Travel Notes (Grace McNally)

Today on Travel Notes Grace is joined by special guest is Kurtis Lamkin, a Philadelphia born and Charleston based poet and musician specializing in the west african kora and an instrument called the jinjin. In true griot fashion, he blurs the line between poet, musician and storyteller. Kurt has performed on stage, radio, film, and television, and was one of the featured poets in the Bill Moyers documentary, Fooling With Words. He also hosted MultiKultiMove, a reading series featuring writers from around the world; and produced a radio series called, “Living Proof: Contemporary Black Literature.”And as Mark Nepo, NYTimes best selling author puts it - “Kurtis Lamkin is a singular talent of our generation entering his years of mastery. He is an innovator, a storyteller, a musician, a poet and a moral historian who has studied and mastered the kora, a West African bridge harp with twenty-one strings...And in the tradition of Homer he travels the country singing the truth of our history, the hope of our humanity, and the imagination of our community…”

This episode we go south of the equator! Listeners will feel the Carnival spirit and Brazilian sun via the Afro Brazilian musical styles that originate in the magical city of Salvador de Bahia. Pack your sunscreen and dancing shoes!

Welcome back to Travel Notes! Today, we're thrilled to chat with professional violinist, Laura Diaz. Laura's musical journey took her from graduating with degrees in Music Performance, Music History and Computer Information Systems to a 2021 SURF Grant where she explored Guatemalan composer Joaquín Orellana's career amidst Guatemala's turbulent history, digitizing and archiving his work for future generations. Tune in for a deep dive into the innovative music of Joaquín Orellana, Laura’s groundbreaking project and this unique cultural connection!

Link to the documentary: https://youtu.be/fFvcQVbNddw

Link to NY Times article on Joaquín Orellana: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/arts/music/joaqin-orellana-the-spine-of-music.html

In episode 9 of Travel Notes, I sit down with Susto’s Justin Osborne to talk about an influential trip to Cuba and the connection between Cuban trova music and American troubadours such as John Prine. We talk about Susto’s new album, Time in the Sun and the common themes throughout the album such as the joys and suffering of life, mental health and spirituality.

Listeners will explore Gullah spiritual music, one of the oldest folk music traditions in America, native to the beautiful city of Charleston, SC. I sat down with Ms. Lynette White founder of the Plantations Singers, a world renowned Gullah a cappella percussion gospel group. We talked about who the Gullah Geechie people are, their history and wonderfully rich spiritual musical tradition.

In this episode of Travel Notes, Grace McNally talks with Sicilian folk musician Michela Musolino about her music and musical journey as a Sicilian American. Together they discuss the rituals, traditions, people and idiosyncrasies surrounding Sicilian folk music. Now a resident of Memphis, Tennessee - Michela illustrates the similarities she hears between Sicilian folk music and the blues from the American Southeast.

Join host Grace McNally for an all new Travel Notes episode on Native American music and culture featuring Cathy Nelson from Keepers of the Word, an organization that works to preserve South Carolina Native culture and Two Piece, a Charleston based musical duo comprised of Delia Chariker and Bill Whittaker.

In today's show we are going somewhere we’ve never been before on Travel Notes! We are going to the southernmost island in the Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela, perhaps most musically well known for their steel drums thanks to their economy’s heavy reliance on petrochemicals and petroleum, you may have heard of this island called Trinidad and Tobago!

Our cultural liaison will be Trinidadian and Toronto based musician Drew Gonsalves, founder of the calypso group Kobo Town. Together, we get to know the complex, diverse and compact country of Trinidad and Tobago through the musical lens of calypso and Kobo Town’s newest album, Carnival of Ghosts.

On today’s episode of Travel Notes, we are featuring a musical group that had humble beginnings on a farm in South Africa some 63 years ago. Today, they are living legends whose music has played a pivotal role during the apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela listened to their music while he was imprisoned during the apartheid citing their music carried a powerful message of peace. 

Today’s featured guest is the legendary group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo

 We dive into their origin story, the style of music they sing, their new 2023 album ‘Soothe My Soul: Songs From Our South African Church’ and revisit some of their most memorable moments throughout their incredible six decade long career. They’ve won more grammys than any other world music group in recorded music history - and today I’m honored to have Albert Mazibuko who is celebrating his 55th year as a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the show.

