Jan 31, 2012

Tarantella: Gothic Influenced Folk Music

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Tarantella-Kal-Cahoone-and-John-Rumley-gothic-folk-musicTarantella! You think that it is an Italian folk dance or a Chuck Mangione album, right? I would like to introduce a great band from America. I have met with this band several months ago. Hearing talented female vocal, amazing musicality and sound made the band one of my favorites. The music contains American folk, gothic, indie, and rock elements with a perfect sound. We also could hear Latin and Spanish inspired melodies. If you like to find a unique sound and musicality, do not hesitate to buy a Tarantella album. Their melancholic and moody melodies with a dark sound will fascinate you. Watch the video I gave below to discover a great band Tarantella’s gothic influenced folk music.

Tarantella Dame Fuego video has been added upon permission of the band. Buy the album from Amazon.

Kal Cahoone met with multi instrumentalist John Rumley and they decided to start a band together. Tarantella’s original lineup is Kal Cahoone, John Rumley, Chad E. Johnson, Robert Ferbrache, Kelly O’Dea and Daniel Grandbois. Some members are from Slim Cessna's Auto Club that it is also the great American folk band. Tarantella combines American folk, Latin folk, gothic, indie and rock elements with English and Spanish lyrics. You should hear Kal Cahoone’s excellent vocal with the dark and melancholic sound. Instrumental variety is also very good that it is possible to hear banjo, accordion, violin, guitar, Jew’s harp and the other instruments used in folk music.

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Tarantella has only one album named in Esqueletos. The album was released in 2005. I do not know why they did not make more albums. I hope we could hear more albums from Tarantella with Kal Cahoone’s fascinating vocal. She also has other projects with different musicians. Gothic atmosphere, moody and melancholic songs, Latin inspirations, good combination with American folk made Tarantella a high quality band. All the songs in Esqueletos album are suggested extremely. They are perfect songs that I especially suggest Dame Fuego, Southern Cross, Chi Sa Dove Sara, and Mexican Wine songs.

tarantella-esqueletos-gothic-folk-indie-albumTarantella is a great band combines folk and gothic elements successfully. Do not lose the album named in Esqueletos. I have checked some music forums that some writers suggest the band to Mazzy Star and Calexico fans. Please visit Tarantella official MySpace to listen some of their songs. I believe that the dark atmosphere will affect your feelings and you will buy the album to support them so that they make new albums.

http://www.myspace.com/tarantelladenver

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Jan 29, 2012

Two Steps from Hell: Epic Music from Trailers

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two-steps-from-hell-epic-music-trailer-catalog-hellDo you like trailers’ music? Sometimes, we see movie or game trailers and hear their magical and epic sound. Last year, I met with Two Steps from Hell on Youtube. After I heard their music first time, I though it was a part from Hans Zimmer soundtracks. If you are a fan of epic music and movie or game trailers, Two Steps from Hell performs music satisfy your expectation from epic music. Actually, it is not a music band. Two Steps from Hell is a music production company founded by Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix. Los Angeles, California based company produces trailer music for movies, TV series, computer games, and so on. The name of the company resembles a rock or heavy metal band’s name. After you meet their magical music, you will feel the atmosphere from ancient era.

This video has been created with Creative Commons License. Reissue is allowed by the owner.

Their music used in trailers for some movies like Star Trek, Prince of Persia, Pirates of the Caribbean, No Country for Old Men, The Fighter, X-Men: First Class, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, X-Men, The Town, Matrix, Inception, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Dark Knight, 2012, Avatar, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It is a successful list, right? We also heard their music in trailers for some TV shows like Game of Thrones, Frozen Planet, Merlin, Doctor Who, and Blue Mountain State. And, computer games! I am a fan of computer games soundtracks. Hearing their music in some perfect games’ trailers fascinates me. You could hear their music in trailers for Mass Effect 2 and Killzone 3.

The company does not produce albums for public. They only have two public albums under the name Two Steps from Hell. They also released two public albums under Thomas Bergersen’s name. The company has many music catalogs used by film producers. Although they are not public albums, it is easy to find them on the internet. Their public albums are compilations of those catalogs. Their public discography is;

  • Invincible (2010) is the first compilation. You should hear Protector of the Earth, Freedom Fighters, Heart of Courage and 1000 Ships of the Underworld are my favorites. I suggest the album extremely. Do not lose the magical album.
  • llusions (2011) is an album published under Thomas Bergersen’s name.
  • Archangel (2011)
  • Sun (2012) is an album published under Thomas Bergersen’s name.

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I suggest all albums of Two Steps from Hell and albums under Thomas Bergersen name. Epic music, choir, and fascinating atmosphere will take you to another world. If you are a fan of epic music, Two Steps from Hell creates music for you.

You could visit their official website to watch trailers they provide music. You also could get more information about their demonstration albums and music catalogs.

http://www.twostepsfromhell.com

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Jan 28, 2012

Figli Di Madre Ignota: Balkan Music Meets Funny Italian Ska

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figli-di-madre-ignota-spaghetti-balkan-musicToday, I would like to write about funny bands. I checked my list and I saw one of my favorites Figli Di Madre Ignota. It is a band from Milano, Italy. Their sound is interesting that it is mixture of Balkan and klezmer rhythms with rock and ska. If you like Eastern Europe rhythms and Balkan music with funny guitar sound, Figli Di Madre Ignota will be an exciting band for you. They describe their music as Spaghetti Balkan. They really have a unique sound that elements of Balkan music, klezmer, polka and the other eastern and middle Europe fused with modern elements successfully. I could say that they reflect Italian energy to their music. You could hear hot guitar riffs and Balkan brass rhythms with funny vocals. Click here to listen some of their songs.

