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The South Americans get their say in the first section of the
show this week, with a little help from their Northern relations and a Spanish
exile. Tango to start, and it doesn't come much more adventurous than Tango
Crash who cook it up in a spicy gumbo of jazz and electronics. Fleurs Noires,
French all-female Tango orchestra, do a pretty compelling version also, with
some fine vocals. London-based LaXula are fronted by the colourful Monte Palafox,
Spanish woman in exile, and Calexico are from Tucson, Arizona, and bring a nice
Mexican trumpet flavour, and some Spanish vocals - it was good to see them wow
what I judged to be a 'non-World' audience with those flavours last week in
Tripod. And then there are the diverse delights of Brazil: "Brazilian Street
Party" is a good collection (compiled by the reliable John Armstrong) which
includes some rural styles alongside the baile funk, afro-reggae etc. "Forro
Acustico" is a serious collection of North-Eastern accordion styles, and Siba
purveys brass and percussion in an adaptation of marching band tradition. After
a dose of cumbia from the Latin Street party collection, it's time to pay homage
to those World Music ground-breakers, The Buena Vista Social Club, at the
legendary Carnegie Hall concert. And a very enjoyable homage it is, and much of
the excitement of the gig comes through on the two discs. Many a musical
tradition has sought to replicate their success. Finally the Spam Allstars from
Miami bring the first half to a funky latin conclusion.
Femi Kuti is back, and his album, which has arrived ahead of the other son Seun's (Seun Kuti is due here for an Afrobeat summit at the beginning of October), pretty much hits the spot as far as I am concerned. The vocals in particular build up the rhythmic pressure nicely and the chorus of "You better ask yourself (...why the richest country has the poorest people") has had me pressing the repeat button on the Cd player. Rokia Traore continues to amaze with those startling vocals. Natty is a new name in British reggae, a little akin to Finley Quaye, and Nitin Sawhney, judiciously snapped him up for the opening track on "London Undersound", which works brilliantly. The range of vocal talent on the album is most impressive. Real World studios, under the stewardship of Peter Gabriel and Karl Wallinger, came up with some fine multi-tradition sessions in the early 1990s, and the Natacha Atlas / Hossam Ramzy piece is one of the finest. Hanggai play Mongolian music in Beijing with a very nice rural acoustic, and the Groanbox Boys do the same for backwoods Americana, with a sense of humour (I think!). Tony Joe White's gig is now over. Bellowhead stretch their mighty musical muscles over a stimulating new collection. Joan Baez has a nice album out and plays two nights in Vicar Street at the end of the month. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday September 15th. The programme goes out every Monday from 10pm to midnight on 103.2 FM and live at www.dublincityfm.com1. Tango Crash: "La Cumpadesky". From "Baila Querida" (Galileo / Discovery 2008). 2. Fleurs Noires: "Obsesivo". From "Fleurs Noires - Orchestre de Tango" (Milan 2007). 3. LaXula (a.m.a): "Soberbia". From "In X-ile" (Via Lactea). 4. Calexico: "Inspiracion". From "Carried To Dust" (City Slang 2008). 5. Ze Cafofinho E Suas Correntes: "Meio De Transporte". From "The Rough Guide to Brazilian Street Party" (World Music Network 2008). 6. Cobra Verde: "Chorao". From the compilation "Forro Acustico Vol.1: Accordeon du Nordeste du Bresil" (Cinq Planetes / Discovery). 7. Siba e a Fuloresta: "Toda Vez Que Eu Dou Um Passo / O Mundo Sai Do Lugar". From "Siba e a Fuloresta" (O+ / Harmonia Mundi 2008). 8. Jose Alex Y Los Trotamundos: "La Medallita". From "The Rough Guide to Latin Street Party" (World Music Network 2008). 9. Buena Vista Social Club: "Mandinga". 10. Buena Vista Social Club: "El Cuarto De Tula". Both from "Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall" (World Circuit 2008). 11. Spam Allstars: "Ochimini". From "Introducing Spam Allstars" (World Music Network 2008). 12. Femi Kuti: "You Better Ask Yourself". From "Day By Day" (Wrasse 2008). 13. Rokia Traore: "Zen". From "Tchamantche" (Nonesuch 2008). 14. Natty: "Hey Man". From "Man Like I" (Warner 2008). 15. Nitin Sawhney feat. Natty: "Days Of Fire". 16. Nitin Sawhney feat. Imogen Heap: "Bring It Home". Both from "London Undersound" (Cooking Vinyl 2008). ***Nitin Sawhney plays Tripod on October 31st*** 17. Peter Gabriel's Real World Sessions feat. Natacha Atlas, Hossam Ramzy, Neil Sparkes: "Habibe". From "Big Blue Ball" (Real World / Proper 2008). 18. Hanggai: "My Banjo And I". From "Introducing Hanggai" (World Music Network 2008). 19. The Groanbox Boys: "The Spiders and The Stones". From "Fences Come Down" (Junction 2 Music). 20. Tony Joe White: "As The Crow Flies". From "Deep Cuts" (Munich 2008). ***Tony Joe White plays Crawdaddy on September 16th*** 21. Bellowhead: "I Drew My Ship Across the Harbour". From "Matachin" (Navigator 2008). 22. Joan Baez: "Jericho Road". From "Day After Tomorrow" (Proper 2008). ***Joan Baez plays Vicar Street on September 26th & 27th*** Thanks for listening. The best selection of new World Music releases on Irish radio. Join me next Monday at 10. Nigel ----------------------------------------------------------- GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Sir Victor Uwaifo: "Guitar-Boy Superstar 1970-76" (Soundway). 2. Buena Vista Social Club: "At Carnegie Hall" (World Circuit). 3. Bellowhead: "Matachin" (Navigator Records). 4. Rajery, Ballake Sissoko & Driss El Maloumi: "3MA: Madagascar/Mali/Maroc" (Contre-Jour 2008). 5. Rokia Traore: "Tchamantche" (Nonesuch). 6. Femi Kuti: "Day By Day" (Wrasse). 7. Robert Santiago y su Tipica: "Panamericana" (Buda Musique / Discovery). 8. Hanggai: "Introducing Hanggai" (World Music Network). 9. Kasai Allstars: In the 7th moon, the chief turned into a swimming fish and ate the head of his enemy by magic - Congotronics 3" (Crammed Discs 2008).. 10. Nitin Sawhney: "London Undersound" (Cooking Vinyl). __________________________________________________________ All systems go for Dun Laoghaire and the Festival of World Cultures. "Ear to the globe" would like to add its voice to the call for a Fair and Just Weather Allowance for the weekend - we've paid our dues, now let's have some sunshine...... please.All the music on this week's programme is by artists appearing at the Festival, and details of the gigs are below. There is info about all the artists in the Festival programme or at www.festivalofworldcultures.com I will be spinning the discs at the Main Stage on Sunday in between the acts, so might see you there! _____________________________________________________________________________________ Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday August 18th. The programme goes out every Monday from 10pm to midnight on 103.2 FM and live at www.dublincityfm.com 1. Balkan Beat Box: "Red Bula" - by Mahala Rai Banda vs Balkan Beat Box, remixed by Balkan Beat Box. From "Balkan Beat Box: Nu-Made (Remixes & Videos)" (Crammed Discs 2008). 2. Balkan Beat Box: "Habibi min zaman". From "Nu*Med" (Crammed Discs 2007). ***Balkan Beat Box play the Purty Loft on Sunday August 24th as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 3. Yurodny: "Taraf". From "Odd Set" (Diatribe 2008). ***Yurodny play Hardy's Bar in Royal Marine Hotel on Sunday August 24th as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures - FREE GIG*** 4. DakhaBrakha: "Za Duby". Taken from Festival of World Cultures promo CD. ***DakhaBrakha play the Newtownsmith Main Stage on Sunday August 24th - FREE GIG*** 5. Sergent Garcia: "Yo Me Voy Pa' La Cumbia". From "Mascaras" (EMI France 2006). 6. Sergent Garcia: "Revolucion". From "La Semilla Escondida" (EMI France 2003). ***Sergent Garcia plays the Newtownsmith Main Stage at the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures on Sunday August 24th - FREE GIG*** 7. Sa Dingding: "Alive". 8. Sa Dingding: "Lagu Lagu". Both from "Alive" (Universal / Wrasse 2007). ***Sa Dingding plays at the Pavilion Theatre on Sunday August 24th as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 9. Seu Jorge: "Samba Rock". 10. Seu Jorge: "Burguesinha". Both from "America Brasil" (Discos Como No 2008). ***Seu Jorge plays the Purty Loft on Sat August 23rd as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 11. Tiken Jah Fakoly feat. Didier Awadi: "Quitte Le Pouvoir". From "Tiken Jah Fakoly" (Barclay / Wrasse 2005). 12. Tiken Jah Fakoly: "Ouvrez Les Frontieres". From "The African" (Barclay / Wrasse 2007). ***Tiken Jah Fakoly plays at the Newtownsmith Main Stage on Sat August 23rd as part of The Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures - FREE GIG*** 13. Banaya (El Hadj N Cissoko): "Goundo". Taken from Festival of World Cultures promo CD. ***Banaya - West African Griots - play at the Pavilion Theatre on Saturday August 23rd as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 14. Orchestra National de Barbes: "Poulina". From "Poulina" (Virgin France 1999). 15. Orchestre National de Barbes: "Civilise". From "Alik" (Soudani / Discovery 2007). ***Orchestre National de Barbes play The Purty Loft on Friday August 22nd as part of The Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 16: Alemayehu Eshete: "Tchero Adari Negn". From the compilation "The Very Best of Ethiopiques" (2CD: Union Square 2007). 17: Mulatu Astatqe: "Dewel". From "Ethiopiques 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale 1969-1974" (Buda Musique). 