Today's musical guests on Travel Notes are two lovely humans and fantastic musicians: Eleanor Dubinsky & Darío Acosta Teich. Eleanor is a USA-born vocalist, guitarist and cellist who sings in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Her music is open-hearted and culturally fluid, connecting underground tributaries between languages and world rhythms in uplifting, soulful compositions that explore the fragile links between human emotions and responsibility. Dario, a guitarist, composer and master of Latin folk instruments, combines his deep knowledge of classical and South American vocabularies with his passion for jazz harmony and free improvisation.

Together, we explore their music, expansive respective and shared musical journeys and discuss how music connects us as all as human beings.

Learn more about their work & music here

It’s Episode 12 and Travel Notes is officially 1 year old! In today’s show we are joined by a special guest, South African guitarist Derek Gripper. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty, not so pretty side of the classical guitar, explore the connection between kora master Toumani Diabate and JS Bach, talk about lessons Derek has learned from studying kora music and how he has applied them to the classical guitar. He even performs a song off of his album, Billy Goes to Durban which is inspired by southern baptist preacher Billy Graham. Hope you guys enjoy the show!

P.S.

To celebrate this milestone, there will be a longer extended episode on youtube where we dive into even more topics like yoga, the Bach basement tapes, ga ga dance, ancient Eastern Cape bow music and much more. You definitely don’t want to miss it. To access the video, check out the Travel Notes Instagram Page for a link in the bio.

In this episode, we will cross the Atlantic to Mali, African and explore the link between Malian kora music and the American Mississippi delta blues.

In this month’s episode of Travel Notes, we cross the pond to Senegal, Africa, a country very close to my heart. Quick back story: My parents met, fell in love and got married in Senegal and Senegalese artists such as Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal filled our childhood home.

From Peter Gabriel to Mumford and Sons, Senegalese musicians have made an impact on the world music stage. Join host Grace McNally, as we listen and explore this incredible country and its infectious genres of music.

Season 2 of Travel Notes is officially here! I can't think of a better way to kick off season 2 than with the wonderful Ukrainian classical guitarist, Ulyana Machneva.

Ulyana began playing classical guitar at age six and she currently teaches, composes and performs in Charleston, SC. Her career has taken her around the world and her pieces have been performed in numerous countries. We talk about Ukrainian music, its role for the Ukrainian people in today's current conflict & its influence on American composer George Gershwin and much more. Ulyana performs a beautiful Ukrainian folk song on the larharp and we listen and chat about the inspiration behind a few of her original compositions and arrangements.

In this episode of Travel Notes I sit down with Oud player, Peter Kfoury, to discuss all things Oud. We explore its’ history, learn about a historical renaissance man who is responsible for toothpaste to introducing the Oud to Europe and listen to and discuss a few of Peter’s compositions. You are guaranteed to learn something new and have a g(oud) time!

Inspired by my brother who is living and working in Japan, tune in to explore the ancient and immersive art form of Taiko Drumming!

In this episode of Travel Notes, we embark on the first leg of a journey through Venezuela's rich musical landscape with award winning Venezuelan born Toronto based musician, Eliana Cuevas. Her most recent album, Seré Libre, blends together classical, jazz, Afro-Venezuelan rhythms and folk music to create a seamless reflection of the multifaceted music of Venezuela.

In today’s episode of Travel Notes we are talking with Derek Gripper who has been on the show before and a renowned South African guitarist, whose love for the kora set him to transcribing and recording some of its greatest works. He is joined by Malian kora virtuoso, Ballaké Sissoko for their upcoming performance at the Savannah Music Festival this weekend, March 30th at 5:30 PM and 8PM. For their performance, Sissoko and Gripper explore the ancient musical traditions of the griots of Mali in their performance titled: The Art of the Kora.

This episode features an unreleased bonus track at the end of the program which will be on Derek & Ballaké album, 'Derek Gripper & Ballaké Sissoko' coming out in early May 2024

This week on Travel Notes, Grace talks with the groundbreaking Gambian kora virtuoso, Sona Jobarteh! Sona is breaking barriers as the world’s first professional female kora virtuoso from the West African Griot dynasties. With a lineage of renowned Kora masters, including her grandfather Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and cousin Toumani Diabaté, Sona's talent is unmatched. Her distinctive voice, infectious melodies, and onstage grace have garnered international acclaim. Beyond music, Sona is a dedicated humanitarian, founding The Gambian Academy and advocating for social change on global platforms. Join us as we dive into Sona's inspiring journey and discuss her impactful work as a global changemaker. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Today on Travel Notes, Grace talks with award winning Brazilian guitarist and songwriter, Badi Assad about her creative process, current projects, mindfulness practice, challenges she’s overcome during her career and more.

