Homage To The Jammers: Putumayo World Music

Griff Dogg is back droppin more knowledge for your mind.  Thanks G :D

As a matter of method, Jamandahalf posts focus on a single artist or group.  Incongruous with the past, this one focuses on a music company.  This post is an homage to some truly knowledgeable cats.  As they say, "game recognize game" and full respect must be paid to the people who, in my humble opinion, do the most to share their knowledge of great music with the masses.  I am one of the many devout followers of the Putumayo World Music Hour, a radio show that is aired weekly in 18 countries around the world and on numerous internet radio stations.  Initially, I stumbled upon the show after getting off from work at a San Diego hostel around 1am on a Sunday night.  I caught the beginning of the show and listened for the whole hour in my car, even though my drive to work took no more than 8 minutes.  Yea, its that good.

Putumayo World Music was founded in 1993 with the goal of "introducing people to the music of the world's cultures."  And over the past 17 years, "the label has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the company's motto: 'guaranteed to make you feel good!'"  Dan Storper and Rosalie Howarth, the personalities of the radio show, always make good on their promise.

Each weekly radio show has a regional theme.  African Blues, Music of Brazil, Music of Jamaica, Music of Espana, Music of Italy, etc.  I count on the Putumayo World Music House to introduce me to great new music every week.  I am never let down.  I can say that the Putumayo World Music Hour has recommended me to more good, new, music than any other source.  And for that I am truly grateful.  Three cheers to you, Putumayo!

My only knock on Putumayo is that it can take them a long time to update their website with new shows and that their events page on their website is empty.  C'mon Putumayo! Step your game up!

My advice: Go to Putumayo.com.  Navigate to their radio show using the links on the left side of the screen.  Then click on their radio show half way down the page in the rightish middle of the screen.  The website will let you stream the past three shows absolutely free.  That will keep you busy for 3 hours.  After that, go buy their CDs, which are also available on their website.

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http://www.putumayo.com/