There’s nothing quite like a live reggae session, and French band Natural Mighty has a dandy of one with “A Road.” Real instruments, committed vocals…
Road to Reggae
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.
Taking the Fifth
La Cumbia Chicharra – Quinto Mundo (Music Box Publishing, 2025) Two of the innumerable things I’m no good at are defining what exactly is meant…
Welcome to the Machine
Built around the dual droning sounds of bagpipes and hurdy gurdy, “Vous qui n’avez pas d’amants” by France’s La Machine combines tradition and a kind…
Dandy Parranda
Canada-based band La Parranda Venezolana absolutely soar with “Agua del mar que se va,” a lively sampling of Afro-Venezuelan music delightfully full of percussion, layered…
Mallorca Updating
The U.K.’s ever-inventive Periscopi Invertit has another winner in “L’amo de son carabassa,” a folk tune from the Mediterranean island of Mallorca that’s been seasoned…
I Second That
Wesli – Makaya (WUP, 2025) As is often the case, I must agree wholeheartedly with my colleague/boss Angel Romero. His summing-up of the album Makaya…
Out to Sea
Folksy but hard-rocking, “Le Pêcheur & Le Dôme De Verre” by Hélianthème, a French band that started out as renowned buskers, blends surging rhythms and…
Sonic Nocturne
Their membership spans a few countries and their sound is real time-tested lover’s rock reggae with a heavy dash of roots. Sonic Alley’s “Rock the…
Daydream Believer
Belgian saxophonist Manuel Hermia is joined by guitarist Julien Tassin and Chris Joris on the Brazilian berimbau for “Reverie,” a piece of music that’s hard…
Samba Gone Beyond
A dual Brazil and UK band, Soma Soma bridges the gaps between samba past, present, and future on “Laranjeiras.” And they do it very well.