Various Artists Music from the Chocolate Lands (Putumayo PUT 230-2, 2004) Following the success of their collections Music from the Coffee Lands (2 volumes) and…
Sweet!
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.
Seriously Syrian
Zein Al-Jundi Traditional Songs From Syria (ARC Music EUCD 1898, 2004) A former child singing star in her native Syria, Zein Al-Jundi took a lengthy…
The Rabbi’s Daughter
Neshama Carlebach Journey (Sameach Music NDS2004, 2004) The late rabbi Shlomo Carlebach chose music as his means of reaching people, composing thousands of songs and…
Lest We Forget
Nayim Alal – Nar (Nubenegra INN1117-2, 2003) Malabo Strit Band – M.S.B. (Nubenegra INN1116-2, 2003) Yeah, I know it’s nearly the end of 2004, but these…
Side by Side on the Map and in Song
Mariana Montalvo – Piel de Aceituna (World Village 468031, 2004) Tania Libertad – Negro Color (World Village 468032, 2004) It’s a pretty narrow strip of…
Following in the Footsteps of Fela
Akoya – Introducing the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble (Afrobomb Music [no number], 2004) Afrobeat, the percolating, politicized style constructed from some of the rougher edges of…
Recent and Retro Reggae Roundup
Steel Pulse – African Holocaust (RAS/Sanctuary 06076-89931-2, 2004) Horace Andy Meets Mad Professor – From The Roots (RAS/Sanctuary 06076-89932-2, 2004) Burning Spear – Creation Rebel:…
Expert Testimony
Samputu Testimony From Rwanda (Multicultural Media MCM 4003, 2004) It’s been a decade since the genocide in Rwanda, a massive tragedy that the United States…
Hit It
Joji Hirota / Pete Lockett – Taiko to Tabla (ARC Music EUCD 1856, 2004) Paoli Mejias – Mi Tambor (Paoli Mejias JMCD/2004-1, 2004) Since percussion…
A Cakewalk on the Latin Side
Charanga Cakewalk Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge (Triloka/Artemis ARTCD-256, 2004) Being a hardcore fan of global music shouldn’t preclude a person from possessing a working…