Today I want to recommend something a little more electronic. I am talking about Asian Dub Foundation. Although this is a very complete band, and they mix many different styles, they are a very outspoken band, who insist that the different styles that they mix, are all connected, and that music is inevitably connected to politics. They are not afraid to express their political and social views, and they do so very well through their music. They have been around for more than ten years, and if you have had the opportunity to see their live sets, you know that they never disappoint. Their shows are powerful, energetic, and have a lot of fun. They are coming to Madrid to present their latest record Punkara, so don’t miss them. For more info on this great band check out their web: www.asiandubfoundation.com
Place: Joy Eslava
Adress: Arenal, 11
Date: 19/12/2008
Time: 20 h
Tickets: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and selected shops)
Last Thursday I was invited by a friend of mine to a concert. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. Until he told me who we were going to see. It was a Spanish group with an eastern European name: Krakovia. I had heard of this band and saw one of their music videos. And to tell you the truth, apart from the back up singer (Vinila Von Bismark), a pretty spectacular pinup girl, this show wasn’t actually a priority for me. The neopunk pop kind of sound that they have is not really my cup of tea. But I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t too impressed but the experience was pleasant. They do actually put one good show, and, although their rockabilly aesthetics don’t go too much with their sound, it was a fun time. If you’re looking for new Spanish music, that is not the usual commercial rubbish you hear on the charts, then you should definitely check this band out. And I specially recommend their live show. Their album is called Road Movie and its out through the Subterfuge label. For more info on these cats check out the web www.subterfuge.com
Today I want to talk a little about my new favorite musician, Raul Midón. For many it will not be anything new since his debut album was back in 2001 (Blind to Reality). Since then he has released two more incredible albums: State of Mind (June 7 2005) and A World Within A World (Sep 25 2007). He has also collaborated in great records like Elements Of Life (Louie Vega, March 9th, 2004) and on Possibilities (Herbie Hancock) where they make an amazing version of I Just Called to Say I Love You.
Raul was born in New Mexico and now resides in New York, where his carrier has flourished.
How could I describe his music? To me he could be a mixture of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Paul Simon and Bill Withers. But don’t get me wrong, his music has a soul of its own.
Raul Midón brings a vibrant sound steeped in classic soul to the pop arena, because pop is where a singer and a song can have the biggest and most widespread impact.
Yes, he does fit in the “pop” category, but in the way Prince, Stevie or John Mayer would.
Tons of talent, guitar virtuosity and lots and lots of soul.
It’s been 8 long years that we rock and roll lovers have waited. But the wait is over and hard rock is back. Yes indeed! I am talking about one of the biggest hard rock bands of all times. My favorite ausies AC/DC! Crunching guitar licks, straight forward 4x4 rhythm, and a kick ass rock hoarse voice, that makes you want to shake your head and raise you hands making the universal rock and roll sign, (you rockers know what I’m talking about). You might be thinking what these “old dudes” are doing still playing hard rock. But I tell you what, the new album “Black Ice” sounds like … AC/DC! So if you dig this stuff then you will not be disappointed. The record sounds great, and has a bunch of good old hard rock tunes. The songs are great and the recording and mixing sound great too. These cats still got it!
And they will be playing at Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid on 02/04/2009.
So if you see me in my car head banging or playing air guitar or air drums then be sure that I’m enjoying my “Black Ice”.
Rock on!
Hello. Madrid’s jazz festival is back, with the usually great line up of major jazz performances. Plus it is held in a great venue, Teatro Fernán Gómez, right under the Plaza Colón.
One of the artists that is participating, and that immediately grabs my attention, is the great Herbie Hancock. For the few who don’t know him, he has always been one of the most innovative musicians of our time. A master of fusion and piano virtuoso. Well he is back in Madrid with his quintet: Lionel Loueke (guitar and vocals), Richie Barshay (drums and percussion), Matt Garrison (bass) y Lili Haydn (violin and vocals).
A musical experience not to be missed.
