Compass Rose Quintet
Cosmopolitango (2007)
The Compass Rose Quintet is an acoustic ensemble that features four stringed instrument players and one percussionist. The mandolin, violin and guitar play the leading roles, performing rich melodic world music inspired by a wide range of elements, including South American dances, Spanish jota and bolero, French Gypsy swing, Moroccan griha, jazz, classical music and much more.
The Chicago-based virtuoso musicians have varied backgrounds, David Effgen (guitar) and Larry Howe (mandolin) grew up playing rock ’n roll together in Boston, only to end up neighbors in Chicago. Gary Cleland soon joined their Sunday morning sessions on bass, providing his classical and jazz background. Two additional musicians were added to complete the quintet: percussionist Atiba Y. Jali and violinist Andy Stees, who helped develop a world music variation of new acoustic American music.
Buy Cosmopolitango.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
