The Roots of Chicha 2, Psychedelic Cumbias From Peru (Barbes Records BR0028, 2010) It was worth the wait, and now what a joy to have…
Seconds on the Chicha
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.
Divas and Dance Delights
The Rough Guide to Salsa Dance (World Music Network RGNET1239CD, 2010) The Rough Guide to Salsa Divas (World Music Network RGNET1228CD, 2010) World Music Network’s…
Banned Stand
The Rough Guide to the Music of Afghanistan (World Music Network RGNET1237CD, 2010) Despite the five years in Afghanistan (1996 to 2001) when music was…
Connected
Cas Haley Connection (Easy Star Records ES-1022, 2010) I’m not a fan of America’s Got Talent and so I missed Cas Haley’s appearance on the…
High Quality Lo Jamm
Cheikh Lo Jamm (World Circuit DO84, 2010) Senegal’s Cheikh Lo, he of the long dreadlocks, multicolored quilt-like attire and Sufi spirituality, stands out even among…
Balkan Brass by the Bay
Brass Menazeri Vranjski San (Porto Franco Records PFR018, 2010) You never quite know how it’s going to turn out when a style of music closely…
Making a Federal Case of it
The Definitive Collection of Federal Records 1964-1982 (17 North Parade VP4163, 2010) Ernie Smith – The Best of Ernie Smith: Original Masters (17 North Parade…
Souzatone
Carmen Souza Protegid (Galileo Music GMC036, 2010) Cape Verde, those tiny, previously Portuguese-owned islands just off Africa’s Western tip, has given the world more great…
Dogo From Togo
Elikeh Adje!Adje! (Azalea City Recordings, 2010) Living in Washington D.C., the political epicenter of the United States, can give you a feel for how lousy…
Well Worth the Insomnia
V.M. Bhatt & Matt Malley Sleepless Nights (World Village 468097, 2010) Indian master musician V.M Bhatt was in on one of Ry Cooder’s early excursions…