Pablo Picasso

AfroCubism

World in Stereo: AfroCubism

Each week, World in Stereo examines classic and modern world music while striving for a greater appreciation of other cultures.

AfroCubismAfroCubism: s/t (World Circuit / Nonesuch, 11/2/2010)

AfroCubism: “Jarabi”

[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/06-Jarabi.mp3|titles=Afrocubism: “Jarabi”]

It was 1996 when British producer Nick Gold and American guitarist Ry Cooder arrived in Havana, intending to make a certain record that placed Malian and Cuban musicians together to explore the roots of Afro-Cuban music.  But as passport and visa problems stranded the West African musicians in Paris, Gold and Cooder made the decision to move on and revamp the project because the studio in Havana was already booked.

Poster Art: Dan Grzeca’s paint-inspired screen prints

Fifteen years ago, Chicago artist Dan Grzeca (pronounced Jet-sah) was painting.  It was the ’90s, and Bob Hartzell and Steve Walters of Screwball Press introduced him and a slew of other artists, including Jay Ryan, to screen printing — specifically, poster making.  “That’s one of the reasons Chicago has such a rich pool of talent,” Grzeca says.  “It’s very self-perpetuating with older artists inspiring and encouraging new, younger artists.”