Youssoupha Sidibe Xelcom (Self-released, 2008) Senegal’s Youssoupha Sidibe has played his kora (21-stringed West African harp) alongside artists as varied as Matisyahu, Bela Fleck, India…
Kora Master in the Spirit
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.
Chicha Rebound Continues
Juaneco y su Combo Masters of Chicha Vol. 1 (Barbes Records BROO20, 2008) The 2007 compilation Roots of Chicha brought long-overdue wider recognition to a…
Found Horizon
Various Artists Sound of the World Presents Beyond the Horizon (Warner Classics and Jazz 5144288632, 2008) It’s always a pleasure to see and hear what…
War of the World
War – Greatest Hits Live (Avenue Records R2512351, 2008) War- a world music band? I’d testify to it in a court of law. Their mixture…
Afrobite
Chopteeth Chopteeth (Grigri Discs GRIGRI001, 2008) An “Afrofunk Big Band” is how this Washington D.C.-based collective refer to themselves and that label alone was enough…
Brit Brazilian Beats
Rhythms of the City Rhythms of the City (F-IRE CD26, 2008) The city of this disc’s title is London and the collective known as Rhythms…
Memorable and More
David Chevan with Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi and The Afro-Semitic Experience Yizkor: Music of Memory (Reckless DC Music RMCD 1053, 2008) Combining musical roots of the…
Tasty African Danish
Deodato Siquir Balanco (2AM Productions DS7501, 2008) Born in Mozambique and presently based in Denmark, drummer/vocalist/bassist/guitarist/pianist Deodato Siquir has made a solid and enjoyable African…
Supreme Seprewa
Seprewa Kasa Seprewa Kasa (Riverboat Records/World Music Network TUGCD 1051, 2008) I must admit I’d never heard of a seprewa until I listened to this…
Excellence in Exile
Akim El Sikameya Introducing Akim el Sikameya (Introducing/World Music Network INTRO113CD, 2008) Akim El Sikameya might well have achieved stardom without leaving his native Algeria,…