A rather pleasant surprise from Pakistan, of all places. Qayaas is a melodic progressive rock band out of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. You can view the band’s website here.
Author: Rudy Carrera
[Video] Valentyn Silvestrov – Intermezzo
Pianist Peter Bannister interprets the work of Ukrainian composer Valentyn Silvestrov.
[Video] Lloyd ‘Doc’ Miller – Oriental Jazz
Lloyd Miller should be given a statue for the work he did in developing World Music and ethnic jazz. Here he is discussing working with Iranian music in a jazz context. Brilliant material.
[Video] Xpert – Şaman (ft. Luter)
I’m sure you weren’t expecting to hear rap from Azerbaijan here. Fortunately, I take plunges where most won’t go.
Xpert is the local Eminem clone, and his flow isn’t bad at all. Add traditional Azeri music in the mix, and this turns out to be quite good listening.
[Video] Marash Krasniqi & Gjelosh Memaj – Hajmedet për ket Shqipni
I’m hoping my colleagues can provide information on these two musicians, who apparently hail from Kosovo.
[Video] Mickey Hart / Diga Rhythm Band – Razooli (Studio Version)
Mickey Hart made his fame as a drummer for the Grateful Dead, whom I enjoyed greatly (at least in their live settings). He was also a big fan of Indian music, and really did a lot with his Diga Rhythm Band project to promote it. In this track, it sounds like exotica, innovative Latin percussion, and a touch of India deep inside.
He is joined in this track by Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain.
[Video] Max Roach / Archie Shepp – Force
Perhaps the greatest drummer jazz ever produced, Max Roach is heard here collaborating with the equally innovative Archie Shepp. The less I say about the politics of this otherwise awesome album, the better, however.
[Video] Bi Kyo Ran – Omoi-Ire
If you could harness a King Crimson-esque rhythm section, violent horns and chanting reminiscent of Magma, you would have Japan’s incredible Bi Kyo Ran. Truly, the love child of Crimson, Magma, and maybe Fela Kuti.
[Video] Oh Land – Lean (Live with String Quartet)
Yet another Nordic princess with a husky, powerful voice. This time, we have Nanna Øland Fabricius, or Oh Land, who hails from Denmark. One to keep an eye on.
[Video] Archie Shepp Quartet – Go Down Moses (Let My People Go)
After enduring the comments section of a few websites where atheists who wouldn’t know religion if it bit them on the ass, and Pentecostal/Evangelicals who are running a very close second, I needed a bit of a spiritual cleaning. Thank you, Archie Shepp. Perfect timing!
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 