Salif Keita – La Différence (Emarcy Records/Decca, 2010) Mali has given the world so many great musicians that it’s difficult to point out one who…
Still Making a Difference
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.
Going For It
Etran Finatawa Tarkat Tajje / Let’s Go (Riverboat Records/World Music Network TUGCD1055, 2010) Don’t assume that this album’s built-in title translation or the exclamation point…
Rocky Reggae Road
Rocky Dawuni Hymns for the Rebel Soul (Aquarian Records 005, 2010) “Afro Roots Music 4 Global Consciousness” states the inner cover of this CD, and…
In Conclusion
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate Ali & Toumani (World Circuit WCD083, 2009) I was among the many who were delighted to learn that In…
Taking Good Care
Very Be Careful Escape Room (Barbes Records, 2010) Be very careful that you don’t label Los Angeles-based Very Be Careful a world music band. They’re…
National Pride
Razia Zebu Nation (Cumbancha CMB CD 16, 2010) It would be a dirty shame to see an environment and ecosystem as unique as that of…
Have a Nice Day
Meklit Hadero On A Day Like This… (Porto Franco Records PFR 015, 2010) Close your eyes as you listen to this debut CD by Ethiopian-born…
Up With Downs
Lila Downs Lila Downs y La Misteriosa en Paris – Live a FIP (World Village WVF479027, 2010) Words like “eclectic” and “versatile” don’t begin to…
Ethiopia’s Head Man
Mulatu Astatke Mulatu Steps Ahead (Strut 056CD, 2010) Ethiopian music has seen quite a resurgence in recent years and many good things have resulted. For…
Ancient Indulgence Made Modern
Gaida Levantine Indulgence (Palmyra Recordings, 2009) It was overlapping pre-dawn calls to prayer from the mosques of Damascus and the sounds of Arabic pop on…