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Articles by Tom Orr
Photo Gallery: Ohio State vs. Cincinnati Basketball
MASON, Ohio – The Ohio State men’s basketball team opened its 2026-27 season with an outdoor exhibition game at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in suburban Cincinnati. The Buckeyes and Bearcats opened up a double-header of in-state teams, with Xavier and Dayton playing in the nightcap. The Buckeyes took a 35-30 lead into the halftime locker room, but Cincinnati used a 49-33 second half to pull out a 79-68 win. John Mobley led the Buckeyes with 15 points, and Amare Bynum added nine.
Ross Fulton Analysis: Concerns For The Ohio State Defense vs. Illinois?
BuckeyeInsiders.com Scheme Insiders Ross Fulton breaks down the Ohio State defense and where they struggled against the run in a 41-19 win. In this episode of Ross Fulton Analysis, Ross examines the film to see how the Buckeyes’ defense performed, evaluating run fits and assignments that challenged the players throughout the game. By reviewing the tape, you will gain a better understanding of the defensive adjustments needed as the team prepares for this weekend’s matchup against Iowa.
Ross Fulton Analysis: How Arthur Smith Is Improving Ohio State’s Offense
Through four games, new Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has begun to evolve and develop the Buckeyes’ attack, finding new ways to get the ball to superstar WR Jeremiah Smith, to put the Ohio State running backs in positions to succeed, and to make the most of QB Julian Sayin’s strengths.
Ohio State vs. Kent State: Staff Picks
The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes return home this weekend following a 24-23 loss to the Texas Longhorns. Scheme Insider Michael Pettit was the only staff member to correctly pick Texas to win last weekend, but we have a feeling we’ll do better on that front this week. The Buckeyes are a 52.5-point favorite in their final tuneup before Big Ten play. So how badly will the Golden Flashes get tuned up this weekend? Here’s what our staff thinks.
Ohio State vs. Texas: Staff Picks
The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes hit the road for the first time in the 2026 college football season this weekend, heading to Austin, Texas, to take on Arch Manning and the Longhorns. This will be the third matchup between these teams in as many seasons, and it could be the first of two meetings this season alone. Both teams cruised to easy wins against overmatched opponents in Week 1, but things are about to get very real on Saturday night inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
World Music Central
Senegalese singer Fania Niang has been making noteworthy music for over two decades. Her recent track “l empreinte” is a hypnotic combination of lightly husky vocals, a serpentine rhythm and dub-like echoes. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Keeping Grandmothers Grand
Congolese by birth and based in Toronto, Jonathan Nvita honors women of a certain age and status on “Kaku” (“Grandma”), which merges soukous with hints of modern jazz. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Italian guitarist Gianluca Verrengia shows both finesse and fire throughout “Tres Amores,” an exemplary piece of flamenco rumba (rumba flamenca) that’s largely instrumental until choral vocals come in and make the whole thing even better. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
World Music Central
I’ve long agreed with the contention that blues music was born in Saharan Africa, and the most recent affirmation is courtesy of “Tansihay” by Hamida Ag Fano, a Malian Tuareg carrying on with the same sort of electrified roots that have emerged abundantly from West Africa in recent times. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
Expressive and Impressive
Baklava Express – Sabába (self-released, 2026) For those of us who were quite taken by Baklava Express’s debut album Davka from three years ago, it’s time to rejoice. The Brooklyn-based band is back, this time with their initial lineup of oud, violin, guitar, bass and percussion joined by clarinet, ney and kaval. Oud player and composer Josh Kaye remains at the helm, and the added reeds and winds bring extra spice and depth to Sabába.
A Mother Lode of Laouto
Vasilis Kostas — Léna (General Music, 2026) Vasilis Kostas is a master of the Greek lute known as the lauto (or laouto), and like any master of any instrument with roots in ancient times, he knows how to use it in both traditional and contemporary musical explorations, particularly those that incline toward jazz.
Photo Gallery: 2026 Ohio State Spring Game
The Ohio State Buckeyes held their 2026 Spring Game on Saturday, April 18 in front of an announced crowd of more than 40,000 fans. On a windy and intermittently rainy afternoon, the defense defeated the offense by a score of 35-26. You can follow along with all of the action in our photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: Ohio State Football Spring Practice No. 8
The Ohio State Buckeyes held their 8th practice of the 2026 spring football season on Saturday, welcoming thousands of OSU students into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for the annual Student Appreciation Practice.
