Europe

Leave a comment Posted on Eastern Europe, Europe

Ajlávmjuzik Slovensko

A universe in itself:  The modern muzik of Slovakia.  Quality 1960s bigbeat swonk, sophisticated artrock, ancient hip hop, 80s synth pop, and fujara flutescapes…  Enjoy the rhythmic odyssey to the Tetra peaks of Eastern Europe.

The Rap Steady Crew from Bratislava, with classic ’93 old-school swagger:

Oh, and for the trivialists out there, the Dobro guitar was invented and manufactured by the Slovakian Dopyera brothers (the Do-Bros!) in 1928.  On behalf of the Country/Jazz/Bluegrass communities, thanks gents!

Leave a comment Posted on Eastern Europe, Europe

The Legacy of Yugoslavia

This week we radiowave to a great nation of the past.  The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia existed between 1946 and 1991 before ethnic and political tensions dissolved the SFR into 6 separate Balkan nations.  Some call it Yugo-nostalgia, but this period represented a fascinating mixture of traditions and transitions.  A nation with one eye on Western culture,  the other flirting with Communism.  One foot in pop music of the West, the other in the deep history of Eastern European music.  Expect world-class rock of many breeds.

This program is curated by two friends and musical scholars who grew up in the former Yugoslavia.  On behalf of Mladen and Bojan, we hope you enjoy the trip through time…

And a happy holiday season to all.  We will make it through the darkness with goodwill and love for all beings!  Here’s a little ode to the holiday celebration that gets very little attention while retaining a high degree of integrity:

Leave a comment Posted on Europe, Nordic, Uncategorized

Nordic/Baltic? Bizarre/Blissful!

Let the stereo typecasts and contradictions continue forever & never!  Estonia lies on the cusp of incognition, not quite Nordic, and also not much like the other Baltic nations to the south…  They are a surprisingly progressive nation just doing their thing and reaping the rewards of hovering below the world radar.

But guess what Estonia…  WE SEE YOU!  And yes, you are just as freaky as your Finnish brethren across the gulf.  Thank the Norse Gods!  Jolly accordions, synthesizers from deep space, cellos of catharsis, kannel harps, warped guitar wonkerings…  We barely know you but it could be true love.  Open ears to the sky.

Leave a comment Posted on Europe, Nordic

Supersonisk Dansk Musik

Pack your children’s books and winter boots, we’re catching the next Nordic soundwave to Denmark.  Stuck in the backseat between Sweden and Germany, the Danish may not have much legroom to work with but they occupy their space with musical eclecticism and grace.  A European hub for contemporary jazz since the 1920s, Denmark has also played host to early electronic music, Viking folk, violin armadas, and on anon.

To think, humans were already sculpting this style of aural alchemy 50 years ago..

Tune in and ye shall hear with new ears)))