Malian artist Niarela Papou gives his country’s wassulu music an extra danceable twist on “Sigui,” where instruments like the traditional kamalé ngoni lute are prominent…
Tradition Plus
Author: Tom Orr
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.
Gettin’ Freeky
With a style rather reminiscent of Manu Dibango, France’s Hoagnan gives us “Mama Afreeka,” which starts off jazzy before bringing in an African undercurrent that…
Zesty Sauce
Spanish singer Yelem gives classic salsa its due but also adds a splash of contemporary production value to “Mi Pueblo,” a sizzling tune accompanied by…
Best Foot Forward
Multicultural ensemble Sonic Alley, fronted by Caleb Hart, mixes reggae, funk, and hip hop on “Step Up,” a hard-hitting, timely-as-can-be plea for personal improvement that…
You Can’t Be Too Picky
Based on the number of uplifting reggae tracks I’ve received lately, it would seem that the world is in need of such music. I believe…
Motivating Reggae
“We Can Do It,” a new track by American-based artist Kingly T, has all the best characteristics of classic reggae: A positive message, soulful lead…
Music of a Different Griot Home
Born in Senegal but based in Poland, kora player Ablaye Badji harnesses longstanding griot tradition to a funk/jazz backdrop on “Aduna,” a sparking piece of…
Kitchen Fresh
Germany’s Epic Soul Kitchen is on a musical excursion entitled “Dip Trip,” and their Latinized jazz is cooked up right and tight. The solos are,…
Magnificent Seven
“Butterflies,” by a band called Intercontinen7al, may well be the first of its kind: a bossa nova song comprised of parts recorded on all seven…
Feel the Fire
It’s more than a bit ironic that the video for a song called “Burnin’” prominently features a snowy background. Even so, American band MSJR puts…