STACK NZ Mar #60

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For more reviews, overviews and
interviews by Graham Reid see:
reviews have been enormously favourable. She’s
unpredictable but now has such a back catalogue
of songs across so many genres she will be one to
get down the front early for. Check out that latest
album though: She’s rarely sounded so focused,
spiritual and secular, forgiving and empowered,
comfortable and confident in her skin.
Orquesta Buena Vista
Social Club(Cuba)
Last chance because this long-running outfit
– which still includes some original members,
notably ithe increible lead vocalist Omara
Portuondo – are calling it a day after this
performance. Since Ry Cooder brought these
Cuban musicians together, some of whom
hadn’t spoken to each other in years, for a project
that came about by accident when a troupe of
African artists didn’t make the flight to Havana
as intended, the BVSC subsequently created hit
collaborative albums, hit solo albums, toured the
world and were feted and acclaimed everywhere.
The years took their toll on some and this is an
opportunity to acknowledge those players who
are no longer with us, as much as a celebration of
those on stage. Plus they are just a whole heap of
(sometimes sentimental) fun.The original album is
still essential.
Richard Thompson (UK)
This brilliant English guitarist-songwriter (and
longtime US resident) appeared at New Zealand’s
firstWOMAD in ‘97 atWestern Springs, and in
a recent interview was apologetic about never
having been back.These days he has what he
jokingly bills as “a less powerful, power trio...
a wimp trio.” He talks it down because “when
you say ‘electric trio’ everyone thinks of the Jimi
Hendrix Experience”. With a career dating back
to ‘60s folk-rock innovators Fairport Convention,
Thompson has a massive back catalogue.
However 2013’s Electric with the trio (and a few
friends) will give a hint of what they do. He also
promises a few of his most popular songs and
material from a forthcoming album the group
recorded, with JeffTweedy ofWilco producing.
Toumani &Sidiki Diabate(Mali)
The great kora playerToumani Diabate brought
the unique 21-stringWest African harp to world
attention. Born into a musical lineage – 71
continuous generations of kora players –Toumani
was a self-taught child prodigy. His influences are
wide – Indian classical music, Spanish flamenco,
radical free jazz – and his collaborations have been
courageous and thrilling (Ali FarkaTouré, Salif
Keita, bluesmanTaj Mahal, Björk and Gorillaz/Blur
frontman Damon Albarn). He’s joined by his eldest
son Sidiki, a master kora player and hip hop star in
Mali.The self-titled album they released last year
addresses the jihadist takeover in Mali, where
bans on music were imposed in northern regions,
and their songs express weighty concerns with
exhilarating energy and joyful optimism. Not to
be missed.
RufusWainwright (Canada)
One of the most effortlessly magnificent and
expressive voices of his generation. Wainwright
– the son of folk singers LoudonWainwright III
and Kate McGarrigle, and the brother of Martha
-- performs ballads, opera, show tunes, classical
pieces and more. So who knows what he might
do solo... but who cares? He’s put his dark
past behind him and that has come through
in recent, enjoyable shows. His 2007 album
Release the Stars is your starting point for a
voyage of discovery if, for some reason, this
towering talent has gone past you. And why on
aWOMAD bill? Again, who cares?
YoussouN’Dour (Senegal)
For over three decadesYoussou N’Dour has
been a legend in African music with his power
and purpose. He not only presents the ancient
griot traditions of Senegal in a fresh light, but
carries political and social messages to the
wider world. He has collaborated with Peter
Gabriel, Sting, Neneh Cherry (on the memorable
7 Seconds single), Paul Simon, Bruce
Springsteen and others. He has released too
many albums to single out any one in particular
(although Immigres of 2005 and The Guide,
2011, are in most sensible collections) so just
head to 7 Seconds;The Best ofYoussou N’Dour
for a taste of his distinctive voice.
Youssou N’Dour
THE KIWI CONTINGENT
As always, there will also be a strong
New Zealand line-up at this year’sWOMAD.
Tahuna Breaks: If there was formula for that
goodtime festival vibe with its source in reggae, dub,
funk-lite and soul then this outfit probably have it written
in their DNA. Every WOMAD has its acts which do the job
of getting people to their feet for some shoulder-sway, and
alongside Trinity Roots, that’s exactly what Tahuna Breaks
will do. Check their album Black Brown and White; their
new live CD/DVD is released a week after WOMAD.
Flip Grater: Paris-based New Zealand singer-
songwriter Flip Grater’s 2010 effort While I’m Awake
I’m At War (which was a finalist for Folk Album Of The
Year), was released in seven countries, garnered critical
acclaim and earned her a following in Germany, France
and Portugal. But last year’s Pigalle was the sound of a
sophisticated, mature artist; her songwriting career really
began withits release. You deserve to hear it.
Mel Parsons: Regarded as one of New Zealand’s
songwriting stars and with an assured live presence,
Parsons brings a unique sensibility to melody and
harmony, and is a two-time NZ Folk Album of the Year
finalist. A Fly My Pretties member and long time fixture
on the touring circuit, Parsons has recently been
performing through Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany and
North America. Parsons will be joined at WOMAD by
multi-instrumentalist Gerry Paul (Tim O’Brien, Gráda). Her
album Red Grey Blue (2011) is a good starting point, and
there’s a new one due after WOMAD.
MyeleManzanza&The Eclectic: Manzanza, who
grew up with formal jazz training and African rhythms, was
a longtime member of Electric Wire Hustle until recently
and now fronts his own outfit astutely entitled The Eclectic.
He has released his debut solo album Oneinternationally
and leads his seven-piece band from the drumkit.
TrinityRoots: Following their albums True (2002) and
Home, Land and Sea (2004) and the acclaim that followed,
this trio broke up and went their separate ways into Fat
Freddy’s Drop, Little Bushman, Eru Dangerspiel and Breaks
Co-op, only to reform in 2010. One of this country’s most
loved and popular outfits who connect with people and
place. And there’s a new album on the way.
French ForRabbits: This will be interesting
because the duo of Brooke Singer and John Fitzgerald
presented a superbly dreamlike folkadelic albumSpirits
last year, and it was ideal at-home listening in the quieter
hours. How they translate to an outdoor stage will be
worth seeing. They are smart, so the smart money
says they can deliver.
For more reviews, overviews and
interviews by Graham Reid see:
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MUSIC FEATURE