World Music Central : Milton + Esperanza, a Groundbreaking Album by Nascimento and Spalding” (by Angel Romero) →

Milton + Esperanza is a profound, exceptional collaboration between Brazilian music legend Milton Nascimento and Grammy-winning bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding. Recorded in Brazil throughout 2023, this 16-track album intertwines Nascimento’s classic Afro-Brazilian roots sound with Spalding’s contemporary jazz vibes, reflecting their shared musical bond. Produced and arranged by Spalding, the album masterfully revisits Nascimento’s well-known songs, introduces brilliant new compositions inspired by his work, and includes engaging reinterpretations of popular hits such as The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” and Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.” These versions are not simply covers, but rather thoughtful reinterpretations that honor the originals while adding Spalding’s inventive perspective.

Read More
/

Rolling Stone : See Christine and the Queens’ Electrifying Performance at Paris Paralympics’ Opening Ceremony (by Daniel Kreps) →

Christine and the Queens delivered an electrifying take on an Edith Piaf classic during the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris on Thursday. [...] As the sun set at the Place de la Concorde, Chris arrived in a red car (naturally) and walked the tops of pianos before launching into an updated-and-nearly-unrecognizable rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien”.

Read More
/

Relix : Listen: Warren Haynes Previews New Solo Record ‘Million Voices Whisper’ with “This Life As We Know It” →

Warren Haynes has officially announced Million Voices Whisper, the fourth solo entry from the iconic jam and Southern rock figurehead. Set to release on Nov. 1 via Fantasy Records, the artist’s forthcoming independent record arrives as his first since 2015’s Ashes & Dust and sets a whole new era for the trailblazing artist to tape. To support today’s unveiling the artist has offered the brand new original “This Life As We Know It,” which shows the artist in a contemplative mood, wisened by four decades on the forefront of his form.

Read More
/

Irish Times : Singer Joan Baez to visit home of Seamus Heaney for poetry reading →

Singer and human rights campaigner Joan Baez is to visit the home of Seamus Heaney for a poetry reading during a forthcoming visit to Ireland. [...] The visit has been announced by the organisation Art for Human Rights. The screening of the documentary, directed by Karen O’Connor, Maeve O’Boyle and Miri Navasky, will take place in Dublin on December 10th, which is also International Human Rights Day. It is to be followed by a discussion with Ms Baez, Ms O’Connor and Ms O’Boyle, hosted by broadcaster Olivia O’Leary. [..] “For over 60 years Joan Baez has been the voice of civil and human rights struggles around the world and a passionate and consistent proponent of non-violence,” said Art for Human Rights founder and executive director Bill Shipsey. “We are grateful and humbled and cannot wait to meet and greet her.

Read More
/

Far Out Magazine : Joan Baez in Hanoi: Navigating mortality and the human cost of war (by Kelly Scanlon) →

Around 7.30am on Christmas Eve in 1972, Joan Baez was singing the Lord’s Prayer into a tape recorder. She was in Hanoi when America launched its worst bombing raids since the Second World War, having travelled to Vietnam with three others to experience the unrest first-hand and deliver mail to US prisoners. That morning, the unexpected sound of an exploding bomb interrupted her singing, leaving many to grapple with the unmistakable dilemma of fight or flight. [...] Baez is often linked to the counterculture movement of the 1960s, but beyond occupying the figure of someone willing to go against the artistic grain, her integrity and demand for greater justice made her one of the most impassioned campaigners of all time. After the war, she fought against human rights abuses by the Communist government, her willingness to exist alongside those hurt and scorned becoming a beacon of resilience and hope for the oppressed, even as she faced relentless persecution herself.

Read More
/

CNR : Late American star Harry Belafonte’s name placed on iconic Sankofa Wall in Ghana (by Reagan Mends) →

On August 26, 2024, the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) commemorated the late American singer, actor, and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte by inscribing his name onto the iconic Sankofa Wall.The iconic Sankofa Wall, a symbol of Ghana’s rich history and the Diaspora’s connection to the motherland was further adorned with the name of the legendary American figure. The mountain ceremony, held at the DAF Embassy in Cantonment, Accra, was attended by dignitaries including the daughter of the beloved icon Gina Belafonte and the convening Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), H. E. AMB Dr. Erieka Bennett.

Read More
/

The New York Times : Some Final Notes From the ‘Voice of God’ (by Jack Nikas) →

“Milton + Esperanza,” a warm, almost dreamlike collaboration between Milton "Bituca" Nascimento and the American jazz musician Esperanza Spalding after 15 years of friendship between the two. Spalding arranged and produced the album and plays bass throughout, and the pair sing together on nearly every track. [...] “He has a special essence, and it comes out in the music,” said Spalding [...] “It’s a mystery,” she added, “and it’s beautiful.”

