Monday, May 14
Global Village devotes the show to some contemporary Latin sounds – including Afro- Cuban, Latin rock, Latin jazz and Afro-Latin music. Artists featured include legendary pianist Chucho Valdes with his tribute to Irakere, the pioneering Cuban band he co-founded; U.S. based cumbia, boogaloo, and Latin rock bands Xixa, Grupo Fantasma, and Spanglish Fly; acclaimed Spanish singer Buika; bassist and jazz educator Carlos Henriquez; and Amadou Balake and Orchestra Baobab – African performers who incorporated Cuban influences into their work.
Tuesday, May 15
Global Village remembers Brazilian guitarist, composer and bossa nova pioneer Oscar Castro-Neves on his birthday; features music from Shakti and Nordic Raga for the May Asian/Pacific Islander feature; and highlights a new compilation of music from Hugh Masekela, a new reissue from reggae artist Justin Hinds, and a new set from the Malagasy Guitar Masters.
Wednesday, May 16
In conjunction with the May Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month feature, Global Village devotes the show to Indo-jazz fusion – from the pioneering work of Joe Harriott and John Mayer, to the popular sounds of Shakti with John McLaughlin, contemporary efforts from the Taal Tantra Experience and Sameer Guptu, and some fusions with even more influences from L. Subramaniam and Trilok Gurtu.
Thursday, May 17
Global Village celebrates the birthday of bluesman Taj Mahal by exploring the world music side of his work from throughout his career. Along with his classic blues and roots music, Taj Mahal has been a pioneer in exploring the connections between blues and Caribbean, African, and Hawaiian music and has worked with a number of world artists including kora player Toumani Diabate, Malian guitar great Ali Farka Toure, and on the Red Hot + Riot tribute to Afrobeat legend Fela.
Friday, May 18
Contemporary afrobeat this time in the Global Village, including new albums from Fela’s sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, Kiala – who worked in one of Fela’s bands, and Ghanian afrobeat veteran Ebo Taylor. Plus the latest from Mexico’s Sonido Gallo Negro, multi-national group the Turbans, and the classic album from New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indian group Wild Tchoupitoulas featuring the Meters and the Neville Brothers.
