attracted musicians and dancers across the globe. Here, we review two North American acts influenced by Flamenco. Canadian band Tamar…
Modern Slovak Folk from Sl’uk Ensemble
Sl’uk – Chorea Slovaca – Tanečné Etudy Pre Sľuk (Opus 2016) Chorea Slovaca – Tanečné Etudy Pre Sľuk (Dance Etudes For Sl’uk) is the soundtrack…
Masterful Modernized Recreation of the Mongo Santamaria Sound
José Rizo’s Mongorama – Mariposas Cantan (Saungú Records, 2020) Mariposas Cantan (Butterflies Sing) is a fabulous album that celebrates the innovative sound developed by Cuban…
Splendid Recreations from Kate Rusby
Kate Rusby – Hand Me Down (Pure Records, 2020) Hand Me Down is a delightful, intimate album from English folk singer Kate Rusby. The album…
Gorgeous Cross-Cultural Visions of the Four Divine States of Mind
Yuval Ron – Four Divine States of Mind (Metta Mindfulness Music, 2020) Multi-instrumentalist and composer Yuval Ron combines sacred Buddhist chants with world music elements…
The Ancient Bianzhong Chime Bells of China
Hubei Song & Dance Ensemble of The People’s Republic of China – Imperial Bells Of China (Fortuna Records, 1991) The Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble…
Optimistic Malian Blues Rock
Songhoy Blues – Optimisme (Fat Possum/Transgressive Records, 2020) Malian band Songhoy Blues performs music that differs from the familiar world music releases we receive from…