europe

* New album out now: 'The clouds are burning' * Available at: http://www.van-records.de/products/de/Vn-Releases/Faal-The-Clouds-Are-Burning-12-LP.html?XTCsid=f32hlot6m0e2ks5si085hletm1 Faal was founded in 2005 by Alex (guitar), Pascal (guitar) and Ward (drums). After a long period of searching for the right bandmembers, eventually the band has formed a steady line-up with Yara (synths), Harrie (bass) and William (vocals) in 2010.

Linda Thompson (born Linda Pettifer) started her singing career in the 1960s, doing advertising jingles for money and singing in folk clubs for enjoyment. She changed her name to Linda Peters, and was romantically linked to Martin Carthy before working with Richard Thompson, whom she married in 1972. As part of Richard & Linda Thompson she sang on a string of critically acclaimed albums until a bitter split in 1982.

Maria Farantouri (Greek: Μαρία Φαραντούρη), born in Athens on 28 November 1947 is a Greek singer. She has collaborated with prominent Greek music composers such as Mikis Theodorakis (Μίκης Θεοδωράκης), who wrote the score for Pablo Neruda's Canto General, which Farantouri performed. During the military junta which ruled Greece until 1975 she colloborated with Mikis Theodorakis by recording protest songs in Europe.

La Excelencia has been called "the band that brought salsa back to it's roots". The response to "La Excelencia's" salsa has created a sort of movement.