American kora players aren’t exactly commonplace, so the work of Kane Mathis is not only noteworthy for his individuality, but for his expertise. He leads…
Kora to the Core
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.
Atypical Brazil
Brazil’s Dude São Thiago harnesses layered percussion, jangly piano, nimble vocals and quirky production touches to make “Mitiê” an attention grabber that succeeds from both…
Marvelous “Mazel Mazel”
Combining the traditional Amazigh music of her native Algeria with global influences gleaned in her adopted homeland of France, Syna Awel’s “Mazel Mazel” is a…
You go, Togo
A mix of jazz, traditional rhythm and chant from the West African nation of Togo and some particularly expressive trombone playing,”Noussin” by a band called…
Daggy Style
A combination of dub reggae and synthesized chill, “Zion Meditation” by Japan’s Daggy Busker is indeed a meditative, and well-crafted, wall of sounds. (I have…
Duduk Maestro Sar Kamler Presents “Ode To Seasons”
An Armenian based in Canada, Sar Kamler is a master of the duduk, the apricot wood reed instrument that has long provided the signature sound…
Where is the Mr. Bartender? Asks Mr. Hammer
Sure, reggae music is usually at its best when it’s full of spiritually or socially conscious attitude, but putting some fun into it is no…
Forward-Thinking Reggae by Sister Nancy and Naya Rockers
Veteran reggae chanter Sister Nancy brings the right sort of common-sense wisdom to “Teach The Youths,” a musical lesson by America’s Naya Rockers. The message…
Enticing Zydeco by Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate
A big, brassy and wonderful updating of the classic zydeco sound, “Madeline” by the U.S.’s Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate is an irresistible jam…
“Sin Un Adiós,” Spectacular World Fusion by Mexico’s MUVA
With “Sin Un Adiós,” Mexico’s MUVA creates something very close to a sonic definition of “world” music, bringing together electronic textures, thunderous percussion, rock dramatics,…