Event review: New Age Music? Or Something Else?

Text by Bill McKormick

On 12/21/12, the Mayan calendar came to an end. Many people thought the world would end on that day (and some made a pile of money from that fear). Some new age adherents interpreted the event (which was based on an actual astronomical phenomenon: the ancient Mayans were very good with observational astronomy) as signaling a shift in human consciousness; the beginning of an apotheosis.

In New York City, at the Hotel Pennsylvania, the Meta Center of New York, and New Life magazine and expo joined forces to present an event to celebrate this. They featured several people who offered a variety of presentations revolving around this theme / event.

However, there was, as I understand it, a last minute addition to the program. This was an impromptu duet between new age musician David Young, and multi-instrumentalist, iconoclast Dawoud.

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Enka: Japan’s sentimental ballad music…reminding me of my love to Japan and “sad” sake?!

Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

Yes, I’m very bitter about Japan in general, but….I still love this country. Especially its culture. Speaking of Japanese music I love Enka music. (My song “Sad Sake” is a melancholic tune inspired by a similarly-named song made famous by the Japanese Enka singer Hibari Misora.) This was the first kind of music I listened to when I moved to Osaka from my hometown Hamburg a long, long time ago. Especially after my Judo and Kendo practices I went with friends to a bar where in the background Enka was played. This is a video, shot in Osaka’s Shinsekai, of a street musician who performs well known Harumi Miyako‘s Enka song “Suki ni nata hito”.

The original version

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Musician in NY: Tomas Doncker – his love and support for Ethiopian music and culture

Text by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi

Last night I went to see my buddy’s show who introduced me after his show to the guitarist and “Global Soul Artist” producer Tomás Doncker.
Chatting with him I found out that he lived in Tokyo for a while working with the Japanese jazz musician Masabumi Kikuchi, that he loves Ethiopian music like I do, and that he collaborated with producer and musician Bill Laswell on his new CD. I have been knowing Bill Laswell for three decades. I met him for the first time in Osaka (Japan) in the mid seventies when he played with Toshinori Kondo (trumpet), Peter Kowald (bass), Hano Koji on drums. At that time I couldn’t imagine that Bill would become as a producer and musician an icon of dub and world music. His Ethiopian wife Gigi (read post below) whom I’m a fan of is also appearing on Doncker’s CD.

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Event Recommendation: NYC Celebrates globalFEST’s 10th Anniversary in 2013

Ten years and a world of difference. Since its inception as a one-night showcase festival a decade ago, globalFEST, the festival-turned-non-profit arts organization, has moved the needle, helping to bring global sounds from the margins to center stage. What started as a desire to give global music the recognition it deserved on the performing arts scene has opened major venues and festivals to international artists with deep roots and modern sensibilities.

Founded by some of the United States’ most informed and engaged global music presenters, gF is co-led by a trio of dedicated volunteer producers/curators: Bill Bragin of Acidophilus: Live & Active Cultures, Isabel Soffer of Live Sounds, and Shanta Thake of Joe’s Pub at The Public. globalFEST celebrates its 10th year on January 13, 2013 at NYC’s Webster Hall (125 East 11th Street), with a dozen vibrant acts from across the world and the sonic spectrum.

Continuing its commitment to supporting artists from the culturally rich, diverse Gulf Coast region since Hurricane Katrina, globalFEST has added the Stooges Brass Bandfrom New Orleans. From second-line parades in the back streets of the Crescent City, collaborations with hip-hop, Cuban, Balkan, and South Asian bands, and performances at festivals across the country, including a guest appearance at globalFEST’s tent at Bonnaroo, the Stooges immerse crowds in the rich musical legacy of New Orleans. Continue reading →