On “Moliendo Café,” U.S. trumpeter Morris Northcutt does some master playing over a crisp and lush Latin backing. Vintage and modern textures coexisting in the…
Trumpeter Morris Northcutt Celebrates Latin Coffee Culture on “Moliendo Café”
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.
Loham’s Enchanting Brazilian Grooves on “Barulhinho Bom”
A jaunty acoustic journey into the familiarities of MPB,”Barulhinho Bom” by Brazil’s Loham features keenly committed vocals, equally conversant percussion and a good deal more…
Gratifying Raga by The Mystic Radio
Long but rewarding, “Raga Bhairavi” by an American duo called The Mystic Radio is a guitar and percussion journey through Indian-inspired soundscapes majestic and inspiring.
Inventive Samba Variation by John Finbury
Composed and produced by American John Finbury and sung by Brazilian Bruna Black, “Vã Revelação” (“Vain Revelation”) gives the familiar warmth of samba an extra…
Genuine Reggae by Denmark’s Total Hip Replacement
I’d give them high marks for a great band name even if their music didn’t do a thing for me, but the authentic reggae sound…
Easygoing Afro-samba by Pedro Bezerra
A moody, mellow take on Afro-samba with prominent piano and airy vocals,”Na Beira do Mar” by Brazil’s Pedro Bezerra shows just how resilient and satisfying…
Arnito and Adama Koeta Deliver Skillful Guitar and Kora Dialog
Prolific French guitarist Arnito duets with kora player Adama Koeta on “After Work,” a deftly played piece of music that bridges African, flamenco, Roma, and…
Katara Dazzles with West African Grooves
An instrumental called “Ophelia” by American duo Katara scores big points with its skittering rhythm, West African feel, echoey production values and some of the…
Vini De Groove Makes contact with Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian Traditions
The USA’s Vini De Groove reaches for the deepest depths of the musical connections between Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian cultures on his track “Boi da Resiliência.”…
Laid-Back Reggae for the summer with Eddie Witz and The Most High
Easygoing, good-time reggae is never a bad thing. Los Angeles-based Eddie Witz and The Most High seem to know this, and their “My Island” is…