Cultures collide at Cumbre Tajín folk festival
The Cumbre Tajín festival celebrates indigenous identity, combining scores of cultural activities with a distinctly popular musical lineup. Traditional folk dances share a stage with the likes of Fatboy Slim – but does this formula work?
This story was broadcast on Monocle 24 radio.
Loft Chronicles
Minimalist composer Phill Niblock has been living in his Chinatown loft since the late 1960s – and curating concerts there for almost as long.
For Mexican Prisoners, Music Brings Inner Freedom
In the streets around Santa Martha Acatitla prison in Mexico City, mangy dogs forage for scraps. Pickup trucks trundle around with guards in ski masks toting AK-47s. But on September 25, convicts found a welcome escape – metaphorically, of course...
In conversation with Emanuel Pimenta
Emanuel Pimenta is an intermedia artist who was born in Brazil and now lives between Switzerland and America. He pioneered the concept of "virtual architecture," has collaborated with contemporary musical luminaries like John Cage, and holds exhibitions around the world. This interview was broadcast on Monocle 24 Radio.
Musical Meanderings with Chris Cuzme
Audio slideshow: Exploring the creative conscience of a busy saxophone and bass player in NYC.
London BluesFest 2011
Reviews of three gigs at London’s inaugural BluesFest: Monty Alexander, Roy Hargrove and Booker T. Jones.
Can rap change Russia?
Hip-hop artist Noize MC challenges the Russian authorities with provocative rhymes – and in summer 2010 he found himself locked up for it.
Christian Scott: Breaking Boundaries, Crossing Lines
The prodigious trumpeter pulls no punches in a vicious critique of the jazz establishment.
Barbacana / Troyka – Vortex, 5/3/10
The bassless Anglo-French quartet Barbacana made strong impressions right from the start: James Allsop’s supple tenor sax led the way, as the others gradually joined in to create a compelling collective improvisation with tight melodic interludes. This was the story of their set. A constantly shifting dynamic spectrum, ranging from full-volume, rowdy sax blasts and...
