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Why Irish Music Is More Than Leprechauns and Shamrocks
Irish music is not all sentimental ballads, step dances and ditties about Leprechauns and green beer. Today, hear about Ireland's long tradition of topical storytelling in music, with songs about politics, immigration, alcoholism and even Iraq. Also: Brazilian singer Curumin has fashioned a new musical genre: samba soul. On his second album he adds some Japanese into it. Curumin joins us to talk about his sound and to play live in studio.
The New breed of Irish Rebel Songs
When it comes to songwriting, the Irish are among the world's great storytellers. Historically, that’s played out in passionate songs about nationalist causes. But as the political climate has changed in Ireland, so has the musical focus. Joining us with two views on this are Larry Kirwan, the leader of the Irish-American band Black 47, and Mike Farragher, a music columnist with the Irish Voice, and co-founder of the web site Celtic Lounge.
Black 47 release party, tonight at B.B.King's
Weigh in: Do you like your Irish music with a political edge? Or do you prefer old drinking songs and sentimental ballads?
Curumin
Take Steve Wonder's "Innervisions" album, add samba grooves, psychedelic funk guitar, reggae beats, and top it with samples of Japanese Brazilian singing contests and you start to get a sense of the music of Curumin. The multi-instrumentalist and singer from Sao Paulo, Brazil joins us with a live performance.
Curumin performs Mar. 18 at Nublu at 9:30 and 10:45 p.m.
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