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Novalima – Cedar Cultural Center 7/11/2011

Read More Peña So, basically, watching Peña perform on stage, I can tell you that main guitarist, Cory Wong, was deeply influenced and inspired by Afro-Peruvian from his experience in Lima, Peru.

From the quijada to the cajón, the band Novalima is taking its Afro-Peruvian style on tour for the world to see. It thrilled me to hear that they would be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis as part of the tour.

This band caught my attention a few years ago with their danceable, upbeat, Latin rhythm that is heavy on percussion. Novalima’s refreshing invention of sound fuses the traditional Afro-Peruvian music with electronic, reggae, dub, salsa, hip-hop, and more.  

Monday night's performance emanated with energy from the stage and connected the band to the audience. The vocalists called to the audience in traditional chants from slavery times that have remained a part of Afro-Peruvian music over hundreds of centuries. The lead female vocalist sang in her sultry, smooth voice of freedom and equality, while moving her hips and enticing the audience to join in dancing and singing along.

Through the night, the cajón – a traditional Peruvian box-like percussion instrument that is sat on and played by taping the front side – played a central role in creating the group’s musical flavor. Two percussionists dueled it out on the cajóns creating such a rapid paced beat with their hands you could hardly see the movement. They also began pounding out rhythms and rattling the quijada, an instrument which is a replica of a donkey skull. Novalima creates a modern world sound in its lively set with guitar, bass, other percussion instruments and a DJ.

The band’s guitar player, Rafael Morales explained that the Afro-Peruvian style is raw sound that comes straight from slaves brought to the area from West Africa, mainly the region around Angola. “One of our songs was even a big hit in Angola,” said Morales. “We didn’t know, but we kept receiving emails from people in Angola… because they relate so much to the rhythms.”

Novalima – whose members originate from Peru –were living around the globe in 2001, when they formed the group. They collaborated together sharing ideas via the Internet and uploading their work onto a shared folder.

In my interview with the Morales, he explained, “Now we use that a lot still. Because everyone is in Lima we come together in the studio, we play a few times a week, but the creative process is more in the home studio, and then we share with the other guys.”  

Novalima has released three studio albums throughout their ten-year career. They have been nominated for a Latin Grammy, have topped the College Music Journal radio charts, and had songs featured on movie soundtracks and compilations. Their latest album, “Karimba,” will be available to a U.S. audience this September.

This group’s music will be a great addition to any collection, whether your heavy into electronic music, love the Latin or Afro sound, or you dance in the mirror at home.And honestly, our economy hasn’t entirely given itself a facelift yet, so why purchase an expensive vacation package when Novalima can take you to Peru without you needing to leave your home?!

Novalima

nicole () ♥ novalima.net

Bobby Hebb – One so True

Bobby Hebb - Sunny

Bobby Hebb

Learning of Bobby Hebb’s passing last Tuesday – a name that was unfamiliar to me until that instant, but a voice permanently etched on my brain – I was carried back 20 some years to my childhood. 

As I listened to the sweet simple lyrics of “Sunny,” once again – now so many years later – my mind drifted back to time spent with my dad as a kid. My dad never gave me the option to listen to “my music” – you know, New Kids on the Block. He said when I got my own car I could listen to whatever I wanted.

He opened my world to the greatest classic songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was the 80s, I knew all the words to Buddy Holly, the Temptations and Diana Ross songs, but my seven-year-old ears were virgin to the lyrics of the hair bands that the teenage girls were swooning over.

What I though was torture back then, long car rides or days spent helping him at work, became a great lesson in musicology and unforgettable father-daughter moments. For me, “Sunny” paints a picture of blissful childhood – for others, I’m sure that picture is something else, but definitely something profound.

I learned to appreciate something that doesn’t exist in today’s digital, over-produced and excessively-marketed world – which I also embrace – I learned to know and appreciate great artists like Bobbie Hebb, who wrote beautiful, simple, poetic melodies, that spoke to lovers, soldiers, preachers, teachers, fathers, and daughters.

