Music Reviews

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Keeping Traditional African Music Alive

Interview with Mamane Barka- the Last Master of the Biram

This is an interview with Mamane Barka, the last master of the Biram, a traditional African instrument in Niger.

In a world where entire animal species and ethnic tribes can be lost, it should come as no surprise that musical instruments too, can become extinct.
Standing firm against the disappearance of the ancient African instrument the Biram, is the musician Mamane Barka- the last master of the Biram.
There is an urgency in Barka’s voice as he strives to fulfill his ambition to keep the Biram going, amidst ever changing musical tastes and the nonchalance of the political elite in his native Niger.

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Iggy Pop Brings Punk Carnage to Carnegie Hall at Tibet Benefit

About 30 seconds into his opener “The Passenger” at New York’s Carnegie Hall Friday night, Iggy Pop declared, “Aw, fuck this shirt,” tore off his black V-neck sweater and tossed it stage right to a waiting Patti Smith, who caught it and giddily hopped up and down while swinging like she’d just caught a wedding bouquet.
It was a rare moment even for the Tibet House Benefit Concert, an annual event that raises money to preserve the country’s threatened culture. The benefit, now in its 20th year, has hosted unlikely

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Barbados Jazz Festival

Barbados Jazz Festival 2009

For me, the New Year always brings with it anticipation of the Barbados Jazz Festival. I am not a jazz purist, I enjoy all genres of music, particularly R&B, Soul, World Beat and the numerous local acts from the Caribbean that hold sway at most Caribbean jazz festivals. Each year, Gilbert Rowe, founder and president of GMR Tours brings more than a few musical surprises both local and international.

The 16th edition of the Barbados Jazz Festival brought Harvey Mason, James Blunt, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Angie Stone, and Chrisette Michele as headliners, Hilario Duran and Glenn Lewis from Toronto, Canada and featured local artists Diana Jarrett, David Burnett, Dwane Husbands, Kite, Errol Ince, Raf Robertson & Birdsong Academy along with Nexcyx and BCC Jazz Project.

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Amy Grant Better Than A Hallelujah

Amy Grant Better Than A Hallelujah
Somewhere Down The Road To Be Released March 30, 2010

Amy Grant was one of the first Christan artist in the Contemporary movement of the 70’s & 80’s.For over 25 years, she has inspired millions. Don’t miss her newest CD.

Amy Grant was born in Augusta, Geogia on November 25, 1960. She’s best known for her music: pop, gospel and contemporary Christian. But she has also done some acting and written a few books.

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