In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews master pianist, composer, producer, music educator, music activist, and MFM Advisory Committee Member Arturo O’Farrill. The topics discussed include the evolution of Latin Jazz, O’Farrill’s work as a composer, his recent CD release and collaboration with Dr. Cornel West “Four Questions,” his involvement with Musicians […]
“85% of people are more scared of financial ruin than dying of Corona.” – Keith Levenson Text by Dawoud Kringle Yesterday, yes yesterday!, on July 31st, 2020, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) $600 weekly payments to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible […]
“I very quickly realized that a music career without Internet presence in 2012 and beyond was not a music career.” – Jackie Venson In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews Austin TX based guitarist, singer, songwriter & producer Jackie Venson. The topics discussed include Venson’s beginnings, her stylistic development, her approach to […]
Review by Dawoud Kringle Artist: Mehmet Polat Title: The Promise Label: Aftab Records Genre: Turkish/Oriental music In the past, I reviewed Turkish oud master Mehmet Polat’s, who lives in Amsterdam (Holland), releases Ask Your Heart, Next Spring and Quantum Leap. I had come to expect Polat to come up with something different and amazing each time […]
Artist: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Title: Four Questions Label: ZOHO Records Genre: Latin jazz/Spoken word CD Review by Dawoud Kringle One of the most important hallmarks of jazz is its focus on social consciousness. Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Sonny Rollins’ “Freedom Suite,” Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus,” Max Roach’s “We Insist! […]
