New Orleans Legend Passes I was one of many people across the world who felt shocked then saddened by the death of Alan Toussaint. Mr. Toussaint’s contribution to the arts is legendary and well recognized within the musical industry. His works traverse multiple generations with versatile arrangements in R&B, jazz and beyond. Truly an American icon and cultural figure, Toussaint’s talents include musician/pianist, songwriter and producer. Far beyond the bounds of his nativ

Derek Trucks with Duane Allman’s 1957 goldtop, Beacon Theater, NYC 2015. Photo by Derek McCabe. In 2004, I interviewed Derek and wrote up his 10 Commandments of Jam for Guitar World. Pretty right on and deep thinking, as per usual for Derek Trucks. 1. Just listen Make sure that when you’re on stage with others, you are paying attention to what’s going on and not getting self-involved in your own world. 2. Respect everyone else’s musical space The easiest way to kill a vibe i

FELA’S FIRST TRACKS AND OTHER WONDERS OF SOUNDWAY’S HIGHLIFE Young musicians of the world: Relax! Even the singular force of nature that would become Fela Kuti took a while to find his sound. A pair of Fela’s earliest recordings, made in London in 1960, with his bands the Highlife Rakers and Koola Lobitos, have been uncovered and are being released on Soundway Records’ upcoming compilation Highlife on the Move: Selected Nigerian and Ghanaian Recordings From London and Lagos 1

Tinariwen, Ibrahim, Abdallah, Hassan, ‘Japonais’ and Kheddou, began playing together the 1980s in town of Tamanrasset located in southern Algeria. In these early years, the group performed at various local venues such as weddings, baptisms and private events. Their musical endeavors would be put on hold, however, when in subsequent years, the four men were drafted into the same military training camp and sent together into battle. Although indentured to military service, th

The former musicians of the Tito Puente Orchestra have come together again as the Mambo Legends Orchestra. The Mambo Legends Orchestra brings all of its incredible musicians together under their new name to bring their music to an international audience and to further explore the music which they have been masters of playing for over 30 years. The Mambo Legends Orchestra is led by John ‘Dandy’ Rodriguez, Mitch Frohman and musically directed by Jose Madera, each having spent o

Eddie Palmieri was born December 15, 1936, his parents migrated to New York City from Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1926, and settled down in the South Bronx. When he was only 8 years old, he would musically accompany brother Charlie and together they entered and participated in many talent contests. Mr. Palmieri was educated in the city’s public school system where he was constantly exposed to music, specifically jazz. He took piano lessons and performed at Carnegie Hall when he wa

Born in 1966 in Basse, West Africa, Juldeh Camara is a Gambian griot and master musician, playing the Riti (one-stringed fiddle). He teams up with British guitarist Justin Adams who is a long time player of world music, as well as being the guitarist and co-writer for Robert Plant. In addition, he has produced all three of Malian desert blues band Tinariwen’s acclaimed albums. This collaboration is an exciting over lapping of delta blues and west african Mali blues with rock