03/05/2010

“Everybody say yeah yeah!” PT. 2

The February 23rd release of “Black Man’s Cry: The Influence of Fela Kuti” on Now Again records is a compilation of bands that have been influenced by the man himself Fela. Some of the bands include: Daktaris, 6th Infantry Brigade Of The Nigerian Army, Dan Satch and His Atomic 8 Dance Band, Lever Brothers Gay Flamingoes, amongst many other artists. This is a great collection showing the mark that Fela has made on modern music. These are all great bands that exist today and are very active in the music scene.

Also available as of March 2nd is: “Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970’S Nigeria” on the Sound Way record label. This is an excellent collection of Afrobeat artists headed off with non other than Mr. Fela Ransome Kuti & The Africa 70 with the track Who’re You?.  The many other artists include:  Eric Snowboy Akaeze, Orlando Julius & His Afro-Sounders & The Black Santiagos.

This is also a great collection of different Afrobeat artists that you would probably never hear about. The Sound Way label has never failed to impress me with the releases that they come out with. This label is known for coming up some of the more obscure African and Caribbean music. There hasn’t been a release on this label that I haven’t been disappointed with yet.

I say do yourself a favor and get these CDs. Not only are they worth the listen but also will make your collection that much better. Until next time...roforoforofo!!

02/26/2010

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“Everybody say yeah yeah!”   PT. 1

On February 15th, 2010, Knitting Factory Records began the re-release of the legendary Afrobeat king Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s music library. Since the man recorded as many as a staggering 48 albums, they chose to release 8 for the first round (many are 2 on 1). Those albums are: Koola Lobitos/The ’69 L.A. Sessions, Open & Close/Afrodisiac, Roforofo Fight (my personal fav), Gentleman/Confusion, and last but not least...Fela with Ginger Baker Live!

These are some pretty sweet releases, all are packaged in CD size replicas of the original vinyl gatefold jackets, complete with new liner notes and a brief description of what each song is about. For those of you not familiar with Fela, he sings in Pidgin English, a mixture of English and several different African dialects, so that the many people of Africa would be able to understand what he was singing about, usually politics or government policies or the way of African life.

To commemorate these releases, the super-awesome music magazine WaxPoetics decided to devote their most recent issue as the “Africa Issue”, with none-other than the legend himself Fela on the front cover and on the back is his also legendary drummer Tony Allen. Inside are interviews with Tony Allen, Pax Nicholas (Fela’s percussionist who had his own album released recently on the popular Daptone label), and Ghariokwu Lemi (the artist who designed 27 of Fela’s record covers). Each tells what it was like working with Fela. Also included in this issue are 2 chapters of Carlos Moore’s 1982 biography, Fela: This Bitch of a Life. This biography is written from Fela’s own words and is an insightful look at the man who is King.

Pick up the re-issues and also the WaxPoetics. They go hand-in-hand and also expect more re-issues down the road. Until next time...Roforoforofo!!

02/12/2010

INTERNATIONAL  And The Grammy Goes To...

Best Traditional World Music Album
Douga Mansa by Mamadou Diabate

Best Contemporary World Music Album
Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 - Africa Sessions by Béla Fleck

Best Reggae Album
Mind Control – Acoustic by Stephen Marley

Best Hawaiian Music Album
Masters Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2 (Various Artists) by
Daniel Ho, George Kahumoku, Jr., Paul Konwiser & Wayne Wong, producers

Best Native American Music Album
Spirit Wind North by Bill Miller

Best Latin Pop Album
Sin Frenos by La Quinta Estación

Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album

Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo by Calle 13

Best Tropical Latin Album
Cicios by Luis Enrique

Best Regional Mexican Album
Necesito De Ti by Vicente Fernandez

Best Norteno Album
Tu Noche Con...Los Tigres Del Norte by Los Tigres Del Norte

Best Banda Album
Tu Esclavo Y Amo by Lupillo Rivera

Other such notable nominees include: Amadou & Mariam; Femi Kuti; Oumou Sangare; Omar Sosa; Buju Banton; Gregory Isaacs; Julian Marley; Sean Paul; Omara Portuondo; Tiempo Libre; Bebe; Paulina Rubio and many, many more.