This video has been added upon permission of the band. visit figlidimadreignota.it for more items.

Figli Di Madre Ignota’s original lineup is Donato Brienza (guitar), Massimo Predda (trombone), Fabio Cardullo (saxophone), Stefano Iascone (trumpet), Massimo Marini (vocal), Marco Pampa Pampaluna (guitar), Andrea Castelli (bass), and Cristiano Novello (drum). The eight funny men perform crazy music with some guest performers. Combining elements of ska, punk, rock, swing, gypsy jazz, and Balkan brass music, make them cut across styles, genres, decades and continents. Their live performance is also perfect that I saw them in Istanbul in 2008. Actually, it was a wrong place to play, although their performance was perfect. I believe that we could have great time with them and their crazy music, if they choose a better place.

Figli Di Madre Ignota has four studio albums. They also appeared in some compilation albums like Balkan Fever and Balkan Beats. Let us see their discography and see my suggestions.

  • Kanakapila (2001) is a funny album that you could find songs mixture of Balkan music and ska. Some Italian ballads will fascinate you. You will enjoy hearing the unique sound. Il Gitano Elettrico, Baci Da Taormina, L'ultima Notte A Brooklyn, Kanakapila and Rumba Del Capitano are my favorites.
  • Tamboo Tamboo (2004) is a perfect album that we could see improvement in their sound. Polka Della Polizia, Café Turco, Ohi Marie, Tamboo, and Caccia Alle Streghe are my favorites in the album. It is highly suggested album.
  • Fez Club (2007) is my favorite album of Figli Di Madre Ignota. Sound and combination with the other styles were arranged perfectly. They also added Balkan brass rhythms to their funny music. Fanfara Mocvara is my favorite song in the album. I believe that you will be willing to dance after listening it. Ole Ole, Fantapolitika, Dady Lolo, Nema Problema Tourist and Falafel Express are my favorite songs in the album. I suggest this album extremely. Do not lose it!
  • Combat Disco Casbah (2010) is a special album that it includes some musicians like Tod Ashley, Uri Brauner from Boom Pam, and Tamir Muskat. Some musicians from Middle East also attended the album as guest performers. Senor Columbo, Combat Disco Casbah, Exxxotica, (Tromba Ignota Vs.) Bruce Lee, Drop the Rock and Spider Rumbita are my favorites. I suggest the album extremely.

figli-di-madre-ignota-fez-club-albumfigli-di-madre-ignota-combat-disco-casbah-album

Figli Di Madre Ignota is a unique and funny band to satisfy your expectation from a band performs mixture of Balkan music and rock elements. I suggest the band extremely to have a great time with their amazing music and hot rhythms. You could buy their albums from their official website.

http://www.figlidimadreignota.it

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Jan 27, 2012

Animal Confession: Perfect Alternative Rock from Canada

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animal-confession-and-andrew-gharib-alternative-rockEveryday, I meet new groups from all over the world. Today, our guest is Animal Confession from Ottawa, Canada. If you like, alternative and hard rock influenced by 90’s sound, the exciting band will fascinate you. They describe themselves that their music combines Deftones’ toughness with Smashing Pumpkins and The Cure’s moodiness. There are many bands describe themselves as this way. Animal Confession is one of the bands deserves this description. I heard many ordinary bands’ music in alternative genres that they ape well-known bands from past and present. The band is not a band performs the same lack of creativity. Animal Confession has a unique sound that they show difference between influence and aping. You could listen to a song from their upcoming album. If you visit their official website, you could find more songs to listen.

Ottawa based group Animal Confession original lineup is Andrew Gharib (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Quesnel (bass). They are very talented musicians that they will carry their sound and music to higher levels. You will enjoy hearing Andrew Gharib’s unique riffs and vocal. Andrew gives credits Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), The Edge (U2), Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) for creating their sound. Their music also resembles A Perfect Circle to me. I am happy to discover a group performs their own unique sound with perfect vocals. One of the best elements in their music is using psychedelic elements. I expect to hear many songs include psychedelic riffs and vocals. I believe that the band will be a big band in the future. I hope I can see them in Istanbul.

animal-confession-album

If you are fan of alternative music, if you try to find new and fresh sound, do not lose Animal Confession. Their 90’s influenced unique sound will fascinate you. Please visit the band’s official website to listen more songs. Do not forget to buy their upcoming album. You will meet with a unique band.

http://animalconfession.com

Bye for now!

Special note: The song named in Epidemic has been added upon permission of Animal Confession.

