The Congos – Give Them the Rights (Young Tree Records YTR-1221CD, 2005) Andrew Bassie Campbell – Mr. Bass Man All Stars (Young Tree Records YTR-1224CD,…
Young Tree’s Reggae Roots Run Deep
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.
Baka Beyond Back Beyond Baka
Baka Beyond Rhythm Tree (March Hare Music MAHACD 20, 2004) Though their recent releases have taken on a distinct Afro-Celtic air, Baka Beyond began as…
A Rousing Revival
Hugh Masekela Revival (Heads Up International HUCD 3093, 2005) South African horn player/singer/composer Hugh Masekela hardly needs an introduction. He’s been a world music legend…
The Grand Old Man of Venezuelan Song
Simón Diaz Mis Canciones [My Songs] (World Village 468042, 2005) I don’t live in Venezuela, so I’m in no position to argue with the contention…
Unmitigated Senegal
Kasumai Senegal: Urban Rhythms (ARC Music EUCD 1929, 2005) The title of this one concerned me a bit. I thought perhaps the phrase “urban rhythms”…
Fruits of the Desert
Various Artists – The Rough Guide to the Music of Sudan (World Music Network RGNET 1152 CD, 2005) Various Artists – Mali (Putumayo PUT 236-2,…
Cruzin’ with the Queen
Celia Cruz The Rough Guide to Celia Cruz (World Music Network RGNET 1150 CD, 2005) Sure, the lateCelia Cruz Celia Cruz was the Queen of…
Visionary Traditionalists
The Duhks – The Duhks (Sugar Hill Records SUG-CD-3997, 2005) Once you get past how to say the name of this young Winnipeg-based band (it’s…
Celtic Leanings and Further Gleanings
Kila Live in Dublin (Kila Records KRCD 010, 2004) Combining familiar Celtic instrumentation, vocals and modes with percussion-laced beats from Africa and beyond, Kila has…
Mtukudzi Bags One
Oliver Mtukudzi Nhava (Heads Up International HUCD 3102, 2005) Like many listeners, I was first captivated by the music of Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi when Putumayo…