Embracing Nigerian-American Musical Roots
Offiong Bassey Offiong Bassey (2013) The self-titled debut album by Nigerian-American vocalist Offiong Bassey embraces African-American and African musical roots. Gifted with a great voice,…
Celebrated Irish Band The Chieftains Reveals 2014 American Tour Details
The Chieftains, the most prominent Irish traditional music band, have announced details of their 2014 American tour, beginning February 19 in Davis, California. The program…
Finding the Underlying Unity in American Roots Music
Dirk Powell Walking Through Clay (Sugar Hill Records, 2014) If you crossed a kick ass honky-tonk with a backwoods bayou bar, a country church and…
Renewed Neapolitan Roots and High Energy
Canto Antico South Beat (Canto Antico, 2014) The Vesuvius, Naples’ volcano, and the tarantula unveil an unsettled and overwhelming energy, all which moves with Canto…
World Music Encounters in Havana
Contributed by Katia Pupo Campoalegre As part of the Para Mestizar programming, Havana World Music is the new event open in the Cuban capital. Curated…
Wouter Kellerman’s Flute Enchantments
Wouter Kellerman Mzansi (Kellerman Music, 2013) On his new album Mzansi, South African flute virtuoso Wouter Kellerman presents a collection of traditional and original pieces…
The Sophisticated Cross Pollination of The Souljazz Orchestra
The Souljazz Orchestra Inner Fire (Strut, 2014) Slipping into a wonderland mix of soul, jazz, Latin, Caribbean and Afrobeat sheer yumminess, Canada’s The Souljazz Orchestra…
Excellent Fusion Lounge Album
Rahul Sharma White (Times Music) Santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma is back with another excellent fusion lounge album, White (you must also check out his other…
Free Download of Pete Seeger’s To My Old Brown Earth
Saxophonist and jazz trailblazer Paul Winter is offering a free download of Pete Seeger’s song ‘To My Old Brown Earth.’ “Our long-time friend and mentor,…
Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate Find Common Ground
Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate Faya (Cumbancha, 2014) Due to the ubiquitous use, and sometimes overuse, I imagine that there’s some record exec sitting behind…