First off, let me say that I hate calling it World Music, i think its such an improper term and way to vauge, but for lack of a better term, thats what I had to use. I've been going throuhg this phase where I am listening to music from all over the world. I think so much of it is amazing and beautiful. Ravi Shankar is what pulled me into this phase and also sits atop the list of favorites from the 'genre'. Also, Ladysmith Black Mambazo which I got into because of Paul Simon's Graceland (which im obsessed with right now). Its so different then everything else I've heard, and I love it. Im trying to find some celtic/irish music to listen too, and I've been listening to Latin and South American music for quite some time now. Does anyone else have a similar passion? Perhaps we can swap some names!
world is as fuzzy as "rock" these days. in the Indian classical and its fusions "genre," I adore Trilok Gurtu and Zakir Hussain (son of Alla Rakha). Farhan Khan (son of Rais Khan) is a younger hotshot on sitar, and Ravi's daughter Anoushka is no slouch either. When i saw them in concert, she stole the show. I recently picked up a disc by Fara Tolno, of Ghana (and Colorado now) http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=28487670 the vid is with the Betancourt Trio. I got waaaay burned out on Celtic after working ren faires, so I tend not to seek that out. Check out the Idan Raichel Project, too. http://www.idanraichelproject.com/en/index.php
Excellent, thanks I'll check those out! You're right about Anoushka, too. I have a few albums of hers and she is pretty stellar. Im jealous that you've seen them both. That is something I would love to see but I got into their music after they had a performance anywhere near me.
My local public radio station plays lots. On saturday I can look forward to the World Beat show and Afro Pop worldwide. You know Anoushka has a famous sister too? Norah Jones. x
I am a huge fan of Celtic/Irish music, every year near St. Patrick's day I go to see a live Celtic band - if you ever get a chance to, take it. The energy they have is incredible. You should look into the band Grada (CD "The Landing Step"), it's traditional celtic music blended with elements of jazz, rock, folk, etc...it's very unique, and absolutely beautiful.
Don Cherry with Okay Temiz and Johnny Dyanni - Blue Lake Also check out his Orient album. And Eternal Rythm
Wonderful thanks for all the input guys. This is wonderful. And yeah, how crazy is that, Norah Jones, Son of Ravi Shankar?
son? is she going male? also check out Robert Mirabal, Arvel Bird, Andrew Begay (all Native Americans) and Ash Dargan ( member of an Aborininal tribe)
If you can't get a decent station in your area, mine's online: http://www.ijpr.org/ Click the rhythm & news tab. x