The Womeximizer 2010 Sails from Copenhagen

This year’s version of The Womeximizer contains 20 tracks. The Womeximizer 2010 features some of the artists that recently showcased at WOMEX 2010 in Copenhagen. The most familiar name is the renowned Finnish accordionist Maria Kalaniemi, showcasing her melancholic new work from the album Vilda Rosor (Aito Records, 2010).

Another familiar name, although more recent, is China’s Mamer. Although Mamer‘s showcase was canceled, he is one of the most interesting artists to arrive to the world music scene in recent years. The piece ‘Iligai’ is from his outstanding album Eagle (Real World Records, 2009).

Lesser known artists on the CD that caught my attention include the powerful and funky Bavarian brass of LaBrassBanda, with a piece from their album Ubersee (Trikont, 2009); innovative Argentine sensation Tremor with a track from Viajante (2008); the mesmerizing piece ‘Hichki’ by Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Musicians of Rajasthan from the album Desert Slide (Sense World Music, 2006); the Afro-Colombian beats of Sexteto Tabalá de Palenque from coastal Colombia.

There is also the transfixing shamanistic dub sounds of mystery by Siberian band OMFO from the album Omnipresence (2009); the uplifting new folk sounds of Denmark’s Phønix from their album Folk (Go Danish Folkmusic, 2007); the wonderful laid back sounds of Fula musician Malick Pathé Sow from the album Maayo Men (Muziekpublique, 2009); the vibrant bagpipes and beautiful willow flutes of Norwegian musician Elisabeth Vatn from her album Piper on the Roof (Heilo/Grappa, 2009); and the unreleased music of Serbian ensemble Svetlana Spajic Group.