18. Mahmoud Ahmed: "Tezeta". From "Ethiopiques 19: Mahmoud Ahmed 1974" (Buda Musique). ***Ethiopiques, feat. Mahmoud Ahmed, Mulatu Astatqe, Alemayehu Eshete and The Either/Orchestra, play at Pavilion Theatre on Friday August 22nd as part of The Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** 19. Yungchen Lhamo: "Lhasa". From "Ama" (Real World / EMI 2006). ***Yungchen Lhamo sings at Monkstown Church on Friday August 22nd as part of the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures*** Thanks for listening. Next week: A look back at Dun Laoghaire, and onward to the Jazz/World Tent at the Electric Picnic! The best selection of new World Music releases on Irish radio. Join me next Monday at 10. Nigel ----------------------------------------------------------- ***As you may have noticed "Ear to the globe" has been following the festival trail a wee bit over the past month or so, which has left precious little space for recent new releases. Consequently there are a couple of items listed in the Recommendations below that haven't yet had an outing on the programme. In September I will be putting this to rights and we will be hearing from the likes of Rokia Traore, Kasai Allstars, Hanggai, Sir Victor Awaifo, Seth Lakeman, Warsaw Village Band, and Charlie Gillett's annual treasure trove. And many more too. In addition there is a third series of "Nigel Wood's Wide World" coming up soon on RTE Radio 1*** GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Rail Band: "Belle Epoque 2: Mansa" (2CD: Sterns Africa). 2. Seu Jorge: "America Brasil" (Discos Como No). 3. Spiers and Boden: "Vagabond" (Navigator Records). 4. Rajery, Ballake Sissoko & Driss El Maloumi: "3MA: Madagascar/Mali/Maroc" (Contre-Jour 2008). 5. Rokia Traore: "Tchamantche" (Nonesuch). 6. "Sound of the World presents Beyond The Horizon" - selection by Charlie Gillett (Warner). 7. Dr John and the Lower 911: "City That Care Forgot" (Cooking Vinyl). 8. Mor Karbasi: "The Beauty And The Sea" (Mintaka Music). 9. "Musique Metisses: Le Sahel - Les Rythmes du Desert" (Marabi / Harmonia Mundi). 10. Yurodny: "Odd Set" (Diatribe). With their exquisite voices still ringing in my head from gigs last thursday and friday, there was no place else to start but with Rachel Unthank and the Winterset - this time going back to their fine earlier album "Cruel Sister". They have just won an award in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, so I did a quick tour of the other award winners that we have featured on "Ear to the globe" during the year.. Martin Simpson (best album and best original song), The Imagined Village (best traditional track) and Bellowhead (best live act). Lau I will feature next week, and Julie Fowlis' album I don't have, so if there's any distributor out there..... Beirut took us in a quasi-East European direction, aided and abetted by A Hawk And A Hacksaw, while Mostar Sevdah Reunion consolidated the situation. Moving a little further East, Yasmin Levy and Le Trio Joubran gave us an Israeli-Palestinian cultural exchange, before we headed for the throaty voices of North Africa - Abdel Hadi Halo from Algeria and Malouma from Mauritania. Zig-zagging across Africa and going back in time to the early 70s: Alemayehu Eshete did his Ethiopian funk-pop, while in Nigeria the Police Force Band were outrageously funky (Hey Garda Band - get down!). Konono No 1 bring traditional trance into a new era of home-made electronics. Najma Akhtar re-surfaces as a soul-jazz Asian diva; Raziz Aziz presents a Sufi devotional poem; and the Punch Bros carry us out with their bluegrass-classical-jazz suite. Short coda from Caoimhin O Raghallaigh at the end. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday February 18th. 1. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "On a Monday Morning". From "Cruel Sister" (RabbleRouser 2005). 2. Martin Simpson: "Never Any Good". From "Prodigal Son" (Topic 2007). 3. The Imagined Village: "Cold Haily Rainy Night". From "The Imagined Village" (Real World 2007). 4. Bellowhead: "Rigs Of The Time". From "Burlesque" (Westpark Music 2006). 5. Beirut: "Cliquot". From "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD 2007). 6. Mostar Sevdah Reunion: "Razbolje se lijepa Hajrija". From "Cafe Sevdah" (Snail Records 2007). 7. A Hawk And A Hacksaw: "The Sparrow". From "The Way The Wind Blows" (The Leaf Label 2006). 8. Yasmin Levy: "Nani Nani". From "Mano Suave" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 9. Le Trio Joubran: "Laytana". From "Majaz" (Randana / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 10. Abdel Hadi Halo & The El Gusto Orchestra of Algiers: "Lalla Fatima". From "Abdel Hadi Halo & The El Gusto Orchestra of Algiers" (Honest Jon's 2007). 11. Malouma: "Yarab". From "Nour" (Marabi / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 12. Alemayehu Eshete: "Kenoru lebetchahe". From "Ethiopiques 22 - Alemayehu Eshete" (Buda Musique / Discovery). 13. The Nigerian Police Force Band ("The Force 7"): "Asiko Mi Ni". 14. Opotopo (Easy Kabaka Brown): "Belema". Both from "Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds, Nigerian Blues 1970-6" (Soundway 2007). 15. Konono No 1: "Intro". From "Konono No 1 - Live at Couleur Cafe" (Crammed 2007). 16. Najma: "Sufi Call". From "Reincarnation - 20 of 70" (Connecting Cultures 2008). 17. Razia Aziz: "Tere ishq nachaya". From "Songs of Love and Devotion from India and Pakistan" (ARC Music 2008). 18. Punch Brothers: "The Blind Leaving The Blind: First Movement". From "Punch" (Nonesuch 2008). 19. Caoimhin O Raghallaigh: "Wild Goose Chase". From "Where the one-eyed man is king" (Caoimhin O Raghallaigh 2007). Thanks for listening. Lots more World gems on next week's show including Lau ("best group" in recent BBC folk awards), and a session from the Portuguese axis - Portugal, Cape Verde and Brazil. Join me next Monday at 10. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. "Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds, Nigerian Blues 1970-6" (Soundway). 2. Punch Brothers: "Punch" (Nonesuch). 3. Robert Wyatt: "Comicopera" (Domino). 4. Mostar Sevdah Reunion: "Cafe Sevdah" (Snail Records). 5. Yasmin Levy: "Mano Suave" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi). 6. Beirut: "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Hazmat Modine: "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi). 9. Ensemble Dastan & Salar Aghili: "The Endless Ocean" (Network). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network). Having completed a prolonged, but enjoyable I hope, review of 2007 last week, I was aiming to leap forward into 2008.... only to be pulled up short by the sudden and untimely death of Andy Palacio. An inspiring cultural leader of the Garifuna people of Belize, he was just beginning to reap international rewards for his music. Last year's album "Watina" featured on every list of World Music highlights. Another highly-placed album, just received by this programme, was Robert Wyatt's "Comicopera", an album like Beirut's that has no obvious category, and which I am delighted to include. Think of One, DAM and Robert Plant / Alison Krauss all made an appearance on the post-New Year programme and remain on the current playlist. The Plant / Krauss album has certainly hit the pop spot and features in the mainstream charts. New to the programme are Albanian wedding blasters, Fanfara Tirana, seductive Sephardic chanteuse, Yasmin Levy, Ensemble Dastan with new front-man (leading purveyors of Iranian classical music), Tcheka from Cape Verde, and Velha Guarda Da Portela, the old guardians of Rio samba. The Punch Brothers, who put on a remarkable showcase of progressive classical bluegrass for a handful of record company executives and media people two weeks ago, have connections with Nickel Creek but have taken their genre in a completely new direction. I highlighted three gigs: Devon Sproule comes to Crawdaddy on Feb 6th. Nils Okland and his trio will be bringing the ancient sound of the hardanger fiddle to the ancient surroundings of St Audoen's Church (Feb 13th). Rachel Unthank will be on tour in February - gigs in Wicklow and Dublin on 14th and 15th. See below. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday January 28th. 1. Robert Wyatt: "On the Town Square". from "Comicopera" (Domino 2007). 2. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective: "Watina (I Called Out)". 3. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective: "Weyu Larigi Weyu (Day by Day)". Both from "Watina" (Cumbancha 2007). 4. Beirut: "In The Mausoleum". From "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD 2007). 5. Think Of One: "J'etais Jetee". From "Camping Shaabi" (Crammed 2008). 6. Fanfara Tirana: "Apocalyptic Kaba". From "Albanian Wedding" (Piranha 2007). 7. DAM: "Al Huriye Unt'a (Freedom for my Sisters)". From "Dedication" (Red Circle Music 2006). 8. Yasmin Levy: "Mano Suave". From "Mano Suave" (Adama / World Village / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 9. Ensemble Dastan & Salar Aghili: "Moghaddame wa Awaz-E Daramad". From "The Endless Ocean" (Network Medien 2007). 10. Nils Okland: "Blond Bla". From "Bris" (Rune grammofon 2004). ***The Nils Okland Trio play in St Audoen's Church, Cornmarket on Wed Feb 13th; Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh supporting*** 11. Mary Gauthier: "Snakebit". From "Between Daylight and Dark" (Lost Highway / UMG 2007). 12. Devon Sproule: "The Well Dressed Son to his Sweetheart". Taken from fRoots 29 (free with fRoots magazine Aug/Sep 2007). ***Devon Sproule plays Crawdaddy on Wed Feb 6th*** 13. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "Blue Bleezing Blind Drunk". 14. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "Sea Song". Both from "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI 2007). ***Rachel Unthank & The Winterset play Conary Community hall, Avoca, Co.Wicklow on Thurs Feb 14th, and The Cherry Tree, Walkinstown on Fri Feb 15th*** 15. Robert Wyatt: "Stay Tuned". From "Comicopera" (Domino 2007). 16. Punch Brothers: "The Blind Leaving The Blind: Third Movement". From "Punch" (Nonesuch / Warners 2008). 17. Velha Guarda Da Portela (feat. Marisa Monte): "Volta Meu Amor". 18. Velha Guarda Da Portela: "Acorda, Negro Velho". Both from "Tudo Azul" (Red Circle Music 2008). 19. Tcheka: "Tuti Santiagu". From "Lonji" (Lusafrica / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 20. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)". From "Raising Sand" (Rounder / Universal 2007). Thanks for listening. More fascinating and seductive new sounds to come in the next couple of weeks from the likes of Boban Markovic, Mostar Sevdah Reunion, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vanessa Paradis, Malouma, DJ Dolores, Konono No.1. Plus more from the above. AND I will have some tickets to give away next Monday for the remarkable Nils Okland gig. Don't miss. