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World Music

Howard and Bassekou

What does the Montreal band Arcade Fire have in common with Mali musician Bassekou
Kouyate? The common thread is a Canadian music producer called Howard Bilerman. Reuben "unravelled" that thread when he talked with Karen Gordon.

Listen audio (runs 8:09)
NOTE: Copyright restrictions prohibit inclusion of the music originally contained in this item.

There's more on this fascinating story at the
CBC Music website.
That's where you can also listen to a stream of Bassekou Kouyate's new album for 1 week.

Mali's Music

World Music columnist Reuben Maan and guest host Karen Gordon discussed the impact of the current conflict in Mali on that African country's rich musical heritage.

Listen audio (runs 00:00)
NOTE: Copyright restrictions prohibit inclusion of the music originally contained in this item.

Learn more about the impact of the civil unrest in Mali on its music and its musicians---including the transfer of Mali's annual Festival Au Desert to Burkina Faso---at the CBC Music .

Ravi Shankar


He was a music legend. He was the master of the sitar. And he was able to effortlessly play with jazz, classical and popular musicians, alike. Ravi Shankar died this past week. And our World Music guy, Reuben Maan, offered an overview of this amazing musician's life to Mary Ito.
Listen audio (runs 10:01)
NOTE: Copyright restrictions prohibit inclusion of some of the music originally contained in this item.
And check out Reuben's posting about Ravi on the CBC Music website.