I have preordained this woman as being on the list of Musical Legends. Whether or not whoever it is that decides legend status actually ever decrees it on Nneka, she will forever remain a legend in my own musical world. If you don’t already know about this incredibly talented artist and her music, you are missing… Continue reading Nneka: Must Hear Music
Monsieur Periné – Colombian Gypsy Jazz To Make You Happy
Every second person I spoke to in Colombia recently about contemporary Colombian fusion music, recommended this band to me. Thanks to all those people – because I love Monsieur Periné. Monsieur Periné’s music is Colombian fusion flavours of a different sort again – illustrating again the incredible diversity of music in Colombia. The group self… Continue reading Monsieur Periné – Colombian Gypsy Jazz To Make You Happy
Protoje & The Indiggnation – Jamaica’s Contemporary Reggae Revival
Many Jamaicans I spoke to in Jamaica recently reminisced to me about the good ole days of conscious roots reggae music. They also complained about the new generation of dancehall. I think those Jamaicans would approve of Protoje and his band The Indiggnation. Protoje’s 2013 album The 8 Year Affair, turned out to be the best… Continue reading Protoje & The Indiggnation – Jamaica’s Contemporary Reggae Revival
Afrotumbao: Pacific Coast Afro-Colombian Meets Hip Hop
I meant to tell you about this band a long time ago. Afrotumbao’s album No Es Facil (It’s Not Easy) was another great Colombian fusion music recommendation from Cesar at Musiteca in Bogota last year. One I’m happy for. Afrotumbao is an independent band based in Bogota, made up of 10 members from different parts… Continue reading Afrotumbao: Pacific Coast Afro-Colombian Meets Hip Hop
Kooii – Kickin’ It Live At Kulcha Jam
After a bit of a gig hiatus, Kooii took their uplifting Afro Beat/reggae/jazz/groove fusion sounds to Byron Bay to play live at Kulcha Jam. The gig was a positive, feel good experience for all – same as every Kooii gig I’ve been to over the years. It was 10 years ago when I bought Kooii’s first release – Hijacker.… Continue reading Kooii – Kickin’ It Live At Kulcha Jam
Circolombia Brings Urban Cali to Brisbane
“I’m gonna tell you about my life. Real life. When I was 15 my life was very different. I lived in one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of Cali, Colombia, known as 13-13. And you just can’t imagine some of the things I’ve seen… But my life changed when I discovered ***circus*** …” x The… Continue reading Circolombia Brings Urban Cali to Brisbane
Zalama Crew: DJ Cronic Interview on La Melodia & More
La Melodia The Melody transcends the border of musical genres and transforms into the concept with which we express our originality, feelings, thoughts, and most importantly: how we cope with everyday life. La Melodia (The Melody) is what Cali’s fusion music & visual collective Zalama Crew call their sounds. Sounds right up my alley doesn’t it? It is. The live… Continue reading Zalama Crew: DJ Cronic Interview on La Melodia & More
Fat Freddys Drop Blackbird Album – As Unique As FFD Always
I maintain that the Fat Freddys Drop live experiences are where it’s best at, for me. All Fat Freddys Drop music though – live or recorded – makes me feel good when I hear it. Simple. Their new album Blackbird, which I got hold of last week, is no exception. I know when I play it that the cruisy,… Continue reading Fat Freddys Drop Blackbird Album – As Unique As FFD Always
Zalama Crew’s Everyday Fight Doesn’t Disappoint
Have you ever found a band at a fantastic live show, only to buy their CD and find out it makes you a bit sleepy next to the live experience? I have. Many times. The most recent for me was Tarrus Riley, my great live find at Reggae Sumfest. I loved Zalama Crew’s live show at … Continue reading Zalama Crew’s Everyday Fight Doesn’t Disappoint
The MP3 Tragedy
Sound quality matters. Ever so much. The movement from the sweet, tasty sounds of vinyl… …to not-anywhere-near-as-amazing, but still okay sounding CD’s… …to unbearable MP3 versions & their loss of sounds… 01 Blackbird – MP3 – Blackbird (2013) – Fat Freddys Drop …is a tragedy of epic proportions. Don’t you think so? Or am I going on about nothing? … Continue reading The MP3 Tragedy