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Jan 26, 2012

La Mano Ajena: Balkan Music Meets Latin Rhythms

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la-mano-ajena-gypsy-balkan-klezmer-from-chileToday, I would like to introduce a band from Chile. I really enjoy writing this blog that I met some musicians. Last week I met The Freak Fandango Orchestra from Spain and wrote about them. This week I met with an interesting and funny band La Mano Ajena from Chile. After I heard their music, I fell in love with their songs. Their eclectic and hybrid sound fuses Eastern Europe sound like Balkan music, gypsy music, klezmer and jazz manouche with Latin music elements like cha-cha-cha, cumbia, mambo, rumba and tango. You also could hear rock rhythms in some of their songs. I like bands perform Balkan and gypsy music, nonetheless their musical diversity is very good that they combine European and Latin sound successfully. I have added four songs from their three albums. I believe that you will enjoy hearing La Mano Ajena’s unique music and hybrid sound. You could listen and buy their albums from their website.

La Mano Ajena consists of seven multi instrumentalist musicians. Instrumental variety setup well that you hear typical Balkan music, modern music and Latin music instruments together. Saxophone, guitar, piccolo flute, keyboard, theremin, melodica, violin, marimba, accordion, clarinet, drums, darbuka and djembe, bass and double bass are leading instruments we could hear in their music. Although lyrics are generally in Spanish, it is possible to find some lyrics in Yiddish, Hebrew, French and English. I suggest them using some Turkish and Greek instruments to enhance their musical variety and diversity, although their musical diversity is perfect.

La Mano Ajena joined many concerts in some countries like Spain, Denmark, Serbia, and Argentina. They shared the stage with Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra and Gogol Bordello. In 2008, Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra asked them to join their show in Santiago. After this performance, Emir Kusturica invited them to participate in Kustendorf Film Festival held in Serbia. La Mano Ajena was the first and only one group joined the festival from Latin America. They were invited once again to share the stage with Emir Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra in 2009. The band will be on tour in Europe in July 2012. I hope they could come to Turkey with my favorite director Emir Kusturica and his band The No Smoking Orchestra.

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La Mano Ajena has three albums. You could buy their albums from their website. It is appreciated band that you will never feel regret to buy their albums. Let us see their discography and some of my suggestions.

La Mano Ajena (2005) is a successful debut album that the work made in Chile first time. It is easy to understand the band consists of talented musicians. I could say female vocals are perfect. I really enjoyed hearing Ashrenu (Doyna), Favella, Wewo, Tango A La Django and Joropo songs from the album.

Radio Galena (2008) is the album that the band improved their sound and added some new instruments. I suggest the album extremely. The album contains more Chilean elements. Café Turco, La Balada Del Hombre Invisible, Camimar, Psicomambo Cha Cha Cha, Cumbia Klezmer and Declaracion de Principios are my favorites in the album. Do not lose the album.

Raza Quimera (2011) is a perfect album that they added some rock elements in some songs. Their songs got better with electric guitars fascinating sound. Raza Quimera, Novus Ordo Seclorum, Loco Loco, Eskil’s Cow, Spaguetti Klezmer, Fabula, and Kasidishe Nigun are my favorites. It is an extremely suggested album.

La Mano Ajena is a great band from Chile that they combines Balkan, gypsy and klezmer music elements with Latin music melodies. I really appreciate their musical understanding and diversity. You could listen and buy their albums from their official website. Do not lose the successful band!

http://www.lamanoajena.cl

Bye for now!

Special Note: Audio materials are put into the blog upon permission of the band.

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Jan 25, 2012

Yothu Yindi: Aboriginal Rock and Pop from Australia

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yothu-yindi-aborigin-rock-group-australiaToday, I would like to introduce an aboriginal rock group from Australia. Yothu Yindi is an Australian band formed with aborigine and non-aborigine members. The band combines aspect of aboriginal culture with contemporary rock elements. They use some typical aboriginal instruments like yidaki and bilma. Those traditional instruments make their music fascinating. They make songs about aboriginal culture that you could know more about aborigines. Yothu Yindi presents the strength of aboriginal culture, presenting the other people throughout the world to appreciate and enjoy aspects of that ancient aboriginal culture. They also adapted Yolngu dance to their music. Yothu Yindi is one of the best groups I discovered recently.

This video has been created with Creative Commons License. For more information www.yothuyindi.com

Yothu Yindi’s music is fascinating that it is possible to hear aspects of aboriginal music in contemporary music. Although the band performs rock, you also could hear some pop and dance music elements combined with cultural items. Translation of the band’s name is child and mother in local language. I really appreciate using yidaki and some traditional instruments in their music. Yidaki has an impressive sound that makes their sound authentic. Lyrics promote need for mutual respect and understanding in the coming together of different cultures. Many music authorities in Australia awarded the band in different nominations.

The band was formed in 1986 and they released some albums with different members. They still keep founder members Mandawuy Yunupingu and Stuart Kellaway. They could not play recently due to Yunupingu’s health problem. Let us see Yothu Yindi discography and my suggestions.

