Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Eli August - I Was Already Too Late
Eli AugustI Was Already Too Late
Label: Self Released
Fermata guitarist (aka Jon Koschorek) simplifies and strikes out on his own. Keeping with the melodramatic and introspective gothic time period music that seem to effortlessly stream from his musical muses, he stalwartly funnels forth a brief splash of somber memories and distant emotions for your inspection.
• Eli August WebsiteRobert Soko - BalkanBeats
Robert SokoBalkanBeats
Label: Piranha Music
Encapsulating the energy, excitement and amazing confluence of various Balkan dance grooves that erupt once a month at club Lido in Berlin thanks to this renowned DJ. A trailblazer since the early 90s, Soko hosts this international dance party friendly to both his fellow Balkan expatriates as well as the vibrant Berlin club crowds. Current and contagious!
• Robert Soko WebsiteSambaDá - Gente!
SambaDáGente!
Label: Self Released
Brandishing a percussive Afro-Brazilian music palette this 7 member Santa Cruz, CA spawned pulse pounding sensation emerged from a Brazilian dance group and has transformed into a wild and engrossing groove stomping treat. Further energized with musical elements of surf rock, funk, reggae and a variety of other tropical rhythms allows for the sweet interplay between the male and female vocalists to swing this party into epic form.
• SambaDá WebsiteSpy From Cairo - Secretly Famous
Spy From CairoSecretly Famous
Label: Wonderwheel Records
This Spy (aka Moreno Visini aka Zeb) is a prolific musician and producer with hundreds of songs and over 10 albums to his credit. Here, each song is smartly woven with a specific and concentrated Middle Eastern groove to represent the many facets of this wonderful musical panorama while being diffused through a danceable contemporary dub electronica template.
Ami Saraiya - Archaeologist
Ami SaraiyaArchaeologist
Label: Self Released
Sultry musical temptations shudder and delight throughout this deep and dreamy gypsy diatribe. Buffeted about on lilting waltzes bring forth a grand display of vocal and rhythmic variety from then and now as well as here and there.
• Ami Saraiya WebsitePrimitive Culture - Fantasy
Primitive CultureFantasy
Label: Hechtic Records
Seasoned musicians currently from Madison power up a full platter of spunky funky blues with happening horns and tasty guitar tribulations. The compositions are further cross pollinated with reggae grooves and multicultural vibrations.
• Primitive Culture WebsiteSharon Shannon - Saints & Scoundrels
Sharon ShannonSaints & Scoundrels
Label: The Daisy Label
A goodly smattering of Irish, Celtic and Cajun musical reflections show off the charm, versatility and capabilities of this multi-platinum award-winning accordion player. She is joined by a bevy of guests (way too many to list!) which broaden the allure and personality of this release to a certain point of irresistibility.
• Sharon Shannon Website • Sharon Shannon WikiMike Patton - Mondo Cane
Mike PattonMondo Cane
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Continuing to push limits, this incredible vocalist who has fronted numerous bands (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, etc) and co-started the Ipecac Record label, finds himself embedded in the midst of an impressive 20 piece orchestra plying his oral delights in Italian. Experimental yet fun, upbeat, cohesive and quite listenable.
• Mike Patton Website • Mike Patton WikiNext Stop... Soweto - Township Sounds From the Golden Age of Mbaqanga
Next Stop... SowetoTownship Sounds From the Golden Age of Mbaqanga
Label: Strut Records
20 unreleased tracks of rare and obscure 60s-70s compositions from South Africa producing a brief historical overview of the infectious rhythms and jazz inspired beats that were energizing the townships at the time. The wonderful variety of vocals and local styles on this first of 3 volumes make this a winner in any era.
• Next Stop... Soweto WebsiteSora - Heartwood
SoraHeartwood
Label: Corvid Media
Soothing and refreshing Celtic music spearheaded by this traditionally styled vocalist. Her voice twinkles with delicate splashes of vibrato amidst the lushly melodic atmospheres that bloom from the emotional tales told as the panorama of instruments unfolds.
• Sora Website • Sora FacebookBako Dagnon - Sibida
Bako DagnonSibida
Label: Syllart Productions
Bako Dadnon is a renowned vocalist. Known in her native land of Mali as the premier Mande musician as well as an acclaimed female griot (traditional singer/story teller) her voice leads with a confident power denoting the story teller that she is. Regardless of the language you speak, few vocalists have the command and attention she draws. All buffeted by percussive beds of electrified native rhythms.
• Bako Dagnon FacebookThe Pints - First Round
The PintsFirst Round
Label: Self Released
Having played around the Madison area for several years, this jiggy Irish and Celtic loving septet brandishes 13 traditional ditties infused with their own dynamic flings and spills. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, kilt and designated driver!
• The The Pints WebsiteView More
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