Okan – Sombras (Lulaworld Records, 2019) Okan is a highly talented Toronto-based world music ensemble rooted in Afro-Cuban music led by Cuban multi-instrumentalists and composers…
Imaginative Woman-Led Cuban Alchemy
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Absorbing Fingerstyle Guitar from Peppino D’Agostino
Peppino D’Agostino – Connexion (A-Train Entertainment, 2020) Fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and composer Peppino D’Agostino has released “Connexion” his first solo album in six years. D’Agostino…
Interview with Contemporary Tango Duo Ben & Winnie
Two virtuoso musicians, bandoneón player Ben Bogart and pianist Winnie Cheung have recorded a beautifully constructed contemporary tango album titled La Próxima Traición, scheduled for…
Artist profiles: Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Founded by producer Aaron Luis Levinson in 2000 and directed by Puerto Rican-American trumpeter and pianist Oscar Hernández, the 13-14 member Spanish Harlem Orchestra covers…
The Diverse and Uplifting World-Bending Sounds of Sultans of String
Sultans of String – Refuge (Sultans of String, 2020) Canadian world music ensemble Sultans of String celebrates the music and cultures of displaced peoples and…
The Mbira Visits Appalachia
The New Line – Can’t Hold The Wheel (independent release, 2013) American multi-instrumentalist and composer Brendan Taaffe founded The New Line, an ensemble that brought…
All-Female Ensemble Celebrates Middle Eastern Musical Connections
Divahn – Shalhevet (Divahn, 2020) Divahn is an all-female American ensemble based in New York City that specializes in Jewish music from the Middle East.…
Artist profiles: T Bone Burnett
T Bone Burnett is one of the United States’ most multi-faceted and successful artists. His multitude of musical identities include: acclaimed performer and songwriter; Grammy-winning…
Latin Folk and Storytelling from Cuñao
Cuñao – Rayuela (Ides of March Records, 2020) Rayuela is the second album from Los Angeles-based band Cuñao. The ensemble plays music rooted in acoustic…
Elegant Nordic Folk Jazz from Anders Jormin
Anders Jormin – Poems for Orchestra (Losen Records, 2019) Poems for Orchestra is a truly exquisite album from Swedish composer and double bass player Anders…