(headline image: professional Arabic ney, 7 flutes, Ahmad Abd El Ghani) The ney (also spelled nay) is an ancient end-blown flute made from reed, widely…
The Ney: A Charming Middle Eastern Reed Flute
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.
The Carolyn Wonderland Story: A Blues Guitarist’s Rise to Icon Status
(headline image: Carolyn Wonderland – photo by Mary Bruton) Carolyn Wonderland, born in Houston, Texas, in 1972, developed her musical identity at an early age.…
Keita Unplugged: A Room of His Own
Salif Keita – So Kono (Nø Førmat, 2025) According to the producers of this album, Salif Keita’s life in Mali is anything but private. As…
Mali in Their Roots: Songhoy Blues Embrace Tradition on “Héritage”
Songhoy Blues – Heritage (Transgressive Records, 2025) Malian band Songhoy Blues returns with Héritage, their fourth album and a significant departure from their previous work.…
Setting Sail on Celtic Sounds: Carlos Núñez Navigates Musical Currents
Carlos Núñez – Celtic Sea (Arfolk AR1208, 2023) Carlos Núñez’s album Celtic Sea is a musical voyage through the maritime connections that have bound Celtic…
Electric Healing: Zar Electrik’s Electro-World Innovation
Zar Electrik – Koyo (Jarring Effects Label & Lamastrock, 2025) After gaining recognition with their debut EP Hawa, an extensive international tour, and a recorded…
Trad-Inspired: On the Lash Ignites Irish Folk with Fireside
On the Lash – Fireside (2025) Midwest-based Irish folk quartet On the Lash will release their debut EP, Fireside, on April 4, 2025. The ensemble…
Sam Sweeney Reinvents English Folk Fiddle with ‘Escape That’
Sam Sweeney – Escape That (Hudson Records, 2022) Sam Sweeney, one of England’s most accomplished traditional musicians, makes a bold leap with Escape That, his…
Violeta Parra’s Final Songs Masterpiece Returns in Original Form
Violeta Parra – Las últimas composiciones de Violeta Parra (Vampisoul, 2025) Vampisoul is reissuing in 2025 the album Las Últimas Composiciones de Violeta Parra (the…
É.T.É – Sur ces eaux: A Bold Evolution of Québécois Trad Music
É.T.É – Sur ces eaux (self-release CDÉ03, 2022) É.T.É’s Sur ces eaux (on these waters) delivers a striking fusion of tradition and innovation, seamlessly reinterpreting…