The balafon is a type of struck idiophone, specifically a gourd-resonated xylophone. It is closely associated with the Gur, Mandé, and Senufo peoples of West…
Balafon, the ancient xylophone of West Africa
Category: Articles
The Mandolin: A Versatile and Agile Instrument
The mandolin is a stringed musical instrument that is closely related to the lute and the guitar. It has a small, pear-shaped body and a…
Reggae, the Timeless Rhythm of Jamaica
Reggae music is an infectious, rhythmic style that has seduced many music fans across the world. Originating in Jamaica, reggae is a genre that has…
Sevdah, the Passionate Song Tradition of Bosnia
(headline image: Mostar Sevdah Reunion) Sevdah, or Sevdalinka, is a traditional style of music originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is characterized by its melancholic…
The Versatile Oud
The oud (also spelled ud, l’ud and ‘ud) is a stringed instrument that is commonly used in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Armenian, and Central Asian music.…
Palmas, the Heartbeat of Flamenco
Palmas is the captivating traditional hand clap percussion used in Spanish flamenco music. In addition, palmas are also used in other folk music traditions throughout…
Astor Piazzolla Classics: Tango: Zero Hour
Tango: Zero Hour was recorded in New York with tango master Astor Piazzolla and his classic New Tango Quintet, which worked with Piazzolla from 1978…
The World of Afro-Uruguayan Candombe Music
Candombe originated in Uruguay between the 18th and 19th century, developed by Africans and their descendants that were taken to South America through the slave…
Astor Piazzolla Classics: La Camorra
First released in 1989, Astor Piazzolla’s album “La Camorra” was recorded in New York in May 1988, with the New Tango Quintet. Journalist Fernando González,…
Birth of the Stones
This year marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Rolling Stones, the rock band that through its initial championing of what had hitherto…