Saturday, June 20, 2009

LinkTV - Television Without Borders

LinkTV is an independently-funded channel on DISH and DirecTV that brings the world's cultures to viewers in their living rooms. They bring us international news, documentaries, world cinema, world music videos, and much much more. They are in need of donations to continue. Please save this valuable resource by helping them survive by donating any amount to: https://www.linktv.org/contribute

Matthew Forss

Thursday, June 4, 2009

CD Review: A Palestinian Voice For Everyone

Rim Banna
April Blossoms
Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Rim Banna, a Palestinian singer from Nazareth, presents poignant and humorous children's songs on April Blossoms. Rim's voice is aided with bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, keyboards, bansuri flute, duduk, and oud. All the songs are sung in Arabic. However, song translations are provided from Arabic to English in the liner notes. The songs are so enjoyable that you need not be a child to appreciate it's musical intricacies. Overall, the melodies and vocalizations are reminiscent of North African singers, in particular, Mauritania's Malouma. A children's choir accents some of the songs. Perhaps, the Arabic songs take on a life of their own and instill in the listener a deep level of appreciation. Also, Russian and Turkic elements appear from time to time throughout the album. This is an ideal collection of songs to listen to while relaxing, or spending time with family. April Blossoms is as sweet as it sounds, and it gets sweeter with every listen. ~ Matthew Forss