Back when it was virtually banned by the government, Iván Fariñas took a stand to play the music he loved   In November 2014, Pablo ‘Bongohead’ Yglesias visited Cuba for the first time on a legal educational tour. The following month, in an unprecedented move, the United States eased some restrictions between the two countries after decades of frosty relations. Although the trip was for personal reasons, Yglesias – who has contributed music writing to the likes of Wax Poetics and co-manages the Peace & Rhythm record label – stumbled onto a story in the form of Ivan Fariñas, an...

"Peace & Rhythm Presents" is a weekly eclectic music series every Wednesday night at The Root Cellar, downtown Greenfield's newest music venue. This premier season features bands and performers of various genres and styles, including funk, world music, jazz, reggae, rock, folk, DJs and more. Every Wednesday is FREE ADMISSION, 21+. Doors open at 8, music starts pumping at 9 and goes until 1230. ---Wed, July 27...The Boogalistics (soul-jazz/funk) and Doctor Thing (freak-out psychedelic jazz-funk) - The Boogalistics bring fresh energy to the classic sound of soul jazz. Boogaloo, soul-jazz, funk, this brand new group out of Northampton will satisfy...

Peace & Rhythm presents the brand new double 12” LP by Los Terrificos titled Go South/Vaya Pa'l Sur. Taking inspiration from Latin, African, Caribbean, North and South American sources as diverse as the “narco corridos” of Mexico and afrobeat, not to mention Cowboy Western film soundtracks, surf, psychedelic Amazonian cumbia, dub, electronica, funk, Andean folk, even disco, this record is wide ranging yet cohesive. Evocative of wild landscapes, dramas big and small, it’s also a concept story album, perhaps unlike anything in Latin-oriented music today. Order the album direct from the Peace & Rhythm webshop. 500 pressed, 160g vinyl, double album,...

Here is the official video for "Oriza" by Bio Ritmo. The video was directed by Nate Griffith at Porter Street Pictures. The vinyl 45 (with a Whiskey Barons remix on the flip) is available from the Peace & Rhythm webshop. Grab the digitals (with bonus tracks) at the Bio Ritmo Bandcamp page. Enjoy!:

Among the many beautiful things about sound & music is that it can supplement your life's routine in so many different ways. Whether you look at (or hear or make) music as artistic expression, ritual, relaxation, protest, celebration, dance release, mathematical composition, entertainment, fashion, comedy or even as background sound, there is no wrong way to appreciate music. It fills our lives with joy or aggression, songs about love and hate, constructions of rhythm and noise, harmony or disruption. Only a high-minded snob will pooh-pooh somebody's artistic creation. (Although they are certainly out there, usually in the form of talentless...