I had mixed emotions regarding this album. On first listen, I completely missed the edge, the incredibly raw, simple and yet so eloquent motions of Mr. Bob Marley, his very deep groove. I had to listen to it more than once. I have a reference for this if you will; Ijahman Levi has an album of Bob Marley songs that at first glance also seems to miss the mark. Upon further listening, in as relaxed a state as possible, I have discovered an even greater realm of simplicity. Mr. Levi occupies a very revered space in Reggae music, one of true ease, reverence and affection. Ok, that aside, I decided to interview or speak with some of the artist’s on this compilation via the grace of Putumayo Records. Here would lie satisfaction or disinterest. The first person I had the opportunity to speak with was Rocky Dawuni, a Ghanaian African who brilliantly, very southernly in fact, honestly and yet introspectively covers Bob’s song The Sun Is Shining. What a nice reminder, there is always a rescue. That discussion, for over an hour, had me thinking twice. Here there might be a piece of Bob Marley, something many of us wish we had touched. Here is a modern and thought about reflection on one of our heroes. Bob Marley’s reach was like an unfettered hug from a distant relative, someone your grandma knew, someone who knew about you and a hundred people who surrounded you, all friends. He just seemed to channel something all knowing. He touched innumerable nations and minds with a message of hope, rebellion and compassion. Do you dare touch this? I think the artists on this CD took the approach of interpretation more so than immitation and therein lies it's success. Here is the joy that Bob really meant to dance with us, share with us and here is heartfelt thought, here is fun and funny both. Here is a legacy that deserves celebration. From Rocky I got the dedication the soul and awakening that Bob so professed, from Caracol, sweet joy, the vibrancy that Bob had inside him, the beauty of harmony, Could You Be Loved? Hmm… Ah, from Ceu, the sexiest pronunciation of concrete I’ve ever heard, she lays emotion to rest with delicate beauty, a style lost and rediscovered, She slips another in with us on Do It Twice, I’ll say, and then from Northern Lights with Jonathon Edwards doing Waiting In Vain, a rendition the least suspected and no less the sweetest version on the CD.
World Music Classics, Tidbits of Art and other musings below.
The Voice Project
I can't say it any better than they do, I just urge you to spend a bit of time here to learn more about the project and how important music has always been in our lives. How music can lead to social change.
A peace movement is an incredible thing, people coming together, mobilizing like an army, and in this case armed not with guns but with songs and something more powerful than than any bullet; compassion, the strength of human will, and determination.
Randy travels the globe to bring you great world music.
The musicians and artists who make up the world of World Music offer us a fresh taste on art. They rarely achieve the astronomical success of most artists we hear on commercial radio and therefore can be daring and personal in their styles. It is such a joy to bring their inspiration to you, our listeners on Clear 1017.
On Air – weekdays during the midday show with Dori.
These guys - Playing For Change Really get it. They are raising money to build music and art schools in impoverished parts of our world. May the wind fill their sails and the hearts of those they touch.
full of some great artists you have heard here on my show. Some of the artists are - Manu Chao, Latin Bitman, Tom Tom Club, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Ana Tijoux, Patcha Massive and many more - Way Cool!
Cumbancha Records (Sister Label of Putumayo) offers us these
Here is an amazingly smooth and sultry Brazilian star. This modern interpretation of Samba and Bossa-Nova Rhythms is a pleasure to put on and let it play through. Louisa transports us to Sao Palo, Brazil with a gorgeous blend of rhythm and instrumentation.
The Sierra Leone All Stars come back with this album highlighting their ability to kick out some excellent Reggae and inspired African Rhythms. The band has produced a documentary to go along with this release because their story of struggle and the redemption that music has provided them is incredibly inspirational.
Razia has a silky smooth voice and the instrumentation on this album is well crafted and interesting. Razia returned to her homeland of Madagascar and was horrified by the environmental destruction occurring there. She decided to gather together the best of Madagascar's musical talents and produce this album to help raise awareness and pride. It's a very pretty album.
Kailash is reknowned across India with an easily recognizable voice. He has done an immense amount of voice over work for film and television. This release has been done with the international market in mind and is a great place to experience the Indian sound beyond what we have heard with Slumdog Millionaire.
Coming to us from San Francisco, Rupa And The April Fishes are as fun as the name sounds. Part carnival, part gypsy, part French and Spanish the mix of songs never ceases to amaze. Their live shows are GREAT.
Ayo is at the top of my list. Her first CD Joyful is exactly that. Recorded in 5 days you can feel the honesty of her style just pour out like few are capable of.
