Modern Griots Interview: Alex Kelly

Three words could describe singer-songwriter Alex Kelly — fiery, funky and fierce. The fellow Queens, NYC native covers a range of styles in her music from electronic to dance to rock to pop. Her first step in setting her music career into motion was meeting Robby Takac, bassist of the Goo Goo Dolls, who picked […]

Modern Griots Review: RebelMatic’s “Prey for the Vulture”

Below is my review of the band RebelMatic’s CD that I received at Afropunk: “And I solemnly swear/that I won’t allow you/ to treat us like we are not here,” Creature of RebelMatic announces in the song, “Don’t Follow Me.” The album Prey for the Vulture sounds like a rallying cry in the midst of […]

Modern Griots: Flobots

The political rap and rock band, Flobots, consists of vocalists Jonny 5 and Br’er Rabbit, guitarist Andy Rok, drummer Kenny O, bass player Jesse Walker, and voilinist Mackenzie Gault. Not only is the group socially aware, but are also influenced by speculative fiction and other avant-garde artists. Jonny 5 likes magic realism and his favorite […]

Rewind: Purple Image

The ’70s psychedelic funk and rock band, Purple Image and their songs “What You Do to Me” and “Living in the Ghetto.”

Modern Griots: Blk Jks

This will be a new segment in my blog where I highlight artists, musicians, filmmakers, etc. who blend together influences from the past and present to create new, even futuristic, stories. The first post is of the South African rock band, Blk Jks (pronounced Black Jacks). Besides performing with Alicia Keys at the 2010 World […]