New to Me

Seu Jorgemore photos

You know that old expression "like a kid in a candy store"? Well, when I get a chance to visit an honest to goodness record store (like Plan 9 in Carytown), it's hard to figure out what to purchase. On the one hand, I'm pretty frugal and have a certain budget I should follow. On the other hand, I know that the more I get, the more I'll get to share with you. On either hand, the bottom line is that we're both winners.

So on this week's World Music Show (10/29), we all get to share in some new music. Now, before you get too caught up in the word "new." I want you to know that at Plan 9, the best deals are with the used CDs. Which means when I say "new," I really mean "new" to me. Alright, enough of the verbage talk--let's get to the music I'll be featuring.

In the first hour, you'll hear some selections from a man who was--and still is--a French sensation. Serge Gainsbourg was a man who had his hand in many things. He was a writer, an actor, director and a musician. And with his music, he delved into many a genre--including Jazz, French rock and pop, electronic and even reggae. He was a true Renaissance man. But the uniqueness of his daily life often eclipsed his professional one. He was linked at one time to French actress Bridget Bardot (who he sings with in a few songs), and to other famous French women. And, he was often seen in public having had a few too many drinks. In fact, his drinking led to an early death at the age of 62. And like I said, his musical abilities were vast. So, to kick off the show, I'll feature a couple of songs from the 1960s in which Gainsbourg is one swinging, cool singer.

In that French set, I'll also feature the great French band Lo * Jo, which is a band that apparently likes to play on the streets of France with acrobats. In the first hour, too, I'll feature a couple of local bands Bio Ritmo and the band Rattlemouth. It's always great when I can feature some local World Music.

But, let's get back to the "new" music I got at Plan 9. Another new CD I got is by Brazilian star Seu Jorge. Like Gainsbourge, Jorge is a Brazilian musician, singer/songwriter and actor. But, that's where the similarity ends. Jorge was raised in a favela in the city of Belford Roxo in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro. He also cites samba school and American soul singer Stevie Wonder as major musical influences. He's also considered by his fans a renewer of Brazilian pop samba.

Some of the highlights in hour two include Ecuadorian born but New York resident, Eljuri, who is quite the guitarist. She gets help on the song I play by legendary Jamaican producers Sly & Robbie. And I'll feature some great music from David Byrne and the British band Morcheeba.

And also in hour two, I'll have even more "new" music, from the likes of reggae star Shabba Ranks. He is one of the most popular dancehall artists of his generation. Ranks is also one of the first Jamaican deejays to gain worldwide acceptance and recognition for his 'slack' lyrical expressions and content. Ranks is often cited as "ridin' di riddim." But his unique, gravel toned, rough-sounding voice, which made him instantly recognized worldwide, is one of the things I like about him.

All in all, it's going to be a great show to tune into. The World Music Show aires Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m. You can listen online at this website, or at 88.9FM. During the show, you can join a live conversation on Twitter. Just look me up @wcveworldmusic.