10/2/09

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“Slavic Soul Party!” is a five-member group of New York-based musicians who bring out their own style based on the folk music of Macedonia and the Balkans. They do not play from the traditional approach, but bring elements of jazz and funk to the traditional Balkan music.  Sometimes thought as a Klezmer band, the Balkan-oriented group has been influenced by Klezmer; and the quintet has fared well among fans of the Klezmer Jazz Movement, based in New York City.

Their newest album titled: “Taketron” is truly inspired by the giants of Balkan brass. On this album, “SSP” uses the idea and the feel of the Balkans, while mixing it with their own experiences. This Balkan band is not afraid to look outside its borders, picking up on other ideas along the way. During this album, bass predominates, while the accordion leads a couple of tracks. This album brings much variety, from the fast-paced “Sarba” to the elegant slower sounds of the closer track “Hymn”.

This album is “A magnificent, daring ride that broadens the group’s horizons, and consolidates their previous glory.”

Ch-ch-check it out!

08/28/09

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I know that there is a vast number of countries in the world (upon investigation, I found that many sources say 195, not so vast I suppose), and I have been focusing on Africa mostly with these “blogs”, so without due, I will continue in this fashion and this week tell you a little about a man by the name of Orlando Julius Ekemode.

Orland Julius is one of a few crucial artists who helped develop and popularize Afro-pop music. Julius is known for his fusion of traditional African sounds and rhythms with those of American pop, soul, and R&B, starting in the 60’s. He has performed and recorded in his native Nigeria and has spent many years in the United States where he has collaborated with the likes of The Crusaders and Hugh Masekela. In 1966, he released his debut album titled Super Afro Soul, which made him a national celebrity in Nigeria as well as the United States, where it is said that Super Afro Soul’s melodic incorporation of soul, pop, and funk helped shape the funk movement in the US.

The album that I want to tell you about is called Orland Julius & his Afro Sounders: Orlando’s Afro Ideas 1969-72. The mid-sixties to the late-seventies were perhaps the most interesting period in Nigeria’s musical history. This album represents what Orlando Julius was doing during that time period. It is this music that is said to inspire a then aspiring Fela Anikulapo-Ransome Kuti with the missing link to his Afrobeat sound, soul. You can definitely hear it in the music; there are Afro rhythms, but such a sound of soul, especially in the guitar playing.

As I have said many times before, any fan of world music or African music in particular should definitely check this album out. It is awesome and as a fan of Afrobeat and funk, this is a must have for myself and for you as well.

08/21/09

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On April 28th, 2009, Rough Guides released “The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival”. All the songs on this album are from bands that are high up on the ladder for helping keep Afrobeat music alive and kicking.

As always, Rough Guide has done a spectacular job in selecting the artists and tracks for this album. Some of the musicians include: Fela’s drummer Tony Allen, Fela’s youngest son Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, one of my fav’s Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, the ever popular Chicago Afrobeat Orchestra, Kokolo (this album also includes a bonus CD by Kokolo), Akoyo Afrobeat Ensemble, and many more.

This is a great collection and example of today’s Afrobeat performers. Basically, the point of this album is to let listeners know about the powerful form of music known as Afrobeat and who is taking charge on carrying on Fela’s legacy. I will now quote from the back of the album:

“Afrobeat is the funky African dance groove crafted by Nigeria’s Fela Kuti. New generations worldwide celebrate his enduring legacy to proclaim: Music is the weapon of the future.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

08/7/09

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The June 30th release of “The World Is Shaking: Cubanismo From The Congo, 1954-55”, on the Honest Jon’s Records label, marks the fifth installment from the British EMI Hayes Archive. This album uncovers the beginnings of the golden age of African music, zinging with the social and political uproar of the independence movement and anti-colonialism after World War II.  “The World Is Shaking” contains the origins of the Congolese rumba, the entire continent’s most popular music in the sixties and seventies.

The variety of styles that twine together on these tracks from 1954-1955 is dizzying. Traditional rhythms and songs from the huge African interior meet the finger-picked guitars and re-imagined Cuban son, brought in by West African sailors. Songs are sung in a patchwork of languages, as if to reach out and engage any and all listeners passing by the musicians’ home, bar or street corner. Cheap acoustic guitars are plucked hard, with rhythmic finesse and a massive tone. Solo singers might echo the muted tone of a Cuban septeto singer, while choral voices make a sweet and poignant blend that is part church, part rural village.