Bobbie Hebb’s most popular song “Sunny” is one of the most covered songs of all time and led to him touring with the Beatles, and it’s no wonder. It was birthed in 1966, during very trying and distinct times of our country’s history.

It’s said that Hebb wrote the song after learning of John F. Kennedy’s death, followed by news he received that his brother had been stabbed and killed. He wrote this song as a positive outlet for the deep hurt and confusion that he must have been digesting that day. He just wanted to make a song that would take him and others to a happier place.

Almost fifty years after writing the song, “Sunny” still bringing smiles to faces and comfort to the hearts of so many. Fans new and old will forever appreciate what Bobby Hebb left us as he left this earth last Tuesday.

 08/09/2010 20:36:29 ♥ nicole () ♥ bobbyhebb.com ♥ myspace.com/sunnybobbyhebb 

Kings Go Forth at the Cedar Culture Center, Minneapolis (7/31/10)

Read More Kings Go Forth http://weheartmus... Kings Go Forth are a 70s soul band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Signed to David Byrne's record labe...

Saturday night at the Cedar Culture Center – it was all right to ‘cry wolf’ – as long as it was coming from the falsetto voice of Black Wolf and the rest of the Kings Go Forth band.

They brought down the house with their funkadelic, soulful sound and fluid energy. This ten-piece band put in work, and there wasn’t a dry forehead in the joint from start to finish.

Fans in the area had been anticipating their arrival for months; much thanks to the support they’ve received 89.9 FM, the Current.

They’ve actually gained quite a following in Minneapolis/St. Paul. It was evident as you entered the packed and stuffy main room and saw the nearly 600 guests packed wall-to-wall.

Black Wolf wasted no time as he blazed the stage barefoot, garbed in a hip, dashiki-like wardrobe with fringe hanging from patches around his knees. He was animated and energetic, piercing the crowd with his unforgettable, starry-eyed gaze, dimpled smile, and crowd-working gestures.

Like hot grease in a pan, this soul band was ready to catch fire. Passion and enthusiasm was pouring out through the music. Although you could have caught some heat exhaustion in that place, it certainly didn’t stop everyone from cutting lose and getting their dance on.

It’s rare to see a great soul band composed of as many musicians, all of which are extremely talented. The vocals and harmonies were on point, the horn section was blaring, keyboards were being played with hands and knee, the percussion was forging the rhythm, and the guitar, base, and drums were filling every note perfectly in between.

So what is it about their sound that people are going crazy for?

I caught Andy Noble, founding member, bassist, and co-songwriter, after the show and he was kind enough to do a short interview. He informed me that he’s no stranger to our music scene. He’s actually been playing here with various bands for years.

He also clarified how Kings Go Forth set themselves apart from neo-soul reincarnations of classic soul music, describing that neo-soul artists want to make “fancy music.” He explained that they don’t want to “alienate” their fans.

“We make shitty sounding music in a basement,” said Noble. “We shoot ourselves in the foot because our stuff is so shitty.”

Oh, and better yet – Dave Wake, keyboardist, insisted that I correct the statement. “It’s not shitty – it’s poopie,” he said.

I must say – they both have a great sense of humor and they had me cracking up. I guess shitty sounding music must be in high demand, and I suppose I better go clean my ears, because I thought they were fantastic.

David Byrne, of Talking Heads, must not think they’re so bad either. The group is signed to his label, Luaka Bop, which is charged with other brilliant artists from around the world, such as Susan Baca and Zap Mama.

Kings Go Forth is a collective of professional musicians – that happen to also be friends – who clearly got a nice break putting this awesome, soulful band together.  Check them out live if they’re in your town. The album is super as well, I recommend picking up a copy.

