Konkani Songs (Music From Goa - Made In Bombay)

Now for something completely different..

This is a fantastic compilation from the excellent German label Trikont featuring obscure and fascinating recordings of Konkami songs from the East coast of India - Goa to be exact, recorded in Bombay between the 1950's and 1970's with a bewildering mixture of Cuban and Latin rhythms, Mexican trumpets, "western" instruments, more than a hint of jazz and not one sitar in sight. Some of these strange influences can be traced back to the presence of the Portuguese in the region during the 16th century. But this is not the time for a history lesson.

With an impressive 22 glorious songs by such artists as Alfred Rose, Lorna, Robin Vaz, Mohammed Rafi, Jacinto Vaz, Annette Pinto and many more, lovingly complied and packaged, this is such a compelling listen and one of the reasons I continue on my mission to find searching for different and exciting

For sound clips go here

Rhythmites - Trowbridge Folk Festival 2009

Most of you won't care much for this clip. The quality is so-so and the sound isn't all that great. But for those who know, this is a very rare clip of the Rhythm-ites, one of my favourite reggae bands, performing at the Trowbridge Village Pump Festival during the summer. I have written here before about the classic "Integration" album which I'm been informed there is a possibility of getting a release on CD for the first time in the near future and on top of that, a brand new album from a great underrated group that have been together in some shape or form for over 20 years.