Composed in 1933 and quickly suppressed, “Soldados de pantano” (Soldiers of the Swamp) was a song that articulately addressed the evils of fascism and the…
Learning From the Past
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.
Say Hello
A lively, infectious mashup of zydeco and New Orleans jazz, “Hello Baby” by Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate is also a perfect showcasing of…
The Music World is Their Oyster
Ghazi & Boom.Diwan x Arturo O’Farrill- Live in the Khaleej! (self released, 2025) Lest you doubt the infinite possibilities for fusion in the global music…
Afrobeat Finery
It’s a shade smoother than most Afrobeat, but “Pressure” by Reb & the Good News out of Portland, Oregon is nonetheless a deep-cutting slice of…
Not Just Wishful Thinking
Without losing the surreal cynicism or rhythmic undercurrent of the original, Vini De Groove gives a northeastern Brazilian vibe to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were…
It’s Got What You Need
A hard-hitting blend of rock, reggae and soul, “Need You to Care” by America’s Talia Keys packs a punch on all three levels, as well…
Spot-On Brazilian Symbiosis
Her skill set includes work as a producer and sound designer, but it’s the voice of Brazilian artist Cammi that matters on “Azul Neon,” rising…
Reggae Roots Planted Brazilian Style
Brazil’s homegrown reggae scene is long-established and ever-robust, with “Lua” by André Ayel a recent example of how well Jamaica’s signature sound fits with the…
Well Connected
With so many connection options available nowadays, a title like “To Connect” could have whatever meaning one chooses. But one thing’s for sure, this piece…
Getting the Party Started
New Cool Collective, a band out of Amsterdam, makes it clear that they’re in a celebratory mood with “The Party,” a funk-filled, Latin-tinged dance track.…