January 2011
On my old website I made a list like this one quarterly. With this new website comes a new practice: I’ll post a list monthly. Here are the recordings I’m listening to most often in January 2011. All of these were featured on my Favorites of 2010 list.
Lobi Traoré: Rainy Season Blues (2010) – An accidental recording of sorts. This was supposed to be a recording of Traoré and his band, but circumstances prevented that so Lobi picked up an acoustic guitar and sang this great set of songs. He passed away shortly after this record was made. Here’s a video collage of music and interviews with Lobi Traoré.
Razia: Zebu Nation (2010) – Based on roots music from Madagascar with Afrobeat influences with some incredible accordion work from Regis Givazo all built on a foundation of a strong environmental conscience. Here’s the video for her song “Mifohaza” (“Wake Up”).
AfroCubism: AfroCubism (2010) – African and Cuban musicians get together to implement the original idea behind the Buena Vista Social Club. Here’s video of the AfroCubism players from their first day in the studio.
Yvette Landry: Should Have Known (2010) – Of all the US-based roots music that I heard this year, this record of Cajun honky-tonk was my favorite. Here’s a video of Landry playing her song “Friday Night Special.”
