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…
Dandy Parranda
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.
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.
Brazil For Two
California-based Duet Paty & Leo breeze their way through “Acaso,” a silky Brazilian-flavored piece in which voice, acoustic guitar and percussion are the foundation for…
Congolese French Connection
Spearheaded by singer-songwriter Patrick Mundélé, Paris Kinshasa Express delightfully achieves the express purpose of saluting the classic Congolese sound that bridges rumba and soukous with…
Romanian Riddim
The timeless sound of sax-sweetened lovers rock style reggae is captured skillfully by Romanian producer Marius-Alexandru Ionescu, aka Bass & Riddim Workshop. With assistance from…