Place: Teatro Fernán Gómez
Address: Plaza de Colón
Date: 22/11/2008
Time: 21 h
Price: 40 €
Tickets: Telentrada (www.telentrada.com, 902 10 12 12, Caixa Catalunya)
Hello fellow bloggers. Today I would like to tell you about the most talented singer at the moment in this country. Its a bold statement, so if you don\'t believe me than just go to one of her performances. Born in Palma De Mallorca but from a family originally from Equatorial Guinea, this singer/songwriter/musician started singing in jazz clubs in Palma, then eventually spreading her music to the rest of spain. This year she has been nominated for best album at the Latin Grammy whith her new record Niña De Fuego. Her different cultural and musical influences combined with great talent and an inmence personality, are reflected in her music, where she masterfully combines jazz, soul, bolero, flamenco, copla and even funk.
If you are looking for a trully original and talented spanish artist, dont miss this one. Her live performances are mind blowing, and I say this from experience.
Till next time, peace.
Place: Bellas Artes Address: Marqués de Casa Riera, 2
Date:from 28/10/2008 to: 02/11/2008 Time: 20 h Tickets: Telentrada (www.telentrada.com, 902 10 12 12, Caixa Catalunya) Price: from 20 to 28 €
Blog 21/10/08
Hello again. Here we are back with some new musical suggestions for all you music lovers in Madrid.
For all 80s and 90s rock lovers there is a nice little treat this month. Extreme are back. Yes, that rock band that most people remember because of their hit song More than words. But this band is not just about cheesy ballads. These guys are greatly talented rock band, led by the guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt. Their return is marked by the presentation of their much anticipated new album; Saudades de Rock. Here they stay true to their stile, by masterfully mixing hard rock, funk, and acoustic sounds. The band is formed by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and they are joined by the new member of the band: drummer Kevin Figueiredo.
If you like great guitar licks, amazing solos, melodic vocals and just good old rock and roll this concert is for you. Till next time. Peace.
Place: La Riviera
Address: Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n (next to Puente de Segovia)
Date: 31/10/2008
Time: 19 h
Price: 30 €
Tickets: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and participating shops) Price: 25 €
Blog oct 16, 2008
Hello bloggers. Wednesday the 15th of October was the 2nd edition of the Los Guilles award ceremony. It’s been organized by the Asociación de Salas de Música en Directo, which is an association of the live music venues and clubs in Madrid. The awards are given to music acts and clubs in the city. This second edition of the awards had performances by Amaral, Josele Santiago, Russian Red, and my new favorite Spanish band Sex Museum, who rocked it! Well the event went pretty smoothly and great bands like Vetusta Morla, Los Reyes del Ko, Alamedadosoulna, and Sex Museum got much deserved awards. We got to interview most of them and we had a great time. You will be able to see our coverage of this event on our weekly music show (esMadridmusic). This is a testament to the fact that Madrid has a great live music scene, with more than 10000 concerts a year. Till next time. I’m out. Peace.
Hello again fellow bloggers. The man considered to be one of the godfathers of the mod movement is back with a new album and is giving a concert in Madrid. I am talking about Paul Weller. For those who’ve followed Paul’s unparalleled thirty year journey through British pop, 22 Dreams, which is his new album, should come as no surprise. Having split up The Jam at the height of their powers in 1982, he spent the rest of the eighties challenging pop convention with The Style Council (including an attempt to turn a reluctant audience on to Acid House in 1989). In the nineties, he pioneered a new form of psychedelic folk-rock which reinstalled him as the pre-eminent songwriter of his generation.
Place: La Riviera
Address: Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n (next to Puente de Segovia)
Date: 18/10/2008
Time: 19.30 h
Tickets: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and participating shops)
Price: 35 €
Hello fellow bloggers. I am back from a little summer break, and ready to continue giving you some info on whats going on with the music scene in Madrid.
To celebrate my return, nothing better than a god old rock concert. Living Colour are coming to town. Yes indeed! For those who are not familiar with Living Colour, are Grammy award winning rock band that fuses funk, heavy metal, free jazz and hip hop, to make great music. They were discovered and produced by Mick Jagger back in 1988.Corey Glover - vocalist,Vernon Reid - guitar,Will Calhoun - drums,Doug Wimbish - bass, are all masters of their instruments, and they certainly know how to put on a great show. I will not miss it and I recomend you don\'t either. Peace.
