Ashley Maher’s Music of Hope and Beauty
In the midst of stressful times, why not take a break, relax, sip some tea, and listen to Tree to Tree. This is Ashley Maher’s…
Fusion without confusion – how world music bands blend multiple influences
The 19th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, Sarawak (Malaysia), regarded as one of the Top 25 music festivals by Songlines magazine, was once…
The Music of Modern Africa at SummerStage in New York City
Three exciting African music acts, Mbongwana Star, Batida and Young Paris are set to perform on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Central Park in Manhattan.…
“Create more positive music” – Interview With Soukous Master Siama Matuzungidi
Siama Matuzungidi was deeply influenced by the soukous music of rural DR Congo (then known as Zaire) during his youth. He grew up in the…
Basque Trad Meets Hurdy Gurdy
Bidaia – Agur Shiva (Bidaia, 2011) Bidaia is a duo that plays contemporary Basque folk music mixed with global sounds. What stands out is the…
Acclaimed Irish Folk Musician Padraig Duggan Dies at 67
Pádraig Duggan, Irish musician, songwriter, and co-founder of much-admired contemporary folk music band Clannad, died in Dublin on August 9, 2016 at the age of…
Stirring Acoustic Sounds from Prince Edward Isle
Ten Strings and A Goat Skin is a superb acoustic music trio from Prince Edward Isle in Canada. The three young musicians play primarily original…
National Folk Festival Announces Youth Rising
The National Folk Festival announced its 2016 program. The 2016 edition will take place in downtown Greensboro (North Carolina) September 9-11. “Youth Rising: Tomorrow’s Masters…
Brazil’s Graveola Release Camaleao Borboleta
Post-tropicalista Brazilian band Graveola have a new album titled Camaleão Borboleta (Chameleon Butterfly). The new recording features socially conscious lyrics concerning the power of the…
Length & Time: Dengue Dengue Dengue!
I will be writing a column on Length & Time in music, in each presenting an album and its strategies that pertain to addressing Length & Time. Along…
Artist Profiles: Femi Kuti
One of the heirs of the genius of Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti is his son, Femi. Femi’s version of Afrobeat is the exciting new…