|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2018 12:30:52 GMT
17: Bangladesh Ali Akbar Khan Garden of Dreams (1993)  Hindustani Classical Music dominates the music of Bandladesh. The North Indian traditional sound has roots reaching back to the 12th century incorporating Arabic Classical Music and Persian Classical Music to create its own unique sound. Ali Akbar Khan is one of the most famous & respected artists of the genre (second only to Ravi Shankar) & enjoyed a recording career that began in mid 50's all the way up to the early 2000's. Where as Shankar was a master of the Sitar, the stringed instrument of choice for Khan was the Sarod which gave a deeper introspective sound when compared to the rich textures of the Sitar. Garden Of Dreams was released in the back end of his career & became one of his most successful records. Joined by a thirteen piece orchestra, Khan blended East & West effortlessly with classical instruments such as the Violin, Cello & Bassoon. The result is a 9 wonderfully crafted, multi-textured atmospheric pieces of beauty. An album to listen to with a good set of headphones with the lights switched off & fully emerge yourself in. *** |
|
|
|
Post by 6twenty on Mar 7, 2018 11:50:27 GMT
hurry up and get to n FOR NEW ZEALAND karl!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2018 15:27:04 GMT
Andrew Barry  I'll reach NZ by 2027 |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2018 15:54:16 GMT
18: Barbados Jackie Opel - Cry Me a River (1969)  Rihanna might be the first name anybody associates with Barbados these days but in the early 60's there was soul superstar Jackie Opel. Clearly influenced by the American great such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding & Jackie Wilson Opel delivers a worthy alternative with his high octave vocal range. Recorded at Jamaica's famous Studio One, the songs for the most part are delivered in the kind of straight up style you'd expect from Southern Soul, though occasionally his Caribbean influences of Calypso & Ska make an appearance. It's a bit shame that he couldn't find a way to blend his roots with the sound of the United States as he really could've made it his own, instead he gives it a fair crack at both styles & effortlessly pulls it off. It's understandable that Jackie Opel is overlooked when soul artists are mentioned as he wasn't offering anything new to the table, though what he does offer is a wonderfully crafted batch of songs with a sensational voice. A record for early 60's soul fans that want to dig a little deeper than the household names. **** |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2018 15:34:12 GMT
19: BELARUS Czesław Niemen - Czy mnie jeszcze pamiętasz? (1969)  A largish selection to choose from Belarus, though prominently made up of prog & metal. Though this psychedelic artwork immediately caught my eye. Czesław Niemen was born in Stare Wasiliszki, which was part of the second Polish republic & now known as Belarus. He was a big star in Poland from the late 60s & throughout the 70s delivering a very British influenced mixture of psychedelic pop & soul music. You can definitely hear the influence of beat music, stuff like early Pretty Things & The Spencer Davis Group spring to mind, though the prominent use of the Hammond Organ mixed with Niemen's powerful soulful vocal reminds me of those great early Small Faces singles. Not as psychedelic as the artwork suggests, despite being from 1969 this feels like an LP from straight out of '66 with its pop sensibilities. Still this is a very strong record from start to finish with some nice arrangements & Niemen's vocal range really elevates the material. *** |
|
|
|
Post by mahoney on May 21, 2020 14:30:16 GMT
It's the resurrection! I'd not touched this in a couple of years. I had written/listened for a few more records back in the day and not posted them here so I'll get them out the way first. 20: BELGUIMPlacebo - 1973 [1973]  No, not that fucking Placebo. This was a short lived Jazz-rock/funk group that put out three records between 71-74 & disappeared into obscurity. 1973 is their second album & it had been on my radar to check out for quite some time. This particular record has gained such a reputation a forgotten obscure classic that originals sell on Discogs often for over £500. This was probably helped by the fact the record has some cool breaks, J, Dilla & Goldie have both sampled from this LP. The record itself is phenomenal. I love how economical the band are in their playing, there's never anything too flashy about their delivery & when a member of the band does get to show of it's always to the benefit of the song. Some of the numbers such as "Temse" wouldn't sound out of place on a car-chase in a Blaxploitation movie. Great use of drums & other percussion instruments throughout, mixed in with electric keyboards, Trumpet, Trombone & sax. The third track "Phalene" is a live number which could easily pass as a number from the Bitches Brew sessions with its looseness. The record ends with "Re-Union" a sinister droney organ atmospheric piece that slowly builds & feels unlike anything else that is on the record. This record completely nails that sweet spot of what I look for in instrumental music, whether it be Jazz, Funk or a fusion of the pair. A masterpiece to my ears & I'll be surprised if I find anything on my journey that excites me as much as this. Thankfully there was a nice re-issue a few years back so I won't have to break the piggy bank to get a copy. *****FakeEDIT. Still don't own a copy. |
|
|
|
Post by jp on May 21, 2020 14:44:08 GMT
can't believe it was over 2 years ago this started. i would have said under a year.
so glad to see it back though. great thread.
|
|
|
|
Post by tucker on May 21, 2020 17:06:02 GMT
It's all kicking off. HoF members returning, classic threads returning and it's all down to one Karl Mahoney. Member of The Month if ever there deserved to be one. Bravo, sir.
|
|
|
|
Post by mahoney on May 21, 2020 17:49:02 GMT
Suck it up guys! MEMBER OF THE MONTH
|
|
|
|
Post by sebasco on May 21, 2020 18:20:33 GMT
Wow this is one ambitious and fucking interesting thread. Gonna try and catch up
|
|
|
|
Post by mahoney on May 23, 2020 13:28:00 GMT
#21 BELIZEAndy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective - Wátina (2007) :format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-5560358-1471124437-1705.jpeg.jpg) A very small Belizean selection to choose from, though they have small population under 400,000, so it's no surprise. Andy Palacio is their most famous musician & was also a government official & leading activist for the Garifuna people and their culture. Palacio had put out a couple of records in the 90's but it was his final record "Wátina" with The Garifuna Collective that was considered his greatest work & sold well throughout Europe. The Garfiuna Collective play a mixture of Punta, which is a traditional style of dance music with African Rhythms & Garifuna Folk Music. "Wátina's" songs are mostly made up of acoustic/electric guitars, sweet chant-style vocals & bongo's. Very well crafted songs that feel self assured, a nice record to unwind to. Dug this, though unfortunately for Palacio he died of a stroke a year after the records release. *** |
|
