Ghoula is an arist from Tunisia who makes an aural salad out of Hip-Hop, electronic music, North African ethnic instrumentation and whatever else he can throw in. It’s nice to hear real fusion still being made.
Music Technology
[Music] Vyacheslav Potapov (VP) – Water World
Prog is alive and well in… Kazakhstan?! Yes! Thanks to incredible labels highlighting talent worldwide like Cuneiform and MoonJune Records, we’re finding out about avant-progressive music from places like Indonesia, Belarus, and other faraway locales. VP is based in Kazakhstan’s former capital city, Almaty, and his music reminds me of such groups like Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, and modern bands like Rational Diet from Belarus. We need to hear much more from them.
[Music] Disen Gage – Snapshots
All credit goes to Vyacheslav Lunarin for introducing me to Disen Gage, a Russian progressive rock group whose album reminds me of a lot of the classic Rock-In-Opposition groups of the past.
[Music] 417.3 – 34
417.3 are one of Russia’s best post-rock bands, but they have a very low profile here in the States. Consider supporting their work, and the work of these wonderful post-rock bands which are coming from everywhere these days.
[Music] Hans-Joachim Roedelius & Noël Akchoté – Opus (2013)
To review each and every release by Noël Akchoté would be impossible for this one-man blog to do, but I have the luxury of cherry-picking some real treats. This one, in particular, pairs Noël with Hans-Joachim Roedelius of Cluster fame, as well as a maestro in his own right. The album is a guitar/piano improvisation recorded in Vienna, Austria in 2013. Gentle, plucky sounds which cross into fusion territory at times.
[Music] Andrew Rubin and Jon Anderson – Guitar Concerto
This gem came as a surprise in my email box. Andrew Rubin is a classical guitarist based in Central California. He was apparently discovered by Jon Anderson of yes, and they collaborated on this suite, influenced in part by the work of Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo.
He’s 21 years old, making some of the most joyous music I’ve heard in some time. Imagine what he’s going to be capable of at 40. Andrew is going to be one worth following closely.
[Music] Rắn Cạp Đuôi – In A Grass House
Rắn Cạp Đuôi, who hail from Saigon, Vietnam, came to my attention thanks to C-Drik Kirdec, who scours the most faraway places in order to find experimental music. These folks make fine experimental bedroom pop.
[Music] Penza Penza – Donald Trump
Technology…
It used to take a bit of time for a novelty record like this to come out. Estonian band Penza Penza cuts that time to almost instantaneous. The track is instrumental, so if you’re pro- or contra the POTUS, make your own lyrics if that makes you feel better.
[Music] Pahat Kengät – Tanssimusiikkia
I wish to thank my friend Neea for introducing me to one of the most enjoyable pieces of work I’ve heard in some time, allowing me to get lost in my work. Fans of minimalist composers like Steve Reich and the early Berlin Electronic School of Music will enjoy this. Pahat Kengät sit comfortably between Krautrock, contemporary classical music, New Age and a mellow form of techno.
[Music] Cousin Silas – A Quiet Night In Point Pleasant
9 minutes of deep listening, courtesy of Cousin Silas, one of my favorite new ambient artists.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 