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Mayra Andrade: "Navega" (Stern's). 3. Robert Wyatt: "Comicopera" (Domino). 4. Mostar Sevdah Reunion: "Cafe Sevdah" (Snail Records). 5. Yasmin Levy: "Mano Suave" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi). 6. Beirut: "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Hazmat Modine: "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi). 9. Ensemble Dastan & Salar Aghili: "The Endless Ocean" (Network). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network). This week saw the third and final instalment of my look back to 2007 This time I selected my pick of the compilations and reissues released last year. Some of these are contemporary collections, Charlie Gillett's "Sound of the World" for instance, while others are archive collections such as "The Very Best of Ethiopiques", "Authenticite" and "Doom & Gloom". Most though are single artist compilations, some drawing on early material - the Maghreb Soul series (Khaled and Rimitti) and Eddie Palmieri - while others attempt something of a career retrospective - Rachid Taha, Willie Colon, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Trilok Gurtu, Djivan Gasparyan. There are a number of archive series developing, the daddy of them all being "Ethiopiques" of course - one of the marvels of the musical landscape - backed up recently by "Zanzibara" also from Buda Musique / Discovery. 2006's wonderful "African Pearls" series is currently being followed by "Cuban Pearls" but I don't have any of those yet! The Romanian archive series "Sounds from a bygone age" on Asphalt Tango is an absolute joy and Volume 4 (featuring Toni Iordache) is featured on the programme. Also worthy of note is "Songs of Defiance - Music of Chechnya and the North Caucasus". Michael Church has gone to very great lengths to compile a rarely-heard musical sample from that remote and hard-pressed land, and many of the voices are striking. He also brought out a companion volume from Georgia (both on Topic). Finally "The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam" stands for several varied and stimulating collections on the World Music Network label. This was one I particularly enjoyed. At the very end, the Dagar family are eminent among the performers of the dhrupad style of Indian music. I have been trying to fit a piece into the previous two programmes without success, and I didn't fit very much into this one either! I will devote an entire progamme to Indian music in the not-too-distant future. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday January 21st. 1. Gidigidimajimaji: "Atoti pt.2". From the compilation "Urban Africa Club - hip hop dancehall and kwaito" (out | here rec 2007). 2. Rachid Taha: "Kelma". From "Rachid Taha - The Definitive Collection" (Wrasse 2007). 3. Cheb Khaled: "Yamina". From "Maghreb Soul - Cheb Khaled story 1986-1990" (Because / Discovery 2006). 4. Rimitti: "Ouallaftini". From "Maghreb Soul - Rimitti story 1986-1990" (Because / Discovery 2006) 5. Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta Orchestra: "Bailare Tu Son". From "Sugar Daddy - The Hip Dancefloor Rhythms of Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta: 1962-1967" (Fania / V2 2007). 6. Willie Colon (& Ruben Blades): "Pedro Navaja". From "Willie Colon - The Player" (Fania / V2 2007). 7. LA-MC Malcriado (feat. Mayra Andrade): "Mas Amor". From the compilation "Sound of the World" (compiled by Charlie Gillett) (Warner 2007). 8. Oumou Sangare: "Wayeina". From the compilation "Musique Metisses: Le Mandingue - Empire De La Musique" (Marabi / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 9. African Virtuoses: "N'fa". From "African Virtuoses - The Classic Guinean Guitar Group" (Stern's 2007). 10. Tabu Ley Rochereau & Afrisa International: "Kimakango mpe Libala". From "Tabu Ley Rochereau - The Voice of Lightness"(Stern's 2007). 11. Horoya Band National: "Karan-gbegne". From the compilation "Authenticite: The Syliphone Years - Guinea's Orchestres Nationaux and Federaux 1965 - 1980" (Stern's 2007). 12. Getatchew Mekurya: "Antchi Hoye". From the compilation "The Very Best of Ethiopiques" (Union Square 2007). 13. Alemayehu Ashete: "Temar Ledje". From "Ethiopiques 22: Alemayehu Ashete" (Buda Musique / Discovery 2007). 14. Bi Kidude: "Alaminadura". From "Zanzibara 4: Bi Kidude - The diva of Zanzibari music" (Buda Musique / Discovery 2006). 15. Trilok Gurtu (with Huun Huur Tu & the Arke String Quartet): "Vignola". From "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Union Square 2007). 16. Toni Iordache (with Gabi Lunca): "Grea Mi-E Doamne, Inima". From "Sounds from a Bygone Age Vol.4: Toni Iordache" (Asphalt Tango / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 17. Bessie Smith: "Back-Water Blues". From the compilation "Doom & Gloom - Early Songs of Angst and Disaster 1927 - 1945" (Trikont 2007). 18. Cherim Nakhushev: "Khatkhe Mahomet Guaz". From the compilation "Songs of Defiance: Music of Chechnya and the North Caucasus" (Topic 2007). 19. Djivan Gasparyan Quartet: "Tamam Askharh Ptut Eka (I have been all over the world)". From "The Soul of Armenia: Djivan Gasparyan - Portrait" (Network Medien 2007). 20. Huong Thanh: "Crossing the Valley". From "The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam" (World Music Network 2007). 21. Wasifuddin Dagar & Bahauddin Dagar: Rag Malkauns - Jor (part of first section). From "Vedanta" (Sense World Music 2007). Thanks for listening. Next week I will let 2007 go and press ahead with lots of new music (much of which was actually released in 2007 also!). This will probably include: Boban Markovic, Fanfara Tirana (from Albania), glorious new album from Yasmin Levy, Robert Wyatt, a back-to-the-roots Brazilian compilation, and remarkable progressive bluegrassers The Punch Brothers.... as well as recent arrivals from Think of One, Sharon Jones, Hazmat Modine, Beirut, DAM and that Zep bloke and the girl - you know the one. Forward in all directions! Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Mayra Andrade: "Navega" (Sony BMG). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater: "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal). 4. Massukos: "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi). 5. Yasmin Levy: "Mano Suave" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi). 6. Beirut: "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Hazmat Modine: "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi). 9. African Virtuoses: "The Classic Guinean Guitar Group" (Sterns Africa). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). Programme two of my round-up of 2007 featured Columbia, Cuba, a bit more Africa, Western Europe and the Far East. Telmary and Interactivo were among the most exciting things to come my way during the year - both the albums and a thrilling London gig. Roberto Fonseca too contributed a great gig - in Dublin. Columbiafrica was a great collaborative party; Mayra Andrade, Massukos and Toumast were all new names on the scene, while Youssou's album was bright and chirpy and not at all as bad as some said. Lo Cor De La Plana were something new from left-field, singing in Occitan and showing what could be done with just voices and hand-held percussion. Son De La Frontera are stretching the boundaries of flamenco, while The Imagined Village are re-imagining English folk music as a beat-driven multicultural hybrid - with some success! Sa Dingding presents a thoroughly contemporary Chinese production with great vocals. Bob Brozman plays every stringed instrument known to man. Rachel Unthank gives us a powerful and riveting variant of the English folk tradition (and will be playing in Wicklow and Dublin soon), while June Tabor sounds at her most relaxed and heartful on "Apples". Kaushiki is the young goddess of Indian vocal music and her 2007 triple CD demonstrates that she can sing all styles of the Indian classical tradition. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday January 14th. The programme goes out every Monday night from 10pm to midnight on 103.2 Dublin City FM, and live at www.dublincityfm.com 1. Columbiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra: "Quien Manda A Quien". From "Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 2. Telmary: "Ves" (feat. Kumar). 3. Telmary: "Que equivoca'o". Both from "A Diario" (DM Ahora! 2007). 4. Interactivo: "Pa'que enamore (Azucena y Girasoles)". From "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! 2007). 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Triste Alegria". From "Zamazu" (Enja 2007). 6. Mayra Andrade: "Dimokransa". From "Navega" (Stern's 2007). 7. Youssou N'Dour: "Sama Gammu". From "Rokku Mi Rokka" (Nonesuch 2007). 8. Massukos: "Ndjango". From "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi 2006). 9. Toumast: "Tallyatidagh (That Girl)". From "Ishumar" (Real World / EMI 2007). 10. Gaudi + Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: "Ghamgar Bare Ne". From "Dub Qawwali" (Six Degrees 2007). 11. Lo Cor De La Plana: "Nau gojatas". From "Tant Deman" (Buda Musique / Discovery 2007). 12. Son De La Frontera: "Un compromiso / Toda una vida". From "Cal" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 13. The Imagined Village: "Cold Haily Rainy Night". From "The Imagined Village" (Real World / EMI 2007). 14. Sa Dingding: "Alive (Mantra)". From "Alive" (Wrasse 2007). 15. Bob Brozman Orchestra: "Chaturangui Gazal". From "Lumiere" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 16. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "I Wish". From "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI 2007). ***Rachel Unthank & The Winterset play Conary Community Hall in Avoca, Co.Wicklow on Thursday Feb 14th, and The Cherry Tree, Walkinstown on Friday Feb 15th*** 17. June Tabor: "My Love Came To Dublin". From "Apples" (Topic 2007). 