Erkin Sadykov & Abdugheni Abdurusul – Secret of the world. Archival recordings of Uyghur music from Kyrgyzstan

There is little information available on Uyghur musicians Erkin Sadykov (vocal, dutar) and Abdugheni Abdurusul (tambur), but the quality of these recordings show a warm, sensitive interpretation of music we’re watching disintegrate before our eyes.  Thankfully, Kyrgyzstan allows their Uyghur minority to live and protect their traditions in peace.

Ángel Ontalva – Roads to Sunrise Cities

Ángel Ontalva is something like a paisano to me; a fellow of Spanish descent who spends an extraordinary time in Russia, and who has integrated himself into local scenes across the country.  Guitarist Ontalva has released a single which is a mellow pastiche of progressive rock, world music and jazz.  Continue Reading

The Claudia Quintet +1 with Kurt Elling & Theo Bleckmann – What Is The Beautiful?

Cuneiform Records offers a very generous program where a release from their back catalog is offered for $5 ($7 for a double album release), and they don’t skimp on the quality of these releases. Drummer John Hollenbeck’s The Claudia Quintet released this disc in 2011, and as a Rock-In-Opposition / Continue Reading

Julien Bigorgne – Monades

Julien Bigorgne is a flautist working out of Paris, France, who also happens to be an oud player. The music on this album is filmic, a soundtrack to a non-existent film. The music walks the line between soundtrack compositions of Yann Tiersen, jazz and world music (such a nebulous term, Continue Reading

So It Begins…

It is our tremendous pleasure to introduce to you Music You Need To Hear. We will be pointing out some amazing releases from around the world, and will eventually add a bi-weekly podcast featuring five tracks to turn you on to interesting, adventurous music. We look forward to an exciting Continue Reading