This album is a spectacular look at the beginnings of African music and can still be heard in today’s modern music, from son and  high-life to afrobeat. One can tell that the recordings are from the mid-50’s, but that just adds to the greatness of this album. Honest Jon’s has a reputation for putting out music like this and I for one cannot wait for the next release. Do yourself a favor and pick up “The World Is Shaking: Cubanismo From The Congo, 1954-55”.

07/31/09

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I think that it is safe to say that Cuba has had a very large impact on much of the popular music of the past and today. To celebrate the music of Cuba, Rough Guide released “The Rough Guide to the music of Cuba, Vol. 2” on July 28th, 2009.

The newest in the Rough Guide series, Cuba explores the Afro-Cuban roots of salsa and features the best rumba, guaguanco, son, jazz and more. This second installment is a great collection, representing the many musical styles brought to us from such a small island. Some of the groups representing Cuba are: Sierra Maestra, Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Orlando Cachaito Lopez, Pancho Quinto, and many more.

Plus, this album comes with an extra BONUS CD by Sierra Maestra titled: “Son: Soul Of A Nation”. Sierra Maestra is on of Cuba’s leading son groups, and they are responsible for the style’s revival. Son music has shaped much of twentieth-century Latin music and is considered to be the bedrock of Cuban music. This album, which was recorded in Havana, is a tribute to the great writers of the past. What a great bonus for this album. And as always, plop it into your computer and you can access travel text from Rough Guides as well.

A great album. Rough Guides never fail in putting together such a great collection of artists. Any fan of world music will appreciate this album.

07/24/09

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Ocote Soul Sounds has released their third studio album titled “Coconut Rock” on the Eighteenth Street Lounge Music record label. For those of you that are not familiar with Ocote Soul Sounds, they are a stylistically wide-ranging (from Jazz/Funk to Latin to Afro-beat and beyond) side project of Martín Perna, founder of world-famous Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra.

Perna made his debut as Ocote Soul Sounds in 2004 with his first full-length recording, along with Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma, titled “El Niño y el Sol”, originally released on Airesol Records, then reissued on the Eighteenth Street Lounge Music (ESL) in 2005. Then in 2008, Perna and Quesada released “The Alchemist Manifesto”, again on ESL Music.

Which brings us to 2009, where Perna and Quesada once again unite under the Ocote Soul Sounds banner for their new full-length album, “Coconut Rock”, released on, once again, ESL Music.  After two stellar albums, this time around “Coconut Rock” finds the duo loosened up, slipping effortlessly into their trademark psychedelic afro-latin funk groove.  From the Latin breakbeat rhythms of album lead-off “The Revolt of the Cockroach People” to the cumbia bounce of “Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo” to the easy guitar soundscapes of “Vendendo Saude e Fe” featuring Brazilian songstress Tita Lima, “Coconut Rock” is the third chapter in Ocote Soul Sound’s unparalleled journey through sonic realms beyond.

Anyone that is a fan of either Antibalas or Ocote is for sure going to love this. And for those who have no idea who either of those two are, I’m quite sure that they like it as well, and if not, then they don’t know great music when they hear it. I dare you, listen to it and tell me that you don’t like it.

06/26/09

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New York City DJ/producer Nickodemus made a name for himself as the resident DJ of the long-running Turntables on the Hudson club night, and he also released numerous productions over the years. His musical style is wide-ranging, incorporating all styles of funky music, from house and Latin to Afrobeat and reggae.
In 2006 Nickodemus released his full-length album debut, Endangered Species, on Eighteenth Street Lounge Music, also known as ESL, the label of Thievery Corporation, and also a remix collection, Endangered Species Remixed, which followed in 2007.
Nickodemus returns with his second solo album titled “Sun People”, also on the ESL label. Inspired by sunny days and good people, this album mixes positive sonic vibes from all over the globe including Guinea, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Romania, India, Turkey, United Kingdom and New York City. Real Live Show features on the uplifting hip-hop jam “Sun Children” while Quantic lends his unmistakable groove on the salsa ritmo of “La Lluvia.”  Not to be outdone, Brazilian songstress Liliana Araujo features on the hot samba of “Gira Do Sol” while Mandingo vocalist Ismael Kouyate lends his Afro-beat groove to “N’Dini.”  Packed with brilliant collaborations, Sun People is a pan-continental party not to be missed.
Any fan of world music and electronic music would be a FOOL to not check this album out. I first discovered Nickodemus when his first album was released in 2006 and I have been hooked since. This album does not disappoint. Do yourself a favor and buy this album, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
I can’t end this “blog” without saying:

R.I.P.  Michael Jackson

06/04/09

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Well, I was hoping to write about some awesome fantastic new release this week, but there is absolutely nothing out lately that interests me that much, so we’re going to talk about a recently discovered (at least by me) group known as the Shukar Collective.