18. Kaushiki Chakrabarty: Thumri - Misra Pilu 'Jiya Mora Na Lage'. From "Kaushiki" (Sense World Music 2007). Thanks for listening. Next week's programme will present my pick of the reissues and compilations of 2007. Expect lots of glorious African and Balkan archive material. And after next Monday's programme we'll get on with the business of 2008! Current recommendations below. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Mayra Andrade: "Navega" (Sony BMG). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater: "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal). 4. Massukos: "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi). 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu" (Enja). 6. Beirut: "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Hazmat Modine: "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi). 9. African Virtuoses: "The Classic Guinean Guitar Group" (Sterns Africa). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). Last Monday's programme - the first live broadcast since the Xmas festivities - began with some recent arrivals - DAM, Think of One, Beirut, Sharon Jones, and the Robert Plant / Alison Krauss collaboration. After that opening the remainder of the show was devoted to revision - a look back at some of the highlights of 2007, mainly concentrating on Europe and Africa. More highlights to come on next week's show. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday January 7th. The programme goes out every Monday night from 10pm to midnight on 103.2 Dublin City FM, and live at www.dublincityfm.com 1. DAM: "Mali Huriye". From "Dedication" (Red Circle Music 2006). 2. Think Of One: "Gnawa Power". 3. Think Of One: "Wereld Ni". Both from "Camping Shaabi" (Crammed 2008). 4. Beirut: "Un Dernier Verre (Pour La Route)". 5. Beirut: "Guyamas Sonora". Both from "The Flying Club Cup" (4ad 2007). 6. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)". From "Raising Sand" (Rounder / Universal 2007). 7. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: "Be Easy". From "100 Days, 100 Nights" (Daptone Records 2007). 8. Mavis Staples: "On My Way". From "We'll Never Turn Back" (Anti- 2007). 9. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: "Killing The Blues". From "Raising Sand" (Rounder / Universal 2007). 10. Hazmat Modine: "Broke My Baby's Heart". From "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 11. Kristi Stassinopoulou: "Sikinos". From "Taxidoscopio" (Heaven and Earth 2006). 12. Mostar Sevdah Reunion and Ljiljana Buttler: "Mustafa". From "The Legends Of Life" (Snail Records 2005). 13. Fanfare Ciocarlia (with Saban Bajramovic): "Ma Maren Ma". From "Queens and Kings" (Asphalt Tango / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 14. Esma Redzepova: "Javera Cumingan". From "Gypsy Carpet" (Network Medien 2007). 15. Little Cow: "Viragok A Reten". From "I'm In Love With Every Lady" (Eastblok 2007). 16. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective: "Weyu Larigi Weyu". From "Watina" (Cumbancha 2007). 17. Dee Dee Bridgewater (with Kasse Mady Diabate): "Bad Spirits (Bani)". From "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal 2007). 18. Tinariwen: "Mano Dayak". From "Aman Iman: Water Is Life" (Independiente 2006). 19. Orchestra Baobab: "Nijaay". From "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit 2007). 20. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba (feat. Lobi Traore): "Banani". From "Segu Blue" (out | here 2007). 21. Vieux Farka Toure: "Ana". From "Vieux Farka Toure" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 22. Simphiwe Dana: "Vela". From "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners 2004). 23. Simphiwe Dana: "Zundiqondisise". From "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners 2006). Thanks for listening. On Monday's programme I will continue the look back at the highlights of 2007, and I will have tickets to give away to the "Tosh meets Marley" reggae show involving original band members. Monday the 14th at 10pm. Current recommendations below. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Mayra Andrade: "Navega" (Sony BMG). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater: "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal). 4. Massukos: "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi). 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu" (Enja). 6. Beirut: "The Flying Club Cup" (4AD). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Hazmat Modine: "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi). 9. African Virtuoses: "The Classic Guinean Guitar Group" (Sterns Africa). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). This New Year's Eve programme consisted of some of the choice uptempo tunes from 2007 (plus a couple of older releases which only reached me in 2007), strung together with minimal interruption from me. A more considered selection from 2007 will follow over the next two or three shows. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the Globe", broadcast on Monday December 31st on 103.2 Dublin City FM. 1. Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta Orchestra: "Bailare Tu Son". From "Sugar Daddy - The Hip Dancefloor Rhythms of Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta: 1962-1967" (Fania / V2 2007). 2. Willie Colon: "La Banda". From the compilation "Willie Colon the Player" (Fania / V2 2007). 3. Ray Santago: "It's a Man's World". From "The Rough Guide to Salsa Clandestina" (World Music Network 2007). 4. Alex Wilson: "Ain't Nobody". From the compilation "Salsa Carnaval" (Resiste Music 2007). 5. Yerba Buena: "El Burrito". From "Follow Me" (Fun Machine / Wrasse 2007). 6. Manu Chao: "Rainin In Paradize". From "La Radiolina" (Because / Warner 2007). 7. Interactivo: "Pa' que enamore (Azucena y Girasoles)". From "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! 2007). 8. Telmary: "Que equivoca'o". From "A Diario" (DM Ahora! 2007). 9. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (feat. Chuck D): "What's Going On". From "What's Going On" (Shout! Factory / Universal 2006). 10. Jill Scott: "Hate On Me". From "The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol.3" (Hidden Beach / Universal 2007). 11. Mavis Staples: "99 and 1/2". From "We'll Never Turn Back" (Anti- 2007). 12. Aretha Franklin: "Rock Steady". From "Aretha Franklin - Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings" (4xCD: Rhino / Warner 1992). 13. Betty LaVette: "I Still Want To Be Your Baby". From "The Scene Of The Crime" (Anti- 2007). 14. Hazmat Modine: "Who Walks In When I Walk Out?". From "Bahamut" (Jaro Medien / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 15. Shantel: "Andante Levante". From "Disko Partizani" (Essay / Crammed 2007). 16. Esma Redzepova: "Tu, Me, Duj Dzene". From "Gypsy Carpet" (Network Medien 2007). 17. Fanfare Ciocarlia: "Duj Duj". From "Queens and Kings" (Asphalt Tango / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 18. Jaune Toujours: "Ici Bxl". From "Jaune Toujours - Club" (Choux de Bruxelles / Discovery). 19. Os Mutantes: "Minha Menina". From "Mutantes Live - Barbican Theatre, London 2006" (Luaka Bop / V2 2007). 20. Massukos: "Ndjango". From "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi 2006). 21. Columbiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra: "Quien Manda A Quien". From "Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 22. Vieux Farka Toure: "Sangare" (Nickodemus remix). From "Vieux Farka Toure Remixed: UFOs Over Bamako" (Modiba Productions 2007). 23. Gidigidimajimaji: "Atoti pt.2". From the compilation "Urban Africa Club - Hip Hop Dancehall and Kwaito" (out | here rec 2007). 24. Rachid Taha: "Kelma (Thoughts)". From "Rachid Taha - The Definitive Collection" (Wrasse 2007). 25. Simphiwe Dana: "Ingoma". From "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners 2004). Thanks for listening. Next week's programme will look at some of the very best releases of 2007, plus the much-celebrated Robert Plant / Alison Krauss album and the brand new Think Of One offering. Next Monday at 10. Happy New Year to everyone. Nigel Boban Markovic provided the lift-off on this week's programme - he's got gigs coming up soon (see below) and we'll have tickets to give away next week. Interactivo, from Cuba, captivated me in London recently - they're a great outfit. I played AfroReggae (good track, disappointing album) to highlight the enthralling new series "Brasil, Brasil" on BBC 4 television (Friday nights). The Abyssinians are coming to town with Black Uhuru and we gave tickets away for that. The Aretha tracks arose from a slight misunderstanding over a forthcoming 2CD collection of rare and unreleased Aretha material. A happy misunderstanding in that I ended up with a magnificent 4CD collection "Queen of Soul" (Rhino) - a wonderful Christmas present for the Aretha fan in your life! Sterns have given us more African archive jewels in the shape of The Rail Band and Tabu Ley Rochereau. Warners gave me 3 copies of Simphiwe Dana's album to bestow upon my faithful listeners - thank you Darren. Mayra Andrade is a gorgeous new voice of Cape Verdean origins, while Joyce combines jazz and bossa as only she can. Anouar Brahem has an exciting gig coming up (see below) but I couldn't lay my hands on the album in question ("Thimar") in time, so had to resort to "Le Voyage de Sahar" (his most recent release) in lieu. Djivan Gasparyan's collection is full of haunting beautiful gems. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday November 26th. 1. Boban Markovic Orkestar: "Hava Naguila". From "Boban Markovic Orkestar - Live in Belgrade" (Piranha 2002). 2. Boban Markovic Orkestar: "Latino". From "The Promise" (Piranha 2005). ***The Boban Markovic Orkestar play The Mermaid, Bray on December 7th, and The Button Factory, Temple Bar on December 9th*** 3. Interactivo: "Pa' que enamore (Azucena y Girasoles)". From "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! 2007). 4. AfroReggae: "Haiti". From "Favela Uprising" (Mr Bongo 2007). 5. The Heptones: "Do Good to Each and Everyone". From the compilation "Jamaica Funk - Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45s" (Soul Jazz 2007). 6. The Abyssinians: "Declaration of Rights". 