Supreme Seprewa
Seprewa Kasa Seprewa Kasa (Riverboat Records/World Music Network TUGCD 1051, 2008) I must admit I’d never heard of a seprewa until I listened to this…
South African Star Miriam Makeba Dies in Italy of a Heart Attack
Renowned South African singer Miriam Makeba, who was known worldwide for her hit song “Pata Pata,” died of a heart attack after a concert in…
Spellbinding Lakota Spirit
Kevin Locke Earth Gift (Ixtlan Recording Consortium, 2008) Finding sanctuary from the daily grind became a whole lot easier with Kevin Locke’s latest CD Earth…
Excellence in Exile
Akim El Sikameya Introducing Akim el Sikameya (Introducing/World Music Network INTRO113CD, 2008) Akim El Sikameya might well have achieved stardom without leaving his native Algeria,…
Electronica Veneer and Cool Indian Lounge
Bombay Dub Orchestra 3 Cities (Six Degrees, 2008) Following up on their self-titled first release, Bombay Dub Orchestra has returned with their second release 3…
Seeking Electric Guitar Donations for Saharawi Musicians
Spanish record producer and videographer Manuel Dominguez has started a program to collect new and used electric guitars destined for Saharawi refugee musicians living in…
Taj Mahal Trio for Eight Nights in Seattle for Annual Thanksgiving Engagement
Touring in support of his first domestic release in 5 years, Maestro, Taj Mahal is celebrating his 40th Anniversary. Renowned music club Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley…
No Honor in Cheating Musicians
Reading several news sites every day, I can usually find at least one interesting music-related story. Although most of the music headlines are taken up…
Savagely Swinging Maestro
Taj Mahal Maestro (Heads Up International, 2008) It’s never a question whether I’m going to like a Taj Mahal CD; the question is exactly how…
Raabe’s Plucky Optimism and Stinging Irony
Max Raabe and Palast Orchester Heute Nacht Oder Nie (Tonight Or Never) (SPV Recordings, 2008) In 1920s and early 30s, before Germany turned an ugly…