Photo Gallery: Ohio State Spring Football Practice
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Buckeyes were back on the practice field inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for their second practice of the 2026 spring football schedule. Ryan Day’s team took part in a spirited and surprisingly physical practice without pads. With 51 new players on the roster, there are still a lot of unfamiliar faces and players just getting accustomed to what it’s like to practice with the Buckeyes. You can follow along with all of the action in our photo gallery below.
World Music Central
Ireland’s Owen Casey teams with Austrian reggae band House of Riddim to spread “Sunshine All Year Round,” a song that further solidifies Casey as a prime mixer of Celtic and Jamaican music. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Photo Gallery: 2026 Ohio State Spring Football Practice #1
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Buckeyes opened their 2026 spring football season on Tuesday inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The first of 15 spring practices was also the first-ever OSU practice for more than 50 new players, including true freshmen and transfers, plus a handful of new assistant coaches, and even some 2027 recruits. Of course, familiar faces like QB Julian Sayin, RB Bo Jackson, WR Jeremiah Smith, DE Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., CB Jermaine Mathews, and others were back as well.
World Music Central
With help from a very engaging video and all-real instrumentation, multinational outfit Una Lengua Infinita celebrates tolerance and diversity on “Chefchaouen,” a beauty of a tune inspired by a poem of the same name. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Notwithstanding the Dropkick Murphys’ punkish rendition, the more traditionally Celtic version of Dick Gaughan’s “The Worker’s Song” by Tennessee-based Jenny and the Weazels packs plenty of power and insight. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Reunion Island reggae band Yango Roots calls out a “World of Competition” and musically assures us all that we don’t need to live in one. Their sound is foundational Jamaican style and their message is clear. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Colombia Meets Senegal
A band from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Jorge Aguilar y Sus Embelecos, is joined by Senegalese guitarist Tapha Gaye for “Eres Tú Mi Rosa,” a reconnection to African roots full of listening and dancing pleasure. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Jamaica’s Minna LaFortune addresses “African Women” with empowering reggae riddim and spoken word. It’s a message well worth hearing, even if you’re not in that fold. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
A fusion of West African sounds with zesty rock and roll, “Maliba” by French guitarist Yeko moves swiftly and melodically to the point of absolutely soaring. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Belgian Channels Brazil
Belgium’s Arnaldo Prete travels well beyond his borders on “Iroko,” a snappy acoustic piece that goes through several Brazilian mood swings of the best kind. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
American pianist Jon S. Gold shows his love for Brazilian-flavored jazz while trodding “The Path Home.” Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and vocalist Shiri Zorn provide further guidance on the journey. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
There’s nothing quite like a live reggae session, and French band Natural Mighty has a dandy of one with “A Road.” Real instruments, committed vocals and an encouraging message all contribute to the genuineness. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
La Cumbia Chicharra – Quinto Mundo (Music Box Publishing, 2025) Two of the innumerable things I’m no good at are defining what exactly is meant by the term “World Music” and choosing favorites. So, I’m not going to attempt either one. Rather, let me spotlight one particular album from the year that recently ended. Quinto Mundo is the latest by La Cumbia Chicharra, a France-based octet that also has roots in Chile. To my ears, the album exemplifies the best kind of approach to world music.
Welcome to the Machine
Built around the dual droning sounds of bagpipes and hurdy gurdy, “Vous qui n’avez pas d’amants” by France’s La Machine combines tradition and a kind of melodic urgency to great effect. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Canada-based band La Parranda Venezolana absolutely soar with “Agua del mar que se va,” a lively sampling of Afro-Venezuelan music delightfully full of percussion, layered choral textures, cuatro, piano and brass. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
The U.K.’s ever-inventive Periscopi Invertit has another winner in “L’amo de son carabassa,” a folk tune from the Mediterranean island of Mallorca that’s been seasoned with jazzy North African vibes. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Wesli – Makaya (WUP, 2025) As is often the case, I must agree wholeheartedly with my colleague/boss Angel Romero. His summing-up of the album Makaya by Haitian/Canadian artist Wesli was spot on, but I gotta throw in a few thoughts of my own. Anybody who knows anything about Haiti (I’m certainly no expert), knows that their music, like that of many Western Hemisphere nations, is a mixture of African, indigenous and European influences.
