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Currently touring with Brit art-folk act Sweet Billy Pilgrim, Malian superstar Rokia Traoré has no time for the term ‘world music’

World music can throw up some negative connotations for many. But it really is a redundant term, only offering meaning in the context of any music made outside the North American, Western European and the English speaking ex-Commonwealth axis. In other words, everything else is simplified as ‘world music’.

“I never really understood this concept of ‘world music’,” says Rokia Troaré, speaking from Amherst, Massachusetts, while touring the USA. Read the rest of this article »

Amparo Sanchez
Amparanoia’s frontwoman brings her brand new six-piece musical project to the UK for the first time. Expect the vibe to be as warm, relaxed and intimate as Amparanoia’s was festive, energetic and crazy. Inspired by the blues, jazz and son of artists such as Billie Holiday, Chavela Vargas and Nina Simone, Sanchez’s new album Tuscon-Habana was recorded with John and Joey of Calexico.
Tuesday 27 April, Komedia Read the rest of this article »

Andrew Kay talks to Head of Artistic Planning Felicity Field about this year’s classical music programme

There is a real wealth of classical music this year so tell us what your top event is?
Well that’s an impossible question as there’s a breadth of music this year to suit all tastes. I guess one concert that I’m especially excited about is the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra performing Bach’s ‘Mass in B Minor’ (11 May). John Elliot Gardiner doesn’t perform in this country very often. They are an extraordinary choir with an extraordinary conductor, performing a really beautiful piece of music – a real choral treat. Read the rest of this article »

Programmer Guy Morley introduces a fine array of music and dance

Music for all tastes is on offer in this year’s Festival. There is an exciting array from Rokia Traoré (6 May), who will deliver an intoxicating blend of acoustic Malian roots with a contemporary edge, to Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem (4 May), who performs exclusively at Brighton Festival supported by the Mercury-nominated Portico Quartet.

There are some interesting collaborations and double-bills; Argentine singer-songwriter Kevin Johansen (2 May) performs alongside Buenos Aires quick-draw cartoonist Liniers, Folk superstars Ian King and Alasdair Roberts (17 May) perform a double-header. Not forgetting the Brian Eno-programmed ‘This is…’ series, which includes Reggie Watts (5 and 6 May), Acapella! (7 May – featuring Naturally 7 and The Persuasions) and The Books with Anna Calvi (10 May). Read the rest of this article »