The Whole Music Experience

Habib Koitè & Bamada (Mali) Afriki Cumbancha People have waited a long time for a new studio recording by Malian singer-writer-guitarist Habib Koitè and his band, Bamada--6 years to be exact. Fortunately, his fans' hunger was satiated with the live recording, Foly! released on World Village a couple of years ago. Afriki acts as a new chapter to the 2001 studio recording, Baro (Putumayo). Koitè still tells us stories backed by his blues guitar, and the extraordinary musicians in his band. You still hear Kèlètigui Diabatè's balafon shimmering throughout, Mahamadou Konè's talking drum smiling sunshine, and the other musicians adding warmth to the mix. In fact, warmth succinctly describes Afriki . The music here feels comforting and even consoling to those seeking some kind of protective balm. Koitè sings about his mother who passed away recently, he sings about the tradesmen and other workers in Mali getting organized in the song, Barra (Work) . And while Mali is consi...

Shweta Jhaveri Huge 21stCentury Cosmos The first CD I received of Khayal vocalist Shweta Jhaveri's was anahita , (Intuition Music & Media), several years ago. This recording introduced me to Jhaveri's contemporary Khayals embellished by violin, bass, guitars, dobro, drums, and percussion. Jhaveri formed her own label, 21stCentury Cosmos which she released to traditional recordings, Avishkar and Khayal-Saga . Her newest recording, Huge marries English lyrics to Indian classical vocal techniques, (alaap or improvisation). The end result suggests ethereal pop with an exotic locale. Drums, percussion, electric bass, acoustic bass, and keyboards ( New Age Morning ), lightly support Shweta's warm vocals. The music feels accessible without the cloying new age tendencies. The 7 compositions feature uplifting spiritual lyrics. I am assuming that some of the songs were composed late winter or early spring since the lyrics reflect on sun and new beginnings, but that coul...

Michel Camilo & Trio Jazz Alley Seattle, Washington September 13, 2007 I wasn't planning on reviewing the Michel Camilo Trio concert since I had previously written a concert preview for World Music Central. However, the trio's performance superseded anything I expected, and begs for a review. And drummer Cliff Almond was substituting for Dafnis Prieto for the Jazz Alley gigs. The concert commenced with my favorite Camilo composition, From Within . The electrifying performance with all of its musical twists, turns, detours, and flights of fancy left me wondering how the musicians were going to top their opening number! Watching the drummer Almond ride beats,Camilo attacking the keys of the grand piano, and bassist Charles Flores holding down the center of the stage, gave my heart and my eyes a workout. I cannot even imagine the exhaustion that the musicians must have felt. I felt energized. The trio kicked into some New Orleans jazz which Camilo was inspired to...