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Gospel (and other) music for Easter
An appropriate time for a bit of gospel… Mahalia Jackson From the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, the intro says it all: “The World’s Greatest Gospel Singer… Miss Mahalia Jackson” Sister Rosetta Tharpe Gospel and rock & roll: The connection is well known. Numerous soul singers had roots in that tradition, starting with Ray Charles, […]
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Khaira Arby at the Lula May 8
Great news, that Malian singer Khaira Arby is finally playing a concert in town with her band. Of course, given the situation in Mali, especially in her region, around Timbuktu, we can all hope not only that she gets here, but that the fighting is resolved soon, and the people there can enjoy peace. She, […]
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From the Twitter- & other -verses
A few odds and ends collected or sent on Twitter (and other sources) recently. See @tomusicpix A retweet from @RootsMusicCanada Fair enough. RT @alannealottawa: Kiran Ahluwalia wasn’t impressed that presenter didn’t attempt her last name #cbcjunos http://yfrog.com/ny3sgsaj Via @RealWorldRec: Creole Choir of Cuba recording ‘Tande’ in the Wooden Room at @RealWorldStudio http://youtu.be/fHBQ-jzgNBU (Creole Choir is better […]
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Doctor Mulatu, I presume
Update (April 1) Watch “Mulatau Astatke and the African Jazz Village“, his project to foster jazz in Africa. In the “long overdue” category, news has come out that the “Father of Ethio Jazz”, Mulatu Astatke will receive an honourary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College. Other recipients will be Allison Krauss and The Eagles […]
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Earl Scruggs, RIP
No doubt the most influential banjoist in the world died on March 28, at the age of 88. The website Bluegrass Today, is not surprisingly filled with appreciations of Scruggs’ career, including this article by David Morris, titled “A Legend’s Biggest Moments”. Here’s the irony of being asked to write about the highlights of Earl […]
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Buddy Miller interview
One of my favourite musicians, Buddy Miller, gets little public attention, in part because he seems to be a pretty low-key, self-effacing guy, who is just as happy playing behind — and producing — artists who get the bigger publicity. A recent interview with him: Q&A Interview with Musician and Producer Buddy Miller. The above […]
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Wazimbo at the Lula Lounge, March 8, 2012
A terrific show and performance by Wazimbo, the great Mozambique Marrabenta singer last week. A tremendous voice, and energetic performer, he kept the dance floor going, and also brought out the Mozambique community to celebrate his first Canadian tour. He will be back in the area this summer, hitting some of the festivals. Watch for […]
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Wazimbo: music from Mozambique – tonight at the Lula
A rare chance to hear some music from Mozambique tonight at the Lula Lounge. Wazimbo (Humberto Carlos Benfica)’s musical career in Mozambique goes back almost 50 years, and he’s now one of the most famous singers of the marrabenta style. This is his first trip to Canada. Tonight, he’ll be backed by some top local […]
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Random recent musical notes
A few odds and ends from the musical world recently… A new double CD out on Stern’s of the late Guinean great Sory Kandia Kouyaté. Info, and some music here. Feel free to crank up the volume. Baaba Maal on the food crisis in Mauritania Reports from Senegal recently are that Youssou n’Dour was injured […]