This music video by AYOgets the Cool + Rating. She's a beauty! Reminds me of Sade.
Fabulous live performance of Mercy Street. Inspired by the poetry of Anne Sexton. I read her work so I could understand this song, sadly it's clear she was abused in her youth, deep work and an amazing portrait by Peter.Here is a beautiful live version of Don't Give Up, featuring Paula Cole.
I so appreciate his incredible and touching lyrics.
Here is the site for an extraodinary artist's exhibition. The film and photographic images created by Gregory Colbert are among the most touching I have ever seen in my life! He is the one swimming with the Elephants and Whales in the film.
I'm often asked to make recommendations of world music titles.
Here are some of my very favorites!
Putumayo 10th Anniversary Limited Edition
For a great taste of World Music I would recommend Putumayo's 10th Anniversary Double CD. Every song on this set is great and this would be a superb introduction to the joys of World Music. This CD set is now out of print but you can find it on Ebay or Amazon used. I buy a lot of Cds this way and have never had a problem.
Issa Bagayogo - Mali Koura
One of the most exciting sounds on the World Music scene. Issa started life as 1 of 15 children growing up in a field in Mali. A true rags to riches story, Issa persevered until he met French producer Yves Wernert. Together they have crafted an extremely cool mix of elements both modern and traditional resulting in a danceable mix. Absolutely superb, all of his CDs included.
This is a great remix of some of Issa's best song's. Yves Wernet the talented French producer of most of Issa's work has done a sensational job here. There is always a fine line in adding dance oriented overdubs to the original without being overwhelming and this collection succeeds majestically. Some of Mali's finest musicians appear here and guest mixing by notable remix specialists raises the bar to near perfection. This is only available as an mp3 album download via Amazon or Issa's label - the Six Degrees website.
Geoffrey Oryema - African Odysseus / Words
Here is another artist I consider stunning in the World Music scene. This is fairly progressive stuff but excellent through out all his albums. He was discovered by Peter Gabriel and his first album was produced by Brian Eno.
I own all of his work and anxiously await anything new!!! Again these 2 releases of his are hard to find but well worth the effort. Here is a great classic Music Video of Geoffrey's that features both Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno.
Baka Beyond - Beyond The Rainforest, Spirit of the Forest, Call of the Forest and Baka Beyond Live
World Music pioneers Baka Beyond with a haunting and lovely CD recorded on a solar powered 8 track in the rain forests of Cameroon. They blend a unique vision of Celtic and African styles and this CD is one of their best efforts. Back in 1992 Baka Beyond founders Martin Cradick and Su Hart set up the Global Music Exchange to ensure that royalties went back to the Baka pygmy tribe.
To be honest, in this style of music I've more often gravitated towards the dance oriented beats of Deep Forest. I once looked up the history of Deep Forest by google-ing their bio and was a bit dismayed by the royalty disputes that surround their remarkable CD Deep Forest.
When I did this same research on Baka Beyond I found a husband and wife who have acted in what appears to be impeccable sincerity. I've watched their DVD for the One Heart Foundation, The Global Music Exchange and CameroonTogether.
I've listened again with a more open heart. Now I get it. This work is really collaboration and not just interpretation. You "Feel The Love" on a much deeper level.
If I were to accomplish something of notoriety in this life I'm not sure I could be as humble and unassuming as Baka Beyond. If we believe that music transcends the formidable barriers of langauge and culture, then maybe they're right and celebrating music could possibly heal more differences, more bigotry and root causes of hate than most diplomatic solutions. This is a goal that taxes the classic wisdom of formal discussions but, how many of us have faith or have felt an indescribable ease, relaxation, or realization that once music is in the air, life is easier.
Watch this video about the recording in the jungle.
To find out more about Baka Beyond, the Baka People and the Cameroon Together Music Festival visit these links.
In 1995 David Byrne helped produce a compilation of Afro-Peruvian music titled The Soul of Black Peru. That compilation brought new attention to this forgotten musical corner of the world. Now with Novalima we have an awesome outburst of Afro-Funk, Reggae, Hip Hop, Salsa jamming delight. Started by 4 high school friends from Lima Peru and now encompassing some of the best Afro-Peruvian players this release rocks the South American Boat. They are even helping to seriously bridge the gap between Black and White cultures within the Peruvian landscape by uniting everyone with this modern re-visioning of traditional peruvian songs and rhythms. Video 1 and Video 2
Tinariwen - Imidiwan : Companions
These guys Rock!