Shukar Collective is a group from Romania the fuses gypsy ursari music with electronic beats. Ursari music (ursar means ‘bear tamer’ or ‘bear handler’) is created using spoons and wooden barrels to create a powerful and urgent sound that is at the same time emotional and soulful. Traditional  ursari music usually consisted of a few men singing, shouting and play percussive instruments while a bear “dances” around them. This practice still goes on in some countries although Shukar Collective gave up this custom years ago and is only concerned with the sound aspect of the ursari experience.

Shukar Collective has three albums to date: Bear Tamer’s Music (2004), Urban Gypsy (2005), and Rromatek (2007).  I’ve only heard Urban Gypsy so far, but I am definitely going to try and find their other two albums, because this is come delicious music. I’m a fan of gypsy music and of electronic music, so this is right up my alley. There are other groups out there that try to pull this same sound off, but I have to say that Shukar is the only group to impress me with their sound. Any fan of world music should like this, so ch-ch-check it out!

5/22/09

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Austrian down-tempo duo Tosca, consisting of Richard Dorfmeister (of Kruder & Dorfmeister) and Rupert Huber, have finally released a new studio album titled “No Hassle”, their first in four long years.

“No Hassle” is Tosca’s fifth studio album, and their most beautiful musical statement so far. A luxurious tapestry of analogue and digital sounds, submerged samples and live instruments, it evolves and expands into an hour-long ambient symphony. The title reflects not only the duo’s laidback approach to making music but also their whole philosophy of life. “It’s our personal reaction to everything.” says Richard. “To all things that are pressuring you from outside, or internally, from every angle. It’s sort of the ideal position to achieve, and it’s the same idea behind the music: to achieve an hour where you feel hassle free.”

“No Hassle” is all about contemplation and concentration. It was conceived as a single seamless sea of sound, deeply layered with liquid rhythms and tidal melodies. Warm and enveloping, each leisurely track flows gently into the next, a musical ocean moving in slow motion. This is an album to plunge deeply into and get lost inside.

As a huge Tosca fan, I absolutely love this album. The gentle flow of the rhythms from start to finish definitely put one in a very mellow mood. Unlike their fist four albums, “No Hassle” doesn’t have a single track with vocals, maybe some haunting chants here and there but that’s it, which is not a problem for me. I know some people were a little bummed that this is a straight-up chill album, but I for one am happy with it, although I do miss the driving bass lines and beats from the Tosca I’ve grown to love.

5/01/09

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Not a whole lot of action going on in the international/world music scene lately. There are a bunch of re-issues coming out this Tuesday from various African artists, which is pretty sweet. One album that I listened to did definitely catch my attention, and that album is “Arriba La Cumbia”, compiled/mixed by Russ Jones, the original “Hackney Globetrotter”.

“Arriba La Cumbia” is a 14 track, mixed album of some of the hottest cumbia music out there. According to the liner notes, all the tracks have been “seriously road-tested, from Glastonbury to Singapore, all are winners”.  For all of you who have no idea what cumbia music is, read on.

Originating from Columbia, cumbia is a fusion of Afro-Caribbean and European music styles; apparently the accordion is the new guitar. Some of the styles on this album include cumbiaton anthems, housed-up bangers, gangsta-style ragga hits and a few stomping classics. One of the first things that I noticed about Jones’ track selections is that he chose some from a few of my all-time favorite producers: Mo’Horizons, Basement Jaxx, and Up Bustle and Out...very nice indeed.

I have to admit, I know a lot (at least I think I do) about music from all over the world, particularly Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Africa, yada yada yada. I had heard of cumbia music but knew nothing about it, to make a long story short, “I like it!” says me. You can definitely hear all the influences from around different parts of the world. Plus, this album is actually mixed quite well. I can say from first-hand experience that world music is not easy to mix. You have to pick your tracks quite meticulously and mix them at just the precise moment, otherwise it sounds like a world-class train wreck. So, hats off to DJ Russ Jones, good job!

