(Headline image: Wernyhora – Photo by Adam Jaremko) I discovered the Polish trio Wernyhora after their participation in the first Upbeat Talent Award, when I…
A Conversation with Polish Trio Wernyhora, Keepers of the Boykos Musical Legacy
Category: Articles
Festival Med Part 2, Rising Portuguese Talent, Kora Master and Much More
The first day of concerts at Festival Med took place on June 27, 2024. Once you get your ticket, you have access to all stages.…
Festival MED, Part 1 – Exploring Loulé, a Thriving Portuguese Culture Hub
In late June, I had the pleasure of attending Festival MED, a remarkable annual world music festival that takes place in the city of Loulé…
Heart of the Fès Festival of Sufi Culture: Ecstasy, Sama Ritual Music
Photos by Zoubir Ali – except where noted. Videos by Marc Boudet. The sense of absolute elated wonder I felt throughout the Fès Festival of…
Cajón, the Adaptable and In Demand Box Drum
(headline image: LP (Latin Percussion) cajón made out of cedar) The cajón is a Peruvian box drum made from a wooden hollowed box, originally used…
Karkabas: the Trance-Inducing Metal Castanets
(A pair of karkabas, fair trade. Gnawa metal castanets.) The karkabas, a musical instrument intricately tied to Gnawa music, a traditional genre originating from Morocco.…
Biography of Composer, Researcher and Multi-Instrumentalist Tito Rinesi
Tito Rinesi is a composer and researcher specializing in ethnic and traditional music from various countries. He is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, proficient in playing…
Guimbri: The Formidable Gnawa Bass Lute of North Africa
(headline image: Hssan Hakmoun in Lanzarote, Spain, in 2000 playing guimbri – Photo by Angel Romero) The guimbri is a traditional musical instrument intrinsically linked…
The Clarinet, a Wind Instrument with a Rich Timbre and a Wide Tonal Palette
(headline image: MVRVMV Bb clarinet, ebony) The clarinet is a versatile wind instrument that has been a staple in various genres of music for centuries.…
Guzheng, the Enchanting Ancient Zither of China
(headline image: FFYUEEE professional rosewood guzheng, 163Cm) The guzheng (ancient zheng), or simply zheng, is a traditional Chinese zither. This venerable instrument, with its 21–27…