LA’s Dengue Fever is gaining momentum in music critic and indie rock circles thanks to their genre blurring. World grooves meet psych pop, new wave and a little classic rock as Cambodian singer; Chhom Nimol leads the charge in her quirky, Blondie-esque croon. The band drops Cannibal Courtship on Concord Records.
Some artists communicate either through slashing guitar riffs, confessional lyrics, hydraulic drumming, catchy two part harmonies or long winded jamming. L.A. based Dengue Fever chooses to communicate by taking a psychedelic ride on the Cambodian pop sounds of the 60’s.
On January 15, LBM released Illembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu, the latest in a prolific career that has included more than 50 albums, two Grammy Awards and performances for the Queen of England and Pope John Paul II.
The Afromotive get freaky on their debut album Scare Tactics with nine tracks of funky polyrhythms that could summon James Brown's ghost.
Antibalas, the horn and percussion driven Brooklyn collective, is best known for their energetic afro-beat grooves that channel the legendary Fela Kuti. But with careful attention to refining their sound—adding distinct Latin, jazz and funk elements—the group has emerged as a well-rounded and diverse sonic force. On Security, they demonstrate their growth, with the capable guidance of producer John McEntire (of Tortoise and The Sea and Cake fame), post-rock pioneer and a consummate shaper of dynamic soundscapes.
Much as The Grateful Dead did when they got psychedelic on the traditional folk music they grew up on, Toubab Krewe has blended the deep percussive sounds emanating from West Africa and straight ahead rock n’ roll, creating a style that is revolutionary and imaginative.
Los Angeles band Ozomatli always brings an artful touch to its mix of funk,rock, hip-hop, traditional Latin forms, Asian instrumentation and more. Butthe group¹s latest disc, ‘Don¹t Mess With the
Sharing the anchor spot with Bill Kreutzmann will undoubtedly by his most notable achievement, but it's far from Mickey Hart's only contribution to music, history and even science.
Senegalese native Maria de Barros is the kind of musician to whom one can’t help but surrender oneself. Full of the joie de vivre endemic to so many performers of African heritage; the music, dance moves, and smile of de Barros clearly captivated the Town Hall crowd. They displayed seemingly boundless enthusiasm, dancing and singing along with de Barros’ music, despite the almost unbearably high temperatures in the non-air conditioned building.
A series of life shattering events kept Karl Wallinger out of the spotlight for the past five years. He left EMI on troubled terms and an aneurism left him speechless and unable to walk for a time. But World Party is back – with a new tour and album to celebrate.
