Griots are traditional storytellers. Before the use of written language in West Africa, griots were the historians and genealogists of their villages. They also advised nobility and acted as messengers and entertainers. While griots still exist, their function has changed. Now they are popular singers who perform on radio and television. They reinterpret traditional songs. [...]

Charlie Hunter is a pretty amazing guitarist. Since I reviewed his album Baboon Strength last week, I thought I’d put up this video of him.

Musician/composer Patrick Bettison has been feverishly composing tunes for his second album. The album will feature him on chromatic harmonica. As he writes his new tunes, he’s been recording demos of them. Edible Plants reminds me of a French movie or walking through the leaves on a lovely fall day.

Since I wrote a review for Gilfema’s latest album the other day, I thought it would be good to put up a video from their self-titled first album, Gilfema. Enjoy.

Gilfema , Lionel Loueke, Ferenc Nemeth, Massimo Biolcati “Dream” (mp3) from “Gilfema” (ObliqSound) Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks [...]