Bring Out the Treasures
Joe Zawinul 75 (Heads Up, 2009) I can’t hide my admiration for the late Joe Zawinul. It’s sad when a visionary musician leaves us, but…
The Cape Breton Connection, Opening concert at Celtic Connections 2009
With visibly pregnant Scottish harpist Corrina Hewat (who used her condition as a reason for using paper notes on stage) and Gaelic singer Mary Jane…
Franco From The Beginning
Franco & Le TPOK Jazz Francophonic (Stern’s Africa STCD3041-42, 2008) Franco Luambo was certainly the greatest guitarist in all of Congolese music. As to whether…
Blues Musician Macavine Hayes Dies at 65
Blues musician Macavine Hayes died in his sleep Monday, January 12, 2009. He was 65 years old, and was signed to the Music Maker label.…
Bambara Celebration at Festival on the Niger 2009
The 5th Edition of Festival on the Niger (Festival sur le Niger) will start on January 28th with a "trip back to the source of…
Mali’s Greatest In-House Band
Super Rail Band De Bamako Belle Epoque, Vol. 2: Mansa (Sterns Africa STCD 3039-40, 2008) The Buffet Hotel de la Gare, opened in 1961, was…
Untamed Nordic Folk
Valravn Valravn (The Orchard/Gateway Music, 2008) Folk fans looking for something different might want to check out the group Valravn and their self-titled CD. This…
All Star Line-Up of Folk Musicians Announced for Homecoming Scotland Suite
On January 25th, the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns birth, Celtic Connections will stage the Homecoming Scotland Suite – a suite of brand-new commissions by…
Samba Mapangala Begins 2009 with Digital Album Release and Concerts
East Africa’s most beloved singer Samba Mapangala begins 2009 with a series of high-profile performances. Samba has also kicked off the new year with a…
Béla Fleck Fits In Obama Inauguration Gig In Between Celtic Connections Shows
Legendary US banjo wizard Bela Fleck will fit a performance at Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration festivities in between his two Celtic Connections concerts. Fleck, who…