by Ian Stewart
I love getting mail--especially when it's from a record label like Putumayo. To open up a new CD and explore the sounds within makes me giddy. On this week's World Music Show (1/14), we'll all get to explore some new Brazilian beats from a new release by the folks at Putumayo. But what makes this Brazilian release different from their others is that all the tracks are culled from Brazil's Indie music scene. So, the mixes range in everything from Roots-influenced music to bouncing berimbaus to Afro-Brazilian rhythms and retro samba soul. The bands all groove organically on this CD, which makes me excited to be able to play as much as I can off it in the coming weeks.
From that CD, we'll hear singer, composer and guitarist Tamy, who hails from the city of Vitoria, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo (just north of Rio de Janerio, if you're checking your Atlas). Tamy started performing in 2001 and even won first place at the 2004 New Talents Festival, which was the same year she released her first album. Her influences range from the classic bossa nova icons as Tom Jobim and Joao Bosco, to more contemporary artists like Bebel Gilberto and Ceu. Anothet cut from this CD will be an unearthed track by Brazilian Groove Band, led by New York-based saxophonist Leo Gandelman.
To continue the Brazilian theme, you'll hear some samba music by Marissa, as well as a track by BiD, which features Seu Jorge (who will also appear solo on another track). And, I'll play a song by the three member group called The Brazilian Girls, though, only one member is from Brazil and only one member is actually a girl.
In the first hour, you'll hear a nice chunk of music from all parts of Africa. From the great guitar work of Ali Farka Toure, to the Golden Voice of Mali, otherwise known as Salif Keita, it'll be a great set. Not to excluded, will be some great drumming from the legendary Babatunde Olantunji, who got some production help from Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart. And I'll finish the hour with a powerful, political song from Seun Kuti.
And, now to explain the "Raps" part of this week's headline. Rap music is now a prevelant expression of music all around the world. To prove this, in hour two, there is the group known as Daara J, which means "School of Life" in Wolof. This Senegalese rap trio consists of N'Dongo D, Aladji Man, and Faada Freddy. In their music, you can hear influences from hip hop, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and reggae. Plus, they rap in English, French, Spanish, and Wolof. It's remarkable to hear rap peformed in a different language.
So, I suppose you're wondering what the other part of the headline, "Ford Mustang," means. Well, the iconic French singer, actor, writer and all around renaissance man, Serge Gainsbourg, wrote a song with that title. If the car company ever used this song in one of their commericals, I'm not sure, but if they did, it would be one cool commercial.
Other highlights of the second hour include songs from David Byrne, Oliver Mtukudzi, Paul Simon, and the DJ Alex Gimeno, who goes by the moniker Ursula 1000.
This week's World Music Show is worth checking out. Tune in Saturdays at 10:00 p.m. on WCVE Public Radio or online at ideastations.org/radio to catch the show. You can also follow my Tweets on Twitter. Look me up, @wcveworldmusic.
