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Coming Soon ~ Putumayo Presents: Yoga

Coming soon ~ Yoga is Putumayo’s first CD release featuring songs selected to accompany yoga practice and serve as a relaxing soundtrack for daily life.

Visit our e-card to hear song samples and for a free download from the album!

Also, don’t miss performances from Yoga featured artists Krishna Das, Wah!, Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band, Gaura Vani, Karnamrita Dasi, Geoffrey Gordon and Shantala at Bhakti Fest, September 9-12 in Joshua Tree, CA. View the complete performance schedule here.

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Artist Reflections on Bob Marley (Part 4 of 4): Rebelution bassist Marley D. Williams

The Tribute to a Reggae Legend Interview Series

Closing out the Tribute to a Reggae Legend interview series is Marley D. Williams, bassist of the breakthrough U.S. band Rebelution. Marley reflects on Bob’s music and his message of unity, and discusses Rebelution’s amazing cover of “Natural Mystic,” recorded exclusively for Tribute to a Reggae Legend.

Listen to Rebelution’s version of “Natural Mystic” below:

Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, Rebelution is a mainstay of the Cali reggae scene and has developed into the front runner among grassroots, independent and tour-driven music groups. Founded in 2004, members Eric Rachmany (vocals / guitar), Rory Carey (keyboards), Wesley Finley (drums) and Marley D. Williams (bass) met in college while residing in Isla Vista, a popular beachside community in Santa Barbara. It was there that the seeds of Rebelution’s future were planted. Their laid back, “worry free” vibes, catchy refrains and optimistic, engaging music leaves their listeners with the sense that they have the power to make this world a better place.

We’re giving away a 2-CD set that includes the Putumayo Classic CD Latin Reggae and Rebelution’s CD bright side of life. Leave a comment (on our blog or our Facebook page) telling us your favorite moment from the Tribute to a Reggae Legend Interview Series. We’ll select a winner at random next Tuesday, August 31st.

To view the previous interviews, click on the following links: Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Playing for Change founder Mark Johnson, and Julie Crochetière.

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South Africa Trip Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered the South Africa Trip Sweepstakes! Thanks as well to Intrepid Travel and South Africa Airways, our travel sponsors.

Congratulations to Rhonda Nichols-Hendrix of Oregon, winner of the online trip sweepstakes, and to Shari Mycek of New Jersey and Gerald Stepnuk of Manitoba, winners of the US and Canada in-store trip sweepstakes. Look out for more exciting giveaways from Putumayo in the future!

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Artist Reflections on Bob Marley (Part 3 of 4): Julie Crochetière

The Tribute to a Reggae Legend Interview Series

This week’s interview stars Canadian songstress Julie Crochetière, who speaks about Marley’s message, his music as a source of inspiration, and her live off the floor  recording of “Mellow Mood,” featured on Tribute to a Reggae Legend. Check out the video interview above.

Julie Crochetière grew up in Montreal, the younger of two girls. She studied classical piano for eight years and came from a family where music was always encouraged and appreciated.  As a kid Julie would sit down and go through her family’s vinyl records, discovering soul music from artists like The Commodores, Aretha Franklin and others in the process. Julie places her musical roots in 60s and 70s music, stating of her own artistic vision, “I’m trying to use my building blocks to create something genuine where things happen and work.” Following membership in the platinum-selling Canadian pop group Sugar Jones, Julie made her solo debut with the 2003 EP Café, followed by 2007’s full-length, A Better Place.

Listen to Julie’s soulful rendition of “Mellow Mood,” featured on Tribute to a Reggae Legend.

Next: Marley D. Williams, bassist of the breakthrough U.S. band Rebelution, discusses Bob’s incomparable appeal and their cover of “Natural Mystic.”

Watch the previous interviews with Reuben Koroma of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars and Playing for Change founder Mark Johnson.

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Artist Reflections on Bob Marley (Part 2 of 4): Playing For Change founder Mark Johnson

The Tribute to a Reggae Legend Interview Series

We continue our 4-week interview series exploring Bob Marley’s impact with Playing For Change founder Mark Johnson, who shares personal reflections and stories from the road about Bob Marley’s global reach. Mark also discusses Playing For Change’s multi-artist tribute version of “One Love,” featured on Tribute to a Reggae Legend. Check out the video above.

