About this blog
About this site
I am a global health communications specialist living in Brooklyn with a passion for traditional music. I moved back to New York in 2014 after over a decade living in France, where I started a blog called Gangs of Paris. I wanted to create a space where I could write about the Paris I loved - the diverse, multi-cultural tapestry of a city that receives so little attention in the English-language press. I covered music, food, politics, or at least tried to.
Now that I’m back in New York I thought I’d expand my reporting to the world at large, and concentrate specifically on music. Over my years of travel both for work and personally, I’ve managed to always find some time - even 30 minutes - to sniff around for great traditional/roots music. Its not as hard as it seems - despite everything, the world is full of funky roots music and you usually don’t have to dig too deep. But for those that want to dig - treasures await.
I hope there are like-minded people out there, that just love discovering real and heartfelt music - no matter how scratchy and rough it is - and sharing it online. Maybe one day this blog will pick up some additional contributors! In any case, I hope you enjoy.
Ilan
Questions? Please send me an email below.
Recording an amazing choir at the secretive Kimbanguist church in Bandundu, Democratic Republic of Congo. One knee in the dirt, recording - my happy place!