News & Updates — boogaloo

Review by DJ Bongohead There’s a lot of pretenders out there when it comes to contemporary instrumental Afro-funk and Afro-Latin inspired music, but when a band knows their stuff, well, as Fela Kuti used to say, “Who no know go know,” and one thing I know: Jungle Fire is 100% legit, pura candela, mofongo funk. If the percussion section can’t turn on a dime or do tight breaks, if the brass is limp or out of tune, if the bass has no tumbao, if the players don’t know their roots or let the orishas take them, well then don’t bother...

Nephew of the great Cachao, bassist for Buena Vista Social Club and an incredible musician on all fronts, Orlando "Cachaíto" López was part of the great López musical family in Cuba, son of composer Orestes López. He came from a lineage of over 30 bassists. He helped create the descarga in the '50s and played in Orquesta Riverside. Cachaíto made one classic self-titled record on World Circuit that mixed Cuban son with funk, descargas with Mingus, dub with jazz. Also hear his work he did on Angá Diaz's album Echu Mingua. Here's a short film shot for his album, produced...

Our favorite bhangra / funk / go-go / dhol n' brass party band Red Baraat is hitting the road this Spring in anticipation of their forthcoming album Bhangra Pirates, out March 24 on Rhyme & Reason. The record will be released on digital, CD and on LP. (The group's first vinyl, believe it or not!). Pre-order here. The band will be hitting both US coasts, as well as a gig in Abu Dhabi. Dates: 02.17.2017  Abu Dhabi @ NYUAD Arts Center   Tickets       Info       03.04.2017  Miami, FL @ Carnaval on the Mile   Tickets...

"Peace & Rhythm Presents" is a weekly eclectic music series every Wednesday night at The Root Cellar, downtown Greenfield's newest music venue. This premier season features bands and performers of various genres and styles, including funk, world music, jazz, reggae, rock, folk, DJs and more. Every Wednesday is FREE ADMISSION, 21+. Doors open at 8, music starts pumping at 9 and goes until 1230. ---Wed, July 27...The Boogalistics (soul-jazz/funk) and Doctor Thing (freak-out psychedelic jazz-funk) - The Boogalistics bring fresh energy to the classic sound of soul jazz. Boogaloo, soul-jazz, funk, this brand new group out of Northampton will satisfy...

Among the many beautiful things about sound & music is that it can supplement your life's routine in so many different ways. Whether you look at (or hear or make) music as artistic expression, ritual, relaxation, protest, celebration, dance release, mathematical composition, entertainment, fashion, comedy or even as background sound, there is no wrong way to appreciate music. It fills our lives with joy or aggression, songs about love and hate, constructions of rhythm and noise, harmony or disruption. Only a high-minded snob will pooh-pooh somebody's artistic creation. (Although they are certainly out there, usually in the form of talentless...