Kevin Ricard – The Crossing (Roots of Rhythm Recordings, 2025) Veteran percussionist Kevin Ricard steps into the spotlight and directs the traffic of rhythm with…
Kevin Ricard Takes the Lead on The Crossing
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.
Kadialy Kouyate’s “Toña” Balances Heritage, Healing, and Innovation
Kadialy Kouyate – Toña (ARC Music, 2025) Senegalese kora player, singer, and composer Kadialy Kouyate returns with Toña, his ninth album and perhaps his most…
Mulatu Astatke, the Father of Ethio-jazz
Mulatu Astatke (b. 19 December 1943) is an Ethiopian musician, composer, and arranger widely regarded as the originator of Ethio-jazz, a genre that fuses Ethiopian…
Vowel Play: Florence Adooni’s ‘A.O.E.I.U.’ Hits All the Right Notes
Florence Adooni – A.O.E.I.U. (Philophon, 2025) Gifted Ghanaian singer Florence Adooni has released her first international album, A.O.E.I.U. (An Ordinary Exercise In Unity), via Philophon.…
Maqam on the Move: Mustafa Said Charts a New Course in Arabic Music
Mustafa Said & Asil Ensemble – Maqam Pilgrims (Mapamundi Música, 2025) Egyptian composer and oud master Mustafa Said returns with Maqam Pilgrims, a superb new…
Cierzo Lento – A Modern Take on Aragonese Tradition
Idoipe – Cierzo Lento (self release, 2021) Cierzo Lento was the debut full-length album by Spanish musician Idoipe. The self-produced LP combines electronica with traditional…
Berimbau: Bowed Sounds at the Heart of Afro-Brazilian Tradition
(headline image: Berimbau) The berimbau is a single-stringed musical bow that functions as both instrument and cultural emblem. Though now most closely associated with Brazil,…
Juan Medina’s “Fugaz” Bridges Flamenco Guitar and Jazz
Juan Medina – Fugaz (Satelite K, 2025) Spanish composer and guitarist Juan Medina has released Fugaz, his debut guitar album. Here, the gifted guitarist combines…
Riddim and Shine: Phil Pratt’s 1974 Sunshot Classics Return
Various Artists – Party Time – The Sunshot Singles 1974 ( Doctor Bird, 2025) This 2CD collection calls to attention the influential work of Jamaican…
“The World Stood By” Channels Tigray’s Grief, Grace, and Global Neglect
Tigray Tears – The World Stood By (Toy Gun Murder, 2025) On Tigray Tears’ The World Stood By, a cast of exiled Tigrinya-language singers transforms…