In episode 7 of Travel Notes, host Grace McNally sits down with Dr. Michael O'brien - multi-instrumentalist, ethnomusicologist and head of the Music Department at the College of Charleston. Together they explore an Argentinian carnival art called the Murga Porteña, and specifically a character named the Bombo con Platillo who plays an instrumental and sometimes controversial roll not only in carnival but also Argentinian politics, soccer and feminist movements. Vamos!

In Travel Notes Episode 6, I sit down with my good friend and local musician - Gino Castillo to explore Afro Cuban Music. We talk about its' roots, role in the community and how shares similarities with other African influenced musical genres across the Americas. We dive into some of Cuba’s other musical genres as well and listen to Afro Cuban jazz group Irakere, Buena Vista Social Club singer Ibrahim Ferrer and a two of Gino’s original compositions. By the end of the show, you’ll be ready to hop in a Ford Model T and hit the streets of Havana! I hope you enjoy

Today on Travel Notes, we talk to musician and songwriter, Eljuri. Eljuri is a New Yorker, immigrant, Latina, woman, singer, and guitarist. Her greatest passions are songwriting and activism. Her music is a fusion of Latin, reggae and global rhythms with rock and funk. Her bilingual songs are socially conscious and about current global issues.

In her world, music and activism are positively intertwined. She seeks to empower not only the Latino community but all champions for human rights. She is an artivist (activist meets artist) whose bilingual songs are stories about resilience, resistance, civil rights, and saving the planet.

We talk about her musical influences, mission as an artist and activist and her most recent tour and project, Concerts for Democracy.

Eljuri Website - https://www.eljurimusic.com/

Concerts for Democracy - https://www.eljurimusic.com/tour-1

Travel Notes - https://www.gracemcnallymusic.com/travel-notes

Travel Notes highlights the LEAF Global Arts retreat happening May 9-12 in historic lake Eden, NC and talks with special guests, Jennifer Pickering who is the co executive director of LEAF Global Arts non-profit based in Asheville NC and Adama Dembele, LEAF Cultural Ambassador who is also a talented djembe and balafon player from the Ivory Coast. They listen to some of Adama’s music and dive into everything you need to know about LEAF Global Arts Retreat and the organization as a whole!

In episode 11 of Travel Notes, host Grace McNally is joined with Azato, the artist behind a 7 piece Honolulu based world roots/reggae band who blend together Afro Cuban, Jazz, Blues, Hawaiian, Samoan, classical, and African elements into their music. They talk about the message and inspiration behind Azato’s debut album, Love is the Conqueror and explore topics such as the Hawaiin renaissance, culture and social challenges faced in the inner city of Honolulu.

This month on Travel Notes we head north to Canada where we talk with Laura Risk, assistant Professor in the Music and Culture program of the Department of Arts, Culture and Media at the University of Toronto Scarborough and professional Scottish and Québécois fiddler. Her fiddling has been described by filmmaker Ken Burns as "a revelation and achingly beautiful” and Living Tradition hails her 'powerful, percussive style… bursting with energy and passion.”

Today, we dive into some of her research projects and explore tunes and musical traditions that are hundreds of years old with relations to music from all over the globe. We also listen to a few songs off her newest album, Traverse, which was released in 2023 and is a 10 track musical journey through traditional fiddle music.

https://laurarisk.com/

https://www.gracemcnallymusic.com/

Join us on today's episode of Travel Notes as we journey to Uppsala, Sweden to chat with folk musician Gabbi from the Nordic folk/rock band, FRÄNDER.

I was lucky enough to catch FRÄNDER live at the Scandinavia House in New York City earlier this year and I can tell you first hand that you guys are in for a treat. Not only is their music dynamic and fantastic live, it’s also very thoughtfully rooted in Nordic folk music traditions which we dive into in more detail in today’s show.

In this episode of Travel Notes Season 2 Episode 2, I’m joined by Dan Rosenberg, a Toronto based journalist and music producer. He has traveled to more than 40 countries producing reports for the Rough Guides, The Times (UK), The Huffington Post, plus Cafe International, Toronto’s Classical FM, Afropop Worldwide, NPR’s Artbeat, CBC News and other radio programs. He has produced over 60 critically- acclaimed recordings, including Yiddish Glory: The Lost Songs of World War II.