PLace : Sala Heineken; Address: Princesa, 1;
Date: 23/09/2008; Time: 20.30 h; Ticket sales: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 ) Price: 20 €
Hey friends and music lovers! After a little break, I back to talk and comment on anything that has to do with music and more, in our “little” town of Madrid. Well the biggest thing to happen music wise in Madrid this summer, has been the colossal Rock In Rio. Well, I had the fortune, thanks to my dear cousin D, to get VIP tickets to this fantastic event. I must say that it was very well organized, and the line ups were great. There is a ‘but’ though. The mix of different artists on the same stage may have seemed like a good idea, but took away from the over all energy and vibe. I guess that’s what festivals are for: mixin’ it up! I saw most of the performances from the privileged balcony of the VIP tent, with free food and drinks! Don’t get better than that. Now to music… Well my favorite where the Police by far!!! Three living legends on stage jamming! Amazing! I couldn’t believe it was only three dudes up there. Sounded so “phat”, that it seamed like 10 musicians. True rock and roll energy. Rock in Rio did it again, and this time in our back yard, and as always for a good cause. I really hope they do it here again. Well people, this is it for this week. Your feed back is very welcome. Peace.
Hello people. This week I have a treat for all reggae lovers. Mr. Gregory Isaacs, fondly known as \"The Cool Ruler\", is coming to town. This living legend is celebrating 35 years in the music business, and promoting his new album: \"Brand New Me\". He is responsible for countless reggae jems, and I wouldn\'t miss this concert if I was you.
Lively up your self and enjoy one of my favorite reggae stars of all time. Peace.
GREGORY ISAACS AND THE K QUEENS
Place: Joy Eslava Address: Arenal, 11
Date: 09/05/2008 Time: 21.30 h Price: 20 € Ticket sales: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and participating shops)
Hey people! Hold on to your funky seat ‘cause what I’m about to tell you is off the chain!
The Blackbyrds are coming to town! Yes indeed! If you don’t know who they are well… you’re missing out. This jazz-funk formation was assembled by Donald Byrd in 1974 and have countless recordings, that have delighted all of us, funk lovers, for ages. Some say that it’s one of the best live funk shows ever. Well I am not going to miss this opportunity. If you want to learn more about them check out their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/blackbyrds.
Place: Sala Heineken
Date: Thursday 9/5/08
Price: 18/20 euros
Ticket sale: Tick Tack Ticket, FNAC, Carrefour. 902150025
Hello people, welcome back to my little music blog. Well, this time I would like to recommend a concert for all appreciators of hip hop and rap music. Busta Rhymes is probably one of my favorite rappers. He has been doing this since the 90´s , and collaborated with artists like: Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and many more. I just love his rhyming skills, that he blend with a little raga, that he brings from his Jamaican roots. His latest record is called Back on my BS, and I´m sure the show is going to be amazing. Hip hop don’t stop. Peace out.
Place: Joy Eslava
Address: C/ Arenal, 11
Date: 20/05/2008
Time: 21:30 h
Price: 25 €
Ticket sales: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and associated retailers)
Hello music lovers. This week my recomendation comes from the east. Im talking about one of the most amazing percussionsts of our time. Trilok Gurtu was born in Bombay and has dedicated his life to his music, Indian music. He has explored in all kinds of stiles, such as rock or jazz, and has collaborated with some of the best musicians out there, like John McLaughlin or Neneh Cherry to name but a couple. He has three published records and is presenting his fourth : “Remembrance”. His recordings are a marvellous mix of western influences with his traditional sound. If his studio recordings are incredible, wait till you hear him performing and improvising live! This concert is part of the festival ‘Muestra de Músicas del Mundo’.
Place: Fernán Gómez Address: Plaza de Colón, s/n
Date: 26/04/2008 Time: 21 h Price: 20 €. 2 concerts: 36 €; 3 concerts: 45 € Sales: Telentrada (www.telentrada.com, 902 10 12 12, Caixa Catalunya), at venue.
Enough words; this can truly be a musical experience to remember. Don’t miss it. Till next time, peace.
Hello boys and girls. Your neighbourhood friendly music advisor is back from a short break, with wonderful news for all you, music lovers. If you haven’t heard of Gilberto Gil then you are missing out. Born in Bahia, Brazil, about 62 years ago, he is, along with names such as Maria Bethania and Caetano Veloso, one of the founders of the Tropicalia movement, which opened Brazilian music to other influences. They mixed traditional Brazilian sounds with other stiles like jazz, rock and more. With more than 30 albums and 4 million records sold, mr. Gil is a legend of Brazilian music, and is currently the Minister of Culture in the country of samba and bossa. He comes to Madrid this month with a new show and a new album (\'Electroacustico\'). Hey, I am not about to miss this show, and I suggest you don’t either. Peace out.
