Two Afrobeat bands based in the United States have new recordings. The Afromotive, based in Asheville (North Carolina), in the East Coast, is led by…
The Two Coasts of Afrobeat
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.
Underground Turkish Grooves
On the compilation Import Export a La Turka – Turkish Sounds From Germany (TRIKONT CD US-0373, 2007), DJ Ipek Ipekgioglu showcases the music of the…
Flamenco from the Old and New Worlds
Gazpacho Andalú Flamenco de vuelta e ida (Gazpacho Andalú, 2006) New York-based band Gazpacho Andalú surprises with its fiery delivery of Nuevo Flamenco. This is…
Chinese Silhouettes
Three CDs released in 2007 focus on virtuoso musicians from China. The Silk String Quartet, formed by four skilled performers is regarded by some as…
Electrifying Early Rail Band
Rail Band Soundiata, Rail Band 1 (Sterns Africa, 2007) The Rail Band is one of those indispensable groups that served as a musical school for…
Stunning Indonesian Fusion
Simak Dialog Patahan (Moonjune Records, 2007) Simak Dialog is an inspired Indonesian band that follows the venerable tradition of fusion, adding an new element: Indonesian…
Compilation CD Pays Tribute to Scottish Legend "Peerie" Willie Johnson
"Peerie" Willie Johnson Willie’s World (Greentrax Recordings CDTRAX309, 2007) Greentrax Recordings has released Willie’s World, an album that covers the prolific work of one of…
Masterful Uds and Reggae
Diaspora’s captivating style on Reggae Arabesque is a combination of musical styles I’ve never heard before: Arabic music with reggae. The group is formed by…
Trendsetters from the Land of Cork Oaks
Acetre Desehario (Galileo Music, 2007) This CD arrived recently and immediately became a candidate for best world music CD of the year. Acetre is frequently…
Liberian Music in the 1950s, Songs of the African Coast Available on CD
The CD Songs of the African Coast: Cafe Music of Liberia includes music recorded in 1948-49 by the noted ethnomusicologist, Arthur Alberts. Don’t expect traditional…