  • Homeland Movement (1988) is a successful debut album that you could find many traditional influenced songs with rock elements.
  • Tribal Voice (1991) is one of my favorites. I suggest Mainstream song extremely. Do not lose the song. It is perfect. Treaty, Gapirri, Dharta and Hope are my favorites. You also could hear some traditional songs from aboriginal culture.
  • Freedom (1993) is my other favorite album that I suggest Yolngu Boy song extremely. I also suggest all songs in the album. This album will fascinate you.
  • Birrkuta - Wild Honey (1996)
  • One Blood (1998)
  • Garma (2000) is the last album of Yothu Yindi. Although this album contains less aboriginal elements, I like many songs. You also could find more pop elements in the album. I suggest Good Medicine, Calling Every Nation, Community Life and Fire are my favorites. I really like the album’s sound and female vocals. I suggest the album highly.

yothu-yindi-tribal-voice-album yothu-yindi-freedom-album

Yothu Yindi is a perfect band from Australia. You will enjoy hearing aboriginal elements with contemporary rock and pop. Please visit the band’s website to buy their album and get to know more about the band. It will be a good discover for you.

http://www.yothuyindi.com

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Jan 24, 2012

Beirut: Balkan Music Influenced Indie Rock

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beirut-balkan-music-indie-rockToday I would like to write something about a young musician’s band Beirut. Beirut is an American group formed by Zach Condon. He is very young and successful musician. He is only 25 and he created appreciated works. He used to play trumpet in a jazz band before he formed Beirut. His music combines world music and indie rock elements successfully. He met Balkan Music during his trip to Europe. Some musicians like Goran Bregovic and Boban Markovic affected him. He was also interested in local music and musicians. His subsequent explorations shaped his musical structure and development. I could say that Zach Condon and his band Beirut is one of the most important musicians in world music with the great fusion of Balkan Music and indie rock. Their music does not only contain funny Balkan Music songs. Some of their songs will take you to another world.

This video has been created with Creative Commons License. It is not a subject of copyright.

Beirut’s instrumental variety is impressive that they use modern and local instruments together. They use trumpet, flugelhorn, ukulele, accordion, cello, melodica, percussion, glockenspiel, French horn, trombone, tuba, and many instruments with modern music instruments. Instrumental variety is one of the most important items their musical diversity. Zach Condon plays trumpet, flugelhorn, ukulele, euphonium, mandolin, accordion, and various keyboard instruments. After Zach came back from Europe, he studied in the university. During this period, Zach formed Beirut with his friends. He also recruited some of his friends to play in live shows. Although some of members left the band, new members did not change the band’s musicality negatively. They improve their sound continuously. Zach also have some side projects that he performs different genres like electronic.

Beirut has some albums and EP’s. Some of his EP’s are in album size. Let us see Beirut discography and some of my suggestions.

Studio Albums

  • Gulag Orkestar (2006) is a successful debut album. Balkan Music elements combined with modern elements perfectly. I suggest this album extremely. The Gulag Orkestar, Brandenburg, Postcards from Italy and The Canals of Our City are my favorites. Balkan Music elements in sentimental way will fascinate you.
  • The Flying Club Cup (2007) contains more Balkan brass band and indie rock elements. It is also my favorite album. Nantes, A Sunday Smile, In the Mausoleum, and St. Apollonia are my favorites. Do not lose the album.
  • The Rip Tide (2011) is the last album of Beirut. It contains less Balkan Music elements, more indie rock. I also suggest the album highly. The Rip Tide, Vagabond, and Payne’s Bay are my favorites.

beirut-gulag-orkestar-album beirut-the-flying-club-cup-album beirut-march-of-the-zapotec-holland-ep

EP’s

  • The Guns of Brixton / Interior of a Dutch House (2006) is an EP made with Calexico.
  • Lon Gisland (2007)
  • Pompeii EP (2007)
  • Elephant Gun EP (2007)
  • March of the Zapotec/Holland EP (2009) contains 11 songs like an album. It is influenced by Zach’s Mexico trip. Holland section of the EP contains electronic elements. I suggest it highly.

Beirut has two DVD’s. Cheap Magic Inside released in 2007, and Beirut: Live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg released in 2009. I suggest the first one highly.

Beirut is a successful band that I suggest it extremely. Their songs will take you to another world. Please visit their website to listen to Beirut songs’ preview and buy their albums. Do not lose the magical albums and EP’s.

http://beirutband.com/

Bye for now.

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Jan 23, 2012

Squirrel Nut Zippers: Neo Swing Revival Era

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squirrel-nut-zippers-neo-swing-bandSquirrel Nut Zippers is a funny neo swing band from the United States. In the late 90’s, I heard a song in a famous TV show in Turkey. It is very funny and enjoyable music that everybody liked it. After I met Squirrel Nut Zippers’ song named in Hell, I also met with their impressive music. In the middle of the 90’s, neo swing was very popular. This era was called as Swing Revival in world music stage. There were many groups and performers that some of rockabilly performers like Brian Setzer also performed neo swing. It is also possible to find neo swing with electronic elements. Their style is eclectic fusion of blues, jazz, 30’s swing, klezmer and gypsy music. Squirrel Nut Zippers created their unique sound with fusion of classic and modern elements.

This video have been used upon permission of Squirrel Nut Zippers. Visit snzippers.com for more items.

Squirrel Nut Zippers formed by James Mathus, Katharine Whalen, Chris Phillips, Don Raleigh and Ken Mosher in 1993. Although some members were replaced with the new ones, the band’s unique sound has never changed. We only remember several groups of artist from Swing Revival era and Squirrel Nut Zippers is one of them. Musical diversity is very important to have an international recognition. There were many bands played the same music without any diversity and variety. The band’s musicality and musical diversity make the band well known and world-class band in neo swing genre. Instrumental variety is also very good that you could hear banjo, ukulele, trumpet, and canjo with modern jazz instruments like trombone, violin, double bass, drum, saxophone, and piano. Canjo is very interesting instrument that you could make it yourself. Google it!

squirrel-nut-zippers-neo-swing-revival

Squirrel Nut Zippers have six studio albums, one best of album and one live album. Their last album was released in 2000. After Swing Revival era finished, they didn’t make any album due to members pursued another projects or solo career. Some of the member released their solo albums during this period. Please find discography of the band and some of my suggestions.