Read More
/

The Newton Bee : Ben’s Lighthouse To Benefit From November Evening Of Music & Song With Cash, Leventhal & Henry →

A large part of Ben’s Lighthouse’s fundraising efforts for the last near-decade have been via benefit concerts and evenings of music, many of which have also taken place at Edmond Town Hall. On November 15, Cash, Leventhal and Henry will all be lending their immense talent to an evening dedicated to recognizing and honoring social justice, activism, and change, all of which align with their personal ethos. [...] “To have artists at the level of commitment and stature of Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Joe Henry join us in our attempt to foster love and understanding in our community is a bit of a dream come true; David and I are so grateful that they’ve brought their vision and passion alongside ours. That’s a community I want to be a part of and that’s why this benefit is so special as we celebrate life, love, and music together.” Roseanne Cash says it is “an honor to support Ben’s Lighthouse along with my partner John Leventhal, and my dear friend Joe Henry.

Read More
/

Supertalk Mississippi : Rosanne Cash to receive Grammy Museum’s Crossroads of American Music Award (by J.T. Mitchell) →

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi has announced Rosanne Cash as this year’s recipient of the Crossroads of American Music Awards, which goes out annually to an artist who has made significant musical contributions inspired by not only Mississippi but the region as a whole. [...] “As one of the most profound singer-songwriters of her generation, and a best-selling author, Rosanne Cash has had an immeasurable impact on the history of American music,” Grammy Museum Mississippi executive director Emily Havens said. “We can’t wait to honor her incredible achievements with the sixth annual Crossroads of American Music Award at this year’s gala.” [...] “I’m extremely honored and humbled,” Cash said. “I feel that so much of what I am, what I am drawn to, what I love, what I write about, and what is in my very bloodstream comes from the Delta.

Read More
/

American Songwriter : The Time Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash United for “One of the Most Phenomenal Duets Ever” (by Em Casalena) →

Just last year, country legends Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash (daughter of famed country singer Johnny Cash) performed a stunning duet on CBS in celebration of Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concert. The two singers complimented each other beautifully as they performed “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)”. Even though the song was originally a Kristofferson classic, the added vocals from Rosanne Cash completely changed the emotional quality of the song. She’s a respectable country singer in her own right, but the emotional connection between herself and Kristofferson is likely what makes it such a good duet.

Read More
/
,

The Guardian : Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding: Milton + Esperanza review – Brazilian giant finds a new groove(by Amar Kalia) →

Now 81, Nascimento’s voice has developed into a beautifully rich and vibrato-laden baritone that is the focus of a lively collaboration with bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding, Milton + Esperanza. Across 16 tracks, the pair reimagine compositions from Nascimento’s catalogue, such as 1969’s Outubro and 1972’s Cais, as well as featuring new works with the likes of Paul Simon and Lianne La Havas. [...] Fresh from Iphigenia, her jazz opera with the late Wayne Shorter, Spalding cements her status as a collaborator capable of extracting mighty performances from her elders. Her imaginative musical settings showcase Nascimento’s mature range, producing a late-career masterpiece that highlights the beautiful changes wrought by age.

Read More
/

Virgin Radio Uk : Virgin Radio to celebrate 40 years of Band Aid with new documentary - details →

The two-part documentary will be an account of the story behind the recording of Do They Know It’s Christmas from those who were there in 1984, and will look at the legacy of the song and how it continues to save African lives four decades later. Reflecting on Band Aid’s cultural impact, Band Aid at 40 will feature never-aired-before footage and access from those who masterminded the landmark single, from the high profile singers to those behind the scenes, who were the beating heart behind the landmark track. It will feature brand new interviews with, among others, Bob Geldof.

Read More
/

WECT News : Riverdance to bring three 30th anniversary shows to the Wilson Center →

Riverdance is set to perform three times at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center as part of its 30th anniversary tour, according to CFCC. Per the college, Riverdance will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, and at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m. Feb. 16. “Since Riverdance first emerged on the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide,” the announcement states. “The Grammy® Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances have left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

Read More
/

Rolling Stone Joan Baez Performs ‘America the Beautiful’ to Get Out the Vote (by Althea Legaspi) →

Joan Baez took to Instagram on Sunday to share a video of her performing “America the Beautiful” and encourage folks to get out and vote in the 2024 presidential election. Sitting in a kitchen, she launched the clip with a sweet laugh before singing the patriotic song while playing an acoustic guitar. [...] “Times are a-changin’ — Let’s crown thy good with sisterhood,” she captioned the clip. “Register to vote at vote.org or headcount.org and VOTE BLUE!”The folk legend and activist made a surprise appearance during Hozier’s set at Newport Folk Festival on Friday, where she joined him along with Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff, Madison Cunningham, Allison Russell, and other artists to perform a rendition of The Band’s “The Weight.”

