“I really want you” by Arkestra One
It isn’t uncommon to desire something to such an extent that you are unable to properly express your wish. In such a situation, the best course of action may be to keep your message as simple and as direct as possible. On this song, Nina Miranda keeps her message as clear as day: “I really want you”.
Arkestra One (the band) on the other hand provides a musical backdrop that can hardly be considered simple. The track starts off with an easy 1970s style guitar riff which slowly develops into something spectacular when keys and percussion instruments make their entrance into the mix. The result is a spacey, soulful and very sophisticated sound.
There isn’t much I can say about Nina Miranda’s vocals except that the longing in her voice just makes me smile…….always.
Title: I really want you
Artist: Arkestra One
Album: Arkestra One, 2002
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“Tajabone” by Ismael Lo
The “Blues” genre is perhaps a more likely forum for the interaction between a guitar and a harmonica than a classic west African song. However, as another testament to how global music is, we find them here on this African masterpiece.
“Tajabone” is the song that put Senegal’s Ismael Lo on the world map with its instant success on the European music charts back in 1992. Back home, Ismael Lo is revered for his versatility. He expertly alternates between his guitar, harmonica and vocals during his live performances. Lo was a guitarist for Super Diamano, a “Mbalax” blues band, for five years before leaving to start his own solo career. He is often referred to as the “Bob Dylan of Senegal” because of his guitar and harmonica combination coupled with his conscious lyrics.
Take a short trip to Senegal on this one…..
Title: Tajabone
Artist: Ismael Lo
Album: Ismael Lo, 1992
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Loading ...“Berekeke” by Geraldo Azevedo
Forró is folk Brazilian music that originates from the Northeastern part of the country. It is extremely rhythmic and a permanent fixture at parties. Forró lyrics are usually about love and romance, passion, jealousy, or reminiscing about an ex-lover. They often are about Northeastern themes and the longing or homesickness that was often experienced during migrations in search of work.
Geraldo Azevedo is considered a pioneer in the genre and has been very popular since the 1970s. I came across “Berekeke” in 2000 while snooping around a friend’s music folders on his computer. I’ve been a fan ever since.
With the acoustic guitar being my favorite instrument, Berekeke really hits home for me. The song involves multiple guitars that interact to create a beautiful “mess” in terms of melodies, while keeping traditional samba rhythms with the percussion.
Brazil….
Title: Berekeke
Artist: Geraldo Azevedo
Album: Berekeke, 1995
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“In my head” by Psapp
I’ve always been a fan of the TV show Nip Tuck because of its outrageous story lines, it’s Miami setting and it’s incredible soundtrack. “In my head” is from a Nip Tuck episode in the second season of the show (please don’t ask me which one). It took me a few weeks of research to finally track down the song but it was definitely worth the effort. Psapp is most famous for having produced the theme song for “Grey’s Anatomy”.
“In my head” has the classic Psapp sound which consists of plucky violins, guitars, lavish electro-pop melodies and sultry vocals. The song was released on the band’s “Early Cats and Tracks” EP which was made available exclusively for digital download in 2006.
The most interesting thing about Psapp is that they are credited for having invented a new musical style known as “Toytronica” which is a type of electronica that involves using Toy instruments (the band uses toy guitars, flutes), as well as real ones.
Original to say the least.
Title: In my head
Artist: Psapp
Album: Early Cats & Tracks EP, 2005
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Ssidy is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Bamako, London, Accra, Cape Town, before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008.
When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I am in, there is always a song that captures the moment perfectly. Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff.....possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that musical thirst of mine... 