Reviews and Blog Posts: World Music

Make a Joyful Noise!

Submitted by Becker on May 13, 2013 - 8:33am

Learn to make music, or sit back and listen with these Fresh City Life My Branch programs!

Isn't it confusing Buying Your First Guitar? But there's never been a better time to do so! Join us on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sam Gary Branch and learn everything you need to know before purchasing a guitar for yourself or your child. Terminology, pricing, tips for buying online, and what affordable, quality options are out there!

Music of the Sahara

Submitted by Bobby on May 26, 2011 - 11:45am

I've been recently enjoying the "desert blues" of Saharan Africa. When you think about the harsh climate and political history that peoples of this region have faced, it seems only natural that powerful and soulful music would emerge similarly to American blues.

This music combines guitars with traditional African instruments such as flutes and harps and finds structure around percussive rhythms that stay with you long after you shut off the stereo. Although you probably won't understand a word of the lyrics, you get the strange sense that you know what they're singing about purely through their emotive tones.

Music Honoring Our Native American Heritage

Submitted by Tara on November 16, 2010 - 2:59pm

Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month by taking note of tremendous music honoring the traditions and experiences of the indigenous peoples of North America. Native American music often features flute and drums and can be spiritually healing or provide a rousing rhythm to move to.

Come to Me Great Mystery: Native American Healing Songs
Circle Dance Songs from Death Valley by Gayle Hanson-Johnson
Traditional Lakota Songs by William Horncloud
Music from a Painted Cave by Robert Mirabal with The Rare Tribal Mob

The Best of Banda

Submitted by Tara on August 10, 2010 - 12:24pm

Banda is more than one type of music as it incorporates many different important influences including cumbia, corrido and bolero. These ensembles are usually a big band (10-20 people) with an emphasis on brass and percussion, including the tambora, and are best known for their rancheras.