  • The Inevitable (1995) is a successful debut album.
  • Hot (1996) is their well know album that it is my favorite. Do not lose the extremely suggested album. Hell is the best song in the album. Put a Lid on It, Memphis Exorcism and Princess Nez are my favorite songs.
  • Sold Out (1997) is very good album that it is highly suggested album. Bedlam Ballroom and Palling with Al songs are my favorites.
  • Roasted Right (1997) it is an EP.
  • Perennial Favorites (1998) is my other favorite album. Ghost Of Stephen Foster is the best song. Fat Cat Keeps Getting Fatter, Trou Macacq, Suits Are Picking up the Bill and Soon are my favorite songs.
  • Christmas Caravan (1998)
  • Bedlam Ballroom (2000) is the last studio album that its sound resembles a bit Rock n Roll. Bedlam Ballroom, Baby Wants A Diamond Ring, and Do It This A Way are my favorites.
  • The Best of Squirrel Nut Zippers (2002)
  • Lost at Sea (2009) is a live album.

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Squirrel Nut Zippers is a funny swing band that their songs make me feel very good. I expect a new album from them. Maybe they could start the second Swing Revival era. You could visit their website to find more materials about them. You also could buy their albums. Special thanks to Chris that he told me I could use their videos on my blog.

http://snzippers.com/

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Jan 21, 2012

Mode Plagal: Greek Ethno Jazz Meets Turkish Music

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If you like Ethno Jazz and music combines new and old, you would like Mode Plagal. It is a group from our neighbor Greece. They perform traditional Greek music fused with Jazz, Funk and the other genres. I like Ethno Jazz genre that it make us meet different cultures music and instruments with modern elements. It must be separated from Ethnic Music definitely. Ethnic Music only targets fans or people who enjoy hearing ethnic melodies. Many people could think that it is a boring music, although it is not. Ethno Jazz’s target is a bit larger by using traditional elements with modern items. It is also good way to make people like jazz. I like Greek traditional music that to hear it in the jazz forms made me feel very good.

Athens based group Mode Plagal was founded in 1990. Their first two albums are instrumental albums that you could hear traditional music in jazz and funk forms. They added vocal to their music in the third album. They have another album that I would like to talk about it. They made an album with Turkish musicians. It is the perfect fusion of Turkish and Greek music with modern elements. Mode Plagal had collaborations with many artist and performers and they joined countless festivals and organizations. I also suggest you to see their live performance.

The band has five studio albums.

  • Mode Plagal (1995)
  • Mode Plagal II (1998)
  • Mode Plagal III (2001)
  • Beyond the Bosphorus (2003)
  • In The Belly Of The Beast (2010)

Although their all albums are suggested highly, I would like to talk about their album Beyond the Bosphorus. The album recorded with Turkish ethno jazz band Bosphorus Project in Athens and Istanbul. I wrote an article about Turkish ethno jazz project Hijazz. Click here to read it. You meet with Turkish Classical Music in Jazz forms. Bosphorus Project is a jazz band blends Turkish traditional music with modern jazz. The band also includes some musicians from Hijazz Project. Mode Plagal members met with them and decided to make an album together. Finally, they made a perfect ethno jazz album.

You could find Turkish and Greek traditional melodies with modern jazz elements. Mode Plagal and Bosphorus Project made a masterpiece album that all world music fans should buy it. Although some of the songs are traditional songs, you could also hear some modern songs. I could say some of their songs are highly psychedelic. Beyond the Bosphorus is highly appreciated album that it attracts your feelings. You could hear well-arranged songs with a perfect female vocal. Ey Zahit, For Sappho, Itinerary, Shuttle Boats, Tatavla and The Tumult of Torrents are appreciated songs in the album.

Mode Plagal is an exciting ethno jazz band from Greece. Their music connects old and new, east and west, traditional and modern. Visit their website to listen some of their song and watch their live performance videos.

http://www.modeplagal.gr/index_EN.htm

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Jan 20, 2012

Oi Va Voi: Yiddish Music Meets Contemporary Elements

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oi-va-voi-yiddish-music-englandDo you know the band Oi Va Voi from England? If you have never heard their music, it is time to know them. A London based band Oi Va Voi performs music that it cannot be described in only one genre. They build rock, Eastern Europe music, pop, electronic, Klezmer music, and jazz upon Yiddish music. The sound, excellent vocals, instrumental variety, harmony between combined genres and musicality make Oi Va Voi one of the best music groups still performing. The experimental band from London was founded in late 90’s. Although some musicians have left the band, they are still crowded band with new members. Oi Va Voi will be a band you cannot leave after you meet their charming music. I still cannot forget their song Refugee. You could some preview songs and videos on their MySpace profile. Just click here and meet with Oi Va Voi’s magical world. A special note that Oi Va Voi means Oh My God in Yiddish language. You would say this after you hear their music. Listen Refugee and Yuri first, and then watch the video named in Magic Carpet.