♥ Kings Go Forth

 08/03/2010 08:14:47 ♥ nicole () ♥ kingsgoforth.com ♥ myspace.com 

Bievenido a Buenos Aires, North America

El Remolon - Estilo Acapulco El Remolon Tour Dates 07/31/10 Denver, CO - Biennial of the Amer 08/01/10 Salt Lake City – Urban Lounge 08/03/10 Seattle, WA – Crocodile 08/04/10 Portland, OR – Rotture 08/05/10 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw 08/06/10 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA 08/11/10 Tijuana, Mexico 08/12/10 DF, DF, MEXICO 08/13/10 DF, DF, MEXICO 08/14/10 DF, DF, MEXICO 08/15/10 Beauty Bar Austin, TX Read More DJs http://weheartmus... Chris Joss is self-taught multi-instrumentalist/DJ, from France. Personally, I believe some of th...

Once on a cold winter night in Minneapolis, a friend of mine threw a small Christmas party. Beside some friends and his band mates, there were few randoms from off the street. By the end of the night it was a true fiesta; you were either playing the piano, sax, congas, maracas, or dancing in the crowded and toasty warm living room space. Either way, we were friends making music, and the Latin vibe was pulsating down the street, causing snow to melt.

All right, I’m sure you’re wondering where this is going. It’s July – so it’s definitely not Christmas and there’s no snow, and Buenos Aires is in Argentina. I promise I’ll get to that.

Fast forward to last Wednesday. Equip with little more than my small note pad and a pen, my friend and photographer, Dan and I headed out to the Turf Club in St. Paul to experience what we had heard was some of Buenos Aires’ finest upcoming talent. The crew from ZZK Records, which included El G, Chancha Via Circuito, Tremor, El Remolon, and crew, stopped to play the Twin Cities en route to the West Coast during their Northern Hemisphere Summer Tour.

♥ ZZK

Upon arrival, I found the group of guys chilling out, devouring a couple of hot pizzas, while they reenergized themselves for yet another highly energized performance on their nearly non-stop tour. Grant “El G” Dull, label manager and DJ, and Leonardo of the group Tremor, were kind enough to fill me in on some inside perspectives of their music.

Leonardo described their sound as being inspired by funk rhythms, mixed with electronic. He explained, “The idea behind our music is to combine it with South American folklore, which is part of our legacy. We’re interested in finding new perspective to incorporate new rhythms.”

Each unit of this label has a unique Argentinean sound. Chancha Via Circuito is one of the two producers on the tour. The other producer on tour is El Remolon. El G, as I mentioned before, is the DJ. Tremor is the live band made up of three guys. The tour brings you a showcase of the distinct styles ZZK Records has to offer. Each participant has an expert sense for blending and interpreting their native sounds with danceable, electric beats.

Overall, what I witnessed could be described as Cumbia, mixed with electronic beats, funk, tribal sounds, dancehall, tons of random neon objects, and hallucinogenic substances, boiled in a pot under extreme pressure, causing an awesome, danceable, music explosion known as ZZK.

Midway through the show, I quickly stepped outside for some fresh air, only to overhear my friend Dan telling the guys from Tremor, “Before I came tonight I was thinking, ‘What do Argentineans know about the funk?’ Really?! But then I saw you play, and um yeah, you get the funk! Clearly Argentineans know about the funk!” I was relieved to see in their faces that they seemed to take it as a great compliment.

The energy and vibe built up through the evening as the music continued. As the night came to an end, the whole ZZK party was on the dance floor playing music. There were drums, percussion galore, a melodica, Argentinean tarkas flute, just to name a few. A grand collaboration was taking place. A guy in the audience started pounding out beats with a barstool. Dan somehow found a cowbell and was going to town. Everybody in there joint was playing something, clapping, stomping, or moving and shaking.

Suddenly, I had a flashback to that Christmas party. These guys just passing through had created such an intimate performance that each person became a part of this fantastic experience. It was as if they invited us all into their home, as friends, to throw an exclusive, invitation only party. Then the music ended – it was time to go. Everyone froze in an awkward moment, because unlike the Christmas party, at 2:00 am you had to go. Chancha broke the silence with a cheer, and everyone laughed, as they knew the night was over and they made their way to the door. 