Playing for Change is a unique project created by Johnson to unite the world through music, mixing the field recordings of street musicians and popular stars into giant global jams.  The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. Regardless of whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race.

How were you introduced to Bob Marley and his music?

I was first introduced to Bob Marley and his music the same way I was introduced to most of the great music early in my life, from my brother Greg Johnson.  I think the first Bob Marley song I ever heard is still my favorite song of all time, “No Woman No Cry”.  This song has an amazing power to create images we all can relate to.  “Good friends we have and good friends we lost…” and “Everything  is going to be all right…” are as universal today as they were when I was a teenager.  This song is synonymous to me with that great place in our soul where our past meets the hope of our future.

What do Bob Marley and his music mean to you?  What impact did his music and legacy have on you?

The truth is Bob Marley is my hero in life.  His music and his legacy are a major driving force in everything we are doing with Playing For Change.  In this world we must come together as one and Bob Marley is the greatest symbol for this mission that I have ever seen or heard.  He represents the triumph of the individual spirit as well as the perseverance of our human race.  Somehow in his music we can learn about the errors of our past and still find a way to make a better future for everyone. As he once said, “Overcome the devils with a thing called love.”

What do you think it is about Bob Marley’s music that appeals to such a wide variety of people?

I once heard someone say that the music of Bob Marley is as easy to understand and relate to as a nursery rhyme. His message is so simple, universal and full of emotion.  He can preach without alienating anyone and show us the importance of finding unity in our hearts while we are ALIVE in this world.  I think the truth is that Playing For Change may have never been born without the music of Bob Marley.  His songs will always keep us humble and driven to connect the world through music.

How does Bob Marley’s message tie in with what Playing for Change is all about? With Playing For Change we are striving to keep Bob Marley’s message of one love and one heart alive for everyone to see. The time is now to unite as a human race and music is the best way for us to achieve this mission.  We have traveled across the globe and everywhere we go the music of Bob Marley is celebrated.  It must be something about the simple melodies and powerful, universal message that all of the world can relate to.  I remember once we were in Dharmsala, India recording some Tibetan refugees and as we walked down a dirt road we passed a small record shop.  As I looked I saw about 50 Tibetan CD’s with Bob Marley’s Legend CD in the center.  Everywhere we go Bob is with us all!

You recorded “One Love”; why did you choose that song?

The global movement of Playing For Change began about 6 six years ago.  A small crew started traveling the globe armed with a mobile recording studio, cameras, and two songs: “Stand By Me” and “One Love”.  These were the first two songs around the world we ever assembled and I believe they are also the two greatest universal songs of connection and inspiration that I have ever heard.   I wonder sometimes after so many years of traveling the world if we chose these songs or if perhaps they chose us.  I will never forget the turning point in filming “One Love” when we traveled to a shack on the top of a hill in the township of Umlazi, South Africa.  We were working with a Zulu Choir named Sinamuva and when we arrived they were singing the choruses of “One Love” in their native language of Zulu.  Seeing their faces and feeling the love coming from their hearts as they sang this song was perhaps the greatest moment of life.  We have recorded many different people from different races, religions, cultures and economic status throughout our journey, and Bob Marley always finds a way to connect them all. “One Great thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain…”

Putumayo World Music was established to introduce people to other cultures through music. How does Putumayo’s philosophy of exposing people to new cultures, sounds, and ideas relate to Playing for Change?

It is truly and honor to for Playing For Change to be included in this Putumayo Tribute to a Reggae Legend project.  Most of my life I have been introduced to great music around the world from Putumayo and their various releases.  It is through this music that I first heard Rocky Dawuni, a great musician and friend and now a collaborator with Playing For Change.  It’s not just world music, but instead great music around the world.  This music can open your heart and soul to the simple fact that great music is everywhere.

One Love, One heart, Mark Johnson

We’re giving away a 3-CD/DVD set that includes Putumayo’s World Reggae and Playing for Change’s CD Songs Around the World and DVD Peace Through Music. Leave a comment (on our blog or our Facebook page) telling us your favorite Bob Marley song. We’ll select a winner at random next Tuesday, August 17^th!

