Simón Diaz Mis Canciones [My Songs] (World Village 468042, 2005) I don’t live in Venezuela, so I’m in no position to argue with the contention…
The Grand Old Man of Venezuelan Song
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.
Unmitigated Senegal
Kasumai Senegal: Urban Rhythms (ARC Music EUCD 1929, 2005) The title of this one concerned me a bit. I thought perhaps the phrase “urban rhythms”…
Fruits of the Desert
Various Artists – The Rough Guide to the Music of Sudan (World Music Network RGNET 1152 CD, 2005) Various Artists – Mali (Putumayo PUT 236-2,…
Cruzin’ with the Queen
Celia Cruz The Rough Guide to Celia Cruz (World Music Network RGNET 1150 CD, 2005) Sure, the lateCelia Cruz Celia Cruz was the Queen of…
Visionary Traditionalists
The Duhks – The Duhks (Sugar Hill Records SUG-CD-3997, 2005) Once you get past how to say the name of this young Winnipeg-based band (it’s…
Celtic Leanings and Further Gleanings
Kila Live in Dublin (Kila Records KRCD 010, 2004) Combining familiar Celtic instrumentation, vocals and modes with percussion-laced beats from Africa and beyond, Kila has…
Mtukudzi Bags One
Oliver Mtukudzi Nhava (Heads Up International HUCD 3102, 2005) Like many listeners, I was first captivated by the music of Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi when Putumayo…
Africa End to End
Moh Alileche – North Africa’s Destiny? (Flag of Freedom Productions/City Hall Records FFP 004, 2004) Various Artists – Ancient Civilizations of Southern Africa (ARC Music…
A Continuum of Reggae
Gregory Isaacs – Gregory Isaacs Sings Dennis Brown (RAS Records 06076-89934-2, 2004) The Gladiators – Father and Sons (RAS Records 06076-89935-2, 2004) Various Artists –…
Mining the Depths of the Spirit
The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Early Years Vol. I (Narada 70876-19221-2-7, 2005) The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Early Years Vol. II…