7. The Abyssinians: "I and I". Both from "Satta Massagana" (Vinyl - Poli-Rhythm / Heartbeat 2006). ***The Abyssinians and Black Uhuru play Tripod on Sunday December 2nd*** 8. Aretha Franklin: "Young, Gifted and Black". 9. Aretha Franklin: "Every Natural Thing". Both from "Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul - The Atlantic Recordings" (4CD: Rhino / Warner 1992). 10. Betty LaVette: "I Still Want To Be Your Baby (Take Me Like I Am)". From "The Scene Of The Crime" (Anti 2007). 11. Tinariwen: "Cler Achel". From "Aman Iman: Water Is Life" (Independiente 2006). ***Tinariwen play The Olympia on Sunday December 9th*** 12. Rail Band: "Duga". From "Belle Epoque 1: Rail Band - Soundiata" (Sterns Africa 2007). 13. Tabu Ley Rochereau: "K.J.". 14. Tabu Ley Rochereau: "N'daya Paradis". Both from "Tabu Ley Rochereau - The Voice of Lightness" (Sterns Africa 2007). 15. Simphiwe Dana: "Zundiqondisise". From "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners 2006). 16. Mayra Andrade: "Dimokransa". 17. Mayra Andrade: "Mana". Both from "Navega" (Sony BMG 2006). 18. Joyce & Tutty Moreno: "Compositor". From "Samba Jazz & Outras Bossas" (Far Out 2007). 19. Souad Massi: "Yemma (Mummy I lie to you)". From "Acoustic - The Best of Souad Massi" (AZ / Wrasse 2007). 20. Anouar Brahem: "Le Voyage De Sahar". From "Le Voyage De Sahar" (ECM 2006). ***Anouar Brahem (with John Surman and Dave Holland) plays The Helix on Thursday December 6th*** 21. Djivan Gasparyan & Hovvakan Trio: "Shepherd's Song". From "Djivan Gasparyan: The Soul Of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). Thanks for listening. On next week's programme: "Strictly Balkan" - we get into the mood for Boban Markovic's upcoming gigs; "Thimar" - we look ahead to the remarkable musical summit featuring Anouar Brahem, Dave Holland and John Surman; then there's Tinariwen, more African archive gems, and much more besides. Join me next Monday at 10. Current recommendations below. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Mayra Andrade: "Navega" (Sony BMG). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater: "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal). 4. Massukos: "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi). 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu" (Enja). 6. "The Imagined Village" (Real World / EMI). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Linda Thompson: "Versatile Heart" (Rounder / Universal). 9. Sa Dingding: "Alive" (Wrasse). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). A little late with this week's playlist due to health alarm and brief visit to Ireland's beleagured hospital services (where I got very good treatment) - and now the show must go on! Massukos are a blast of invigorating energy from Mozambique and they kicked off this week's programme, followed by a trio of recommendations - Youssou N'Dour, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Orchestra Baobab. The Rail Band album is one of my purchases from Stern's wonderful London emporium - part 1 of a major retrospective. Tinariwen have an upcoming gig in the Olympia, and Lucinda Williams played last night in Tripod. Tom Brosseau is a new name in a folky vein. I gave away 3 copies of Manu Chao's album (and 2 giveaways next Monday - see below). Some serious beats from Boban Markovic (upcoming tour in early December), The Imagined Village (with Transgobal Underground), and Saba, before we wind it down a bit with Sam Tshabalala (very engaging at Womad this year) and Simphiwe Dana, and then right down with Souad Massi and Le Trio Jourdan. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday November 19th. The programme goes out every Monday night from 10 to midnight on 103.2 Dublin City FM, and live at www.dublincityannaliviafm.com 1. Massukos: "Ndjango". From "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 2. Youssou N'Dour: "Pullo Ardo". From "Rokku Mi Rokka" (Nonesuch 2007). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bassekou Kouyate and Ami Sacko: "Children Go 'Round (Demissenw)". From "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal 2007). 4. Orchestra Baobab: "Nijaay". From "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit 2007). 5. Rail Band: "Mali Cebalenw". From "Belle Epoque 1: Rail Band - Soundiata" (Sterns Africa 2007). 6. Tinariwen: "Assouf". From "Aman Iman: Water Is Life" (Independiente 2006). 7. Lucinda Williams: "Come On". 8. Lucinda Williams: "Rescue". Both from "West" (Lost Highway / UMG 2007). ***Lucinda Williams played Tripod on Thursday November 22nd*** 9. Betty LaVette: "Somebody Pick Up My Pieces". From "The Scene Of the Crime" (Anti 2007). 10. Tom Brosseau: "I'm traveling the river on the dakota queen". From "Cavalier" (Fatcat 2007). 11. Manu Chao: "Tristeza Maleza". 12. Manu Chao: "Politik Kills". Both from "La Radiolina" (Because / Warners 2007). 13. Ersatzmusika: "And why?". From "Voice Letter" (Asphalt Tango 2007). 14. David Byrne: "The Sound of Business". From "The Knee Plays" (Nonesuch 2007). 15. Boban Markovic Orkestar: "Meksikanka". 16. Boban Markovic Orkestar: "Beli Dvor". Both from "The Promise" (Piranha 2005). ***The Boban Markovic Orkestar play The Mermaid, Bray on December 7th, and The Button Factory, Temple Bar on December 9th*** 17. The Imagined Village: "Cold Haily Rainy Night". From "The Imagined Village" (Real World 2007). 18. Saba: "Boqoroda Meskin". From "Jidka - The Line" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 19. Sam Tshabalala: "Soneni". From "Meadowlands" (Tropical Music / Discovery 2005). 20. Simphiwe Dana: "Zundiqondisise". From "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners 2006). 21. Souad Massi: "Ghir Enta (I only love you)". From "Acoustic - The Best of Souad Massi" (AZ / Wrasse 2007). 22. Le Trio Joubran: "Min Zaman". From "Majaz" (Randana / Harmonia Mundi 2007). Thanks for listening. Simphiwe Dana albums to give away on next Monday's show, plus tickets to give away for the Abyssinians / Black Uhuru gig. Music from Mayra Andrade, Djivan Gasparyan, Aretha Franklin, Interactivo / Telmary (didn't fit it in this week) and more results from my trip to Stern's. Also highlighting gigs coming up from Boban Markovic, Tinariwen and the Abyssinians. Next Monday at 10. Current recommendations below. Nigel GLOBAL SUNSHINE: Top 10 Current Recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Orchestra Baobab: "Made In Dakar" (World Circuit). 2. Youssou N'Dour: "Rokku Mi Rokka" (Nonesuch). 3. Dee Dee Bridgewater: "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB / Universal). 4. Massukos: "Bumping" (Poo Productions / Harmonia Mundi). 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu" (Enja). 6. "The Imagined Village" (Real World / EMI). 7. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI). 8. Linda Thompson: "Versatile Heart" (Rounder / Universal). 9. Sa Dingding: "Alive" (Wrasse). 10. Djivan Gasparyan: "The Soul of Armenia - Portrait" (Network 2007). The main action on this week's show was Manu Chao and a ticket giveaway courtesy of MCD. I gave away 2 pairs of tickets and I will have 3 further pairs to give away on next week's programme. Other gigs highlighted were The Blind Boys of Alabama (Tonight - Wednesday), Roberto Fonseca (Nov 14th), Buena Vista Social Club (Oct 30th), and Devendra Banhart (Nov 8th). Details below. English folk started and ended the programme: Fairport Convention's "Liege & Lief" was recently voted the most important folk album of all time, and it is now repackaged as a 2CD collection (even though the record company sent me the 2002 remastered edition - 1CD + extra tracks!). The Imagined Village is indeed a bold re-imagining of English Folk by a host of English music luminaries from many different backgrounds. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset are an arresting quartet from the North of the country. Lo Cor De La Plana are anti-capitalist Occitan voices from Marseilles. Gaudi presents dub mixes of rare early recordings of the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Sa Dingding is a remarkable and well-produced voice from China. Susheela Raman gives us Asian-tinged versions of an intriguing collection of rock classics. Ersatzmusica are Russians doing alternative-Balkan. Mostar Sevdah Reunion are the real deal from Bosnia. Dee Dee Bridgewater is an American jazz singer exploring her roots in Mali with the absolute cream of Malian musicians and singers. And Columbiafrica is what it says - the African roots of Champeta from the Caribbean coast of Columbiafrica. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday October 22nd. 1. Fairport Convention: "Come all ye". From "Liege & Lief" (Island / Universal Remastered 2002). 2. The Imagined Village: "Cold Haily Rainy Night". From "The Imagined Village" (Real World / EMI 2007). 3. Lo Cor De La Plana: "Nau gojatas". From "Tant Deman" (Buda Musique / Discovery 2007). 4. The Blind Boys of Alabama: "Spirit In The Sky". From "Atom Bomb" (Real World / EMI 2005). ***The Blind Boys of Alabama play Vicar Street on Wed Oct 24th*** 5. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu". 6. Roberto Fonseca: "Triste Alegria". Both from "Zamazu" (Enja Records 2007). ***Roberto Fonseca and his group play the Sugar Club on Wed November 14th*** 7. Manuel Guajiro Mirabal: "Para Bailar El Montuno". From "Buena Vista Social Club presents Manuel Guajiro Mirabal" (World Circuit 2004). ***The Buena Vista Social Club play at The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham on October 30th*** 8. Manu Chao: "Tristeza Maleza". 9. Manu Chao: "Politik Kills". 10. Manu Chao: "Rainin in Paradize". All from "La Radiolina" (Because / Warners 2007 ***Manu Chao plays in the Big Top, Phoenix Park on Sunday November 4th*** 11. Gaudi / Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: "Ghamgar Bare Ne". From "Dub Qawwali" (Six Degrees Records 2007). 12. Sa Dingding: "Alive (Mantra)". From "Alive" (Universal / Wrasse 2007). 13. Susheela Raman: "Voodoo Chile". From "33 1/3" (XIII Bis Records 2007). 14. Ersatzmusika: "Bevelled Glasses". 15. Ersatzmusika: "And Why?". Both from "Voice Letter" (Asphalt Tango / Harmonia Mundi 2007). 