Castañuelas, an Essential Instrument in Flamenco and Spanish folk traditions
(Headline image semi-professional Jale Spanish flamenco castanets – Castañuelas) The castañuelas (castanets), are a percussion instrument consisting of two wooden pieces connected by a cord.…
Tradition Preserved: The Russkie Uzory Ensemble and Their Celebration of Bashkir Heritage
Russkie Uzory Ensemble of Krasny Zilim Village – Cufflinks of Siltamak: Russian Songs from Bashkortostan (Antonovka, 2025) The vocal ensemble Russkie Uzory Ensemble, also affectionately…
Battle Cries and Ballads: The Music That Marched With Soldiers
British writer and musician John Phillpott picks up his metaphorical pack and musket and marches along the musical trail of British and American soldiers who…
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…
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.…