Once rebels of the Saharan desert and now rising musical stars Tinariwen's 4th CD is a return to roots and captures a real sense of place and culture. Melodic and soulfull, it was recorded in the Malian village of Tessalit. The included DVD, a documentary of the album's recording, brings their world into ours and helps us to get a real feel for the musicians and a bit of Toureg culture. Do Check This out - Lulla
Ijahman Levi - Haile I Hymn
I have a special fondness for Reggae. You can't go wrong with anything Bob Marley has ever done. The hidden jewel of reggae greats though, is Ijahman Levi. Here is a voice of passion, spirituality and patience. Do a web search and read about the man, then it will make sense. Most of his titles are self published so we're off to Ebay and Amazon again. Ijahman's first album was published by Island records and was only 4 songs long, it was so successful that another 4 song album was made. Today you can buy a reissue of these 2 albums combined into 1, just look for the 8 song version of Haile I Hymn.Feel the LOVE - He's IJahmanFeel the PAIN - No More War
Here are some other Artists that you will hear on our musical exploration.
Zap Mama - A Ma Zone
Zap Mama is a really interesting group headed up by Marie Daulne. We are playing Rafiki off the Album A Ma Zone. The picture to the left is not of that album but from Ancestry in Progress (I just think it's a hot photo of her!) Again, a number of great albums by Zap Mama.Serious Style
Pierpoljak - Kingston Karma
Pierpoljak with the song Pierpoljak from the album Kinston Karma. Who would think that Reggae by a white French guy would be good? It's great though!! Of course this is all in French and recorded with legendary greats at Tuff Gong in Jamaica.
This is pretty hot Pierpoljak w/ Elephant Man -Scandal Bag
Amadou and Mariam - Dimanche a Bamako
We are playing Fast Food Senegal for you. Fun, Fun, Fun album. Both Amadou and Mariam are blind but, that certainley doesn't hold them back. Co-produced by zany Manu Chao. Sabali
Putmayo Presents - Jazz Around The World
This is just the coolest CD I've heard from Putumayo in a while. I put this on at a party we were having and the vibe instantly turned from milling to glowing. Really great selection of artists, seamless blending of songs. Hey, be the cool hit of the party with this one.
Latin Bitman - Colour
Well if nothing else for this great song and VIDEO, very pop but it just stuck in my brain. The album is really quite fun to listen to and has a number of great songs. Originally part of the masked duo Bitman and Roban, Jose Antonio Bravo brings us his mixmaster peppy talents from Santiago, Chile. Funky, Urban, Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova and Chill all rolled into one.
Cuban Music is always good for a party try these next 3.
Chico Alvarez and Angelo Vaillant
With the album Soneros de Cuba Y New York. We're playing the cut Val Careterro off this one.
Afro Cuban Grooves #3
Radio Nova out of Paris, France puts together some very interesting and wide ranging compilations. Love Groove is another favorite of mine, they have several series like this one. Big Apple Boogaloo and the interesting version of Papa Was a Rolling Stone shine on this one. You pretty much have to hunt these down on Amazon or Ebay.
Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca
We're playing Mambo Yo Yo off the album of the same name. I own all his albums and love them! They are out of LA and are such a tight band. Fun!!
Manu Chao - Me Gustas Tu
Manu Chao with another big hit from Europe with Me Gustas Tu off the album Proxima Estacion: Esperanza. Here he is zany Manu. This guy is having way to much fun!!
I dare you!!!!, just go here and see for yourself.Manu Chao
Manu Chao - Baionarena Live
Mr. high energy, reggae, punk, world music phenomenon Manu Chao gives us not only a Live CD but DVD too. Classic cuts, rarities and recent hits there all here. Manu sings in French, Portuguese, Spanish, English, Galician, Basque, Arabic and who knows what else. Manu is really a fantastic artist, seeing him is a rare treat. The crowds go wild and Manu Chao goes wilder!
Arielle Dombasle - Amor Amor
Do I need to say very French! Often described as a "Crazy Horse Girl" for her stunning looks, Arielle is also married to one of France's most noted philosophers. Her style is like stepping back to a 1930's cluband her voice is unforgettable.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Musst Musst
Famous Pakistani Qawwli singer from the album Mustt Mustt produced by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. The album includes 2 versions of the song, one is a remix by Massive Attack. One of the world's famous spiritual vocalists.
Soul II Soul - Time For A Change
This last 1996 release from the UK band headed by Jazzie B is a wonderfully musical production. True to Soul II Soul's previous works there are soaring vocals, a nice tight Bass line, some hip hop elements and an overall groove that just makes you say - nice.
