Dan Storper started Putumayo as a shop in 1975, selling crafts and clothing imported during his travels in South and Central America, and eventually India and Asia  It wasn’t too long before one shop became many.  Dan tells us how the craft business led to a partnership with a record label, eventually leading to the creation of Putumayo World Music. With dozens of albums to their credit, Putumayo has branched out into children’s music and books, and much more.

The ethos of Putumayo is more relevant today than when the company first started out.  The need for common ground amongst humans is greater than ever. Music and Art offer us common ground. Dan is currently working on a book about the cultural impact of the 1960’s. The book is expected to be published in 2024.

Dan has some great stories about how Putumayo began and became what it is today, certainly one of the most, if not the most, prolific publishers of World Music, bringing us music from all around the world.

Music by: Kali, Baba Ken Okulolo and Kotoja, Ana Caram, Chris Beer, Trovador, Diogo Ramos, and Giacomo Lariccia

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Bob and Sarah Amos are a father daughter musical duo from Vermont.  They’ve released a new record Ever Onward, mostly songs Bob wrote with a couple of traditional covers. It’s bluegrass music, very down home, really lovely. They share some of their musical story and  perform live for us.  We’ll also be listening to songs from the new album.

Earlier this month Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding from heavy rains.  Rivers overran their banks, roads were washed out, reservoirs which were at capacity threatening dams, houses were washed away, it was severe. Vermonters are resilient however, and are accustomed to helping their neighbors through rough winters.  Repairs are underway, people have shown up for each other with housing and clothing and food and more. Every town in Vermont is a small town. Vermonters in small towns help their neighbors.

Also in this episode special guests from Green Mountain United Way, Executive Director Tawnya Kristen and Director of Development and Community Engagement Sarah Galbraith, talking about what’s happening on the ground in Vermont.

• Vermont Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023

Music by: Bob and Sarah Amos

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Mr. Chair is a Jazz Quintet out of Madison, Wisconsin. Jason Kutz, pianist, and Mark Hetzler, trombonist, talk about the band, the music, their process, and their new record Better Days. Ben Ferris, drummer, José Guzman, guitarist, and Mike Koszewski, drummer, were not present for the interview.

The album is a product of the time leading up to the pandemic and through it. The music is definitely uplifting, and offers a soundscape full of surprises and collaboration between the artists, that will make you smile.

Keeping an eye out for Mr. Chair, they are working on a number of exciting projects which we will hear about in the interview.

• Mr. Chair on YouTube

Music by: Mr. Chair

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Andrea Valeri plays guitar with a vigor and passion that come from his aliveness! Listening to his recorded music, or attending one of his performances, the joy and inspiration Andrea gets from playing is infectious.

Andrea is working on a new record. His last two records Historia (2020) and Mediteranneo (2016) couldn’t be more different, with one showcasing Andrea’s guitar playing and the other his composing for an orchestra. Andrea is currently putting the finishing touches on a new record!

Baruch and Andrea’s conversation goes to the source of the music, the fountain of inspiration that feeds Andrea.  You will love this guy!

Music by: Andrea Valeri

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Janice Jo Lee is a folk artist whose work explores themes of gender empowerment, community, climate change, the environment and antiracism. Musician, poet, and playwright, Janice has released her third record Ancestor Song.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this record. We captured the Janice Jo Lee sound and I’ve been telling everyone it’s the best thing I’ve ever made.” – Janice Jo Lee

Janice’s art is informed by her life experience. Born in Toronto to a Korean immigrant family, Janice studied music along with English Literature and Political Science. Janice’s art brings these disciplines together, creating musical poetic performances which encourage audiences to question the status quo and to be inspired.

Music by: Janice Jo Lee

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Evelie Delfino Solås Posch works with sound in the context of healing, using instruments and voice with individuals, groups, and in community rituals.

Evelie explains some of the theoretical and spiritual basis for her work and then takes us through a sound healing experience with various instruments including drum, singing bowls, bells and chimes, guitar, and poetry.

We’ll also be listening to healing music from different cultures.

This is a good episode for sitting back and allowing yourself to be bathed in healing sounds.

Music by:  Evelie Delfino Solås Posch, Binaural Beats Brainwave Entrainment, Damien Rose, Julie Hanney, Poranguí, Medicine Dream, and Ashna Lite.

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Holly Near is a person who pays attention, who notices and thinks and feels.  Her perceptions and cogitations often become melodies, lyrics, and ideas for making things that inform and inspire. Holly had been a guest on Paradigms twice, in 2009 and again in 2012. It is a great pleasure to welcome her back!

Holly’s most recent project is Because of a Song – A Feminist and Lesbian Music Archive. Curated by Holly, this remarkable compilation of interviews, writings, and music, is a unique resource.

“We who love Women’s Music, we whose lives were changed by its very existence, are now able to document it as accurately as possible from all corners of the world, each contributing what she knows and archiving collective knowledge/memories—leaving it somewhere to be discovered.” – Holly Near

Holly has recently faced life threatening health issues and is alive and thriving! It was wonderful to connect with her again.  Her music continues to be energized by her deep commitments to justice, learning, and loving kindness.

Music by: Holly Near, Holly Near & Rhiannon.

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Joan Zen returns to Paradigms to share new music and talk about life in Montana. Last on the show 8 years ago Deborah and Jason have moved from The Bitterroot Valley, they are now based in Seeley Lake where they are building a home as they continue to perform regionally.

The music, originals and covers in a rockin’ R & B folky bluesy style, is conscious dance and groove music which appeals to people from all walks of life.  They bring people together at their shows, and what could be better?

The band is working on a new record which will hopefully become available in late 2023 or early 2024. They’ve been making videos, here for your enjoyment.

Music by: Joan Zen

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Mike Rivard started Club d’Elf 25 years ago.  Over 150 musicians have been part of the journey, creating healing trance music rooted in African traditions.  The new record is You Never Know.

This music is deeply intentional. When you listen, allowing yourself to come to the music with your own intentions, you can encounter your own healing journey.

Mike shares the history of the band and also some of his own personal experience with depression and his ongoing experience of healing.

Music by: Club d’Elf

The post Mike Rivard of Club’Delf – New Record “As Above” appeared first on Paradigms Podcast.

Lili Haydn is a prolific artist, composing for film, TV, and making music with her band Opium Moon. A person of vision and conscience, Lili offers her inspirations to us with an open loving heart, which you can feel when you listen.

One of Lili’s current projects is the score for the documentary film American Theocracy: The Rise of Christian Nationalism.  She recently scored the celebrated film Split at the Root and scores the TV show Ginny & Georgia. All of these projects offer insight into aspects of the human condition.

Here’s a link to one of Lili’s inspirations: Loretta Ross

Creativity brings joy, which is healing. The conversation between Baruch and Lili offers tips on how to bring this into your life.

Music: Lili Haydn, and Opium Moon.

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