WFHB FireHouse Broadcasting

Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko

Africa to Appalachia

“Searching for the banjo’s living ancestors, Canadian virtuoso Jayme Stone went on a musical Mecca to expose himself to the life and lore of Africa” (rock-paper-scissors). This album is the result of his experiences and collaboration with Malian griot singer, Mansa Sissoko. It’s an album, “immersed in sound and rhythm.” They are scheduled to perform at Lotus 2008.

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: jolly

#2: slow tempo w/ violins

#4: jamming banjo

#6: short instrumental

#7: instrumental

#8: blues elements

#9: starts w/ strings

#11: slow

#13: lovely harmony

Ersi Arvitzu

Friend for Life

Produced by Ry Cooder, “Friend for Life is Arvizu’s story strung into a dozed songs, sung both in Spanish and English, songs of love, despair, and survival. Her signature vocal, ‘Sabor a Mi’ was a top 40 hit in 1973” (anti) Ry and Ersi first met fort the album Chavez Ravine, the re-telling of the saga of an old Los Angeles neighborhood…, which was only the beginning of their collaborations.

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: very Ry

#5: smooth

#8: hoppin’

#9: showcases the raw beauty of her vocals

#11: another Ry one, very catchy

Bajofondo

Mar Dulce

“Bajofondo has been a pioneer in what has been known as ‘electronica tango,’ and the band quickly caused a stir in Argentina and all over the world due to its unique genre” (Spectre). Guest artists: Elvis Costello, Mala Rodriguez, Nelly Furtado and Japanese bandoneon player Ryota Komatsu add a variety of flavors to this album.

comments / tracks of interest:

#1: heavy beats w/ piano & other tango elements

#3: tango w/ hip hop elements

#5: heavy electronic influences

#7: features Elvis Costello

#9: features rapper Mala Rodriguez

#12: electronically tweaked female vocals

#14: features Nelly Furtado

#15: about Alfredo Zitarrosa & the milonga

#16: interesting electronic guitar sounds w/ violins & piano

#17: bonus