Sarazino Ya Foy! (Cumbancha, 2009) Ya Foy!, meaning "no problem" in the West African language of Baule, certainly sums up Sarazino’s latest out on the…
View More Sarazino’s GroovesAuthor: TJ Nelson
Walking Along the Cutting Edge
Abbas Premjee Elements (Fire Records, 2008) Elements, released in Pakistan in 2008, is the debut CD of composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Abbas Premjee. Exploring North…
View More Walking Along the Cutting EdgeExtraordinary Folktronica
Valravn Koder på snor (VME, 2009) Self described as Danish/Faorese folktronic, Koder på snor, the second release by the group Valravn, is a musical fantasy…
View More Extraordinary FolktronicaAfghan Rising Stars
Various Artists Afghan Star (Silver Screen Records, 2009) The soundtrack to the film Afghan Star, a documentary following four contestants participating in Afghanistan’s television’s talent…
View More Afghan Rising StarsLushly Smooth
Ithamara Koorax and Juarez Moreira Bim Bom: The Complete Joao Gilberto Songbook (Motéma Music, 2009) In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Brazilian guitarist João…
View More Lushly SmoothTinariwen’s Desert Blues, a Force of Nature
Tinariwen Imidiwan: Companions (World Village) The desert blues men and women of Tinariwen are back with their latest CD Imidiwan: Companions, set for release October…
View More Tinariwen’s Desert Blues, a Force of NatureKhaled’s Electrifying Vibrancy
Khaled Liberté (Wrasse Records) Khaled, the King of Raï, is back with an emotional explosive collection of songs. Liberté, set for release on August 25…
View More Khaled’s Electrifying VibrancyLatvia’s Shortest Night
Iļģi Īsākās nakts dziesmas [Songs of the Shortest Night] (Platforma Music, 2009) You know what your problem is? You don’t have enough Latvian folk in…
View More Latvia’s Shortest NightRemarkable Journey
Soname Plateau (World Village, 2009) Soname Yangchen’s journey would be considered remarkable with having been born in Chinese-controlled Tibet, separated from her family and surviving…
View More Remarkable JourneyThe Mughams of Sari Gelin Ensemble
Sari Gelin Ensemble Music from Azerbaijan (ARC Music, 2009) Elegantly intricate as the most extravagantly patterned embroidery, the CD Music from Azerbaijan by the Sari…
View More The Mughams of Sari Gelin Ensemble