4/24/09

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Balkan Beat Box is group put together by Israel-born New Yorkers Ori Kaplan and Tamir Muskat. BBB plays Mediterranean-influenced music that also incorporates styles from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and New York electronica. Both men have connections to the gypsy punk band Gogal Bordello (Kaplan played sax and Muskat did some production work).

In 2005, BBB released their debut self-titled album on Jdub Records, which focuses on promoting Jewish music of all sorts. In 2007, they released their follow-up album titled “Nu-Med” on the Jdub label as well. In April 2009, BBB released a remix album titled “New-Made Remixes”. This album includes such tracks as: Hermetico, Habibi Min Zaman and Digital Monkey; and remixes by: Nickodemes, Soulico, Dub Gabriel and Balkan Beat Box themselves.

The way I feel about remix albums is that they are hit or miss, leaning greatly toward the miss side. This is not so with “New-Made Remixes”. Every track on this album sounds completely different from the originals and from the others on the album, which isn’t always so. I give it an A+ rating. Anyone interested in world music or electronic music needs to get this album. It was even released on LP form for all you old-school vinyl DJs.

4/17/09

SEARGENT PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS ....wait...what?

EASY STAR ALL-STARS have released their third studio album titled “Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band”. Anyone familiar with this New York City duo Michael G. and Ticklah can pretty much guess what this album is going to sound like. It has the ESAS “flair” combined/mixed with the legendary Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”. 

I was VERY skeptical at first because, at first browse of the track list, one artist that I do not care for is covering my favorite song from this album “Within You Without You”...Matis-frigin-yahu. But upon listening of the album, it’s not at all bad, a bit on the cheesy side, sure...but still fun. One can’t help but sing along with the tunes you’ve heard throughout the years.

Do yourself a favor for the FFFFFUN of it and check this album out. If you like the Beatles you owe it to yourself, only because Yoko gets no part of it....at least that’s what I tell everyone. Don’t quote me on that. Enjoy!!

4/10/09

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Malian Husband-and-wife duo Amadou & Mariam release their latest album titled “Welcome To Mali”. This album is a very sweet follow-up to their chart-topping 2005 release of “Dimanche a Bamako”, which was produced by Latin/French/Portuguese/and- then-some world-renowned artist Manu Chao, his first appearance in as many as 4 years.

I’ve always been a big fan of Amadou & Mariam. Mariam’s lovely voice paired along with Amadou backing her on guitar and pulling out some very impressive vocals of his own, are the perfect match. It’s no wonder that these two are married, they were made for each other.

The first track titled, “Sabali,” is produced by non-other than Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame. It’s a great song, I only wish I knew what they were singing about (I don’t speak French). This is just a start on what for sure to be a musical journey on their journey from their hometown of Mali. These two have been together for a long time and have made so much music together, it’s great to see that they are still able to produce something so rich and fresh sounding. I say “LISTEN TO IT”.

3/23/09

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March 17th marked the much-anticipated release of legendary Cuban father/son piano duo Bebo & Chucho Valdes’ album titled “Juntos para Siempre”. This album has been in the making for about the last 50 years when father Bebo left Cuba in 1960, much to son Chucho’s pleas for him to stay. They didn’t meet again until 1978, but that was for a brief hug backstage at the Carnegie Hall where Chucho was playing with jazz greats Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner and Mary Lou Williams. Then in October of 1995, the duo recorded a two piano work of “The Peanut Vendor” for Paquito D’Rivera’s album “Cuba Jazz, 90 Miles From Cuba”.  Also in 2000, they performed Lecuona’s “La Comparsa” for the film “Calle 54”.  Finally on June 26th 2007, Bebo & Chucho got together in a Madrid studio to record their first ever album together.
This album is already considered a Cuban classic. Four classic boleros, a couple of standards, each dedicating one song to the other, and a conga that was penned by Chucho’s dentist to close it out. On the back of the album it tells the reader that, upon listening, Chucho can be heard on the left channel and Bebo on the right channel. Even though Bebo was 90 years old when this was recorded, his playing style is a fresh as when he was in his 20’s.

It’s a shame that it took so long for these two to come together. Imagine all of the great music that could’ve been made. But at least they are together now. This is definitely a great album. I’m usually not one to sit and listen to an album of just piano music in its entirety, but this album MADE me listen from beginning to end. It’s that good, I recommend it to anyone.

