STACK NZ Mar #60

FEATURE

MUSIC

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 One internationally 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 album Spirits 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.

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, 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 notably ithe increible lead vocalist Omara Portuondo – are calling it a day after this

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.

For more reviews, overviews and interviews by Graham Reid see: www.elsewhere.co.nz For more reviews, overviews and interviews by Graham Reid see: www.elsewhere.co.nz

Youssou N’Dour

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