16. Mostar Sevdah Reunion: "Zapjevala Sojka Ptica". From "A Secret Gate" (Snail Records 2003). 17. Dee Dee Bridgewater (with Kasse Mady Diabate): "Bad Spirits (Bani)". 18. Dee Dee Bridgewater (with Ami Sacko & Bassekou Kouyate): "Children Go 'Round (Demissenw)". Both tracks from "Red Earth - A Malian Journey" (DDB Records / Universal 2007). 19. Columbiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra: "El Liso En Olaya". From "Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 20. Devendra Banhart: "Cristobal". From "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" (XL Recordings 2007). ***Devendra Banhart plays The Village on November 8th*** 21. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "I Wish". 22. Rachel Unthank & The Winterset: "Sea Song". Both from "The Bairns" (Rabble Rouser / EMI 2007). Thanks for listening. More tickets for Manu Chao to give away next Monday, more English folk, and more Global Musical Sunshine to warm you up. Next Monday at 10. Nigel Another African start: Simphiwe Dana - it's smooth but it's got soul with an African heart, followed by Zulu jive from the heartfelt new album by Vusi Mahlasela, and Youssou with the stirring opener from his new one due out on Oct 23rd. Extra Golden offer a song of thanks to Barack Obama, US Democratic Presidential candidate, for help with visas! Then we have our quintet of female voices: Saba is a Somali-born, Italian resident; Zulya is from Tatarstan, Central Russia and lives in Australia; Sa Dingding is Chinese; Sevara Nazarkhan is from Uzbekistan and the album was recorded in Tashkent; and Susheela Raman is UK-based, of Asian descent. The Buena Vista crew kick off the Latin section of the programme, continued very stylishly by Roberto Fonseca - both these artists due in Ireland soon (see below). Interactivo and a couple of new Rough Guides do some funky Latin grooves, before we wash up in Manu-Chao-land via Barcelona. The Funk keeps going to Jamaica. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday October 15th. 1. Simphiwe Dana: "Ingoma". From "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners 2004). 2. Vusi Mahlasela: "Ntombi Mbali - Flower Girl". From "Guiding Star" (Sony BMG / Wrasse 2007). 3. Youssou N'Dour: "4-4-44". From "Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take)" (Nonesuch 2007). 4. Extra Golden: "Obama". From "Hera Ma Nono" (Thrill Jockey 2007). 5. Saba: "Boqoroda Meskin". From "Jidka (The Line)" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 6. Zulya and The Children Of The Underground: "Princess". From "3 Nights" (Westpark Music 2007). 7. Sa Dingding: "Alive (Mantra)". 8. Sa Dingding: "Oldster by Xilin River". Both from "Alive" (Universal / Wrasse 2007). 9. Sevara Nazarkhan: "Korgim Kelar". 10. Sevara Nazarkhan: "Bakhtimdan". Both from "[sen]" (Real World / EMI 2007). 11. Susheela Raman: "Voodoo Chile". 12. Susheela Raman: "Love Lies". Both from "33 1/3" (Saraswati / Xlll Bis Records 2007). 13. Manuel Guajiro Mirabal: "Para Bailar El Montuno". From "Buena Vista Social Club presents Manuel Guajiro Mirabal" (World Circuit 2004). ***Buena Vista Social Club presents Guajiro, Cachaito, Galban & Aguaje at IMMA, Kilmainham (Kila supporting) on Tuesday Oct 30th*** 14. Roberto Fonseca: "Zamazu". From "Zamazu" (Enja Records 2007). ***The Roberto Fonseca Group play The Sugar Club on Wed November 14th*** 15. Interactivo: "Pa'que enamore (Azucena y Girasoles)". From "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! Records 2007). 16. Antibalas: "Che Che Cole Makossa". From "The Rough Guide to Latin Funk" (World Music Network 2007). 17. Alex Wilson: "Subelo". From "The Rough Guide to Salsa Clandestina" (World Music Network 2007). 18. Ojos de Brujo: "Todo Tiende". From "Techari Live" (CD+DVD Diquela Records 2007). 19. Manu Chao: "Politik Kills". 20. Manu Chao: "La Vida Tombola". Both from "La Radiolina" (Because / Warners 2007). ***Manu Chao plays The Big Top in Phoenix Park on November 4th*** 21. The Heptones: "Do Good to Each and Everyone". 22. Cedric 'Im' Brooks: "Silent Force". Both from "Jamaica Funk - Original Jamaican Funk and Soul 45s" (Soul Jazz 2007). Thanks for listening. On next week's programme more from many of the above, plus Dub Qawwali (Nusrat inna Dub Stylee!), ersatz-Balkanese (Ersatzmusika); and all manner of folky stuff creeping in over the next while from Devendra Banhart to the wonderful Linda Thompson, and Ian McMillan, "the John Peel of poetry". AND we may have more tickets to give away. Don't miss next week's programme - Monday at 10pm. Nigel Global Sunshine: Top 10 current World Music recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Simphiwe Dana: "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners). 2. Simphiwe Dana: "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners). 3. Toumast: "Ishumar" (Real World / EMI). 4. Youssou N'Dour: "Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take)" (Nonesuch). 5. Sa Dingding: "Alive" (Universal / Wrasse). 6. Kaushiki Chakrabarty: "Kaushiki" (Sense World Music). 7. Trilok Gurtu: "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Manteca / Union Square). 8. Bob Brozman Orchestra: "Lumiere" (Riverboat / World Music Network). 9. "The Very Best of Ethiopiques" (Manteca / Union Square). 10. "Doom & Gloom - Early Songs of Angst and Disaster 1927 - 1945" (Trikont). A sudden flurry of gigs this week: Baba Salah from Mali on Thursday, Asian Dub Foundation on Friday, and the Gladiators on Sat. Looking further ahead there's Manu Chao and Devendra Banhart in early November. All these represented on this week's programme and details below. The "Cuban Pearls" series is a follow-up to the magnificent "African Pearls" series, both under the supervision of West African producer Ibrahim Sylla. "El Barrio" is the latest of the Fania reissues to reach me and features the 60s and 70s sounds of Spanish Harlem. It's nice to hear the the majesty of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's voice again, this time in the shape of early 60s and 70s recordings set in a dub context by Gaudi; it works rather well. Trilok Gurtu, from his endlessly varied "Definitive Collection" brings us into Africa, and there we stay with Youssou N'Dour, Toumast, Vusi Mahlasela, Bridgy (an Irish resident), and the wonderful Simphiwe Dana. Bringing up the rear - Paolo Fresu's remarkable musical accompaniment to a film of life in Sardinia in the 1930s with great vocal and instrumental contributions from that island (great concert in Vicar St last weekend); vocal polyphonics from Marseilles (Lo Cor De La Plana); the Brazilian brothers, Sergio & Odair Assad, in guitar duet; and Kaushiki in heavenly voice to finish. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday 8th Oct. 1. Asian Dub Foundation: "Fortress Europe". From "Time Freeze 1995.2007: The Best of Asian Dub Foundation" (Rinse it out / EMI 2007). ***Asian Dub Foundation play at Tripod on Friday Oct 12th*** 2. Manu Chao: "Rainin in Paradize". 3. Manu Chao: "La Vida Tombola". 4. Manu Chao: "Mala Fama". All from "La Radiolina" (Because / Warner 2007). ***Manu Chao plays at the Big Top in Phoenix Park on Nov 4th*** 5. Devendra Banhart: "Samba Vexillographica". From "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" (XL Recordings 2007). ***Devendra Banhart plays The Village on Nov 8th*** 6. Celia Cruz y Sonora Matancera: "En el Bajio". From "Cuban Pearls" sampler (Syllart / Discovery 2007). 7. TNT Boys: "Musica Del Alma". From the compilation "El Barrio - Sounds from the Spanish Harlem Streets" (Fania / V2 2007). 8. The Gladiators: "Eli Eli". From "Trenchtown Mix Up" (Vinyl - Virgin 1976). 9. The Gladiators: "Soul Rebel". From the compilation "Roots 'N' Culture - Mighty Reggae Cuts" (Virgin / Music Collecton International 1997). ***The Gladiators play Whelans on Sat Oct 13th*** 10. Gaudi + Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: "Dil Da Rog Muka Ja Mahi". From "Dub Qawwali" (Six Degrees Records 2007). 11. Trilok Gurtu (with The Frikyiwa Family): "Agne Yano". From "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Manteca / Union Square 2007). 12. Youssou N'Dour: "Sama Gammu". From "Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take)" (Nonesuch 2007). 13. Baba Salah: "Ganda Wani". From "Gao" (Promo - no label). ***Baba Salah plays at Crawdaddy on Thurs Oct 11th*** 14. Toumast: "Innulamane". From "Ishumar" (Real World /EMI 2007). 15. Vusi Mahlasela: "Jabula - Rejoice". From "Guiding Star (Naledi Ya Tsela)" (Sony BMG / Wrasse 2007). 16. Bridgy: "Wa Do Ghe (Original)". From "Wa Do Ghe" (LB's Records 2007). 17. Simphiwe Dana: "Bantu Biko Street". From "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners 2006). 18. Paolo Fresu and the Sonos 'E Memoria collective: "Sonos 'E Memoria" (soundtrack suite - edit). From "Sonos 'E Memoria" (ACT Music 2001). 19. Lo Cor De La Plana: "Fanfarneta". From "Tant Deman" (Buda musique / Discovery). 20. Sergio & Odair Assad: "Brasileira" from "Scaramouche". From "Jardim Abandonado" (Nonesuch 2007). 21. Kaushiki: "Thumri - Misra Pilu 'Jiya Mora Na Lage'" (edit). From "Kaushiki" (3xCD Sense World 2007). Thanks for listening. Some interesting new albums in the pipeline for next week: Susheela Raman performs songs by Dylan, Lou Reed, Can, Jimi Hendrix and Cpn Beefheart; Roberto Fonseca led the band on Ibrahim Ferrer's recent posthumous album and is coming to Dublin soon; Ersatzmusica offer an unexpected Russian twist on Balkan music; Saba brings Mogadishu to Italy; and SaDingding is "an unprecedented and mysterious artist" from China. Plus more from Gaudi / Nusrat, and Manu Chao. And lots more too. Next Monday at 10. Recommendations below. Nigel Global Sunshine: Top 10 current World Music recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Simphiwe Dana: "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners). 2. Simphiwe Dana: "The One Love Movement - On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners). 3. Toumast: "Ishumar" (Real World / EMI). 4. Youssou N'Dour: "Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take)" (Nonesuch). 5. Telmary: "A Diario" (DM Ahora! Records). 6. Kaushiki Chakrabarty: "Kaushiki" (Sense World Music). 