Mexican Music – Jarocho

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May 8, 2012
by Chuck Jonkey

Jarocho music is festive and lively.  I’m Chuck Jonkey and I love world travel and exotic music.  I took one of my Sonic Safari expeditions to Veracruz, Mexico in search of Jarocho.  It didn’t take long to find one of the greatest Jarocho players alive: Felipe Ochoa.

Jarocho music (Son Jarocho) has its origins in the 17th & 18th centuries from Spanish dances with additional African influences. Jarocho is usually a fast 6/8 against syncopated 3/4 time. The harp plays the melody and exciting solos while the Jaranas (small guitar-like instruments) play syncopated rhythms that blaze through tropical nights.

This is the happiest, most joyous music in the world. It’s festive and fun, a triple delight.  I had a blast recording this music and spending time in Mexico.  Manuel Zardain is a fantastic painter who created the Cd cover art.  His Veracruz art is the best.  Listen to Jarocho music (click here): El Alacran (f)

Jarocho Cd cover from Sonic Safari music

Chuck Jonkey at falls not far from Xalapa, Mexico

Colorful church in Xalapa, Mexico

Xico Church

: Sonic Safari Music, Travel

Jungle Adventures (and surprises)

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April 25, 2012
by Chuck Jonkey

A few weeks ago I was in the Jungles of Costa Rica.  My brother and I went down to do some explorations.  I always love wandering through the rainforest and am amazed by the immense numbers of plant and animal species that are present.  …and there are some surprises along the way.

We took buses from San Jose (the capital) to the southernmost part of the country on the Pacific side.  From the little town of Sierpe we took a boat down a river and through lush mangrove forests and on out to the coast.  The ocean was quite rough and our little boat was really only made for river travel.  After lots of bouncing and dodging large waves we approached a our destination,   a few huts on the coast with the jungle surrounding them.  I could see no docks and asked our capitan how we’d get to shore.  He just said “Hold on!” and gunned the engine into the pounding surf.  I couldn’t believe such a brash move and grabbed the side of the boat.  We flew through the surf and literally beached the boat.  Whew!   That was fun.   We unloaded our gear and put it in one of the little huts and went down the beach to film while there was still light.  The shore was lined with beautiful coconut palms and banyan trees.  Immediately behind the shore was some pristine jungle.  After a few hours of filming we returned to our little encampment and ate.  We retired to the hut to rest and prepare for an early morning’s expedition.  I lay down and drifted off, only to awaken shortly…I felt something on my neck!  I reached back to brush it off and it was Big!   What on earth?   I grabbed a flashlight and didn’t see anything.  The next morning we found the culprit….and here it is!

Unwanted guest

Here is a spectacular vista from the river.

Mysterious stone spheres made by the ancients appear in southern Costa Rica.  They are near perfect spheres.

 

 

: Adventure, Travel

Exotic Bamboo Music

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April 12, 2012
by Chuck Jonkey

My travels to tropical countries have revealed the extensive use of bamboo.  Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants ( up to 4 inches a day).  I have been in bamboo forests and you can actually hear it growing!  Of course bamboo is used in making homes, huts, furniture, floors, paper, food and many other uses.

I have recorded some amazing music made by all bamboo musical instruments:   bamboo drums, bamboo flutes, bamboo gongs,  bamboo xylophones, jaws harps and much more.

Indonesian Suling Flute

Here’s a beautiful example of bamboo music.  Click on the red text to hear an Mp3 sample:  Durmo     “Durmo” is from my Cd  “Bamboo Music” and is a solo suling (bamboo flute) recording with the artist using circular breathing.

 

“Cotekan” is another amazing bamboo music cut.   Click on the red text to hear an Mp3 sample:  Cotekan

Patrol music group from Banyuwangi, Java

This is “Patrol  Music” from Eastern Java.  I went to the small town of Banyuwangi to record this excellent group.  Listen to the bamboo drums, low gong and various bamboo xylophone type instruments.

Here’s a solo instrumentalist playing a small bamboo xylophone instrument called tin click.  Note how each hand plays independent musical melodies.  This tune is titled “Manuk Nguci”.  Click on the red text to hear an Mp3 sample:  Manuk Nguci

Two players sitting at Tin Click instruments.

: Sonic Safari Music

New Music: India Violin

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March 26, 2012
by admin

CD Cover: India ViolinMore Fantastic New Music from Sonic Safari Music!

Explore new worlds of exotic world music with India Violin.

Artist: Indradeep Ghosh

Indradeep Ghosh was born in Kolkata.

He began playing violin at age 6 under the guidance of Sri Anamitra Mustafi. His studies continued with Prof. Smt. Sisirkana Dhar Chowdhury.

He also performed with maestros like Pt. V.G. Jog and Pt. Kumar Bose. His precise bowing technique creates fluid tones that soar heavenward. Indradeep has performed globally to amazed audiences.

Don’t miss India Violin.

: New Music

Exotic Music 101

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February 10, 2012
by Chuck Jonkey

I love exotic music.   But what on earth is “Exotic Music”?   There are many words to describe what it is but maybe we can eliminate what it isn’t.  It certainly isn’t something mundane or usual that you’d probably hear in your local elevator…”elevator music”.  I have traveled around the world in search of exotic music and have found lots,  in fact I just published my one hundred and first Cd of exotic music.

One style that I discovered in Indonesia is called “Genjek”,  what I call vocal percussion music.  This certainly fits into the “exotic music” category.  Here’s what it sounds like: Adi Ayu Genjek

Here is some very strange sounding music from Japan.  This is called Gagaku and is ancient music from 589 A.D. or before.  This is Japanese classical court music whose origins goes back to China.  Check this out (from my Kotobuki Cd) :  Kitoku no kyu gagaku

In my own musical compositions I use exotic instruments and exotic rhythms.  Here’s an example that is in a very strange rhythm a slow 21 time or fast 42 beats.  See if you can count the 21 slow beats or the 42 fast ones. (from my cd Exotic Guitars): Hari 21

: New Music, Sonic Safari Music
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