If you’re on the West Coast, you must go see this for yourself. Mexico and Europe, I hear you’re next… same advice to you. Say you missed them – well, you lucked out, but you’re not too terribly unlucky; ZZK TV launched on zzkrecords.com Thursday. Check it out to see their crazy adventures of life on the road. Listen to more music on the website. Most importantly, catch them live, they will not disappoint.

 07/31/2010 09:20:16 ♥ nicole () ♥ zzkrecords.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ @zzkrecords 

Hugo covers "99 Problems"

I have to admit; at first I was hesitant to listen to Hugo’s cover of “99 Problems.” I love Jay-Z‘s version, and I was worried that this was going to be another hip-hop cover. To my surprise, that was far from the truth.

So, I have to give a little history on this song to start off. Sorry, I’m old school. I say another hip-hop cover because “99 Problems” was originally done by Ice-T, and of course, Ice-T’s original version is truly gangsterfied. About two years before Jay-Z released his chart-topping version produced by Rick Rubin, another hip-hop artist, Trick Daddy, recorded his cover of “99 Problems,” which was featured as a track on his 2001 “Thugs Are Us” album. 

Needless to say, I’m glad I gave Hugo’s version a listen. I found his cover to be refreshingly unique. To be honest, I didn’t know that he wasn’t a rapper until I watched the video. Kudos to him for giving new life to this song.

Yesterday I found myself randomly listening to some down south, delta blues. To my complete surprise, Hugo hydrated my thirst for more of this music. The video for “99 Problems” is pure bluesy grit and grime, banjo and all. Part of it being filmed in the studio where some of “Fight Club” was shot, it’s no surprise that the video has such a sweaty, Brad Pitt appeal to it.

The red-hot iguana was what grabbed my interest in the first few seconds of the video. From my experience living in Central America, these creatures are more than intriguing to me – I am familiar with them. They creep around, watching you with their snaky eyes, but always keeping their distance. The iguana seems to play the adversary throughout the music video; always cast in a red glow.

I also love the lyrical reference to the crossroads and the devil. If you know anything about the tale of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil for the ability to play the meanest guitar you’ll ever hear, you will appreciate this song even more. (Tons of artists have made reference, or covered Johnson’s song, and my favorite reference to this tale is in the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”).

This is beyond a cover; this is Hugo’s ingenious ability to bridge a gap between mainstream and art. Not to mention, after one of his song’s landed on Beyoncé’s album, he has since been signed to Jay-Z’s label, and may now have the ultimate platform to cross that road.

I’m anticipating the album release. Not sure when that will be. It looks like he’s only gigging in New York at this time.

 07/23/2010 23:24:57 ♥ nicole () ♥ hugoofficial.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ @hugoofficial 

Q & A with Andy Noble from Kings Go Forth

Kings Go Forth - Don't Take My Shadow Kings Go Forth Tour Dates 07/31/10 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN Read More David Byrne http://weheartmus... Reading David Byrne’s latest release, I have to ask, “What hasn’t this man done?” Currently, the...

Kings Go Forth are a 70s soul band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Signed to David Byrne's record label Luaka Bop, the ten-piece band are currently on tour to promote their debut record, The Outsiders Are Back. Band leader, Andy Noble was nice enough to answer some of Nicole's questions:

As many people get into careers and grow older, they put dreams behind them. It's impressive that so many of you banded together to commit to pursuing them. What is your motivation to "go forth?"
Wow, I feel like people must think we are retired with grandchildren the way that question sounds! I am 34 and have been involved in music: playing/writing/recording/DJing/running my record shop label/etc for my whole life. We aren't like factory workers or something. I don't know who's been spreading those rumors around! I still get carded every time I buy beer.. Blackwolf, the oldest member of the group, has also been singing and writing consistently throughout his life. Yes, many of the members of the group have other things they do for money, but at the level we are at, I think that's normal. Everywhere you go in Milwaukee, the bartender is the guy from Decibully or the waitress is the singer in some band. I don't think that's odd at all, is it?

