Posts By: Jessi

african pop from world circuit

Posted by & filed under music, the internet, and life.

I sure do owe the world a lot of blog posts. Someday soon I’ll write them! Meanwhile, I apologetically offer you this entrancing playlist from the World Circuit label.

I was already familiar with most of these artists, such as Toumani Diabaté, Orchestra Baobab, Buena Vista Social Club, Cheikh Lô, and Ali Farka Touré. But I can’t believe I didn’t know anything about Tony Allen! He was Fela Kuti’s drummer from ’68 to ’79 and helped found the Afrobeat movement. This list kicks off with the title track of his new album, Secret Agent.

daydreamy fabrics

Posted by & filed under music, the internet, and life.

My favorite art is the touchable kind. I would rather visit a good fabric store than a famous museum, honest!

This post is a tribute to some old-fashioned fabric designed by Heather Ross. Heather started a business selling kids’ clothes made from her designs, but it didn’t take off, and she’s still selling off the last fabric remnants.

Brazilian serenade for a beautiful morning

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Because the rain stopped and the sun is shining and I have iTunes playing Luis Bonfá, I gotta share my favorite song and scene from the 1959 film Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus). The movie sets the ancient Greek love story of the musician Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice in Brazil during Carnaval. The music (samba, bossa nova) is outstanding.

In this tranquil scene, Orpheus plays his guitar and sings so sweetly that the children, animals and Eurydice all draw near to listen.