Konono No. 1

Konono No. 1: “Bazombo Trance” Stars Reflect Congolese Roots

Konono No.1‘s music stems from Congolese history and the heritage of its members’ families, which is reflected in the band’s makeshift equipment and unifying practice. Difficult and minimalistic, its music is not immediately accessible but eventually understood and appreciated, no matter what one’s background may be.

Ten Albums to Anticipate This Spring

As the weather stops being oppressive in the Northern Hemisphere, a number of potentially great albums from countless genres are on the way.  Here’s a list of ten that have us excited, including efforts from Isis, MF Doom, Coalesce, Prefuse 73, Mr. Lif, and more.

Weekly Music News Roundup

Announcements are made for new albums from Irepress, Karl Sanders, Black Moth Super Rainbow, and Staff Benda Bilili — a group of paraplegic Congolese street musicians.

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey releases its new studio album for free; Secret Chiefs 3 announces a concert DVD; Les Claypool announces an outstanding mini festival that will be in a town near you. This and more after the jump.