As far as our motivation, I can only speak for myself, but I think it's quite simply to make good music. My life was just fine, in fact much simpler and enjoyable, before this group experienced success. The only reason for me to stay involved at this point is the chance to create some amazing music. It is virtually impossible to make any money w/ a 10-piece group, so the motivations become more pure I guess.

I've read that you all have other careers. How do you balance the two careers and how supportive have your employers been?
Well, first off, KGF isn't anything even remotely resembling a 'career' for any of us yet. At least financially. Most peoples' jobs have been pretty cool so far, although we haven't pushed it too much yet. We really should have been touring full-time since spring to support the LP, and instead we've been doing 2/3 shows here and there. Europe this fall will be the first significant trip and we'll see how that fairs.

What has been the most challenging part of making this all possible?
The fact that everyone in this huge group is so totally different culturally from each other. It is also one of the coolest parts of the group, but communication is sometimes really difficult. Also, the stress of making enough money to break even. It's so easy for us to go play a couple of shows, then come back to find we have lost $5,000 somehow. The expenses are just silly.

Much of your audience is younger and possible didn't get to grow up listening to much of the music that influences you. What message do you hope to pass onto them?
The sounds that we are tapping into have never really gone away. I was raised in the 80s, it's not like I was hearing tons of 60s soul at the school dance or anything. But it was still getting to me and my peers via rap music. Rob Base 'It Takes Two' was like the biggest song in 7th grade for all of us, and that is basically just 'Think' by Lyn Collins (a James Brown production). That rough and real soul sound has been a constant in American culture since it's inception, whether people realize it or not. We are simply one presence in a larger continuum that is soul music, or really American music.

Milwaukee is a great Midwestern city that often gets overshadowed by (the also great) Chicago. If you could say anything about where you are from and how it has shaped you, what would that be?
I feel like Milwaukee is all-American in most of the good ways, without all the Jesus-freak/guns+ammo trappings that accompany that in many other 'all-american' towns. Not that we don't have that, it's just not the prevailing culture here. We are really a good-times city , people love their music and their beer - that's for sure! Also, the lower cost of living fosters a fairly big arts/music scene - much larger, hipper, and prolific that out-of-towners expect.

On a more specific to KGF topic, I would say that the R&B music written and recorded here since the 50s would rival that, in quality if not quantity, of any of the other soul meccas. And that has been a huge influence on Blackwolf and I.

Any crazy road stories that you haven't told yet?
I wish! After we're done playing it's always about trying to get all 10 of the guys back in the van. I always hear about some cool after-spot or something but there's 10 of us and usually 1/2 cars so... Talk to us after we're back from Europe, if we don't have something good for you by then there's no hope for us!

 07/22/2010 21:12:06 ♥ nicole () ♥ kingsgoforth.com ♥ myspace.com 

Lachi

Lachi - We Can Fly Lachi Tour Dates 07/22/10 Joe’s Pub - New York 07/24/10 Lucky Dog Music Hall Boston, MA 07/27/10 Fire Philadelphia, PA 08/05/10 CW 11 - NY Morning News 08/07/10 Visions VCB  Valley, NY 08/12/10 Musikfest Bethlehem, PA 08/14/10 Arts - East N.Y. Festival 08/25/10 Best Buy - Union Square NY 08/26/10 Visions New York, NY

    Lachi is a singer-songwriter I hadn’t heard of until recently. When reading another review for the new album, which is self-titled and due for release July 27, I was drawn to read more when I saw that she was born blind and is playing with an all-blind band.

    Not too long ago I was thinking about the fact that in recent times there really haven’t been any emerging musicians that are blind. The most current artists I can think of are Andrea Bocelli, and of course, Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles.

    I always have great admiration for people who are labeled with a so-called “handicap” and go on to do greater things than most will ever do. There is something mystifying about those who can’t see the world through their eyes. Their other senses over-compensate, and magnificent super human senses develop. I can’t imagine how different that world is.

