Monday's mp3: Global Lingo

Being closely affiliated with a radio show, SoundRoots doesn't often feature DJ mix CDs -- we prefer to create our own mixes. We'll make an exception for the album Global Lingo, a mix by DK Bollygirl vs. dimmSummer. There's a nice flow from track to track, and a great blend of musical styles from artists we know (Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rocky Dawuni, Sila & the Afrofunk Experience, Funkadesi) and promising newcomers.

Billed as "a mix of youth and hope featuring children and artists from around the world," the album is the work of Project Ahimsa, which creates and supports music education programs for kids worldwide. So the youthful, hip-hop heavy vibe of the album should come as no surprise, though you'll also hear significant sprinklings of reggae, dub, and electronica. It's a satisfying mix, suitable for dancing, partying, or beatful lounging. You'll definitely want to tell the kids about this one, as it's mostly conscious music and it's all for a good cause.

This track, also found on Franti's album Yell Fire!, features the legendary reggae rhythms duo of Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass).

[mp3] Michael Franti & Spearhead (w/ Sly & Robbie): Hello Bonjour
from Project Ahimsa Presents Global Lingo

The album will be released on August 11 as both a 17-track album and the DJ mix I've been digging.

More Project Ahimsa / Global Lingo:
Project Ahimsa website
Project Ahimsa on Facebook
radio interview (from NPR's New America Now)
video: Michael Franti: "Hello Bonjour"
video: Coco Peila: "Any Day Now"