Posts Tagged ‘Music’

Moroccan Dance and Music

Everywhere you go around the world, music reflects the heartbeat of the culture.  I enjoy watching musical performances because it brings me closer to the spirit of the people.  My playlist of global radio stations includes all types of music from all the continents.

This clip from Morocco shows an Arabic style of music and dance.  Even if I can’t understand the language, I can appreciate the rhythms and movements.    

It is very interesting to me how music blends rhythms from across the globe.  The increase of  international artists “crossing-over” into popular or mainstream music demonstrates how we are changing our musical perspectives.  Lately we’ve had a lot of hispanic influences, I’ll keep listening for an Arabic sound like in this video.

This week in America, our Grammy Music awards will recognize the popular music of 2009.  As I watch the ceremony I will consider how the artists and styles represent American culture.   It’s not only the music, but also the fashions and tributes to legends that makeup this exciting event.

From Country to Rap, the best of the best will be showcased.  The new artist category is probably my favorite because I like finding new bands.  The Grammy’s are favorite awards show – let me know which artists are your favorites!   Joy

World Peace Day in 2009

Today is the United Nation’s World Peace Day – so I have to do something special to further the mission.   One of my main goals with this blog is to promote peace by learning about and appreciating other cultures.  So, my apologies for diverting my attention from Morocco, but this song means so much to me I have to play it today.

I think U2 and Bono are brilliant at mixing politics and music together.  Their latest CD is heavily Middle Eastern influenced and makes a powerful yet peace-oriented statement.  They are on a global tour promoting No Line on the Horizon and I can’t wait to see them in about 3 weeks.

This clip was recorded at the Live 8 concert held in London on July2 , 2005.  The Live 8 concert brought together 150 bands in 10 concert venues around the world.  It was estimated that 3 Billion people watched the concerts and joined the movement to help end global poverty.

The mixing of artists and cultures was incredible for Live 8.  Concerts were in:  London, Cornwall UK, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Philadelphia, Barrie Canada, Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Moscow.  On Wednesday July 6 2005, the Final Push concert took place in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Live 8 Promoters, Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Charitable Trust, began over 20 years ago working to end the famine in Ethiopia and Sudan.  Their mission continues today as they bring together people and music around the world – still fighting global poverty.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Woodstock concert held in New York in 1969.   As I watched the media surrounding the historical event, I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come.  In 1969, the Vietnam War was a huge controversy of unclear objectives and unknown conclusions.  Popular culture was changing with the “hippies” and music from new artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan.  Woodstock brought over 500,000 people together for 3 days of music, love and peace.

Tonight I’m listening to music from Woodstock, Band Aid and Live Aid.   Mixing music and politics for the betterment of society is a really good idea.  I hope you enjoy my favorite song  “One” and think about how you can promote peace in your life.  Maybe listen to Bob Marley’s “One Love”, that’s another favorite of mine!    Peace, Joy

Tipica Music in Panama

Music can say a lot about a culture.  The Panamanian people are a mix of Spanish, African and Indigenous ancestry.  It seems obvious that their music would be a mix of Salsa, Reggae, and Calypso.

One of the most popular musical acts in Panama is Samy and Sandra Sandoval.   The brother and sister duet have 15 albums and perform at concerts regularly.  Their song, La Gallina Fina, was featured in the Tailor of Panama movie and is one of the fan’s favorites.

Samy and Sandra are artists in the Tipica genre which is a folkloric music with the accordian and conga drums.  Mix all of these influences together and you’ve got a great sound with a strong happy beat.

The song title, Oiga el Viejo Pa Joder, roughly translates into the “Old Pa Hears”.  Watch the video and you’ll get a feeling of what it’s like in Panama.

Musical artists often blend or adapt styles into something new.  What kind of music do you listen to?   I love the “Global Sounds” channel on my satellite radio.  Will you open your ears and mind to something new on your radio dial?

Enjoy the rhythm – Joy