For our third report from WOMEX, we summarize some "artist discoveries" or highlights from several attendees. What a diversity of perspectives on what showcasing artists were great or new!
Claudia Norman,
President, CN Management
Faiz Ali Faiz and his Qawwali Group - The power of the ensemble and to
hear the incredible voice of Faiz Ali Faiz
DJ Dunkelbunt -
Incredible (a fun) journey to the music of the Balkans
BajoFondo TangoClub
- The finest of the tango music with a dance beat and great visuals
Seun Kuti and Egypt
80 -- had never seen them live before – hadn’t truly lived ’til I did! :)
Mamani Keita --
big fan but had never seen her live -- Mamani exuded grace on stage and the
group delivered a beautiful trans-national sound.
Telmary -- Cuban hip
hop that reminded me of being at a Soulive show --attention hiphopers: keep the
funk alive!
Banning Eyre,
producer/website Senior Editor, Afropop Worldwide,
Yamandu Costa
- Brilliant Brazilian guitarist who
blurs the line between classical music and folkloric styles. Sensational performer.
Toumast - Great
music (more CD than showcase) and a compelling story of war and music.
Neco Novellas -
This Holland-based, classically trained young musician from Mozambique knows
how to write and arrange pop songs. Could have a bright future if he makes the right moves from here.
Tom Pryor,
Interweb Editor Guy,National Geographic/ Nat Geo Music
Julie Fowlis -
Amazing voice, very simple and powerful - and a humble and lovely person, as
well.
Electric Kulintang
- I heard that Roberto and Susie were working on a Phillipine project, but this
is the first I got to see it live. Great stuff.
Daladala Soundz -
I already knew their relesases, but it was the first time I heard them spin and
they really turned it out.
Taksim Trio -
Brilliantly virtuosic performance with a profound sense of conversation between
the musicians. A true bridge between Rom traditions and ensemble jazz.
Alamaailman Vasarat
- A Finish klezmer/gypsy/brass/punk outfit with a raw and delicious sense of
humor.
Seun Kuti & Egypt
80 - Like father, like son, Seun melded the muscle of Afro-Funk with urgent
politics and a raw sexuality and a great band that dared you not to dance.
Honorable mentions
to: Julie Fowlis, Svang, Majorstuen, Toumast, Tanya Tagaq, Kasai All-Stars,
Mamani Keita & Nicolas Repac, and Vieux Farka Toure (in a fill-in).
Rob Weisberg, DJ,
WFMU
Alamaailman Vasarat
(Finland) - Thrashy, dirgey, noisy Balkan / E-Europe inspired band. Right up my alley.
Toumast (Niger /
France) - Tinariwen on speed? Finale
really rocked. I'm very into the Morocco
/ Mauritania / Mali / Niger guitar zone.
Tanya Tagaq
(Canada) - Wildly charismatic young Inuit vocal histrionicist. Furthest "out" new discovery.
Alexandra Casazza,
Booking agent/ Owner, Trouble Worldwide
Tanya Tagaq -
Very tribal, primal, almost sexual!
Toumast - I
didn't know the Touareg people were so rock n' roll!
Siba e a Fuloresta
- I thought it was the most classy show of all!
Bill Smith,
President, Eye For Talent
Mamani Keita - distinct voice, strong supporting musicians,
and fresh approach.
Yamandu Costa - incredibly talented
guitarist.
Steve Heath,
Talent Buyer, Concert of Colors
Gaiteiros De Lisboa
- so cool, very unique sound, great energy
Cor De La Plana -
very well done, extremely tight vocals nice presentation
Seun Kuti - not
exactly a discovery, but lived up the hype.
Shanbehzadeh Ensemble: Their performance was authentic and powerful. The dancing was gorgeous. This was a rare glimpse into the traditional music from the Gulf region of Iran.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80: An excellent tight band with a charismatic front man very reminiscent of his father Fela. High energy with infectious rhythms.
Svang: Very original ensemble of virtuosi harmonica players exploring a wide spectrum of styles and a variety of harmonicas. A real discovery for me!
Alejandro Colinas, Alebrije
Yamandou Costa--virtuoso,
yet not a show off. He enjoys playing music.
Fanfara Tirana--fine musicians that represent
another politics and war tortured community
Umalali—even though i worked with the
collective in the past, working with these Garifuna women gave me another
perspective of this particular ethnic community
Cheryl McEnaney, owner, Wild Child Full Of Grace - Strategic
Marketing
Seun Kuti -- Remarkable showman, charismatic,
visually striking...with really GREAT band. Favorite showcase!
Vieux Farka Toure - not a "discovery" but
I'd never see him live. Outstanding.
Taksim Trio
Erich Ludwig,
Instigator, Erich Ludwig Creative Consultancy
Mayra Andrade - http://www.mayra-andrade.com/pt/accueil.php
-- What's not to like? Beautiful voice, nice variety in her set. Plus Cape
Verdean Creole is so expressive, even though I don't understand a word, I think
I understand perfectly . . .
Bajofondo Tangoclub - http://www.bajofondotangoclub.com/bftc.html
-- Great stage show, lots of remixes (recorded, not live). However, they have
an awful flash website.
La Shica - http://www.lashica.net/home.html --
This one is my wife's favorite. She loved the dancing, the whole stage schtick,
and the way flamenco was brought into a new element.
Petrit Pula,
General manager, Nublu Records
Siba from Brazil
-- I missed his showcase, but heard the disc and thought it was great
Seun Kuti & Egypt
80 -- have heard a lot about him, but was nice to see him perform
Fanfara Tirana --
this was interesting because it was a bit odd for me to see an Albanian brass
band... brass bands are not common there, but was interesting to hear the combination
between traditional Albanian music mixed in with a (Gypsie style) brass section
Read WOMEX Report Part 1 here.
Read WOMEX Report Part 2 here.
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