There is no doubt that Brazil has not had the best period in recent years. Scandals, corruption, social unrest and a troubled transition to a new (unelected) President have weakened its health. However, there are some events to cheer people up: the Rio Summer Olympic Games, Zika virus no longer...
Tag Archives: jazz
![Album Review: Miramundo – s/t [10th December 2016]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/disco-pra-webduo_1_orig-335x241.png)
Let’s clear all sort of doubts from the beginning; Miramundo and their self-titled debut album could only come from the cultural fabric of a city like Barcelona. They are the perfect embodiment of the lively and colourful, but also absorbed in its local dimension music scene of the Catalonian capital....
You don’t need to be a Dagaare tradition expert to enjoy the characteristic sound of the gyil. Actually, all you have to do is to head for Rich Mix on the 2nd of December and have plenty of the Central African wooden xylophone vibe. You simply can’t get enough of...
On the 22nd of November, the Royal Albert Hall will go funkier, jazzier, more electronic, experimental and eclectic than ever with a one-evening (mini) Festival organised by Soundcrash. Throughout the evening, renowned acts and newcomers on the UK scene will alternate themselves in the stunning backdrop of the Kensington historical...
![Album Review: Yussef Kamaal – Black Focus [Brownswood Recordings, 4th November 2016]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/0008156826_10-335x335.jpg)
Black Focus is the culturally influenced debut album from junglist jazz duo Yussef Kamaal, on release with Brownswood Recordings. Delivered with cool attitude, the pair mix raw urban broken-beat grooves with 70’s jazz-fusion organ synth sounds. With hints of hip-hop, UK garage and neo-soul, the album reflects an edgier side...
There’s something in the water of Sao Paulo that seems to transform every local band into the global ‘next big thing’. It’s a phenomenon that has happened a lot lately, with bands such as Metá Metá, Bixiga 70 and now it’s the turn of Nomade Orquestra. The Brazilian 10-piece band,...
Housed beneath stained glass by sunset-red rays and drifting smoke, AKA Trio spent an unforgettable night with their Islington audience for Joyful Noise’s London African Music Festival. Taking to the stage in one of the city’s most celestial venues, Union Chapel, they performed a range of music inspired by their African...
![Album Review: Shabaka and the Ancestors – Wisdom of Elders [Brownswood, 16th September]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/a0042658699_10-335x335.jpg)
Shabaka Hutchings is a musician curious about the relationship between modern and traditional music. His latest free-jazz recording is dedicated to his vision of reimagining the spirit of his African influences voiced through the rich musical languages spoken by his South African band members. Wisdom of Elders was penned across a number of exploratory...
![Album Review: Nubiyan Twist – Siren Song [Wormfood Records, 27th May 2016]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/a0160417941_10-335x329.jpg)
Following their highly celebrated debut album in 2015, the eclectic 12-piece band from Leeds, Nubiyan Twist, is back with their new EP, Siren Song. And what an apt name for this second album, which allures and entices its listeners in many unexpected ways, from its dance-inducing funk groves and intoxicating...
![Album Review: Luísa Maita – Fio Da Memória [Cumbancha, September 2016]](http://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fiodamemoriacover__press_resolution-335x302.jpg)
“Jump above the sky, inside your eyes”. This is Luísa Maita’s enticing invitation as she provocatively chants the last words of her second album titled Fio Da Memória and released by Cumbancha. Maíta wants us to know that this is not a record for conformists willing to digest her songs at face value....