World Music Central
Folksy but hard-rocking, “Le Pêcheur & Le Dôme De Verre” by Hélianthème, a French band that started out as renowned buskers, blends surging rhythms and harmonies with the storytelling airs of a sea shanty. The results are dramatic while still retaining a certain intimacy that draws the listener deep within. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
World Music Central
Their membership spans a few countries and their sound is real time-tested lover’s rock reggae with a heavy dash of roots. Sonic Alley’s “Rock the Night” rocks, be it night or day. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Belgian saxophonist Manuel Hermia is joined by guitarist Julien Tassin and Chris Joris on the Brazilian berimbau for “Reverie,” a piece of music that’s hard to classify but easy to immensely enjoy. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
A dual Brazil and UK band, Soma Soma bridges the gaps between samba past, present, and future on “Laranjeiras.” And they do it very well. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
California-based Duet Paty & Leo breeze their way through “Acaso,” a silky Brazilian-flavored piece in which voice, acoustic guitar and percussion are the foundation for pure listening bliss. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Congolese French Connection
Spearheaded by singer-songwriter Patrick Mundélé, Paris Kinshasa Express delightfully achieves the express purpose of saluting the classic Congolese sound that bridges rumba and soukous with “Que Danse Le Monde.” Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
The timeless sound of sax-sweetened lovers rock style reggae is captured skillfully by Romanian producer Marius-Alexandru Ionescu, aka Bass & Riddim Workshop. With assistance from American vocalist Shaynari, “What We Have” is well worth having. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
A Mountain of Cuban Roots
A band hailing from exactly where their name suggests, Montuno Cubano tear through the violin-seasoned “Frágil de Cristal (radio mix)” with all the deep-cutting edges that have always made traditional Cuban music a towering force. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
World Music Central
Blending Arabic instrumentation with longing vocals and the surprising but welcome presence of a vibraphone, “Together Forever” by Moroccan singer Catalus captures both the ears and the heart. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Effervescent Reggae
Veteran Jamaican singer Winston McAnuff always comes up with ways to keep reggae music fresh. His song “Bubble” (referring to the kind we all need to stop living in) is the latest example. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Jamaica Meets Irie-Land
Celtic reggae? Yup. Owen Casey hails from Ireland, and his track “Easy Enough” is a real charmer with traditional touches from his home country. But fret not, the requisite Jamaican roots are there as well. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Giving the timeless tones of flamenco just the right amount of modern flourish, Spanish artist Carmel infuses “Mariposa Al Fuego” with a cool fire all its own. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Mediterranean Update
Rooted in Mallorca folk tradition and funked up to just the right degree, “Sa Ximbomba” is the latest gem from U.K. band Periscopi Invertit. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
An array of Latin American music styles are seamlessly fused on “Latin Café 2.0,” a cool/warm/hot piece of work by Malamañoso out of Italy. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Photo Gallery: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes overcame a few early mistakes to roll to a 27-9 win over No. 15 Michigan Saturday inside Michigan Stadium. The victory extended the Buckeyes’ winning streak to 16 and set up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game. Redshirt freshman QB Julian Sayin completed 19-of-26 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns against just one interception.
World Music Central
Colombia’s La Capi smiles her way through the video for her pan-Caribbean track “Cantar,” and rightly so. It’s all about singing joyously no matter what, and the message is entirely infectious. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
In a Jam and Loving it
My very rudimentary knowledge of Spanish is at least enough to grasp that a descarga is a musical jam session with distinct Cuban roots. Drummer and band leader Evan Luna, an American, has a beauty of one called “Descarga Valenciana,” and it soars for seven-plus glorious minutes on a foundation from Cuba and well beyond. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature.
A Long Rewarding Run
Jumping nimbly from reggae to Afrobeat within its lengthy running time, “Attic Night” shows Spain’s El Globo to be a band with chops and versatility. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
World Music Central
Modern jazz, flamenco and Arabic modalities and a message of peace and safety combine to make “Amann Amann” by French artist Siwane a tune filled with the kind of zesty zeal that marks global music at its best. Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Photo Gallery: Ohio State 48, UCLA 10
The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes put together a steady and dominating performance on Saturday night inside Ohio Stadium, jumping out to a 34-0 lead late in the third quarter, in a 48-10 win over the Bruins. Three Ohio State running backs each averaged over 7.0 yards per carry, as the Buckeyes ran and also passed for more than 200 yards. You can follow along with all of the action in our photo gallery below.
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