Music
Mahotella Queens, Sebai Bai (Indigo)
When “The Lion of Soweto,” Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini passed away in 1999, South Africa mourned the loss of the one of the most influential musicians in its rich and turbulent […]
The Blind Boys of Alabama, Spirit of the Century (Real World Records)
While gospel music often can reach heights of spiritual and musical transcendence, it’s not often that it ever classifies as hip. In my experience, gospel albums have never quite resonated […]
Various Artists, Dream Palace: Live Volume II (Frenchmen St. Records)
For such a small club, the degree of diversity on display nightly at the now-deceased Dream Palace was astounding. This second volume of live material from the storied club garners […]
The String Cheese Incident, Outside Inside (SCI Fidelity Records)
I’m not aware of a happier sounding band in the world than the String Cheese Incident. They’re just so gosh darn sunny all the time that gee whiz, I can’t […]
Chief Smiley Ricks and the Indians of the Nation, Feathercraft (Independent)
The music of the Mardi Gras Indians relies heavily on the visual aspect of performance. The vibrant beadwork and brilliant feathers complemented by the bounding athleticism of the dance creates […]
