Semsemiah: Traditional Crafting and Musical Heritage in Egypt and Saudi Arabia
(headline image: The number of semsemia strings on Farasan Island © Talal Ayeel, Saudi Arabia, 2023) The semsemiah (also known as sensemia, semsemeya or simsimiyya)…
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…
Frère d’Afrique: A Rhythmic Bridge Between Africa and Colombia
The Almighty Groove – Frère d’Afrique (Real World X/Real World Records, 2024) The Almighty Groove’s debut EP, Frère d’Afrique, released via Real World X, presents…
Doug MacDonald keeps It Fresh on Santa Monica Session
Doug MacDonald – Santa Monica Session (Dmac Music, 2024) Doug MacDonald, a seasoned guitarist deeply rooted in the West Coast jazz tradition, unveils a fresh…
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers Revive a Vietnam War-Era Classic with “Mama Bake a Pie (Daddy Kill a Chicken)”
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have released a music video for their rendition of Tom T. Hall’s Vietnam War-era song, “Mama Bake a Pie…
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.…
Norwegian Folk-Metal Rockers Gangar Release International Debut, Stubb
Gangar – Stubb (Heilo Records, 2023) Norway’s Gangar brings a fresh take on Nordic roots music. The young, five-piece ensemble digs deep into Norway’s extensive…
Zhao Xiaoxia: A Leading Figure in Guqin Preservation and Innovation
Zhao Xiaoxia is a prominent figure in the preservation and innovation of the guqin, combining traditional and contemporary approaches to the Chinese zither. She serves…
Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos Illuminate with Sol
Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos – Sol (Olindo Records, 2025) Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos return with Sol (sun), a stunning genre-blurring second album that…
Billy Strings Takes Home Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, guitar maestro and songwriter Billy Strings received the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy Award for his record Live Vol. 1. This…