Place: Palacio Municipal de Congresos Address: Ribera del Sena, s/n. Recinto Ferial Juan Carlos I - Campo de las Naciones
Date: 14/04/2008 Time: 21.30 h Ticket sales: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and asociate shops) Price: De 36- 46 €
Hey kids! This week I would like to recommend a concert by a local band. Yes boys and girls. This is rare in me, but I think this band is really worth it. They are Los Petersellers. They are a rock band that have a great time playing, and the audience is always infected by their energy and humour. Surely a fun show, filled with great music and funny lyrics.
Place: Moby Dick
Address: Avda. de Brasil, 5
Date: 26/03/2008
Time: 22 h.
See you there, and don´t forget to send me your opinions and suggestions. Peace.
Hey people! Here we are again with our weekly update in music. The 24th of March two of the main turntabelists in the world will be mixing it up in Madrid. DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist will be presenting their new show: The Hard Sell. In this performance they use 8 turntables and guitar pedals, bringing their already incredible scratching skills to a totally new level of complexity and creativity. The event will be completed by Kid Koala, another reknown dj, and they will be playing at La Riviera
Address: Pº Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto, s/n -junto al Puente de Segovia-
Time: 20.45 h
Ticket Sales: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com), Servicaixa (www.servicaixa.com) & Halcón Viajes.
If you’re into Hip Hop and electronic music, or just want to see some out of this world scratching skills, then you can´t miss this.
Hello friends. This week my choice for a musical recommendation in Madrid is pretty easy. I’m talking about the Klubbers Day 2008 festival at the Telefonica Arena, the 14 and 15 of March. It’s the third year for this festival that combines the best acts in electronic music and hip hop from all over the world. We will be able to see artists like Oscar Mulero, Sven Vath, Ken Ichi, Dj Hell, as well as 7notas 7colores, Dj Premiere, Mos Def or De La Soul. And these are just a few. Sounds like a fun weekend!
PS: If anybody was at any of The Cure concerts, please let me know how it was.
Peace out.
Hello people! Lately my concert recommendations have been kina of heavy, metal that is. Well folks, its time for a little dark pop or pop goth or somethin’. Well who cares about stupid labels when you’re talking about really good music. I’m talking about The Cure. Yes, they are back on tour, and they are coming to Madrid. This next 6th of March at 20 hours they will be playing at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid
Address: Avenida de Felipe II, s/n. I must say that I have seen them Live at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, and I was blown away. Great songs, excellent performers. There is only one negative: If you didn’t buy your tickets months ago, then it’s going to be tough to see them this time. PS: keep an eye out for the upcoming new double album by this legendary band. Peace.
Hello bloggers and fellow metal friends. If you haven’t heard yet, there are good news for all metal lovers out there. And I’m not talking about people who love piercings, I’m talking about heavy metal music! Because Megadeth is in town! Oh yea, good old eardrum busting, gigantic amp stack burning, ax wielding metal! Megadeth is the legendary band lead by Dave Mustaine who was one of the original members of the supergroup Metallica. Well this dude sings and shreds like crazy on his flying V. They will play at Macumba (Plaza de Chamartín, s/n ) at 20:30h on Friday the 29th Feb. All I can say is: don’t miss it and rock on!!
Hello Bloggers. Before my weekly recommendation I would like to ask anybody who saw the concert of The Queens Of the Stone Age to write on the blog, and let me know how it was. Unfortunately I missed it… (¡que alguien me cuente qué tal el concierto porque me lo perdí!). Back to our usual business. The 28th of February, in about 10 days, we will be able to attend the Fiesta Presentación Getafe Electric Festival. This festival will feature the kings of “new metal”. I’m talking about the super band KORN. Yes! Fellow rockers, this is a great chance to see this amazingly talented and energetic band. The venue will be La Cubierta at 20:30 hours and you can get your tickets at: Red Tick Tack Ticket (www.ticktackticket.com, 902 15 00 25 and associated shops). Rock on!!
Don’t be shy and send me your opinions and recommendations.
Yes i did see the morcheeba concert. It was at the presentation of Pacha TV. Apart from the fact that they dont have the original singer anymore, which is a downer, it was preaty low in energy, and basically, the \"beautifull people\" at Pacha, where more interested in themselves than the show itself. Well... maybe next time.
