Photo by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi
Date: August 28, 2010
Venue: Joe’s Pub August 28, 2010
Text by Jim Hoey
Elikeh performing a set of strong, politically-tinged dance tunes at Joe’s Pub (NY)!!
Category Archives: Reviews
Angels Of Persepolis vs. Rah Rah?!
Reviewed by Piruz Paltow
Artist: Mehran
Title: Angels Of Persepolis
Label: Mehran Publishing
Cat.#: 884501269117
Genre: nu flamenco, world, classical, jazz, traditional Persian
Many artists have made the connection of Persian and Flamenco music and Flamenco guitarist Mehran‘s, who’s last name is Jalili, latest effort proves to be another worthy one. The common formula of Spanish rhythms with Persian melodies has always been a great recipe and this well-produced recording was obviously well-thought during its creation. The apparent inspiration of this recording was the recent political activities in Iran and this recording honors the bravery of the citizens that stood up to the oppression of its current regime. With tasteful melodies and introspective Dark Side of the Moon-influenced introductions throughout the record, Mehran’s music transcends the standard world cross-over tag.
This recording features quality musicianship and heartfelt arrangements of each song. Some choice cuts are “Yare Dabestani” and “Ahriman” both well mixed with great guitar tone and percussion sounds that makes this recording worthy of a good listen and also stands as relaxing atmosphere music.
The Yoshida Brothers challenging the boundaries of Tsugaru Shamisen music!
Date: August 3, 2010
Venue: Highline Ballroom, NY
By Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi and Jim Hoey
The Japanese shamisen in the west has a number of images associated with it: the delicately robed geisha entering a quiet chamber, seating herself before the patron, and setting the instrument gently on her body, plucking strings with the bachi (plectrum, or pick) and singing before moving on to other diversions; there’s also the image of the blind shamisen player in black and white films playing for money on a doorstep or in a Yakitori-ya (a tiny Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori, or skewered grilled chicken meat) with yakuza nearby harassing them or while the manic, soft, or melodic strains of the instrument ring out as background music and the patrons grow wild with drink, passion and despondency before succumbing to oblivion.
M.I.A. – Pumping Out Power!
Date: September 27th, 2010
Venue: Terminal 5
Text and photos by Jim Hoey
At Terminal 5 on Sept. 27th, M.I.A., aka Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, came on to the stage draped in dark robes, glasses over her eyes, dancers at her side, namely Cisco and White Boi, and a trio of shuffling burka-clad crew attendants over on the right, like maddened under sharia law, popping off lines from the new album, singing “The Message” before rolling into “Galang”.
“Blaze a blaze (galang a lang a lang lang)
Purple haze (galang a lang a lang lang)
London calling
speak the slang now
boys say wha
come on girls say what, say wha “
Nu Highlife performed by The Occidental Brothers Dance Band International with Congolese legend singer Samba Mapangala!
Date: July 22, 2010
Venue: Le Poisson Rouge
Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi & Jim Hoey
Although the Occidental Brothers have been making a name for themselves for their revival of the African Highlife style of music that they play based out of Chicago, at this NYC show at Le Poisson Rouge, they featured Congolese legend Samba Mapangala. This mix allows the band to pay tribute to the classics of Ghana and West Africa while at the same time adding their own stamp on the genre with originals and instrumentals. Whichever they do, the African pulse and the Highlife guitar runs are all there and it’s hard to sit still or resist the urge to dance once they get started.