7. Trilok Gurtu: "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Manteca / Union Square). 8. Bob Brozman Orchestra: "Lumiere" (Riverboat / World Music Network). 9. "The Very Best of Ethiopiques" (Manteca / Union Square). 10. "Doom & Gloom - Early Songs of Angst and Disaster 1927 - 1945" (Trikont). An all-African start. I'm smitten by the gorgeous smooth soul-gospel of Simphiwe Dana and am playing her two recent releases more than anything else at the moment. Bridgy is a Nigerian Irish resident. Youssou's is a quick preview - more to come with interview on next week's programme. Baba Salah is from Mali and is touring here over the next two weeks or so. Toumast might give Tinariwen a run for their money. Then - more Doom & Gloom, and some wild downhome country carry-on, before we get really silly with polka party, Balkan bananas, and Oojami in Celtic hoe-down. Calm is restored by Trilok Gurtu and the Arke Strings, and we swing Brazilian-style with Antonio Adolfo and Arthur Verocai, get down to Havana with Interactivo and Omara, Champeta at the bit with the Mystic Orchestra, and finally lay ourselves to rest with the tangential tango of the UK's Tango Siempre, and good old Bob Brozman. My Top 10 current recommendations are below the playlist. Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast on Monday September 24th. 1. Simphiwe Dana: "Vela". From "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners 2004). 2. Simphiwe Dana: "Zundiqondisise". From "The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street" (Gallo / Warners 2006). 3. Simphiwe Dana: "Ingoma". From "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners 2004). 4. Bridgy: "Mi Ofe Mo". From "Wa Do Ghe" (LB's Records 2007). 5. Youssou N'Dour: "Sama Gammu". From "Rokku Mi Rokka (Give and Take)" (Nonesuch - release date: Oct 23 2007). 6. Baba Salah: "Mali Moussou". From "Gao" (Promo album - no label: www.mali-music.com). ***Baba Salah plays The Mermaid, Bray on Oct 3rd and Crawdaddy on Oct 11th*** 7. Toumast: "Innulamane". From "Ishumar" (Real World / EMI 2007). 8. Charley Patton: "High Water Everywhere - part 1". From the compilation "Doom & Gloom - Early Songs of Angst and Disaster 1927 - 1945" (Trikont 2007). 9. Old Crow Medicine Show: "Down Home Girl". 10. Old Crow Medicine Show: "Bobcat Tracks". Both from "Big Iron World" (Nettwerk 2006). ***Old Crow Medicine Show play The Village on Sept 30th*** 11. Polkaholix: "Das Modell". From "The Great Polka Swindle" (Westpark Music 2007). 12. Gipsy.cz: "Romano Hip Hop". From the compilation "Gypsy Beats and Balkan Bangers too" (Atlantic Jaxx 2007). 13. Oojami: "Shake That Belly". From "Boom Shinga Ling" (MAC3 2006). 14. Trilok Gurtu with the Arke String Quartet: "Balahto". From "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Manteca / Union Square 2007). 15. Antonia Adolfo: "Bola da vez". From "Destiny" (Far Out Recordings 2007). 16. Arthur Verocai: "Tudo De Bom". From "Encore" (Far Out Recordings 2007). 17. Interactivo: "Pa'que enamore (Azucena y Girasoles)". From "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! Records 2006). 18. Omara Portuondo (with Pio Leyva, Manuel Licea "Puntillita" & Teresa Garcia Caturla): "Deja Que Suba La Marea". From "Omara Portuondo - Duets" (Egrem / Malanga / 2007). 19. Columbiafrica - The Mystic Orchestra: "Jaloux Jaloux". From "Voodoo Love Inna Champeta Land" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). 20. TNT Boys: "Musica Del Alma". From the compilation "El Barrio - Sounds from the Spanish Harlem Streets" (Fania / V2 2007). 21. Flora Purim: "Nada Sera Como Antes, Amanha". From "Nos Dois - Flora Purim sings the music of Milton Nascimento" (Melt Music 2005). 22. Arthur Verocai: "Tupa Tupi". From "Encore" (Far Out Recordings 2007) 23. Tango Siempre: "Diablo Slow". From "Tangents" (Galileo / Discovery 2007). 24. Bob Brozman Orchestra: "Yaeyama Okinawa". From "Lumiere" (Riverboat / World Music Network 2007). Thanks for listening. Next week's show includes a full preview of Youssou N'Dour's album (due for release in a couple of weeks) plus an interview with the great man himself. AND lots more stupendous music. Top 10 recommendations below (at last!). ___________________________________________________________ Global Sunshine: Top 10 current World Music recommendations (in no particular order). 1. Simphiwe Dana: "Zandisile" (Gallo / Warners). 2. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba: "Segu Blue" (out | here records). 3. Toumast: "Ishumar" (Real World / EMI). 4. Telmary: "A Diario" (DM Ahora! Records). 5. Kaushiki Chakrabarty: "Kaushiki" (Sense World Music). 6. Trilok Gurtu: "The Definitive Trilok Gurtu - Twenty Years of Talking Tabla" (Manteca / Union Square). 7. Martin Simpson: "Prodigal Son" (Topic Records). 8. "The Very Best of Ethiopiques" (Manteca / Union Square). 9. "Doom & Gloom - Early Songs of Angst and Disaster 1927 - 1945" (Trikont). 10. "Sound of the World" - compiled by Charlie Gillett (Warner Music).
CD of the week was Youssou N'Dour's new one, "Rokku Mi Rokka", and
I dipped in liberally, interpersed with a few words with the man himself.
A new Millenium in Ethiopia, so that's where we start
with the ever-fascinating "Ethiopiques". Havana Son's fine album is
now out - launched last Tuesday in Crawdaddy. I've been re-visiting
Charlie Gillett's current collection again (after having dipped into
it here and there initially) and appreciating it very much - it
seems to me more than just a collection, but rather a very good
album in its own right; definitely one of my current Top 10 - and
that list should be ready for next week's playlist. Simphiwe Dana is
a current favourite too - World Soul is my category for her...
sweet! And that Buika track is another.
Huge congratulations to the Dun Laoghaire Festival
team for the great success of last weekend's event. It was great to
get messages into my RTE programme saying "Please play some Rachid
Taha - I saw him at the Festival". There is no doubt that the
Festival makes a huge contribution to turning people on to music
from other cultures. Anyway I couldn't fit Rachid in to the last RTE
programme but he's there below along with a few other favourites
from the Fest. As for the rest, well I'm starting to fit in some of
the new releases that have been a bit squeezed out by the Festival
previews - Dobet Gnahore, Columbiafrica, Simphiwe Dana (not so new,
but new to me), Mystic Revelation, Martin Simpson, Sinikka Langeland
and Josh.
Possibly a one-off opportunity to see some of the true stars of Brazil's Tropicalia movement from the late 60s this week in Dublin - Os Mutantes were the wildest, wackiest and most psychedelic of the bunch. They're playing this Thursday in Vicar Street and they start this week's programme. We stay in Brazil a while before heading North for another exhilarating blast of contemporary Cuba from Telmary and Interactivo. Yerba Buena and Balkan Beat Box keep the party going, taking it in a Balkan direction where Esma Redzepova crowns it and hands over to Rayssa Fatima Tabaamrant for a mighty (and lengthy) salutation. From then on it's North Africa and the Arabic world until Sinikka Langeland wraps up proceedings amongst the starflowers of Scandinavia.
Upcoming: The Farmleigh Affair over the August Bank
Holiday - Kocani Orchestra, Clube Do Balanco, Damien Dempsey, Julie
Fowlis et al. Register for free tickets at
www.farmleigh.ie
Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe",
broadcast on Monday July 23rd.
1. Os Mutantes: "A Minha Menina". From the
compilation "Tropicalia - A Brazilian Revolution in Sound" (Soul
Jazz 2006).
2. Os Mutantes: "El Justiciero". From "Tecnicolor"
(Universal 2006).
***Os Mutantes play Vicar Street on Thursday July
26th***
3. Chico Cesar: "Respeitem Meus Cabelos Brancos".
From "The Rough Guide to Brazil (Second Edition)" (World Music
Network 2007).
4. Zeep: "Super". From "Nina Miranda & Chris Franck
present Zeep" (Far Out 2007).
5. Marcelo D2: "A Procura da Batida Perfeita". From
the compilation "Brasil Carnaval" (Resiste Music 2007).
6. Telmary: "Wondering (Sly)".
7. Telmary: "Fiesta" (feat.Athanai). Both from "A
Diario" (DM Ahora! 2007).
8. Interactivo: "Pa'que enamore (Azucena Y Girasoles)".
9. Interactivo: "I want you (she's so heavy)". Both
from "Goza Pepillo" (DM Ahora! 2007).
10. Son de la Frontera: "Un compromiso / Toda una
vida". From "Cal" (World Village / Harmonia Mundi 2007).
11. Yerba Buena: "La Candela (Prendela)". From
"Follow me" (Fun Machine / Wrasse 2007).
12. Balkan Beat Box: "Gypsy Queens". From "Nu-Med"
(Crammed Discs 2007).
13. Esma Redzepova: "Soske Devla / Mon Dieu". From
"Esma: The Queen of the Gypsies - Mon Histoire" (Accords Croises /
Harmonia Mundi 2007).
14. Rayssa Fatima Tabaamrant: "Ssllam / Salutations".
From "Taghlaghalt or The Echo of the Atlas" (Institut du Monde Arabe
/ Harmonia Mundi 2006).
15. Cheikha Rimitti: "Ouallaftini". From "Maghreb
Soul - Rimitti Story 1986-1990" (Michel Levy / Because 2006).
16. Cheb Mami: "Douni el Bladi". From "Maghreb Soul -
Cheb Mami Story 1986-1990" (Michel Levy / Because 2006).
17. Layla Mourad: "Rah El Hawa". From the compilation
"Experience Egypt" (Nascente / EMI 2007).
18. Farida: "Ya Hamaam". From "Ishraqaat" (Snail
Records 2005).
19. Aznach Ensemble: "Nokhtchiin gimn". From the
compilation "Songs of Defiance - Music of Chechnya and the North
Caucasus" (Topic 2007).
20. Sinikka Langeland: "Treet som vekser opp-ned".
From "Starflowers" (ECM 2007).
Thanks for listening. I'm off to the Womad Festival
later on Friday and will bring back tidings from there on Monday
week. Next Monday's programme is recorded and will feature the
wonderful Mavis Staples, Devon Sproule, Sevdalinka, Esma, Kocani
Orchestra, Balkan Beat Box, Ljiljana Buttler, Clube do Balanco,
Julie Fowlis, plus music from Cape Verde and archive material from
Cuba, Zanzibar and Orchestra Baobab.
Friday's programme on RTE (Nigel Wood's Wide World)
will feature music from North Africa and the Middle East. These
programmes can be accessed on the RTE website (www.rte.ie
and follow the links for Radio 1 and select "Nigel Wood's Wide
World". Incidentally my previous series "Nigel Wood's World Order"
is also up there!).
