Category Archives: Reviews

Film Review: Miles Ahead (P.1)

MILES AHEAD poster Review By Dawoud Kringle

Don Cheadle took upon himself a Herculean task of directing and starring in a biopic based on one of the most iconic figures in American music: Miles Davis. He co-wrote the script with Steven Baigelman, Stephen J. Rivele, and Christopher Wilkinson. The film also stars Emayatzy Corinealdi (as Francis Taylor), Evan McGregor (as Dave Brill), Michael Stuhlbarg (as Harper Hamilton), and Keith Stanfield (as Junior). Music composed by: Robert GlasperThe film takes its title from Davis’ 1957 album of the same name.

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M.A.K.U. SoundSystem: A NY Immigrant Band’s New CD Release

M.A.K.U. SoundSystemArtist: M.A.K.U. SoundSystem
Title: Mezcla
Label: Glitterbeat Records (Germany)
Genre: Cumbia/Afro Beat/Club

Review by Dawoud Kringle

The self described “immigrant band from New York City” M.A.K.U. SoundSystem has released a new album; Mezcla. The members are Liliana Conde (vocals, percussion), Juan Ospina A.K.A Prodigio Arribetiao (vocals, bass), Camilo Rodriguez (guitar, gaitas), Robert Stringer (trombone), Felipe Quiroz (synthesizers), Moris Cañate (tambor alegre), Andres Jimenez (drums), and Isaiah Richardson Jr. (sax, clarinet). Since their beginning in 2010 M.A.K.U. has released two albums, an EP, and toured the U.S.

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NY’s OFF BROADWAY Stage Premier: “Even Under Bitterness”

Otto Rene CastilloDate: May 7, 2016
Venue: Castillo Theatre (NY)

Text by Dawoud Kringle

Even Under Bitterness is an avant-garde, multi-media performance piece that shows a fascinating perspective on the poems written by the Guatemalan poet and activist Otto Rene Castillo (1934-67). The performance was directed by Munich-based Hans Melzer. The American premiere ran May 6-16, at the Castillo Theater (which was named for the poet).

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