Come along to Newcastle Library on 22 June and hear the Windrush Story – with music and poetry. Organised by the North East of England African Community Association. A free event, 13.00 to 15.00. Book here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-windrush-story-tickets-62918733626   Advertisements

Our second performance of “The Story of Reggae in Britain” on May 25th was a sell-out success in the Music Room at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall ! Our first venture outside the North East ! Check it out here:   Advertisements

Curious Monkey Theatre Company, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle Arts Development Organisation, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa have been collaborating for two years on the “Two Newcastles” project, and last week presented a work on Tyneside that they have created together called ” This World Here…Nomhlaba Le” It’s a journey to a new world full of song […]

Amadou & Mariam, Ken Boothe and Dobet Gnahoré are among the first acts announced for this year’s WOMAD Charlton Park Festival from July 26-29

The first wave of names have been announced for this year’s WOMAD at Charlton Park. Recognised as one of the greatest world music events, the festival returns to its regular setting at the Wiltshire site this summer.

The prolific Malian power couple Amadou & Mariam will take to the stage this year, along with the legendary Jamaican singer Ken Boothe and Grammy Award winning singer Dobet Gnahoré, who hails from the Ivory Coast.

Camille, an eclectic and inventive French artist will also appear at Charlton Park, as will Afrobeat and hip-hop fusion group Afro Cluster.

Other confirmed acts so far include:

Django Django (UK)

Sharon Shannon (Ireland)

Jazzanova live featuring Paul Randolph (Germany)

Aeham Ahmad (Palestine/Syria)

Colectivo Danza Región & Cámara de Danza Comunidad (Colombia)

Electric Fields (Australia)

Ezra Collective (UK)

La Dame Blanche (Cuba)

Federspiel (Austria)

Gasper Nali (Malawi)

KermesZ à l’Est (Belgium)

KOKOKO! (Democratic Republic of Congo)

LADAMA (Brazil/Colombia/Venezuela/USA)

Papaya (Portugal/USA)

Pixvae (Colombia)

Tal National (Niger)

For tickets and more information, visit womad.co.uk.

Here is our selection of the top ten new releases reviewed in the April 2018 issue of Songlines. Tracks from each of these albums are included on the free cover-CD with issue #136.

To buy the new issue or to find out more about subscribing to Songlines, please visit: www.songlines.co.uk/subs

Afrika Mamas 
Iphupho: A Cappella from South Africa
ARC Music
The joyful title-track from the South African six-piece’s fourth album is by Ntombi Lushaba. It translates as ‘The Dream Song’ and reflects her wish to take their music to the world.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Sam Reider
Too Hot to Sleep
Sam Reider
An accomplished debut album from accordionist and pianist Sam Reider, supported by a group of young firebrands, the Human Hands. This track has a Gypsy jazz vibe about it.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

I’m With Her
See You Around
Rounder
After much anticipation, super trio Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins finally release their debut of hair-raising harmonies, stunning songwriting and instrumental skill.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Turkwaz
Nazar
Turkwaz
This Toronto-based vocal quartet present music from across the Middle East and Balkans. Guest instrumentalists improvise flawlessly over haunting vocals.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Chris Stout & Catriona McKay
Bare Knuckle
Bare Knuckle Records
Opening an entirely instrumental album, this striking track showcases the warmth of the musical interplay between Stout’s fiddle and McKay’s Scots harp.
Amazon 

3MA
Anarouz
Mad Minute Music
Ballaké’s virtuosic kora, the resonant oud of Driss El Maloumi and Rajery’s laid-back valiha (Malagasy zither) unite to create an enchanting, masterful album.
Amazon | iTunes

The Transports
A Tale of Exile and Migration
Hudson Records
Sean Cooney sings this haunting ballad of love and separation, joined by some of the finest names in folk for the revival of Peter Bellamy’s 1977 work.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Erlend Apneseth Trio
Åra
Hubro
The traditional meets the synthetic on this abstract album from Norwegian Hardanger fiddler Apneseth. ‘Undergrunn’ begins with an old-time feel, quickening at the entrance of a ritual drum.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Ross Ainslie
Sanctuary
Great White Records
Indian and Eastern European influences underpin this album from the Scottish multi-instrumentalist, which celebrates the sanctuary offered by music.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird
The Butcher’s Share
Oriente Musik
This track is one of many thought-provoking songs reflecting on Jewish history. It’s klezmer with boundless energy and respect for tradition.
Amazon | iTunes | Spotify

Pick up the April 2018 issue of Songlines to enjoy our Top of the World cover-CD, which contains tracks from each of the albums above. To find out more about subscribing to Songlines, visit: songlines.co.uk/subs