Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Funkadesi - Yo Baba
FunkadesiYo Baba
Label: Funkadesi Records
Multi award winning Indian-Afrian-Caribbean ensemble from Chicago proves why they have earned such accolades by flooding the listeners ears with an excellent and energetic selection of popular world beat rhythms ranging from Bollywood, bhangra, reggae, funk, hip-hop, electronica and folk, blended and mixed into an infectious and danceable platter of tunes.
• Funkadesi WebsiteNatty Nation - Reincarnation
Natty NationReincarnation
Label: iNatty Records
Madison reggae legends blast the Midwest with more of their infectiously buoyant rhythms and hip hoppin’ hybrid temptations. Lyrically mixing Jah philosophy with various related paths of mysticism allows for new spiritual perspectives for which their music may glide on.
• Natty Nation Website • Natty Nation WikiLa Otra Banda - Cuatro Tunes
La Otra BandaCuatro Tunes
Label: Sanjonero records
A trio of musicians originally from Venezuela, now slowly transplanting to Madison, bring us a teaser of their world beat amalgamation of South American melodies purposely infected with global influences.
• La Otra Banda WebsiteLaura Reed & Deep Pocket - Live At Tree Sound Studios
Laura Reed & Deep PocketLive At Tree Sound Studios
Label: Treeleaf Music
Recorded live for Pandora’s Music Genome Project, this soulful high energy crew, lead by energetic South African born female vocalist, blasts their way through a saucy selection of material, displaying their song talents plus banter and anecdotes to round out the experience.
• Laura Reed & Deep Pocket WebsiteVarious Artists - Made In Iceland
Various ArtistsMade In Iceland
Label: Iceland Music Exporrt
Perhaps the chill weather of January makes you think of Iceland. If so, this compilation showcases 15 rising Icelandic stars. Quirky indie overtones pervade, but a nice overview of offerings for sure.
• Various Artists WebsiteJoe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate - Seventy Five (75)
Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul SyndicateSeventy Five (75)
Label: Heads Up
Deep reaching double live disc recorded in Lugano, Switzerland culminating the 75 year career of Joe Zawinal who passed on Sept 11, 2007. This world music with a smooth, intricate and innovative jazz backbone also highlights a wide variety of performers and instruments with wide reaching influences.
• Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate Website • Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate WikiLadysmith Black Mambazo - Live! (DVD)
Ladysmith Black MambazoLive! (DVD)
Label: Heads Up
The amazing harmony acapella vocals of this group have been heard the world over for over 30 years. Filmed in Akron, Ohio in 2008 this DVD puts recent faces to the voices. 14 songs plus an in-depth interview with the group’s founder, leader and musical director Joseph Shabalala.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website • Ladysmith Black Mambazo WikiAl Conti - Scheherazade
Al ContiScheherazade
Label: Shadowside Music
Utilizing the legendary tales of 1001 Arabian nights is a sure bet for a theme and Conti supports the legends with ambient Middle Eastern musical structures while embellishing his work with exotic instruments and captivating arrangements. Escape to another world.
• Al Conti Website • Al Conti WikiMatthew Montfort - Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Matthew MontfortSeven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar
Label: Ancient Future Music
Being aptly titled to describe the non vocal guitar wizardry on this debut release from award winning Ancient Future band leader manages to expose his proficiencies and improvisational skills. Although well executed and technically proficient, the serenades are a tad on the dry side overall
• Matthew Montfort Website • Matthew Montfort WikiRandy Granger - A Place Called Peace
Randy GrangerA Place Called Peace
Label: Dogsense Music
Serene and meditative Native American flutes are melded and invoked above a percussive platform including Native drums and djembe plus the unique UFO shaped Hang drum. Perfect accompaniment for a blazing summer sunset.
• Randy Granger WebsiteSlumdog Millionaire - Slumdog Millionaire - Original Soundtrack
Slumdog MillionaireSlumdog Millionaire - Original Soundtrack
Label: Interscope Records
Bringing Bollywood rhythms fused with hip hop beats to the minds of millions, this Oscar winning soundtrack weaves an intricate intertwining tale of suspense and drama. Spanning a splendid musical spectrum these tracks take the listener on an exotic experience as varied and exciting as the movie itself.
• Slumdog Millionaire Website • Slumdog Millionaire WikiJai Uttal - Thunder Love
Jai UttalThunder Love
Label: NuTone Music
Imbuing the Kirtan style with a variety of contemporary knob twirling elements, Uttal displays an entrancing variety of upbeat and thought provoking songs and chants. Blazing a boisterous trail of global fusion and bombastic love energy.
• Jai Uttal Website • Jai Uttal WikiView More
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