Johnny Clegg - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Johnny Clegg, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I am so glad I was able to catch some of Johnnny Clegg's show at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 12.

Clegg is a powerhouse of singer/songwriter music that infuses traditional Zulu language and African sounds into music that has a message. His incredibly physical performance had the audience waving their hands and dancing along.

Clegg was one of the most politically-charged performers of the weekend and represented the spirit of what a folk festival is all about.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I know people who came to the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival just to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Seeing this incredible band from South Africa that has been around for over 50 years was one of the weekend's highlights for me as well.

Performing in their native Zulu language, the music penetrated the hill at Stage 3 with energy, accented by the group's dance moves. Truly unforgettable.

CD Review: Rondi Charleston's Jazz Is Timely

Rondi Charleston

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

Motema

Rondi Charleston's latest release of jazz music is one for the ages. Centered mainly on time-related matters, Who Knows Where The Time Goes includes a few songs written by Rondi. Notably, "Your Spirit Lingers", "Dance of Time", "Land of Galilee", and "Song For The Ages" were written and sung by Rondi. The slower percussion and languid vocals make some of the songs last forever, but don't worry, that is a good thing. Two Brazilian tunes pop up, including Antonio Jobim's "Wave" and Milton Nascimento's "Everything That You Were Meant To Be". The Brazilian elements of bossa-nova and jazzy percussion lighten the album's slower moments. The last track, "Freedom Is A Voice", was attributed to Bobby McFerrin, but this version includes a chorus of girls singing in the Zulu language. The majority of the album is sung in English with some Portuguese and Zulu. Find the time to enjoy Rondi's timeless music. ~ Matthew Forss