Everyone Orchestra – Brooklyn Sessions (Harmonized Records HAR-040, 2012) Alon Yavnai & The NDR Bigband – Shir Ahava (NDR, 2012) The difference between an orchestra…
Bands of Renown
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.
Musical Minds Meet, Mutual Marvels Manifest
The Toure-Raichel Collective The Tel Aviv Session (Cumbancha CMB-CD-22, 2012) It happens more and more nowadays. Two musicians from different backgrounds have a chance encounter,…
A Fine Shrine
Loga Ramin Torkian Mehraab (Six Degrees, 2012) Tehran-born Loga Ramin Torkian left Iran for the United States after the 1979 revolution, but he didn’t leave…
Though the Mountains May Fall
Francois and the Atlas Mountains E Volo Love (Domino WIGCD28OP, 2012) There’s making music, and then there’s making music that makes an impression. To achieve…
African Americans Indeed
Zieti Zemelewa (Grigri Discs GRIGRI004, 2011) Back at the end of the last century, guitarist Michael Shereikis and drummer Alex Owre, both Americans, happened to…
Things to Do in Brazil and Peru
Brazilian Beat (Putumayo World Music, 2012) Novalima – Karimba (ESL Music, 2012) Brazil has been known worldwide for its dance music for decades, neighboring Peru…
Global Greenery
Trevor Green Sacred Seed (Trevor Green Music, 2011) “World Folk Rock” is the way Trevor Green’s music is described in the promotional materials for this…
South African Vets in Good Form
Hugh Masekela – Jabulani (Razor & Tie / Listen 2, 2012) Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Friends (Razor & Tie / Listen 2, 2011) While one…
Marta’s New Lingo
Marta Topferova The Other Shore (World Village 468110, 2011) Being a native of the Czech Republic hasn’t stopped Marta Topferova from recording albums of authentic,…
Tuareg Up-and-Comers
Tamikrest Toumastin (Glitterhouse Records GRCD 721, 2011) Mali’s Tamikrest do not avoid comparisons to Tinariwen. When they formed in 2006, they’d already listened extensively to…