Songlines

Songlines is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only publication to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identity, and the artists who incite change through their music. Through its extensive articles and reviews, Songlines is your essential guide to an extraordinary world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.

Songlines

Thank you for the music

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On your free CD – the editor’s selection of the top ten new releases reviewed in this issue

WHAT’S NEW • Views, news and events from around the world

OBITUARIES

FOLK FOCUS • What’s happening in the folk world

SPOTLIGHT Xochimoki • Chris Moss speaks to Jim Berenholtz and Mazatl Galindo who have been reviving lost Mesoamerican sounds and instruments for 40 years

INTRODUCING…

SIMON SAYS… • As the Taliban take control of Kabul, Simon Broughton remembers his visit to Afghanistan after the fall of the regime back in 2002

FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, tweets, emails and everything in between Get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!

THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL REUNION • The landmark Buena Vista Social Club album revived the careers of Cuba’s forgotten son superstars, but it also made a lasting impact on the wider world of music and culture, writes Chris Moss

Time for Joyfulness • Lockdown offered folk duo Jon Boden and John Spiers time to revisit some of the more joyful corners of the traditional English canon. They speak to Julian May about the resulting album and the process of working together again

Bağlama Magic • Robert Rigney takes a look at the Turkish long-necked lute that is transforming the German capital’s musical landscape

IN TRANCE WE TRUST • Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s Mauro Durante and axeman Justin Adams’ new album teems with trancelike amalgams of desert blues and pizzica. Nigel Williamson uncovers the duo’s direct dynamic

Lullaby DREAMS • Joachim Cooder’s most recent album recasts cuts from banjo player Uncle Dave Macon for a new generation. Jane Cornwell follows the lauded multi-instrumentalist along the path to archival reinvention

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE • Never miss an issue of Songlines – your essential guide to an incredible world of music. There are five fantastic subscription options to choose from!

Reviews • We only review full-length world music, roots and folk albums (not singles or EPs), available on CD, digital or vinyl. NB The office remains closed, so please email details of albums to reviews@songlines.co.uk for consideration

Badume’s Band & Selamnesh Zéméné

Africa REVIEWS

Balimaya Project

AmericasREVIEWS

JP Harris’ Dreadful Wind & Rain

Ches Smith & We All Break

Fapy Lafertin New Quartet

Europe REVIEWS

Monsieur Doumani

Asia REVIEWS

Middle East REVIEWS

Fusion REVIEWS

Meelodi

Book REVIEWS

Classical & Jazz REVIEWS

World Cinema

Live REVIEWS

Malik Al Nasir • The performance poet and author talks to Jane Cornwell about growing up in care in Liverpool and the artists and music that proved his salvation

Alim Qasimov • Simon Broughton surveys the impressive career and beguiling back catalogue of the classical Azeri singer Alim Qasimov, including his extensive collaborations with his daughter...