Read More
/

Jam Base : Warren Haynes Reunites With Musical Brother On New Studio Album (by Scott Bernstein) →

As reported, guitarist Warren Haynes will release a new Warren Haynes Band album entitled Million Voices Whisper this fall. While Haynes hasn’t announced details of the first WHB LP since 2011, the Gov’t Mule frontman revealed a particularly special guest contributed to the record. Warren’s longtime The Allman Brothers Band mate Derek Trucks will be featured on Million Voices Whisper. “We also brought Derek Trucks into the studio for three songs,” Haynes told Cleveland.com after reeling off the names of the WHB’s members. “That was the first time that we collaborated since the Allman Brothers stopped playing.”

Read More
/

Pop matters : Patti Smith’s “Piss Factory” and “Hey Joe” Remain Prophetic 50 Years On (by Jack Walters)

On 4 October 2021, a sprightly Patti Smith—dressed in her customary attire: a white t-shirt with a black blazer, black trousers, and black boots—ambles onto the stage of the Royal Albert Hall as if having stepped out into a Parisian street after having been holed up in a garret for months on end writing. [...] Anyone slightly conversant with Patti Smith knows that she speaks out on environmental and governmental issues and personal strife. This, along with her seer-like qualities, screams a prophetic bard. Oh, and that she can write—well. Thus perhaps Smith was always destined to recite “Piss Factory” at the Royal Albert Hall, complete with the tincture of her blue-collar, South Jersey accent emphasising how far she has come. And, even if not, it still worked and lost none of its vatic meaning. Yet this is in recent history, not half a century ago when a twenty-eight-year-old sinewy Smith entered Electric Lady Studios to record “Hey Joe” and ended up with a take of “Piss Factory.”

Read More
/ /Source

L'Humanité : Angélique Kidjo : « L’inspiration reste du domaine de l’inconnu » (by Clément Garcia) →

Angélique Kidjo made her name in France. But it was in the United States that she became a phenomenon. Winner of five prestigious Grammy Awards, named international ambassador for Unicef and invited to take part in major international events, the singer has colored world pop with African hues, forging collaborations with the most illustrious musicians of her time. Meet an artist with an atypical career and a major influence, before her concert at the Fête de l'Humanité on Sunday September 15, on the Angela Davis stage.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Read More
/

The Spectator : Charismatic, powerful and raw: Patti Smith, at Somerset House, reviewed (by Michael Hann) →

There are certain long-established rules for describing Patti Smith. Google her name and the words ‘shaman’ and ‘priestess’ and you’ll see what I mean. For the best part of 50 years she’s been treated as though she’s a mystical object, a human convergence of ley lines, as much as a rock singer. [...] Her status as one of the progenitors of punk – and as a feminist hero – meant the crowd was startlingly varied in age, from teens to people as old as Smith herself (she’s 77), who were rapt and devoted. She remains charismatic – still in black jacket and jeans, as she has been for ever. Her voice was always idiosyncratic so age hasn’t affected it; she sang powerfully throughout. And she has not done the thing some older singers do, of surrounding herself with lots of musicians to bolster the sound.

Read More
/

Clash music : Live Report: Patti Smith – Somerset House, London (by Sahar Ghadirian) →

There was a full moon out there somewhere, watching over us at Somerset House as the Patti Smith Quartet concluded this year’s Summer Series. The moon has been an enduring symbol in Patti’s world, with her career and personal life shifting like its powerful phases, so the July Buck Moon (and all the spiritual symbolism it holds) solidified an idyllic Patti Smith Quartet set. Opening with a rapturous rendition of ‘Summer Cannibals’, Patti’s charisma was immediate and magnetic, raspy drawls flitting in the space. It felt as though little time had passed since she and Fred “Sonic” Smith first conceived the song.

Read More
/

New Jersey Stage : Joan Baez to Present Her Poetry at NJPAC →

Don't miss the opportunity to witness a remarkable event as singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez takes on a new role as a published poet at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The event takes place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 8:00pm. Renowned for her career in singing folk songs, which are deeply rooted in history and social relevance, Joan Baez has transcended generations as an icon of the 1960s and beyond. [...] Although Joan Baez has been writing poetry for decades, these personal reflections and musings have remained private until now. In her book "When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance." her poetry delves into her life, family, and her deep connection to nature and art.

Read More
/