3/13/09

INTERNATIONAL
Fela Kuti
1938 – 1997

Wrasse Records, who purchased the entire Fela Kuti library from Capital Records back in 2003, has re-released the “Fela Kuti Anthology 1”. This double CD album is paired along with a DVD documentary titled “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” that contains unseen footage of the songs “Confusion Break Bone” and “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” recorded at his Glastonbury show in 1984. The first song is said to be a “warming-up” song and may very well be the only footage of Fela doing some percussion. The second song features the “Dancing Queens”, some of Fela’s 27 wives, dancing their famous routine.

This is a respectable anthology for a man who has enough music in his library to take up almost 3 gigs on my hard drive. The first CD is titled “Early Years” and contains tracks from his pre-afrobeat years with his highlife band Koola Lobitos; it also delves into his first recordings after taking on the afrobeat style. This is a great collection of his earlier music, not stuff you would ordinarily think of when you hear the name Fela Kuti. CD 2 contains 6 tracks taken from 5 separate albums after he had solidified himself as the “King of Afrobeat”.

As a huge fan of Fela’s work, I find nothing wrong with the selection that was chosen for this CD. My all-time favorite track “Roforofo Fight” is among the 6. I think that I would have also added “Expensive Shit” to the lineup, as this is said to be his most popular tracks and also among my favorites.

All I can suggest is, if you don’t have anything by Fela, GO BUY THIS! It will give you a great sense of what his music is all about and will most likely drive you to go buy more.
Take care of yourselves and LONG LIVE FELA! Everybody say yeh yeh!

3/6/09

INTERNATIONAL
BOSSA NOVA = “NEW TREND”

To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of bossa nova music, Brazilian band Bossacucanova, who first tackled the electronic/bossa fusion back in 1998 with their debut album “Revisited Classics”, released and double live CD/DVD titled   “Ao Vivo: Celebrating 50 Years of Bossa Nova”.
“Ao Vivo” is a live recording taken from a night at Rio de Janeiro’s famous Canecao concert hall where the band invited bossa legends and prominent younger artists to join them on stage and revisit classic bossa nova songs.  It also has a few tracks that were recorded during an impromptu acoustic session in the comfort of an apartment in Rio. The DVD contains a documentary titled “Na Base Da Bossa” featuring interviews and songs performed by Bossacucanova and their guests. It also has 11 tracks of the live concert as well.
If you’re a fan of bossa nova music, then “Ao Vivo” is a must-have for your collection. Sure, we’ve heard all the songs before, but with the electronic feel that put Bossacucanova on the world-music map. The addition of some known and some not-so-known bossa nova musicians is a nice twist as well.
I first discovered Bossacucanova back in 2001 while first getting into Brazilian music. I think that it was the name of the band that first intrigued me and also the fact that they were on the Six Degrees label at the time. Upon first listen, I knew that I was definitely going to dig the rest of their albums and I was right. Their mixture of electronic beats and traditional bossa nova music had me 30 seconds into the first track. With their last release way back in 2004 (“Ipanema Lounge, Vol. 1”), I was beginning to wonder if we would see any more releases from these guys and finally did. It’s great to hear that they haven’t strayed from the sounds that I have grown to love.

2/27/09

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Putumayo World Music has embraced the kaleidoscope of colors of India with its release of: Putumayo Presents India, released on February 24, 2009. As an extra special bonus, a portion of the CD sale will be donated to support the India Foundation for the Arts, so you can feel good about yourself while buying this album. As with all Putumayo offerings, India is richly crafted with clever artwork, interesting liner notes and photographs, as well as a glossary of instruments.
This is a great sampling of some of today’s more modern Indian pop music. When one thinks of Indian music, they usually associate that term with sitar icon Ravi Shankar or the more upbeat styles heavily laden with tablas and sitars and Bollywood beats. When listening to the 10 tracks that make up this album, it definitely has a very chilled and laid back feel to it. It’s surprising the amount of different music that comes out of India. Everything on this album is very soft and gentle; it makes for great relaxation music.
When looking over the 10 artists on this album, I only recognize a few: Slumdog Millionaire composer A.R. Rahman, Susheela Raman, and Deepak Ram. The rest I’ve never heard of but enjoy their music greatly.
I would definitely check this album out if you have any interest in new Indian music or even if you’re just looking for something new. The only thing to do now is sit back and enjoy.