Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Kottarashky and the Rain Dogs - Demoni
Kottarashky and the Rain DogsDemoni
Label: Asphalt Tango
Intent on creating a sonic collage and not some dance floor revolution, this minimalist ethno-electronica from Bulgaria is centered around Nikola Gruev aka Kottarashky who has joined forces on this release with a live crew of old friends and noted Sofia musicians, The Rain Dogs. The eclectic tracks found here are built from folksy samples spun out of traditional Bulgarian singing and are occasionally mixed with overblown flute and whirling clarinet.
• Kottarashky and the Rain Dogs Website • Kottarashky and the Rain Dogs Facebook • Kottarashky and the Rain Dogs WikiChoban Elektrik - Choban Elektrik
Choban ElektrikChoban Elektrik
Label: self
Although Brooklyn is their home, this progressive power trio finds their musical roots in Albanian, Macedonian, Greek, and Armenian folk melodies. Choban Elektrik means “Electric Shepherds” and is a name that fits them sublimely. ” Vintage Hammond organs and Fender Rhodes are harnessed along with guitar and bass to further bend and blend genres and global visions within their improvisational platitudes.
• Choban Elektrik Website • Choban Elektrik FacebookNickodemus - Moon People
NickodemusMoon People
Label: ESL Music
From hip hop to Afropop to jazzy funk to flamenco among a multitude of other influences, the Brooklyn based Nickodemus connects an endearing amalgamation of world beats, electronica and worthwhile innovation by utilizing and orchestrating his network of collaborators ranging from Puerto Rico to Beirut and beyond. A surprising complexity of approaches and fresh musical infusions.
• Nickodemus Website • Nickodemus FacebookNiyaz - Sumud
NiyazSumud
Label: Six Degrees
The album title, pronounced “soomood,” translated from Arabic means steadfastness, which also represents the thematic lyrical philosophy of this release. Continuing to evolve the contemporary sound of Middle Eastern music, this superstar trio composed of Azam Ali, Loga Ramin Torkian and Carmen Rizzo splashes us with electronically-infused Arabic melodies and entrancing vocals that every global citizen will find mesmerizing.
• Niyaz Website • Niyaz Facebook • Niyaz WikiPutumayo Presents - Arabic Beat
Putumayo PresentsArabic Beat
Label: Putumayo
Once again, Putumayo has put together a well-picked eclectic selection of lesser-known world class artists, this time with a focus on Arabic musicians of today. By incorporating certain Western influences, today’s Arabic music’s upbeat, danceable grooves have an undeniable universal appeal. Get to know Morrocco’s Jalal El Hamdaoui or Algerian performer Cheb Amar along with 8 others.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents Facebook • Putumayo Presents WikiSamite Mulondo - Trust
Samite MulondoTrust
Label: Musicians for World Harmony
A world-famous humanitarian and musician who plays flute and kalimba, Samite presents us with a charming platitude of bright and flowing instrumental melodies born from East African roots. Beyond this, Samite has dedicated his life to helping others through music. In 2002 he founded Musicians for World Harmony, a non-profit organization that sends musicians and instruments to poverty stricken parts of Africa. Bravo!
• Samite Mulondo Website • Samite Mulondo Facebook • Samite Mulondo WikiniceFingers - Intercontinental Beat Collection
niceFingersIntercontinental Beat Collection
Label: self
The beatslinger duo of Nick Waterhouse and Dave Schneider is niceFingers. The intercontinental part of their release is just that, collaborating musically across continents. Dreamy soundscapes are lushly decorated with pulsing bass and a fresh outlook.
• niceFingers Website • niceFingers FacebookStaff Benda Bilili - Bouger le Monde!
Staff Benda BililiBouger le Monde!
Label: Crammed Disc
Filled with high energy and enthusiastic optimism, this group, originally formed by paraplegic street musicians in a half abandoned zoo in Kinshasa, Congo, takes their experience to the next level by showing off exquisite rhythms and lush harmony vocals provided by their seven singers. Energetic and invigorating!
• Staff Benda Bilili Website • Staff Benda Bilili Facebook • Staff Benda Bilili WikiBomba Estereo - Elegancia Tropical
Bomba EstereoElegancia Tropical
Label: Polen Records
Bogota’s hottest band infuses highly danceable cumbia with pleasant doses of electronics, allowing their take on Colombia’s Afro-Latin roots and beats to be unique and memorable. Their explosive moniker, named for the monster sound systems that power the local parties in Bogota is the perfect attention getter and sets the tone for the amazing cross pollination of influences and energies, jumping from chicha and champeta to dancehall vibes and beyond.
• Bomba Estereo Website • Bomba Estereo Facebook • Bomba Estereo WikiBeats Antique - Contraption Vol. II
Beats AntiqueContraption Vol. II
Label: Antique Records
I’m pretty smitten with this prolific (7 releases in 5 years!) group. Dreamy alluring Middle Eastern and Gypsy melodies are married to equally intriguing electronic infusions. Add in violin, belly dancing, live drums and special DJ Pizazz, and viola! Brilliance.
• Beats Antique Website • Beats Antique Facebook • Beats Antique WikiGovinda - Resonance
GovindaResonance
Label: self
An EP of sensual electronic explorations through mysterious Middle Eastern beats woven into a tapestry of tantalizing female vocals, signature violin overlays and world-bass beats. Delicate, dark and delicious.
• Govinda Website • Govinda FacebookKobo Town - Jumbie in the Jungle
Kobo TownJumbie in the Jungle
Label: Cumbancha Records
Breathing new fire into the vintage, yet relevant sound of Calypso, Trinidad emigre Drew Gonsalves has become recognized as one of the renowned artistic voices of the Caribbean diaspora. And thanks to his efforts this reggae related genre has found multitudes of listeners ready to soak up the good vibrations and great grooves offered here.
• Kobo Town Website • Kobo Town FacebookView More
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