12 feb 2008
Hey people! This week there are two different musical acts that I want to recommend, which go from \"a little rock and roll\" to funk and electronic. The first is the QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE concert the 15th of February at 21.30h, in La Riviera venue. This is one of the most important hard rock band in the States, and have had collaborations with Dave Grohl (leader of The Foo Fighters) and Mark Lanegan of the Screaming Trees. They are back in Madrid after a 5 year absence. For all the rockers out there, this is must. A must, but for funk and electronic lovers, is the concert that Watch TV and The Primetimes are giving at the Marulacafe (www.marulacafe.com), on Thursday, February 14th. Ruben Garcia, aka Watch Tv, is a local dj/producer who, apart from his own tunes, has remixed for artists like Quantic, Wagon Cooking, Duplex Inc and more. Now he\'s joined by his band The Primetimes to delight us with some funky soulful sounds to dance to. Tasty!!! Well... that’s it for today. Peace and enjoy.
Hello bloggers. This week my musical recommendation goes in two different directions. First, is the release of a new album by the young veteran king of cool, Lenny Kravitz. For all of his fans and anybody who likes soul, funk and rock, \"It Is Time For A Love Revolution\" will not let you down. On top of it all there is a limited edition release that includes a DVD with interviews about the record and 6 videos. On the other hand I would like to recommend the Eliades Ochoa concert. This musician who participated in the renowned documentary \"Buena Vista Social Club\", is considered to be one of the best guitarists and singers in Cuba’s traditional music scene. The concert will be held at Joy Eslava on calle Arenal,11 on Saturday, February 9th at 21.30 hours, and is the presentation of Eliades´ new album: \"Estoy Como Nunca\". Well folks, that’s it for this week. I’ll keep an eye out for more classy acts and releases. Don’t forget to write to me with your musical suggestions and experiences. Thanx and peace.
Hello bloggers,
Here I am once again trying to bring to you some info on what’s going on in the great city of Madrid, music \"wise\". Last time I might have surprised people by suggesting a concert of classical Spanish music. Well, today I will further explore my varied taste in music by inviting you to what could be a very interesting concert. I’m talking about the show that performs the acclaimed film director from the Balkans, Emir Kusturica. Music has always played an important role in his movies, but it came as a surprise to me to find out that he is also a musician and that his band, the No Smoking Orchestra, an 11 piece ensemble, is presenting this new album Time of the Gypsies, here in Madrid. The concert will be the 1st of February at La Riviera venue. This should be a fun time, and I’m not gonna miss it. Until next time. Ciao.
Sin palabras me hallo después de ver el concierto de unos chicos que se hacen llamar AHIJA2. Es uno de esos grupos noveles que trabajan en la sombra con mucha marcha buen ritmo y unas canciones que bien podrían estar de number one en los 40 Principales. El concierto fue el jueves pasado día 24 y fue increíble. Hacía años que no me lo pasaba tan bien.
Según leo es su web (www.myspace.com/ahija2) hacen otro concierto el 14 de marzo en Ritmo y Compás.
Es mi primer concierto...con ellos y sospecho que no será el último.
Blog Kwenya: 11 enero 08
Hey there! Its January and yes, the weather is not so great lately here in Madrid. Fortunately this is one of the European capitals with the most sunshine throughout the year. But for now, a great way to overcome this cold and wet month is by dancing the night away. Indeed! And no better city to do so than Madrid. Here are a few tips: Ohm Sessions on Fridays and Saturdays are great, with their exellent resident djs Kike Boy and specially dj Tetsu, this is a great night out for all genders and sexual orientation. At the same venue but on Sunday you can check out the legendary Weekend Club. This is a party that’s been going strong for ten years. Slammin! Check out their webpage: www.tripfamily.com. That’s it for today. Ciao.
BLOG KWENYA 17-1-2008
Hello and welcome once again to my little blog. This month there are some very interesting concerts to check out. The first one on my list is actually tonight and its
THE GIFT. This Portuguese band plays a fusion of stiles, from pop to electronica with dreamy vocals that will trasport you to another world. They will play the 17th and 18th of January at 21hours, at Bellas Artes: MarquÈs de Casa Riera, 2. If you like good and soulfull electronic sounds than you cant miss this one.