The Kora: West Africa’s Cherished 21-Stringed Harp-Lute
(headline image: Toumani and Sidiki Diabate – Photo by Youri Lenquette) The kora, a 21-stringed instrument, holds a significant place in West African musical traditions,…
Gifted Canadian Banjoist Talise Delights with “Western Pine”
Canada’s Talise has a wonderful touch on the clawhammer banjo, and she matches it with understated vocal beauty and weaving Appalachian fiddle tones on “Western…
Brime de Urz: A New Take on Castilian Folk Music
BrÏme de Ürz – BrÏme de Ürz – BrÏme de Ürz (2024) Brime de Urz, a small village in Zamora with just over a hundred…
Jouer: A Congenial Mix of West African and Scandinavian Traditions
Annarella and Django – Jouer (We Are Busy Bodies / Sing a Song Fighter, 2024) Jouer, the debut album from Annarella and Django explores the…
A Tribute to Las Grecas and Ana Morales at Miradas Flamenkas 2024
(headline image: Centro Cultural Pilar Miró in Vallecas in Madrid) The 5th Miradas Flamenkas Festival, hosted at the Centro Cultural Pilar Miró in Vallecas, Madrid,…
Jamaica’s Mikha’el Unveils Reggae Song “Justice,”
Jamaican singer Mikha’el has some things to say via “Justice,” a thematically familiar reggae music topic delivered in a vocal style that’s equally vulnerable and…
Px3Kauppila’s Exploration of Finnish Spell Poems
Px3Kauppila – Hirttäytynyt Neito (EKZ Records, 2024) In Hirttäytynyt Neito (The Hanged Maid), Pauliina Kauppila, operating under the moniker Px3Kauppila, crafts a haunting and immersive…
A Legendary Return: The Oriental Brothers and Their Effect on Afro-Colombian Music
Oriental Brothers International Band – Onye Rie Ibe Ya Erie (Palenque Records, 2024) Palenque Records is celebrating 50 Years of Igbo Highlife icons, Oriental Brothers…
Unspoken Tradition Releases Striking Music Video Amidst Storm Recovery
Bluegrass group Unspoken Tradition has unveiled a new music video for their cover of Alabama’s classic, “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why).” Filmed…
Trendafilka’s New Album Celebrates Polyphonic Traditions Across Europe
Trendafilka – For The Olives (Trendafilka, 2024) New Orleans-based vocal ensemble Trendafilka, named after the Balkan wild rose, specializes in traditional polyphonic folk music from…