You really can't go wrong with Yo Yo Ma. He's engaging, articulate, and his Silk Road Ensemble is musical nirvana. But, perhaps because he often gives the floor to his talented co-musicians, he seems a secondary voice in this program. So it's really Angelique Kidjo who takes center stage here - and little wonder. She's equally talented, eloquent and thoughtful. I think the hour would've been stronger if it had started with her segment. The world music expert was enlightening, but seemed a bit tagged on at the end. Popping him between Kidjo & Ma would've made more sense to me, and made a better lead into the wonderful world of the Silk Road Ensemble's unique vision and sound.
Comments for Connecting Cultures: A World Café Special with Yo Yo Ma and Angelique Kidjo
Produced by Kim Junod & Tracey Tanenbaum/WXPN
Other pieces by WXPN
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David Swatling
Posted on January 08, 2006 at 03:20 AM | Permalink
Review of Connecting Cultures: A World Caf? Special with Yo Yo Ma and Angelique Kidjo
You really can't go wrong with Yo Yo Ma. He's engaging, articulate, and his Silk Road Ensemble is musical nirvana. But, perhaps because he often gives the floor to his talented co-musicians, he seems a secondary voice in this program. So it's really Angelique Kidjo who takes center stage here - and little wonder. She's equally talented, eloquent and thoughtful. I think the hour would've been stronger if it had started with her segment. The world music expert was enlightening, but seemed a bit tagged on at the end. Popping him between Kidjo & Ma would've made more sense to me, and made a better lead into the wonderful world of the Silk Road Ensemble's unique vision and sound.