You could hear wide range of instruments like guitar, mandolin, drum, percussion, bass, clarinet, trumpet, violin, piano, and accordion. Female vocals are perfect that you will agree with me after you hear Refugee. Some of their songs are very funny, but some of their songs will take you to another world. Their music is magical. The band also worked with some musicians like Anna Phoebe, Earl Zinger, and Haylie Ecker. Anna Phoebe is a great violinist that I will write about her soon. She has a perfect rock album with her violin. Oi Va Voi’s music is mixture of modern music genres and eastern music elements like Yiddish music and Klezmer.

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Although their studio performance is perfect, I suggest you to see their live performance. I am very lucky that they came to Istanbul many times, and I could see them several times. The band’s live performance is excellent. You could spend a good time, while you are listening to them. Check their tour dates from their website. If they come to your city, do not lose their concert. They will deserve what you pay!

Oi Va Voi has four studio albums. Let me give you some suggestions about their discography.

Digital Folklore (2002) is their debut album. It is successful debut album that some of the songs in the album rearranged in the next album. This album also contains more electronic elements that do not compare with the other albums. A Csitari Hegyek Alatt and Tatar Love Song are my favorites in the debut album.

Laughter Through Tears (2003) is the second album that the band improved their sound. They created professional sound in the album. Klezmer and Eastern Europe melodies will fascinate you. Refugee is the best song the album that it is also their well-known song. Ladino Song, Yesterday's Mistakes, Hora and D'Ror Yikra are my favorites. Do not lose the album!

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Oi Va Voi (2007) is a self titled album. It is extremely suggested album that it is over genres. Yuri is my favorite song in the album. Balkanik, Black Sheep, Dissident and Look Down are my other favorite songs from the album.

Travelling the Face of the Globe (2009) is the last album of Oi Va Voi. You also could find songs take you to different world. Travelling the Face of the Globe, S’brent, Magic Carpet, and Long Way from Home are my favorites.

You will enjoy hearing Oi Va Voi’s magical music. If you have never met with them, it is time to meet. Go to their profile and meet their music and videos. Do not lose the band.

http://www.myspace.com/oivavoi

Bye for now!

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Jan 19, 2012

How to Setup Online Radio: Create Your Own Radio Station

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how-to-setup-internet-radioI write articles about music generally. However, I would like to write some articles about music related computer issues. You know that there are many online radios on the internet. It is my dream to setup an internet radio which its contributors and DJ’s from different countries and cultures. It could be very good to hear music from different cultures with interactions. We could discover new music; get to know more about different cultures. Think about a radio plays from Brazil. After Brazil session finished, it plays from Turkey, Spain, Japan, Greece, America or some different countries. It would be very interesting to hear different contributors’ selections. It would be very good, although it is a dream. Maybe one day, we could be a big community and think about creating an online radio. There are many ways to setup a radio on the internet. I will explain the most famous platform for radio streaming.

Shoutcast is the biggest online radio platform that almost all big radios use it. We need three items to setup a radio on Shoutcast platform. We only need Winamp (or similar media players), a free Shoutcast broadcasting host, and Shoutcast DNAS plugin for media players.

Myradiostream.com is a good service provider for Shoutcast hosting. You could open an account and setup your radio easily. You do not need to have a separated website. The provider also gives a website for streaming. If you have a website, you could copy embedding codes and paste to your website. The website provides settings for your radio. We record stream address, port and password to use in Winamp. Listen2myradio.com is also good provider. They provide nice players for your websites.

After we install Shoutcast DNAS plugin, we open Winamp. Choose preferences from options menu. After this, we will choose DSP section from opened window. Double click Shoutcast DNAS plugin and follow steps given in the pictures.

We choose output tab, and write our stream address, port and password from myradiostream.com. After that, we click Yellow pages button. We could write our stream name to description section. If you want, you could write your website address and add the genre you play. Enable Title Update box must be clicked, if you want your artist and song titles appear to listeners. Finally, we choose our stream values from Encoder tab. You could choose AAC Plus or MP3 encoders. AAC Plus is very good encoder for broadcasting. 64 kbps AAC plus stream is equal to 128 kbps MP3 stream. Moreover, listeners must download a file to listen to your stream. You cannot use the player you embedded to your page. If you want to use the player, you should choose MP3 encoder. I suggest you to use MP3 Encoder, 96 kbps, 44100 Khz stereo settings.

shoutcast-straming-output-settingsshoutcast-output-settingsshoutcast-encoder-settings

When we complete stream settings, we go to Output tab and press connect. You are online! Listeners could hear your stream, if they visit your radio page. If you want to talk, you should go to Input tab and change input device to Soundcard Input. When you are playing a song, change it to Winamp again.

shoutcast-input-settings

Having an online radio is very easy with Shoutcast and Winamp. You could use the other players for streaming. Their settings are almost the same. You could also use some professional DJ programs like SAM Broadcaster for more professional streams.

Interaction with listeners is very important. You could add a chat box to your radio page to talk with your listeners. It makes your radio more interactive and listenable.

I hope, we will be a big community and setup our own global radio to share everything about music. You could write me, if you need help.

