My World Music Blog : January 2007

This week I've been listening to a whole lot of French music like the amazing band Malicorne and for some reason Amelie (which found it's way back into rotation on my playlist).

I'm currently looking for new band members to try and get a kick-ass Balkan Gypsy pub-band up and running so I can get gigging again. Have found a drummer, but still need everyone else.

Our old Violinest wrote and said she was about to head off to London (which is why the band broke up), but suggested we make an application for Woodford Festival again this year and include the ring-ins who helped us out last year. They're all pretty well known here in Australia so if we can get them involved again it'd be great - but we'd be looking at a 10 piece band.

I've also started to compile a World Music Instrument Guide called What Instrument is That?

Well, I'm back from Woodford Music Festival and it was great - 6 days of watching bands, playing at music sessions and generally relaxing. Our band did 4 really great gigs and even had several guest artists come up and play.

Although it rained for the first two days, the rest of it was nice and warm and gave everyone's tents and bedding a chance to dry out.

Musical highlights were the French Gypsy Punk band Leo, a young Australian band called Turkish Delights and spending the early mornings listening to things like Sufi, Indian and mediaeval Spanish music while drinking my coffee.

In other news, Gogol Bordello, one of my favorite bands is touring Australia during April. These crazy American-Ukranian Gypsy punks are really high energy and will no doubt put on one heck of a show!