Musical Interlude: Yusuf

Yet another musical interlude. I'm currently listening to Yusuf, Roadsinger. Here's a live version:



Seems to be going back to his Cat Stevens' roots on this track. Here's Yusuf's MySpace, which has the album on.

I was also listening to Yoriyos (Yusuf's son), who also has a MySpace channel.

Musical Interlude

I thought I'd assemble some music-related links for this blog, for material which has caught my attention over the past month or so - some of it has been out much longer. There's scope for some serious research on Muslim musicians and the internet. I've been listening to this as I posted the blog today:



Celt Islam contains a multitude of world music influences, integrated into a DJ/dub/drum'n'bass fusion. The MySpace page has plenty more about the Analogue Fakir, a slideshow, YouTube clips and various downloads ...



Next, Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara, Tell No Lies, Real World is out today on CD/download. Juldeh Camara (from The Gambia) plays the ritti, a fiddle with one string:

"Juldeh Camara is an African Master Musician, taught to play by his blind father, who himself was taught directly by the djinn. Playing the ritti, a one-stringed fiddle and West African ancestor of the violin, he participated as a griot (a West African poet, praise singer and repository of oral tradition) in traditional Fula society."

Justin Adams plays blues guitar, and is well known for his work with Robert Plant and Tinarawen (as well as solo materials). The result is excellent, if you haven't heard them already. There are samples on this page, and also a video explaining some of the background to the music.

I'm looking out for the new Khaled CD Liberte, but can't find much information at present on the official French site. The site also includes a video extract.

Also listening to Amadou & Mariam and Bob Dylan (not sure how to fit his latest into this blog, however). Should also mention Yusuf's new one 'Roadsinger', which I haven't heard yet (except clips).

Charity Record for Gaza

AP, Yusuf Islam: Releases song in aid of Gaza children, 28 Jan 09 " The United Nations said the London-born Yusuf Islam recorded a rendition of the George Harrison song "The Day the World Gets Round," along with the German bassist and former Beatles collaborator Klaus Voorman.

"All proceeds from the song will be donated to the U.N. agency in charge of Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and to the nonprofit group Save the Children to be directed to aiding Gaza residents."

Here's the download page: jamalrecords.com, Yusuf & Klaus, The Day the World Gets 'Round. Haven't heard this yet.

Yusuf Islam

NME.com, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton for new Yusuf album, 21 Jan 09 "Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton have contributed to the forthcoming album from Yusuf, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens.

"The renowned singer-songwriter is gearing up to release the as-yet-untitled album in late spring. This will be his first non-religious album in 28 years."

Non-tech. Probably the first time I've linked to NME.com on this blog ...

I found this via FaithTube: YouTube, Yusuf Islam - The Beloved