Monthly Archives: December 2010

My Favorites of 2010: #2

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Greg Harness

2. AfroCubism: AfroCubism (2010) There’s a lot written, especially in the jazz world, about Afro-Cuban music. It’s easy to find musicians who borrow from both Cuban and African influences, including Cubans who borrow from African styles and vice versa. This … Continue reading →

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My Favorites of 2010: #3

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Greg Harness

3. Mulatu Astatke: Mulatu Steps Ahead (2010) The Ethiopian vibraphonist and composer put out a great record with backing from members of the Boston-based Either/Orchestra and The Heliocentrics from London. The arrangements also include traditional Ethiopian instruments: washint, masenqo, krar, begena. … Continue reading →

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My Favorites of 2010: #4

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Greg Harness

4. Razia: Zebu Nation (2010) Razia Said, who now lives in New York City, was raised in Madagascar where currently there are some 50 mammal species that are threatened or endangered. This environmental stress is caused both by global climate … Continue reading →

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My Favorites of 2010: #5

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Greg Harness

5. Lobi Traoré: Rainy Season Blues (2010) This was one of the last recordings made by Lobi Traoré before he died this past June at the age of 49. From Mali and steeped in Bambara culture, Traoré plays his guitar here … Continue reading →

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My Favorites of 2010: #6

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Greg Harness

6. Terrakota: World Massala (2010) This is the fourth outing from this Portuguese band whose members have immersed themselves in the music of West Africa for the past decade. Their version of Afrobeat has reggae and flamenco influences mixed in. … Continue reading →

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My Favorites of 2010: #7

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Greg Harness

7. Yvette Landry: Should Have Known (2010) Yvette Landry comes from Eunice, Louisiana and for the last few years has played with the Cajun band Boinsoir Catin. This is her first solo album, and she’s kept her Cajun sensibilities on … Continue reading →

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