Milonga Song?

Often times in my life I am caught by a tune or lyric that compels me. For instance, when I first heard Lila Downs voice, I knew that I must continue to learn about the region of Mexico she hails from. In the journey of seeking knowledge, I find new perspectives to music and even deeper into the heart of life around the globe. I must admit I travelled the globe very little. But through music I have envisioned the glory of the world in my mind's eye.

It's the time of year when Los Lobos bust out their acoustic guitarons, quatros, violins, and several other instruments to play folk songs. I recommend the CD Acoustic En Vivo for a piece of Mexican or Latin folk music. Or check out the torrent on bt.etree right now. The show was on 2/8/07 and is a gem. I was caught by a song labeled on the set list as "Milonga". It is a purely soulful tune with wonderful guitar work and what sounds like a flute in mix. I wish I could find a video recording of the boys playing this song. Well I found a bit about the term from wikipedia. I know it is style of song played to a dance. Wow, I could just imagine the dance movements. So I posted on Los Lobos Neighborhood to ask for info and sure enough some helpful Lobos fan came to the call. Oye vato, if you read this thanks a bunch! I have found out that Abel Carlevaro is the man of los milongas or something like that. I requested two cds with Abel and another vato named Eduardo Isaac who the Lobos fan recommended. Here are some milongas I found on line.

The journey to learn more about this style of music has compelled me to revert back to my collections of music from Latin America and Mexico. Thanks to those who keep our ears happy with new sounds that span the globe.

Peace and Prosperity to all who seek it.

What's on the radar?

Well the festival line ups are being announced. The snow is falling yet the call of summer is in the air. Bonnaroo line up looks crazy. Well of all the bands there I would love to see. Tool, Rat Dog, Damien Rice, Ben Harper, String Cheese (farewell), Gov't Mule, Gillian Welch, Keller Williams, Dr. Stanley, Xavier Rudd, T-Bone Burnett, Mavis Staples, and Railroad Earth. But since it is 18 hours away and the amount of walking is simply unbearable plus the heat makes it an easy time to pass. We went in 2005 and that is pretty much good enough for me.

The fest I am most hyped about is Gathering of the Vibes. It will be held in Bridgeport this year and not in the hills of New York. Close to home and the killer is the headliners...Los Lobos, Rat Dog, Buddy Guy, Assembly of Dust, with Wavy Gravy directing things! Hands down the moment of the summer. Ordered our tickets and have been getting hyped.

We went to the Vibes in 2005 too and it was the best festival we've attended. The wait in line sucked but the size and the bands made time well spent. Plus we won the tickets through Relix! So it was free to get in so more money other things.

Of Course we plan to see Rhonda Vincent at the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival too. Check out my post from 2006. Plus this year Chris Thile and Bryan Sutton will be there! Nothing like kicking it off with Bluegrass.

If I had the time, money, and willing partner, I would go to the Mountain Jam in New York. Hosted by Gov't Mule and with friends like Ozomatli, this would be a blast. So maybe something will come around that is close to make up for missing this and Bonnaroo.