An instrumental called “Ophelia” by American duo Katara scores big points with its skittering rhythm, West African feel, echoey production values and some of the…
Katara Dazzles with West African Grooves
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.
Vini De Groove Makes contact with Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian Traditions
The USA’s Vini De Groove reaches for the deepest depths of the musical connections between Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian cultures on his track “Boi da Resiliência.”…
Laid-Back Reggae for the summer with Eddie Witz and The Most High
Easygoing, good-time reggae is never a bad thing. Los Angeles-based Eddie Witz and The Most High seem to know this, and their “My Island” is…
Beguiling Afro-Fusion Grooves by Hakuna Patata
The name may come across a bit whimsical, but Afro-Belgian artist Hakuna Patata captures a nicely skittering African fusion sound on “Nakupenda,” a tune with…
“Burn the Flame,” Reggae Seasoned Song by PJ Far-West Selecta
PJ Far-West Selecta has another reggae-flavored grabber that’s giving him recurring status in this column. This one’s called “Burn the Flame” and rocks with additional…
Afro-Venezuelan Drum Therapy by Parranda La Cruz
France’s Parranda La Cruz rely on nothing more than percussion and voices for “Quichimba,” a rousing piece based on Afro-Venezuelan sources and a prime example…
Patxi Pascual Presents Brazilian Flavors on “Los buenos días”
Spanish artist Patxi Pascual exudes a Brazilian air with “Los buenos días,” which features nimble flute, guitar, and vocal scatting atop polyrhythmic drumming and bass.…
Persuasive, Inspiring Roots Reggae by Minna LaFortune
With her song “The Black Star Liner,” Minna LaFortune joins such fellow Jamaicans as Winston Rodney and Joseph Hill in uplifting the ideology of Marcus…
Swinging Bossa Nova by Thalerg
Bossa Nova has long had worldwide recognizability, and that is as it should be. Parisian pianist and composer Thalerg has his own authentic take called…
David Leon’s Flawless Fusion of Sax and Gayageum
Heard any unusual but perfect jazz fusions lately? If not, give a listen to “Palmetto,” a lullaby of an instrumental by American saxophonist David Leon.…