    Lachi reflects her confidence and inner beauty through the song “Ugly Beautiful,” on this album as she repeats the lyrics, “Tell me, why should I change?” She seems reassuringly secure with who she is today.

    She pours out lyrics, revealing her vulnerability and struggles. Telling stories of love, friendship, and perspective. I felt that a lot of the album was very reminiscent of the 90s ballads that were full of female angst, such as Meredith Brook’s “Bitch” and Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.”

    Her uncomfortably bittersweet vocals will definitely cause you to stop what you’re doing and listen. There’s nothing common in the soulful, folky melody she resounds. Her voice plays on your sensory receptors as you’re left deciding if you like what you’re hearing.

    Although her voice stands out as being unique, I found most the production on the album to be redundant and unoriginal. Songs like “Ugly Beautiful” and “Slow Down” stood out while others didn’t. I think she has potential and hopefully we will see this followed up with a more mature sophomore album.

 07/21/2010 22:14:10 ♥ nicole () ♥ ulachi.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ @ulachi 

Putumayo Presents - South Africa and Latin Party

Read More Putumayo World Music http://weheartmus... Putumayo World Music was established to introduce people to the music of the world's cultures. Th...

When it comes to world music, no one can hold a candle to Putumayo. This New York company started out in clothing, then to music, and now, ta-da, books. I should also point out that all Putumayo CD releases comes with 30+ page booklet, written in English, French, and Spanish, so it just made perfect sense to me that they'd venture into printing.

Just in time for the Summer, for a limited time, if you buy three Putumayo CDs, you get Putumayo World Party absolutely free. Can't decide what to get? Here are two albums for your consideration:

Putumayo Presents - South Africa

For the first time, 2010 FIFA World Cup, is taking place on Africa's soils, and to celebrate, Putumayo's latest compilation is called South Africa. Sadly, I think the South African team did not make it into the final rounds, but I don't think that would stop the vuvuzelas from invading the final knockout games.

One thing I've picked up from listening to this Putumayo's album is that South African's music is, it's quite calm and cool. There's some hints of reggae (Zoro's "Work" is a really good example), traditional Kwaito (Bholoja's "Mbombela"), and sometime rap (Blk Sonshine's "Nkosi"). The different style of music, reflects a rich and diverse culture found in South Africa. Although I could not tell you if all eleven official languages were sung, I can tell you that there's Zulu on the a cappella "Ngahlulele" by Soweto Gospel Choir.

My favorite song is the English song, "Beautiful Feet" by Nibs van der Spuy. The slow acoustic really brings out van der Spuy's beautiful voice.

Be on the lookout for Putumayo's next release Tribute to a Reggae Legend (which contain a track from my favorite Bralizian, Céu).

Putumayo Presents - Latin Party

Salsa anyone?! The rhythmic sound of this compilation took me away to a sweaty dance floor in a packed Latin dance club - far from the Midwest where I reside.

This CD infuses sounds from many regions of Latin America, combining salsa, cumbia, Afro-Cuban, funk, soul, and jazz. The percussion, the brass horns, the vocals - muy caliente!

Putumayo, the company that put together this quality collection of tunes, successfully pieced together a variety of fresh faces in the Latin scene. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t already have an extensive collection of Latin music that includes these new artists. If you’re looking for some danceable music to throw on for your party this summer, this is perfect.

I really enjoyed the song “Asi Se Compone Un Son” by Cecilia Noël. Her voice is solid and she definitely sounds a bit like the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz.

Also, keep your eyes open for the group Yerba Buena out of New York. Nominated for a Grammy in 2003, they’ve gained quite a bit of recognition and have a great, funky sound. The lead singer, Cucu Diamantes, recently released a solo album as well. Itunes has been recommending I buy both artists’ music for a year now. Time to get out the wallet

 

 06/29/2010 00:29:34 ♥ vu y nicole ♥ www.putumayo.com