During a recent podcast interview, the topic turned to listening habits and I realized it had been a while since I put together a “recommended listening” list.
The groups, artists and albums below are a good sampling of what I enjoy listening to these days. I’ll confess that most of my listening happens in the car, and that during COVID that was reduced a great deal since I wasn’t driving much.
Angelique Kidjo: Remain in Light – This is a modern take of The Talking Heads album of the same take.
The Souljazz Orchestra: Under Burning Skies – The studio album is excellent, and great driving music. This live production shows off the band in a somewhat different light, but is just as good. After falling in love with this album, I sought out everything else they have released.
Red Baraat: Chaal Baby – Saw these folks live at Philadelphia Museum of Art before moving to Philly a couple years later. Several albums by Red Baraat make up my Philly playlist (even though they are a NY band). They are a great live band.
Mariachi El Bronx: Mariachi El Bronx II
Ibibio Sound Machine: Doko Mien
Nigeria Special: Afro-Sounds & Blues 70 – 76
Sweet as Broken Dates: Lost Somali Tapes
Jai Uttal – Shiva Station – This album from the late 90s has stayed with me and continues to be one I go back to frequently.
Breakfast: Yellowcake – The music here is by my friend Tom Dennehy.
Of course, this list could go on for a while… anything by Gogol Bordello, Tom Waits, Tinariwen, and Beck could easily be on this list.
