Coming Soon Archives

October 2009: Music of Peru (Our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Continues)

This month, continuing our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Global Village features music from Peru. Like its history and mix of peoples, the music of Peru is a blend of many different influences. From the indigenous music of the Andes which traces its roots back to the Incas, to the Spanish colonial influence on the coast, to an increasingly prominent and exploratory Afro-Peruvian culture, music in this South American country is rich, diverse and intriguing. In addition, Peru, like much of the hemisphere was influenced by the Latin sounds coming from such musical hot spots as Cuba and New York. More recently a number of international releases have begun to document these engaging tropical, salsa, boogaloo, chicha and other styles that were adopted and performed by a variety of Peruvian bands. Throughout the month, Global Village highlights Peruvian music of different regions, eras and styles, from the ocean to the mountains, from the traditional to contemporary.

September 2009: Buena Vista Social Club (A Kick Off to Hispanic Heritage Month)

This month Global Village features music from the Buena Vista Social Club. A project that almost didn’t happen, the first recording of the Buena Vista Social Club instead became a worldwide hit, one of the great successes in ‘world music’ and one of the best known lineups of Cuban musicians anywhere in the world. This group of veteran performers had largely been away from music for many years when they came together to work with Ry Cooder on an album. They took their name from a club (and a song) that was a popular place for musicians to meet and play together. And they took their inspiration from the irresistible and essential son style of Cuban music. That first self-titled set led to a further series of recordings from individual members of the lineup, including Compay Segundo, Omara Portuondo, Ruben Gonzalez, Ibrahim Ferrer, Cachaito, Eliades Ochoa and others. Throughout the month, Global Village highlights music from the Buena Vista Social Club, solo and other projects from various singers and players associated with BVSC, and some of the many artists inspired by the group and some of the artists and recordings they themselves were inspired by.