• Music

    Damir Imamović’s Sevdah Takht – Dvojka

    March 11, 2021 - By 

    It is a shame to think that when the words Bosnia, Herzegovina or Sarajevo are mentioned, most think only of the ugly breakup of the former Yugoslavia.  It’s a crime, as the country, and especially her capital, have so much to offer.  The people, the food, the incredible culture, so complex and rich, yet one forgets that Bosnia is a European country. Be that as it may, Sarajevo musicians continue to produce its most famous export – sevdah – the bluesy Balkan style that could be compared favorably to Portugal’s fado.  It’s music rich with pain, pathos and rich voices.…

  • Music

    Alostmen – Kologo

    March 1, 2021 - By 

    Ghanian band Alostmen are bursting with energy and come with a sound mixing highlife with a guitar style that reminds me, slightly, of Tuareg playing one could hear with bands like Tinariwen. From the band’s website: Formed by Stevo Atambire and produced by Wanlov (Fok’n Bois) and Percy Yip Tong, Alostmen’s music is based around the Frafra traditions of the kologo, a stringed lute, using traditional instrumentation in entirely new ways. “I like to force my instrument to work,” explains Stevo. “I’m a yout’man and into rap, reggae, Malian music. I add these to the band’s sound.” “I had toured…

  • Music - Music Promo

    [Promo] Sahel Sounds Label Sampler 3

    February 5, 2021 - By 

    From Sahel Sounds: We are excited to share with you our latest Name Your Price sampler, Sahel Sounds Label Sampler 3. This year’s features a mix of tracks from recent releases by the likes of Wau Wau Collectif and Tidiane Thiam, some deep cuts from our Agrim Agadez and Balani Show Super Hits compilations, fan favorites from our back catalog, and a sneak peek at new material by Luka Productions. Our hope is that this sampler can serve as an introduction to those new to the Sahel Sounds discography, as well as a deeper dive for long-time fans. Enjoy! 1. Etran de L’Aïr – Etran Hymne from Etran de…

  • Music

    Marcos Resende & Index – Marcos Resende & Index

    January 28, 2021 - By 

    This album is a sort of ‘holy grail’ for Brazilian jazz.  From Marcos Resende’s Bandcamp site: Beyond their highly sought after 1978 album Festa Para Um Novo Rei – home to the mystical jazz-funk classic ‘Vidigal’ and released on Philips’ iconic Musica Popular Brasileira Contemporanea series (MPBC) – little is known about Marcos Resende & Index, even to aficionados of rare Brazilian music. Far Out Recordings is immensely proud to present their previously unreleased self-titled debut album from 1976, contributing a crucial missing work from the glory days of progressive Brazilian instrumental music. A prodigious child, Marcos Resende learned to…

  • Music

    Various Artists – Dust-To-Digital Records: Excavated Shellac: An Alternate History of the World’s Music

    January 26, 2021 - By 

    This is a magnificent compilation of archival material. Dust-To-Digital has made a business out of release gorgeous archival recordings. Take for example the incredible collection called Music of Morocco, compiled by Paul Bowles. This collection will equal it. Music from South Africa, Japan, Algeria, Serbia, Colombia and all points in-between are covered, and with 100 tracks, you’ll be busy for a while. From Dust-To-Digital’s Bandcamp site: This collection highlights music that is often invisible in today’s world — the incredible world of global recordings that aren’t jazz, blues, country, rock ‘n roll, R&B, or “classical.” “Excavated Shellac: An Alternate History…

  • Music

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

    January 6, 2021 - By 

    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.

  • Music

    Ángel Ontalva – Roads to Sunrise Cities

    January 5, 2021 - By 

    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.  As this is a free track, and of high quality, it’s worth your time to explore.

  • Music

    Julien Bigorgne – Monades

    January 2, 2021 - By 

    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, but until I find a better one, I’m stuck using it). One can also hear dabs of the music of French national treasures like Erik Satie and Claude Debussy. The album is unique, relaxing, easy to listen to and flow with.