Bye for now!

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Jan 18, 2012

The Freak Fandango Orchestra: Perfect Gypsy Punk from Spain

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The Freak Fandango Orchestra is a multi cultural band from Barcelona, Spain that they perform gypsy music with Balkan Music, polka, punk rock and folk elements. Last week, I was trying to find some royalty free music on jamendo.com to post my blog. There are so many groups, performers, and artist in Jamendo to share and distribute their music. While I was thinking I only could find some amateur records, I saw an album cover. Fandango word attracted me firstly. After that I checked the band’s page and found some tags like gypsy punk, rock, folk rock, Balkan and gypsy music. When I open the player, I met with a band performs rock music with Balkan and gypsy music elements very well. I did not expect to meet a professional band but, I said wow, it is perfect! I also appreciated their motto. We don’t want your money, we want your soul. They created their album with Creative Commons License. It means you could copy and share the album as long as you consider conditions given at the bottom of the post. You could press play button on the player has given below to meet the fascinating band The Freak Fandango Orchestra.

Variety of instruments makes their musical diversity in high level. The band’s lineup is Xavi (bass), Jurgen (guitar and vocals), Alfonso (violin and trumpet), Noe (accordion and vocal), Vitto (saxophone), David (drum and artwork), and Armin (trumpet). Their music influenced by Emir Kusturica and the No Smoking Band, Goran Bregovic and Gogol Bordello. I believe that they will reach their idols’ level. I really like their sound that it is very professional. Band members are very friendly that you could talk with them when you want. I am impatient to go to Barcelona and watch their live performance. I have seen their live videos and I could say they are excellent.

The Freak Fandango Orchestra has two studio albums and one EP. You could listen to Tales of a Dead Fish album from the player. It is very funny and professional album that all songs are suggested extremely. Requiem for a Fish, Late as Usual, At the Beginning, and Hitman's Love Song with guest singer Paola Graziano are my favorite songs in the album. Love, Death and a Drunken Monkey is the other album of the band. It is also lovable album that its sound and harmony are perfect. Monkey Said, Nevermore, The Hug and At World's End are my favorite songs. Actually, adding some melodies from the other countries’ music could be interesting. I believe that they would play Bubamara very well. I will also suggest some Turkish melodies to them later.

 

You could listen or download The Freak Fandango Orchestra albums from Jamendo website. Both two albums were created with Creative Commons License and you could download and share without having copyright problems. You also could donate and support the band from Jamendo website.

Tales of a Dead Fish: http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/101727

Love, Death and a Drunken Monkey: http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/48911

Hearing The Freak Fandango Orchestra’s music makes me very happy. Great tunes in gypsy music, rock and punk elements, variety of instruments, combining the music with the other styles like polka and folk make them appreciated band. It is not an ordinary band; it is a professional band performs music with multi cultural items. Visit their website to get more information about the band.

http://www.freakfandango.es/

Bye for now!

(cc)Special Note: The album given above created with Creative Commons License and some rights reserved. You could copy, distribute, advertise and play this album as long as you:

  • Give credit to the artist
  • Distribute all derivative works under the same license

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Jan 17, 2012

Fanfare Ciocarlia: Legends of Balkan Music and Gypsy Brass Bands

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fanfare-ciocarlia-balkan-mus-baro-biaoFanfare Ciocarlia is gypsy brass band legends. Balkan Music is my favorite genre that I wrote posts about musician side of Emir Kusturica and Taraf de Haidouks. Today, would like to write about another Balkan Music legend, Fanfare Ciocarlia. The band consists of 12 funny gypsy musicians from Romania. They do not perform ordinary gypsy music like many groups. They perform gypsy music with the other styles like flamenco, tango, rock and so on. Fanfare Ciocarlia is world music’s happy face that they carried gypsy brass band music to higher levels. German music producer Henry Ernst visits their village in Romania and convinces them to become a touring band. Since they discovered by Ernst, they played in many concerts in many countries from Australia to America.

This video crated with Creative Commons License. It is not a subject of copyright.

Brass band music is one of the most important elements of Balkan Music and gypsy music. It takes very important place in Balkan countries, especially in weddings and funerals. We saw Fanfare Ciocarlia in Underground the Emir Kusturica movie. Emir Kusturica means mobile music and it was a good choice to work with Goran Bregovic and Fanfare Ciocarlia in this project. They appeared as walking and playing brass band in the movie. They say that Balkan brass music was affected by Turkish army music that they also use some elements from Turkish, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Macedonian music, although they perform Romanian folk music. The band’s lineup includes trumpets, tenor and baritone horns, tubas, clarinets, saxophones, bass drum and percussion. Speed is their nature that some musicians could reach 200 beats per minute. Virtuosity and diversity make Fanfare Ciocarlia different from the others. Lyrics are in Romanian or Romani languages.

Live performance is the best way to determine a group’s musicality. I could say Fanfare Ciocarlia is the monster of live performance. I have watched their videos many times. I also had an opportunity see them in Istanbul in 2008. Improvisation, harmony, virtuosity and speed of instruments are perfect in their live performance. They discovered the world again and played in more than 1200 concerts in many countries. A gypsy brass band became a worldwide music group. In 2006, they won BBC Radio 3 World Music Award.

fanfare-ciocarlia-and-boban-markovic-orkestar

The band also has some projects with the other famous Balkan Music performers. They made an album with Boban and Marko Markovic Orchestra from Serbia. Balkan Brass Battle is very funny and fascinating project and album made by Fanfare Ciocarlia and Boban and Marko Markovic Orchestra. The album released in 2011. Both two funny bands tour Europe together. They played in many concerts, and they will play in the future. It will be very nice to see them in Istanbul in May 2012.

