Yumi Kurosawa, born into a family of koto players in Japan, started her koto studies at the age of three with her parents, Kazuo and…
Artist Profiles: Koto Innovator Yumi Kurosawa
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.
Samba Innovator Rogê Unveils Curyman
Rogê – Curyman (Diamond West Records, 2023) Rogê, a highly talented guitarist and singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, has been breathing new life into samba…
Artist Profiles: Maghreb Jazz Pioneer Malika Zarra
Malika Zarra, a jazz vocalist, composer, and band leader from the Maghreb, embarked on her musical journey from her native town of Ouled Teima in…
Artist Profiles: Letieres Leite, A Champion Of Bahian Music
Letieres Leite, a skilled composer, saxophonist, flutist, and educator, was born in Bahia, Brazil on December 8, 1959. While attending the Federal University in Bahia…
Artist Profiles: Orkestra Rumpilezz
Letieres Leite (1959-2021) established the Orkestra Rumpilezz, a percussion and brass ensemble, in 2006. The group’s initial release garnered the Bravo! Award for Best Popular…
Cuatro Master Fabiola Méndez Celebrates Puerto Rican Traditions and Roots
Fabiola Méndez – Afrorriqueña (2021) Fabiola Méndez‘s new album “Afrorriqueña” is a musical tribute to the countryside (jíbaro) and African roots in Puerto Rican culture.…
Artist Profiles: Master Sitarist Roopa Panesar
Roopa Panesar is regarded as one of the top sitarists to emerge from the UK’s Indian classical music scene. Her repertoire spans Indian classical, jazz,…
Tracing the Roots of Popular Song
Dave Soldier – Zajal (2019) In 2019, composer and multi-instrumentalist Dave Soldier released “Zajal,” a fascinating album that presented archaic verses and enlisted top-notch instrumentalists…
Reinis Jaunais and International Friends on Zeme
Reinis Jaunais – Zeme (self-release, 2020) Reinis Jaunais, a Latvian musician, blends travel experiences and sounds to create unique music. He has captivated audiences worldwide…
Chamamé Accordionist Raúl Barboza Releases “Toda una Vida Volviendo” Single
Raúl Barboza, the 84-year-old Argentine accordionist known for his mastery of chamamé and coastal music, has released a new single titled “Toda una Vida Volviendo”.…