Jacob Edgar
Jacob Edgar, founder of Cumbancha Music, a fun loving music scholar born out the 60s, with reggae as his gateway drug to the ‘world’ of music.
“Coba Coba” is Novalima’s third album, though it is the band's first attempt at recording more organically, portraying the live sound of the group. Their fresh and innovative take on Afro-Peruvian music has bridged the gap between blacks and whites in Peru, a country where cross-cultural collaboration is nearly non-existent. This collaboration is evident in the track "Yo Voy" featuring a scorching Caribbean groove, blending a driving soca beat with traditional Peruvian guitar. Salsa singer Carlos Uribe provides the vocals, while New Zealand nu-jazz keyboardist Mark de Clive Lowe provides a trippy keyboard solo. Eight years after their formation, with 3 albums under their belt and a crowd 30,000 people deep at their show, you are looking at the new vision of Afro-Peruvian music. Coba Coba, Novalima! Go for it.
Listen to each week’s album recommendation on the Panel App.
Bholoja's “Un-released Demos” features multi-instrumental arrangements, drawing influences from the unique Swazi cultures, and other world musicians like Ismael Lo, Salif Keita and Oliver Mtukudzi. Mbira, an instrument often referred to as the thumb piano is frequently heard throughout the album. The album opens with a chilled arrangement of Fela Khona, with jazzy six chords on the guitar, and the percussionist relying heavily on the ride cymbal and various percussions. It reminds you of Herbie Hancock's Possibilities featuring African guitarist Lionel Louke in "Sister Moon" with a more laid-back groove. As suggested by the title “Un-Released Demos”, this collection of songs has not been released. But it is available for free on Bholoja’s site.
Listen to each week’s album recommendation on the Panel App.
