Byzantine Time Machine are a new discovery, thanks to a darling friend in Italy who hipped me to their mix of ethno-dub music a few months ago.
Folk
[Music] Various Artists – In The Void Presents: Nick Drake Tribute
In The Void is an organization based in Istanbul, Turkey, which aims to introduce and support local voices and music formations, with different platforms and events. This is one of their first projects; a collection of covers of Nick Drake’s music done by local bands.
The artists are of exceptionally good quality (I will point you particularly to the The Underdogz, who handle Drake’s Black Dog</em> with aplomb.
I hope In The Void continue to promote local talent, and that we’re treated to more compilations of both original music and covers soon.
[Music Podcast] Iranian Psychedelic
Another classic podcast by Adam Kvasnica, who spins timeless weird Iranian grooves.
[Music] Lot Lorien with Jake Wilson – The Keeper
I have a long, happy history with the Bulgarian ethno-folk band Lot-Lorien. They’ve been through several singers since their commencement, and most were female, but during their stay in England, they came across a local singer called Jake Wilson, whose voice meshes quite well with their instrumentation.
[Music] Kayno Yesno Slonce – Mare Verborum
Kayno Yesno Slonce are a band based out of Sofia, Bulgaria, who straddle genres so easily that they’re nearly impossible to classify. There is a gentle beauty in the music that reminds me of Bert Jansch or The Incredible String Band, but one can hear elements of Wyrd Folk like Shirley Collins or the more instrumental endeavors of Current 93. For those of you who like neofolk, Balkan music, or something slightly hazy and psychedelic, this album is a stunningly good choice for your ears.
[Music] Ciwan Haco – Sira Sibê
Many thanks to my friend Oded for sharing this Kurdish pop gem from legendary singer Ciwan Haco, who was the first Kurdish musician I ever heard.
[Music] Fatoumata Diawara – Fatou (Full Album)
World Circuit Records, a longtime leader in World Music, produces another magnificent album. This one is by a Malian singer born in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) called Fatoumata Diawara. She’s worked with such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Damon Albarn and Beninese legends Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou.
[Music] Collection Petites Planètes – Kangë e Defa – Female Rhapsody in Kosova
A very pleasant surprise from our friend and colleague, Vincent Moon, who churns out stream of startlingly beautiful compilations from places off the beaten path (Ossetia, Chechnya, etc). His label, Collection Petites Planètes, presents a compilation done with the assistance of Fatime Kosumi, a Kosovar singer of Albanian heritage, covering folk tunes for female choir.
There is an accompanying video which was posted by the duo at Vimeo, which you can access here.
[Music] Cermaque – Neboj (i.e. Don’t Worry)
Indies Scope Records is one of my favorite record labels in the European continent. Their latest comes from poet, director and songwriter Jakub Čermák (doing business as Cermaque). The album is a wonderfully heady mish-mash of indie folk, alternative pop, elements of hip-hop, all held together by Čermák’s lyrical oeuvre.
Check out the album here.
[Music] Achref Chargui Trio – Tajaliyat
Afoforo Music Club is a label out of Tunis, Tunisia, specializing in a fusion of oud music, indie rock and an odd jazz hybrid. The Achref Chargui Trio boast members from Tunisia, France and Italy, and they gel together quite nicely.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 