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A musical art project is underway in London. It’s simple: place a few pianos out on the street and see what happens. The BBC’s David Whitty walked the streets to finds out.
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Solo is home to the Javanese Gamelan tradition. But you don’t need to visit Java to play the instrument. Once a week, the Indonesian consulate in New York throws open its doors to amateur musicians. The World’s Alex Gallafent has today’s Global Hit.
Anchor Marco Werman brings us music from Brooklyn-based producer Melvin Gibbs. His new CD is called Ancients Speak. It’s a lively mix of African-inspired musical genres from around the globe. Listen
When the Taliban ran Afghanistan, music was banned. But it’s making a come-back. The World’s Aaron Schachter reports on a new music school in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Listen
Anchor Marco Werman introduces a Czech man with memories of the John Lennon wall in Prague. Listen
Marco Werman tells us about “Tudo Ben” a new CD of songs by Brazilian singer-songwriter Jorge Ben. Listen
Singer Bunny Wailer has had a long career — first with Bob Marley, then as a successful solo artist. Now he’s re-mastered his song catalogue. Anchor Marco Werman finds out what’s coming up. Listen
Today’s Global Hit features a tale of two piano masters — one from New Orleans, the other from Bamako, Mali. Anchor Marco Werman tells us who they are and how they borrow elements from each other’s musical culture. Listen
Anchor Marco Werman takes us to Bogota, Colombia, to meet musician Richard Blair. Blair is a British expat whose dance band has enjoyed a lot of success. Now he’s harnessing that success for a cause — saving the homes of indigenous people in northern Colombia. Listen
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with polka musician Jimmy Sturr about this week’s decision by the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to drop the category of Best Polka Album from its Grammy awards lineup. Listen
The World’s Marco Werman tells us about a program in Colombia called Canta Conmigo. It’s a government program that provides music instruction to former guerrilla fighters to reintegrate them into peaceful society. View the audio slideshow