Next: Canadian songstress Julie Crochetière discusses the significance of Marley’s message and her cover of “Mellow Mood”.

Watch last week’s interview with Reuben Koroma of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars.

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Chasing Away the World Cup Blues

It’s been almost a month since the 2010 World Cup’s rousing finale, in which Spain defeated the Netherlands in extra time to win the first FIFA championship in that Iberian nation’s history. Now that the excitement of the Copa Mundial has passed, however, many are facing the stark reality of the World Cup Blues. What’s a  fan to do now that heading to the pub at 9 AM to watch the game is once again frowned upon, and the omniscience of Paul the Octopus is but a passing memory? Well, fear not fans, because we’ve got some great suggestions to help you satisfy your fútbol jones until 2014 rolls around:

Celebrate Spain!

Regardless of who you were pulling for at the time, it’s not difficult to appreciate the Spanish team after the fact. The 1-0 win gave the Spaniards their first title in history of the World Cup, putting them in very exclusive company. Why not throw a party in their honor? Invite some friends over, make a mix of your favorite music from Spain, and try these great recipes for gazpacho and sangria, two traditional Spanish refreshments that are perfect for cooling you off on a hot summer afternoon. For desert, check out Chef Eva Arguiñano’s recipe for torrijas de natillas, or Spanish bread pudding, featured in the liner notes to Putumayo Presents: España.

Friendly Games, Club Championships, and London 2012

While the next World Cup is four years off, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be international games in the interim. Quite the contrary - the time in between is chock full of friendly games and qualifiers, and also boasts the annual FIFA Club World Cup. The Club World Cup is a world championship at the club level, and this year’s is set to take place in December in the United Arab Emirates. There are also the qualifying matches for the next World Cup, which are set to begin in the second half of next year. Finally, there are plenty of friendly games between national teams to stoke your pride. Exciting games in the near future include a match between Mexico and Spain on August 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and a match between the United States and Brazil at Red Bull Stadium in New Jersey on August 10. And of course, there’s always the 2012 London Olympics, which will offer a global football competition of their own. For more information about FIFA and schedule of upcoming games, visit http://www.fifa.com/

Major League Soccer (MLS)

Those in the United States who found themselves captivated by this year’s World Cup proceedings for the first time should explore the world of Major League Soccer, or MLS. The league was founded in 1993 as part of the US bid to host the 1994 World Cup, and has since grown slowly but surely. It now boasts two leagues of 8 teams, with plans to add three more teams by the 2012 season. This is evidence of the league’s snowballing success, attributable to a growing US interest in soccer, the construction of new soccer-specific stadiums, and signings of high-profile European players to US teams. These include David Beckham’s move from Real Madrid to the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 and, more recently, the signing of Thierry Henry of Barcelona to the New York Red Bulls.

While MLS games probably won’t have you blowing your vuvuzela at a soccer bar on a Monday morning, they do offer top level playing and competition, all leading up to the U.S. Open Cup, scheduled to take place this year on October 5^th. For more information about Major League Soccer, including teams, schedules, and tickets, visit http://www.mlssoccer.com

Music

Like football, music is truly an international phenomenon. One of the most magical things about the World Cup is the sense of connectedness and unity that comes from having the entire glob focused on a shared experience. In the same way, music can transcend international borders, language barriers, and political conflicts to remind us of our common humanity. In the wake of World Cup fever, here are some of our favorite records to help us relive the glory:

Putumayo Presents: España With tracks from all the major regions of the Iberian nation, this compilation is the perfect way to both pay honor to the new champions as well as explore the country’s rich musical heritage, with tracks from contemporary pop and rock musicians that marry the country’s traditional sounds and forms with modern, international influences.

Putumayo Presents: South Africa While this CD doesn’t have any tracks featuring the vuvuzela, it does feature music from a slew of South African musicians who artfully capture the spirit of South Africa that was so beautifully demonstrated during the World Cup. Here, indigenous sounds and sensibilities mingle with European harmonies and African American funk, soul, and jazz for a sound that is uniquely South African.

