Sex and the Single Rabbit

With a title that is sure to get lots of search engine activity, Crammed Discs have started opening their archives. The European label is known for its cosmopolitan genre-bending style such as Bebel Gilberto (see below), the early Zap Mama and Taraf de Haidouk. In the eighties and nineties, they also had a successful electronic imprint called SSR (Sampler Sans Reproche - Sampling without fear). The virtual twin-set includes material such as the Matthew Herbert remix of a Hector Zazou/Harold Budd track, a Snooze remix by Isolée, a track off the long-deleted DJ Morpheus vs Bassbin Twin vinyl EP, sonic terrorist Meira Asher, London jazz/dope beats heads Elixir, Japan’s Tao, Phosphorus and their dreamy, soundtrack-like trip-pop and Finland’s minimal/glitch pioneer Aural Expansion.

“Sex and the Single Rabbit” will only be available through electronic outlets, which most likely means that tracks can also be downloaded individually. If that sounds tasty, try the link below.

Ugandan Hip-Hop: “no bling”

It might just sound like some place on a map, but Uganda also has its “yoof”. And they have things to say - which is hardly surprising when you see the chaos they have to deal with. Like in most African countries these days, Hip-Hop acts as the pressure valve, social commentary and popular entertainment. Check this teaser of a documentary about Ugandan Hip-Hop. As one guy points out, “they’re not interested in listening to bling-bling”. We have that much in common, then.

First spotted on African-Rap.com.

See Damon Alban and Mali’s finest in London

You’ll have to move fast on this one. Damon Alban of Blur has visited Mali on several occasions, and is determined to spread the good news about its music. He is hosting an exclusive event on December 13 in South London that will bring together Amadou and Mariam, Rachid Taha, K’naan, Souad Massi and Ba Cissoko along with 20 or so other like-minded English and American artists, a lot of whom will be your favourite acts (…….. it apparently includes some very big names indeed).

But - and it’s a major but - this is not taking place in Wembley. It’s a 300 capacity venue that will already be pretty full with the musicians and their guests. But the organisers would also like to invite some music fans and are opening a few places to the audience. So nip over quickly to the Africa Express site and… good luck!

Before that, many of the same crew will be appearing at London’s Roundhouse on December 11. Check your local press for details.

Bebel Gilberto prepares new album

Bebel Gilberto, the daughter of Brazilian pioneer João Gilberto and Miúcha, has finished her new album which will be titled Momento. Bebel shot to fame with her debut release Tanto Tempo in 2000, after appearing alongside some of the most respected artists of our time, including Caetano Veloso and David Byrne, and cutting edge experimenters like Deee Lite’s Towa Tei and Thievery Corporation.

The release is scheduled for early 2007. For more details and video clips, visit Bebel Giberto.com.

Bebel Gilberto on iTunes US.