Monday, May 9
A special edition of Global Village exploring music of the Tuareg. These nomads of the Sahara have captured international attention over the past decade and a half (following the release of the groundbreaking Radio Tisdas Sessions album from the pioneering band, Tinariwen) with a contemporary guitar band sound rooted in Tuareg traditions. Over time a number of groups have emerged, bringing new influences into the music as well. We’ll explore everything from the earliest international Tuareg releases from Tinariwen and Tartit to impressive new albums from Bombino, Imarhan, and Ezza.
Tuesday, May 10
Global Village celebrates birthdays of legendary reggae drummer Sly Dunbar and Haitian great Coupe Cloue; highlights new music from Haitian superband Lakou Mizik, Nigeria’s Beautiful Nubia, and Latin percussionist and bandleader Snowboy; and for the May feature, dips into the music of Ravi Shankar’s nephew and one of the pioneers of East-West Indian fusion, Ananda Shankar.
Wednesday, May 11
Global Village celebrates Twilight Zone Day with music inspired by the famed TV sci-fi show and capturing its trademark eerie spirit. Among the highlights, a song from Lorraine Feather inspired by the first episode of the show, reworkings of the show theme by Manhattan Transfer and the B52s, and some general weirdness from Les Baxter, TriBeCaStan, Madness, Raymond Scott and more.
Thursday, May 12
Global Village marks birthdays of Steve Winwood and Bebel Gilberto; pays tribute to two artists who recently passed away – Ethiopia’s Getatchew Mekurya and Congolese rumba giant Papa Wemba; highlights more music from India for the May feature; and showcases new albums from Austin’s Golden Star Arkestra, and the forthcoming release from the Debo Band.
Friday, May 13
No triskaidekaphobia in the Global Village! It’s a “lucky” Friday the 13th with good luck songs from Joan Armatrading, Lene Lovich, and South African reggae great Lucky Dube. Plus music from South Africa’s Miriam Makeba and the Mahotella Queens, and Brazil’s Bebel Gilberto and Nilson Matta.
