There were two songs that played a formative role in my musical life. They are Shto Mi e Milo, recorded by the Pennywhistlers (1966) and Si Bheag, Si Mor, by Planxty (1973). The Pennywhistlers came first. They were the mother lode. Ethel Raim and her sisters created one of the first, if not THE first, American ensemble to perform world music. Until that … [Read more...]
Idan Raichel, Israel’s Leading World Music Star and Defender of IDF Rape of Palestinians, Tours U.S.
The University of Washington World Music concert series announced its 2014-15 schedule recently. In November, it will feature the Raichel-Toure Collective, which includes Israel's world music star, Idan Raichel and Malian star, Vieux Farka Toure. Toure is the son of Ali Farka Toure, who together with Ry Cooder produced one of the best world music fusion … [Read more...]
Idan Raichel, Israeli World Music Star, Endorses Torture, Rape of Arab Prisoners
Ben White writes that Idan Raichel, one of Israel's biggest pop stars and a celebrity in the world music pantheon, has publicly embraced (Hebrew) former IDF torturer Doron Zahavi. Zahavi is the former IDF interrogator accused of raping Lebanese prisoner Mustafa Dirani, while seeking intelligence about the location of Israel's captured pilot, Ron Arad. … [Read more...]
Harps in Heaven
Two nights ago, I turned on the local public radio station which I listen to in the car. I was delighted to hear an African music show I don't get to listen to much anymore with my child-care and blogging responsibilities. It's hosted by local African music DJ Doug Paterson. For this show, his special guest was Jon Kertzer, who for years hosted a … [Read more...]