Group items tagged

Yair Dalal, born in 1955; composer, violinist, oud player and singer; is probably the most prolific Israeli ethnic musician and plays an important role in shaping the global world music scene. Over the last decade he has put 11 albums, covering wide and varied cultural territory, and authentically representing Israel's cultures and fusing them through music as whole. Much of Dalal's work reflects his extensive musical skills in both classical and Arabic music and also reflects a strong affinity he has for the desert and its habitants. Dalal's family came to Israel from Baghdad and his Iraqi roots are embedded in his musical work.

Lo'Jo are as much about an idea as the music they make. The band, founded in 1982 in Angers , has been involved in multimedia shows, circuses, politics, and even hosted a festival in the Malian desert; not your basic group, by any means.

Niger is trapped between Algeria, Mali, Bukina Faso and other countries in the northern part of Africa. No ocean in sight to quench the thirst. Only the Sahara's endless desert. Front man Yacouba Moumouni & ensemble mix West & North African traditions.

Wild! Brazilian Gal Costa performs a rather progressive interpretation of Taureg music. It's strange; I hear the traditional intstrumentation and rhythm, but there's a "snake charmer's oboe" that doesn't seem quite right. And mixing in some free-jazz-like melody/harmony; it's very odd...and oddly likeable!

One of my favorite music videos of all time, now and forever...

Amazigh

One of the best web-based overviews of the Tuareg's history and culture