The Argentinian, Katja Cruz, opens up her heart on Mi Corazon (My Heart) with eight original compositions and three tunes attributed to Argentinians Astor Piazzolla, Anibal Troilo, and a Chilean, Violeta Parra.
My Roots Kirkelig Kulturverksted The Immigrant Magazine, Matthew Forss, Commentary Kenya’s Suzanna Owiyo is a percussionist, guitarist, singer, and most importantly, a nyatiti player. A nyatiti is an eight-stringed, plucked lyre from Kenya. The nyatiti was a mainstay in the Benga music movement in Kenya beginning in the 1960′s. It is related to the krar, [...]
Anacaona Independent Release Named after a 15th century Taino chief in Haiti, Anacaono is an exploration of neo-Taino music after nearly a decade of diving into the musical culture of the Dominican Republic from New York-based, Irka Mateo. A reconnection of sorts with Irka’s native land of Hispaniola creates a musical project brimming with happy [...]
Timbuktu Tarab Clermont Music It seems nowadays any musician with any connections to the late-Malian blues guitar legend, Ali Farka Toure, rises to stardom. For Khaira Arby, the cousin of the late-Ali Farka Toure, the sounds of the Malian desert come alive with songs of history, social causes, and cultural influences. Khaira is a vocalist [...]
Mounqaliba Six Degrees Records What seems to be a departure for Natacha Atlas may in fact be a concept album with historic roots and societal relevance. Mounqaliba is an Arabic term for ‘being in a state of reversal’. In this case, the ‘reversal’ pertains to a growing uncivilization of global culture and society. This is [...]
Ancestor’s Call World Village The Immigrant Magazine, Matthew Forss The galloping sounds of Tuva’s throat-singing and instrumental ensemble, Huun Huur Tu, are revisited as more modernized sound palettes accentuate the group’s characteristic style of ancient melodies. Keep in mind, the group’s traditional instruments are still here, including the igil, doshpuluur, flute, byzaanchi, igil, and drums. [...]