Thanks to the incredible compilation of Ukrainian music and interviews Dan has collected, we were able to discuss the current war through the eyes of Ukrainian musicians.

In this episode of Travel Notes, we explore the vibrant city of Toronto through the music of KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra with special guests, Aline Morales & Matias Recharte. Formed in 2017 by The Royal Conservatory of Music, KUNÉ became an independent collective in 2021. This eleven-piece ensemble includes musicians from around the world, reflecting the cultural diversity of Toronto. We discuss how KUNÉ blends cultural traditions, fosters collaboration, and connects us all through their shared musical experience.

https://www.kuneworld.com/

https://www.alinemorales.com/

https://www.instagram.com/matiasrecharte/

https://www.gracemcnallymusic.com/

In this episode of Travel Notes we are exploring the current political and cultural dynamic in Cuba through the eyes and upcoming album of Grammy nominated powerhouse duo, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne’s who perform under the name OKAN. Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria.

In this episode of Travel Notes we are going to travel across the ocean and through time as we discuss Canadian musician, Lenka Lichtenberg’s latest project, ‘The Thieves of Dreams’ which features songs inspired by her grandmother’s notebooks from while she was in Theresienstadt concentration camp during WWII. This story is about women, strength, loss, human tragedy and family.Tune to hear our conversation and Lenka’s beautiful music at

Today on an all new Travel Notes, Grace talks with Osei Chandler host of Roots Musik Karamu - one of the longest running radio shows on SC public radio. They talk about the African roots of Caribbean music, Osei’s contributions to South Carolina’s cultural and music landscape and more.

Drum roll….it’s the first episode of Travel Notes for 2024! I’m so excited about this year’s first guest - Clay Ross, a multi-grammy award winning guitarist/vocalist, composer and educator about his group American Patchwork Quartet or APQ. I saw the American Patchwork Quartet perform at the APAP conference in NYC this past January and was absolutely blown away by their live performance and music.

This dynamic and virtuosic group binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation on their debut self titled album which comes out Friday, February 9th. 

Throughout the album, we find potent symbols of unity in diversity, exploring universal truths through a range of musical languages and cultural lenses - themes like longing, heartbreak, desire, fulfillment, tranquility and love...ultimately revealing the joys, sorrows, and unwavering hope of a nation crafted by shared dreams and diverse histories.

Today on Travel Notes, we are featuring the American Railroad project by the Silkroad Ensemble in anticipation of their show at the Charleston Gaillard Center on November 19th. Today’s special guest, celtic harpist Maeve Gilchrist takes us behind the scenes of this monumental project.

Silkroad’s American Railroad project highlights untold stories and amplifies unheard voices from the communities who actually built the transcontinental railroad, addressing past injustices and providing a more truthful account of global diasporic contributions to the creation of the American Empire.

We also listen to two tracks off of their upcoming album, The American Railroad album which comes out on November 15th.

Tickets to American Railroad at the Charleston Gaillard Center

Silkroad Website

Maeve Gilchrist Website

Travel Notes Webpage

Travel Notes Instagram

They have a saying in Cambodia, that music is the soul of a nation. In episode 4 of Travel Notes we find out exactly what that means when it comes to Cambodia’s rich and complex music and political history. Tune in!

In episode 10 of Travel Notes, we explore how traditional Irish music crossed the Atlantic and wove its way into the fabric of American country music. Host Grace McNally interview’s her friend and colleague, Chris Kirschbaum, as they discuss his connection to Ireland, pub culture, Irish traditional music’s influence on American country music and much more!

Happy Holidays from Travel Notes! Join me and special co host Ryan Lareau for a special holiday edition of Travel Notes, A Christmas around the World where we find out how the world sings about Christmas.

Travel Notes is a show that uses music as a medium to explore the world and ways in which we are all connected. Join host, Grace McNally, as we travel from the deserts of Africa to the beaches of Brazil - listening, dancing and talking with musicians who illustrate the richness of the music, culture and its' connection to other parts of the world. Have a question, feedback or want to request a destination for a future episode? Email Grace at travelnotespodcast@gmail.com and don't get too comfy, because our next trip is just around the corner!