Battle of the Bands Result: Angelique Kidjo wins 4 to 1

 Angelique Kidjo uniqueness won over Zakk Wylde's sonic acoustic guitar version of Jimi's "Voodoo Chile." Getting back to normalcy in my blogging we celebrate winners and the fact that I didn't pitch a shutout in my first Battle since August. 

                                             Here she performs her African hit "Agolo"

"Mother Nature" featuring Sting

I will be back on the first with a new Battle of the Bands and in the days between I hope to post a few more posts. Until then enjoy!

Monday's Music Moves Me: Song to honor world music day (21st) music around the world

If you know my posts, it won't be one song to honor world music day. I figure I would take you on a musical trip around the world, stopping not only in different places but in different times and spaces as well.  

Let's start in Zimbabwe.  Here is Oliver Mtukudzi with "Todii"..

Like what you heard I wrote a post about him when he passed away. I had the honor of seeing him with Bonnie Raitt.

Let's travel to Niger for the guitar work of Bombino "Azamane Tiliade"

I had the pleasure of watching Bombino open for Robert Plant a few years back you an read my review here.

Let's go to Jamaica for some Bob Marley "Three Little Birds"

Let's dance in Mexico with Los Lobos..

Hope you enjoyed the trip!

R.I.P Oliver Mtukudzi

I just learned this week that Oliver Mtukudzi passed away last month. I found at when Bonnie Raitt mentioned it when I saw her in concert opening up for James Taylor. You are probably saying who is Oliver Mtukudzi. Per Wikipedia "he was considered to have been Zimbabwe's most renowned and recognized cultural icon of all time." I know of him and was able to see him perform thanks to Bonnie Raitt.

Oliver wrote the beautiful song "Hear Me Lord" which Bonnie Raitt recorded on her Silver Lining release. The first time I saw Bonnie was at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Jazzfest) shortly after that album was released. Anyway she brought him on stage something like this...

Here he performs a beautiful song "Neria"

Not all of his songs are in English nor should they be. 

Here he is with Ladysmith Black Mambazo "Hello My Baby"

Here he performs "Zimbabwe" with Joss Stone..

Hopefully his songs will live on. He will be missed by his fans, musicians and families. He will also be missed by Zimbabwe.

R.I.P. Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar who many consider to be the best sitar player in the world died sat the age of 92. He is regarded as the person who introduced the sitar to the West. H was friends and an influence on George Harrison. He performed at the Monterrey Pop Festival, Woodstock and the Concert for Bangladesh. He influenced the world of rock and roll when they search for world music and the music of India.

To the current generation of music fans he may be best known as the father of Norah Jones. HE was a master of Indian classic music, an influence on the world music scene, and a father to two daughters who continue to make music.

I found a tribute to Ravi...

Here he is performing with his daughter Anoushka..

Here is an interview with Ravi and George Harrison

We are grateful Ravi lived a long live and for his musical legacy he left behind. We celebrate his life and talents. Thanks Ravi Shankar and R.I.P.

I will be back son with a new post...