Clifford Borg – Complete
It was a pleasant surprise to run into pianist Clifford Borg one evening a few weeks ago during a screening of Bjork’s Biophilia concert from London at the St James Cavalier Cinema in Valletta. He reminded me to play something from his new album Cross-Origin, which I do gladly. This musician has a special place in M3P history since he was among the musicians who played live at the M3P Foundation’s inauguration back in 2010. Anyway, the track you can hear here is the first one off this album, and it features the voices of Miriam Christine and Qusai Zureikat. The album makes a great Christmas present (if that’s your sort of thing!) and is surely recommended listening to any MMI podcast subscriber.
Ethnamorte – La Courtisanne Macabrabelle
A few weeks ago while in London I stopped by an exhibition at Somerset House and there met guitarist Malcolm Callus. This was the first time we had ever met in person as we’ve only ever exchanged emails and other internet messages over the years. Among other things, he told me about the most recent recordings by his band Ethnamorte, which I’m hoping to see perform live in 2015. Meanwhile, here is an excerpt from one of these recent recordings.
Now that he’s seems to have left last year’s Eurovision Song Contest madness completely behind, Dean Muscat returns with a new track of for himself, just in time to be nominated for the MMI 2014 Listeners’ Picks Poll. He was voted Top Online Release (as Dean Saviour) back in 2007. Will this track manage to see him return to the top of that category again?
Maryse Briffa – Embers of Courage
I don’t think I’ve every played anything from Maryse Briffa before. There’s always a first time for everything. I used to play more of this sort of stuff on earlier editions of the MMI podcast, so I’m quite pleased that I’m able to include this track now that we’re beyond podcast number 400 in the series.
Viper Soup Complex – Taxidermy Hotel
This band came to my attention out of the blue. They are a fairly progressive female fronted band. Here you can hear the second half of a rather long track they released recently called Taxidermy Hotel. As you would expect, this song and band have made it into this year’s nominations for the MMI Listeners’ Picks Poll, so you’ll be able to vote for them (and/or whoever else you like) throughout the month of December.
Jes Psaila – Stoob
I first heard Jes Psaila play guitar about 30 years ago with the Maltese band Avatar. Later I had the distinct pleasure of playing in a couple of bands with him. It was a joy to have the freedom to experiment on my guitar, while he played some solid chords and melodies. I’m sure that his new album is delight not just to me and his long-term followers but also to new listeners. I’m very much looking forward to his next live gig.
8 Ugly – Head in the Clouds
I was shocked to hear about the sudden death of drummer Joe Zammit this morning. Just like Jes Psaila, he was someone I first heard play about 30 years. Eventually he was also the drummer in one of the bands where Jes and I played together. It was good to meet him again (and see him perform live) one more time a couple of weeks ago. This was the only recording of his (at least I think so) that I could find. Rest in peace old friend.
Marmalja – Anti-Eroj
Following their No Bling Show adventure, il-Lapes and Drinu return to their Marmalja roots. It seems that they are keen to return to their streetwise spirit, which they seemed to leave behind in their more recent foray into more palatable Maltese hip hop. I personally prefer them raw and real.
