Notwithstanding the Dropkick Murphys’ punkish rendition, the more traditionally Celtic version of Dick Gaughan’s “The Worker’s Song” by Tennessee-based Jenny and the Weazels packs plenty…
Getting Busy
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.
Win or Lose
Reunion Island reggae band Yango Roots calls out a “World of Competition” and musically assures us all that we don’t need to live in one.…
Colombia Meets Senegal
A band from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Jorge Aguilar y Sus Embelecos, is joined by Senegalese guitarist Tapha Gaye for “Eres Tú Mi Rosa,” a reconnection…
A Key Demographic
Jamaica’s Minna LaFortune addresses “African Women” with empowering reggae riddim and spoken word. It’s a message well worth hearing, even if you’re not in that…
Africa Axed
A fusion of West African sounds with zesty rock and roll, “Maliba” by French guitarist Yeko moves swiftly and melodically to the point of absolutely…
Belgian Channels Brazil
Belgium’s Arnaldo Prete travels well beyond his borders on “Iroko,” a snappy acoustic piece that goes through several Brazilian mood swings of the best kind.
Where the Heart is
American pianist Jon S. Gold shows his love for Brazilian-flavored jazz while trodding “The Path Home.” Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and vocalist Shiri Zorn provide further…
Road to Reggae
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…
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…