Let us talk about Fanfare Ciocarlia albums. You could find discography of the band with my explanations and suggestions.

  • Radio Pascani (1998) is a nice debut album. You could find many famous folk songs from Balkan countries. Nicoleta and Hora Cu Strigaturii songs are my favorites.
  • Baro Biao: World Wide Wedding (1999)
  • Iag Bari (2001) is also described as The Gypsy Horns from the Mountains Beyond. This album made them well known and reputed band in world music. Although Iag Bari is the most famous song, I also suggest Tu Romnie, Bubamara and Hora Di Petrosnitza songs. This album is extremely suggested album. Do not lose it!
  • Gypsy Brass Legends (2004) is the story of the band. You could find documentary about them, live performances and so on. It was released as DVD.
  • Gili Garabdi (2005) is called as Ancient Secrets of Gypsy Brass. It is BBC Radio 3 world music awarded album. It is very funny to hear James Bond 007 Theme in Balkan brass music. Alili, Golden Days, and Godzila are my favorite songs in the album.
  • Queens and Kings (2007) is a perfect album that the most famous Balkan Music artists meet with the band. Saban Bajramovic and Esma Redzepova are some of them. It is very interesting to hear Born to be Wild with brass band rhythms. Sandala, Ibrahim, Que Dolor (flamenco version of Iag Bari) and Born to be Wild are my favorites.
  • LIVE! (2009) is a live album that their live performance in improvisation is perfect.
  • Balkan Brass Battle (2011) was made together with Boban and Marko Markovic Orchestra. Do not think to buy the album, only but it. You will enjoy hearing music from Balkan Music legends. It is an excellent album that James Bond Theme, Asphalt Tango, Devla and Disco Dzumbus are my favorites.

fanfare-ciocarlia-iag-bari-album fanfare-ciocarlia-and-boban-markovic-orkestar-balkan-brass-batle

Fanfare Ciocarlia is one of the legends of Balkan Music and gypsy music. They carried local music into world music stage successfully. Do not lose the funny band. You could visit their official website to listen to some previews and buy their albums. You could also check tour dates. If they visit your country, do not lose to see their live performance.

http://www.asphalt-tango.de/fanfare/artist.html

Bye for now!

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Jan 16, 2012

Diablo Swing Orchestra: Avant-garde Metal with Jazz Elements

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sing-along-songs-for-the-damned-and-deliriousDiablo Swing Orchestra is very interesting Avant-garde Metal group from Sweden. I like northern metal groups. They know how to make music with using Nordic elements. Therion is my favorite group from Sweden that you could find an article about them, if you click here. Diablo Swing Orchestra is very interesting group that makes you hear jazz, swing, gypsy music, blues, flamenco, classical music, and opera elements with hard guitar riffs. I could say, it is a metal opera and cabaret. If you like to hear funny music combined with many styles, press play button on the player was given below. Their first album The Butcher’s Ballroom is distributed in Creative Common License. You also could download the album from the link on the player. Please read about copyright issues at the bottom of the post.

The origin of the name of the group comes from an urban legend form 16th century. The group performed musical work against to the church. They also performed music in secret ways because of the church’s imposition. Finally, they killed by the church. Although there are many groups combine symphonic items with different styles, Diablo Swing Orchestra should be distinguished from the others. Diversity and variety with funny songs in their music cheer up listeners. The sound of the group magnetizes listeners who do not listen to rock and related styles.

Diablo Swing Orchestra formed in 2003 with an EP named in Borderline Hymns. In 2006, they released their debut album. The Butcher’s Ballroom is very good album for a debut. It made me to listen to an album from a group performs many years. You could listen to the album from the player above. Ballrog Boogie, Heroines, Wedding March for a Bullet, and Pink Noise Waltz are my favorite songs. Download the free album to be fascinated. In 2009, Sing Along Songs for the Damned and Delirious album was released. The album is as successful as the first album. They raise the bar continuously that their progressive sound gets better day by day. A Tap Dancer's Dilemma, Siberian Love Affairs, Vodka Inferno, A Rancid Romance and Stratosphere Serenade are my favorite songs. Their live performance is also very good. The second album also released as a DVD.

diablo-swing-orchestra-avant-garde-metal-and-jazz

Diablo Swing Orchestra is working on their new album will be released in the first quarter of 2012. I am waiting for Pandora's Pinata album impatiently. I believe that you will enjoy hearing the band’s music. Spectacular musicianship, diversity of music, combination with jazz and classical music elements, operatic vocals will fascinate you. Meet with their unique music and performance.

You could also visit their website.

http://www.diabloswing.com/

Bye for now!

(cc)Special Note: The album given above created with Creative Commons License and some rights reserved. You could copy, distribute, advertise and play this album as long as you:


  • Give credit to the artist


  • Don't use this album for commercial purposes


  • Don't alter, transform or build upon this album

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