Get a vuvuzela!

The official noisemaker of the 2010 games has taken the world by storm, capturing hearts and damaging hearing around the globe. Officials in many countries and sports leagues have been hesitant to let the buzzy horns become part of their sporting culture, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t snag one for your own personal enjoyment! And with that:

What are you doing to stave off World Cup withdrawal? We’d love to hear your ideas!

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Artist Reflections on Bob Marley (Part 1 of 4): Reuben Koroma of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

The Tribute to a Reggae Legend Interview Series

Putumayo celebrates the release of the new album Tribute to a Reggae Legend, a global celebration of the music of Bob Marley, with the launch of an intimate 4-week interview series starring Reuben Koroma of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Playing for Change founder Mark Johnson, Rebelution’s Marley D. Williams and Canadian songstress Julie Crochetière, who reflect on the universality of Bob Marley’s music, his lasting influence on them as artists and his global impact.

Throughout the 1990s, the West African country of Sierra Leone was wracked with a bloody, horrifying war that forced millions to flee their homes.  The musicians that would eventually form Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are all originally from Freetown, but were forced to leave the capital city at various times after violent rebel attacks.  Reuben Koroma, founder of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, explores the connection between Bob Marley and the All Stars as cultural ambassadors and representatives for those without a voice.

Listen to the All Stars’ amazing, African-infused rendition of “No Woman, No Cry,” recorded exclusively for Tribute to a Reggae Legend.

To kick off the interview series, we’re giving away a 3-CD set that includes Putumayo’s Tribute to a Reggae Legend and African Reggae CDs and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars new CD Rise and Shine, now available from Cumbancha. Leave a comment (on our blog or our Facebook page) telling us why you love Bob Marley. We’ll select a winner at random next Tuesday, August 10^th!

Next: Playing for Change founder Mark Johnson shares stories from the road about Marley’s global impact and discusses PFC’s multi-artist tribute version of “One Love“.

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Tribute to a Reggae Legend Out Now!

Bob Marley would have been 65 in 2010, and in celebration, Putumayo World Music is releasing Tribute to a Reggae Legend , a multi-genre album featuring artists from around the world performing many of his best loved songs. The collection is the first tribute album Putumayo has produced and its first with five exclusive, original tracks.  Artists who recorded exclusive songs for the album include Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Freshlyground, Rebelution, Caracol, and Rocky Dawuni. For more information please view our e-card below!

View the Tribute to a Reggae Legend e-card!

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A Rockin’ Conversation with Dan Zanes

Dan Zanes, formerly of the popular 80s rock band The Del Fuegos, has grown to be the face of family music and the artist that most people associate with this relatively new genre. In 2007, Zanes received the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Album for Children, for his album Catch That Train! and has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Melbourne International Arts Festival. He has released 10 albums targeted toward family audiences and has earned an ardent following.

We recently spoke with Dan Zanes, whose song “Let’s Shake” is featured on Rock & Roll Playground, to explore the connection between family music and rock & roll.

Do you remember your first encounter with rock & roll?

Yeah, I heard Chuck Berry on the radio. That was it! (laughs) And I never really got too far out of the 50s. I wasn’t alive then, but we had oldies radio; Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley-those are the [musicians] I thought were great.

What was it about rock & roll music that you gravitated toward?

I just loved the energy of it. It sounded like it was about to cave in on itself half the time, especially Bo Diddley records. It was all hanging on by a thread, but it was totally artful at the same time.

Continue reading this entry »

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Rock & Roll Playground CD Out Now!

Putumayo Kids pays tribute to the early history of rock ‘n’ roll with their newest CD, Rock & Roll Playground. Kids of all ages can shake, rattle and roll to music by a stellar group of established and up-and-coming artists such as Dan Zanes, Peter Himmelman, Brady Rymer, and many more.

View the e-card and download the FREE song “The Starfish Stomp” by StarFish!

Enter the Air Guitar Video Contest for the chance to win a rockin’ concert at home with StarFish bandleader StingRay! Second and third place winners will receive a prize package of five Putumayo Kids CDs.