Don't forget about Farmleigh!
All the best
Nigel
A bit of a rush in production this week due to a
delayed flight and other gremlins. This caused the absence of any
music from Congotronic practitioners Konono No.1 on the programme -
they play a free (but ticketed) concert in Dublin this Saturday. I
think all tickets are gone but check at
www.analogconcerts.ie
The Improvised Music Company's Farmleigh concerts are
offering us a great range of delights over the next few weeks. Last
Tuesday's performance by Ali Reza Ghorbani was stunning and there are
more to come from Patrick Street, Huong Thanh (from Viet Nam), and
Edmar Castaneda (from Columbia). Again I think these are fully
subscribed, but there is also the Farmleigh Affair on August 5th and
6th. Check out the Farmleigh website.
This week's programme began and ended in the Balkans,
and featured a range of female voices - the first eight pieces and the
last three - Eastern Europe, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, Chechnya, Spain,
Greece, Scandinavia, and Viet Nam all represented. Among the rest
K'Naan still has his dusty foot on the road, and Yerba Buena celebrate
the fact that two tongues are better than one! ("Bilingual Girl").
Little Cow are still in love with every lady and Zeep are just Super.
Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe",
broadcast on Monday July 9th.
1. Esma Redzepova: 'Soske devla/ Mon Dieu'.
2. Esma Redzepova: 'Odzacar/ La ramoneur'. From 'Esma:
The Queen of the Gypsies - Mon Histoire (avec la participation de Titi
Robin)' (Accords Croises/ Harmonia Mundi 2007).
3. Rayssa Fatima Tabaamrant: 'Tirra n yils/ Oral
writing'. From 'Taghlaghalt or The Echo of the Atlas' (Institut du
Monde Arabe/ Harmonia Mundi 2006).
4. Layla Mourad: 'Rah El Hawa'. From the compilation
'Experience Egypt - music and travel guide' (Nascente/ EMI 2007).
5. Farida: 'Ya Hamaam'. From 'Ishraqaat' (Snail Records
2005).
6. Aznack Ensemble: 'Stiglara'. From 'Songs of
Defiance - Music of Chechnya & the North Caucasus' (Topic Records
2007).
7. Aman Aman: 'Sien Drahmas Al Dia'. From 'Musica |
Cants Sefardis D'Orient | Occident' (Galileo/ Discovery 2006).
8. Kristi Stassinopoulou: 'Sikinos'. From 'Taxidoscopio'
(Heaven and Earth 2006).
9. Balkan Beat Box: 'Joro Boro'. Both from 'Nu-Med'
(Crammed Discs 2007).
10. Little Cow: 'Viragok A Reten'. From 'I'm In Love
With Every Lady' (Eastblok 2007).
11. K'Naan: 'Soobax'. From 'The Dusty Foot On The
Road' (All Other/ Wrasse 2007).
12. King Ayisoba feat. Batman: 'Champion no easy rmx'.
From the compilation 'Urban Africa Club - hip hop dancehall and kwaito'
(out | here rec 2007).
13. Yerba Buena feat. Joe Bataan: 'Bilingual Girl'.
From 'Follow Me' (Fun Machine/ Wrasse 2007).
14. Sonora Carruseles: 'El Gato Boogaloo'. From 'The
Rough Guide to Salsa (Second Edition)' (World Music Network/ Gael Linn
2007).
15. Zeep: 'Super'. From 'Nina Miranda & Chris Franck
present Zeep' (Far Out Recordings 2007).
16. Georgian Voices: 'Chona'. From the compilation
'Songs of Survival - Traditional Music of Georgia' (Topic Records
2007).
17. Sinikka Langeland: 'Treet som vekser opp-ned'. From
'Starflowers' (ECM 2007).
18. Huong Thanh: 'Crossing the Valley'. From 'The Rough
Guide to the music of Viet Nam' (World Music Network/ Gael Linn 2007).
***The Huong Thanh Trio play in the Ballroom, Farmleigh
on Monday 16th July - see Farmleigh website***
19. Mostar Sevdah Reunion & Ljiljana Buttler: 'Placem
Vec Tri Dana'. From 'The Legends of Life' (Snail Records 2005).
Thanks for listening.
Lots of new releases for next week's show. Join me next
Monday, and also this Friday night at 9.05 for "Nigel Wood's Wide
World" - RTE Radio 1.
Nigel
K'Naan has been creating ripples around the World Music ocean for the last year or so. Amidst the musical over-indulgence of last year's Womad I caught part of his set there and marked him down as "interesting" (so perceptive!). However I never found the Irish distributor for his "Dusty Foot Philosopher" album - perhaps there wasn't one. Now, though, there is the live album, "The Dusty Foot On The Road" and Wrasse Records tell me that there is a Dun Laoghaire gig later in the summer - oops, my lips are sealed! Interesting? - Certainly.
This week's gig for mention is one of the
greatest Jamaican bands from the Golden Age of Reggae - Culture; no
longer fronted by Joseph Hill, alas, but ably led by his son, Kenyatta.
With many jewels in the back-catalogue this should be a soulful gig. In
the Village this Wednesday.
As well as the above, lots of bases covered on the
programme - Anglo-Asian, Eastern European, Jewish (both klezmorim and
sephardic), Greek, and then a touch of Brazilian with a Cuban/New
York/Mexican finish, from Afro-son to cha cha to bolero. June Tabor says
good-night.
NB. The Improvised Music Company presents a free concert
on Sunday (24th) in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, featuring
Irish-based jazzy Balkaneers, Yurodny (including Oleg Ponomarev), in
collaboration with Greek folkies(?), Myriada.... a myriad of musical
munificence!!
The Wicklow Dance Club does its global whirlygig thing in
the Brockagh Centre, Laragh on Saturday 23rd.
Here is the playlist for "Ear to the globe", broadcast
on Monday June 18th.
1. K'Naan: 'Wash it down'.
2. K'Naan: 'What's Hardcore?'. Both from 'The Dusty Foot
On The Road' (All Other/ Wrasse 2007).
3. Rachid Taha: 'Kelma'. From 'Rachid Taha - The
Definitive Collection' (Wrasse 2007).
4. Asian Dub Foundation: 'Activists & Selectors'.
5. Asian Dub Foundation: 'Real Great Britain'. Both from
'Time Freeze 1995 / 2007: The Best Of' (Rinse it out/ EMI 2007).
6. Joi: 'Come Back To Me'. From 'Without Zero' (Real
World/ EMI 2006).
7. Hakim feat.James Brown: 'Lela'. From the compilation
'Experience Egypt' (Nascente/ EMI 2007).
8. Fanfare Ciocarlia feat.Mitsou & Florentina Sandu: 'Duj
Duj'. From 'Queens and Kings' (Asphalt Tango/ Harmonia Mundi 2007).
9. Little Cow: 'Viragok A Reten'. From 'I'm In Love With
Every Lady' (Eastblok 2007).
10. Chava Alberstein: 'Good Memory'. From 'Lemele'
(Rounder Europe 2007).
11. Kroke: 'Canon'. From 'Seventh Trip' (Oriente Musik/
Discovery 2007).
12. Aman Aman: 'Scalerica De Oro'. From 'Aman Aman:
Musica | Cants Sefardis D'Orient | Occident' (Galileo 2006).
13. Kristi Stassinopoulou: 'Jaffa'. From 'Taxidoscopio'
(Heaven and Earth 2006).
14. Zeep: 'Super'. From 'Nina Miranda & Chris Franck
present Zeep' (Far Out Recordings 2007).
15. Gilberto Gil: 'Could You Be Loved'. From the
compilation 'Brasil Carnaval' (Resiste Music 2007).
16. Culture: 'Cumbolo'. From 'Too Long in Slavery'
(Virgin 1990).
17. Culture: 'I'm Not Ashamed'. From 'Two Sevens Clash'
(Lightning/ Warner 1978 - vinyl).
***Culture (with Kenyatta Hill on lead vocals) play The
Village on Wednesday June 20th***
18. Omara Portuondo (with Pio Leyva, Manuel Licea "Puntillita"
& Teresa Garcia Caturla): 'Deja Que Suba La Marea'. From 'Omara
Portuondo - Duets' (Egrem/ Disconforme/ Discovery 2007).
19. Celia Cruz & Tito Puente: 'Rumberos del Ayer'. From
the compilation 'Salsa Carnaval' (Resiste Music 2007).
20. Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta Orchestra: 'Tema Del
Apollo'. From 'Sugar Daddy - The Hip Dancefloor Rhythms of Eddie
Palmieri's La Perfecta: 1962-1967' (Fania/ V2 2007).
21. Ibrahim Ferrer: 'Dos Almas'. From 'Mi Sueno' (World
Circuit/ Gael Linn 2007).
22. Los Tres Ases: 'Sabor a mi'.
23. Pedro Infante: 'Cien anos'. Both from the
compilation 'Mexican Boleros: Songs of Heartbreaking Passion & Pain
1927-1957' (Trikont 2007).
24. June Tabor: 'Send Us A Quiet Night'. From 'Apples'
(Topic Records 2007).
Thanks for listening. Top 10 Recommendations below.
Nigel
Global Sunshine - My Top 10 Current
Recommendations.
1. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba: 'Segu Blue' (out | here
rec).
2. 'African Pearls 4: Senegal - The Teranga Spirit' (Syllart/
Discovery)
3. 'Authenticite - The Syliphone Years: Guinea's
Orchestres Nationaux and Federaux 1965-1980' (Stern's Africa).
4. Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective: 'Watina' (Cumbancha).
5. Toni Iordache: 'Sounds From A Bygone Age Vol.4'
(Asphalt Tango/ Harmonia Mundi)
6. Fanfare Ciocarlia: 'Queens and Kings' (Asphalt Tango/
Harmonia Mundi).
7. Eddie Palmieri's La Perfecta Orchestra: 'Sugar Daddy
1962-1967' (Fania/ V2).
8. Asian Dub Foundation: 'Time Freeze 1995 / 2007: The
Best Of' (Rinse it out/ EMI).
9. 'The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam' (World Music
Network/ Gael Linn).</ |