Hugh Masekela Live at the Market Theatre (Times Square Records/Four Quarters FQT-CD-1805, 2007) My task here is made immeasurably easier by the fact that Hugh…
The Boy’s Still Doin’ It
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.
Kenyan Continuum
Kenge Kenge – Introducing Kenge Kenge (World Music Network INTRO107CD, 2007) Spotlight on Kenyan Music (ARC Music EUCD 2030, 2006) My appetite for Kenyan music…
Outside Assistance
Baka Beyond and Baka Gbine Baka Live (March Hare Music MAHACD 26, 2007) Beginning in the early ’90s as a melding of acoustic U.K. melodies…
Roma Road Shows and Royalty
Gypsy Caravan – When the Road Bends… Music in and Inspired by the Film (World Village 468070, 2007) Fanfare Ciocarlia – Queens and Kings (Asphalt…
Not Just Maur of the Same
Malouma – Nour (Marabi 46819.2, 2007) Mauritania lies at the western edge of the Sahara Desert and the Islamic world. It was a French colony…
Heavenly Hep Harmonies, Delectably Deep Dubs
The Heptones – Sweet Talking (Heartbeat 11661-7828-2, 2007) Roots Man Dub (Heartbeat 11661-7832-2, 2007) Massachusetts-based Heartbeat Records releases plenty of contemporary reggae music, but it’s…
Girls, Girls, Girls
12 Girls Band Shanghai (Manhattan Records, 0946 3 78957 2 6, 2007) Yes, it’s music that’s the stuff of PBS specials and mainstream aspirations. Sure,…
Onstage Wizardry: Ojos de Brujo at Grand Performances in Los Angeles
"This is not just world music. This is a whole universe of music." Thus spoke Derek Rath, host of "The Cosmic Barrio" on KPFK FM…
A Voice From Comoros
Nawal Aman (Nawal KWE01307, 2007) I’m not too shabby when it comes to geography. Still, without a map I couldn’t have told you that the…
Just Say Yes
Sí, Para Usted – The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba Volume One (Waxing Deep Records WAX002, 2006) Sure, the whole Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon…