4waystop

NEW RITUAL

 

I was in Sweden all of last week for a conference. When I wasn't battling jet lag, it was a good opportunity to see what's happening musically in Scandanavia and see what bands are making their move. One band in particular caught my attention.

At the Sony/Ericsson technology conference, I struck up a conversation with keyboard player Jon Gamble of the band Ritual ( http://www.ritual.se/). He gave me a copy of one of their CDs, which I listened to while drinking bucket loads of caffeiene and answering emails as the sun was rising over Stockholm at 4am. 
AAAAhhh, what a way to wake up! This band showcases the free spirit and open-mindedness that the region is known for. Ritual define themselves as 'progressive folk'......very cool!

The jet lag is finally passing, but the music is branded in my brain! This band is definitely worth checking out.

AFRICAN MUSIC FANS

If you are an African Music fan like I am you will enjoy reading, listening and learning at this cool African Music blog.If you don't know anything about African music you need to educate yourself.its very cool and gives you no choice but to dance. Its a place that Fela, Majek and King Sunny Ade would visit in a heartbeat.
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YERBA BUENA ISLAND LIFE TOUR

Afro Latin funk collective YERBA BUENA is on tour this summer to promote their sophomore album, ISLAND LIFE!  Catch them when they bring their spicy live act to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Florida, Gainesville, on Saturday September 24th.
To view the music video for their single SUGAR DADDY, click the link below.   
Also visit www.yerbabuenamusic.com for complete tour dates and info.

Yerba Buena media player, with video and audio links: http://www.razorandtiemedia.com/flash/yerbabuena/player05/

CONGOTRONICS/KONONO N°1 OPENING FOR THE STONES?

Congotronics the melding of electronica, African drumming, chanting and whistles. In a village on the boarder between Angola and Congo a band called KONONO N°1 has been playing for 25 years. The founder of the band Mingiedi, a virtuoso of the likembé (a traditional instrument sometimes called "sanza" or "thumb piano", consisting of metal rods attached to a resonator) created a band who plays all hand made instruments and let me tell you the sound is actually very addictive. Apparently their music is really catching on in Europe. Maybe the Rolling Stones should have these musicians open for them on their North American tour. i think Konono#1 would be worth paying $200 for a seat. If any band would be cool to see with the stones it's this one!.............. This band goes to show that if ya have the need to make music there is no excuse!
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ROBERT PLANT FEATURED AT WOMAD

WOMAD - World of Music Arts & Dance.
Robert Plant and his new band Strange Sensation played at the WOMAD festival Friday 29th July and from all indications it was a great show. More