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…
Heavenly Hep Harmonies, Delectably Deep Dubs
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.
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…
Wake the Town
Kobo Town Independence (Kobo 001, 2006) I sought out this CD on a whim, having read a positive review elsewhere. I expected it to at…
Brazilian Beauties, Musical Marvels
Bebel Gilberto – Momento (Ziriguiboom/Six Degrees 657036 1133-2, 2007) CeU – CéU (Urban Jungle Records/Six Degrees 657036 1129-2, 2006) No one needs to bring sexy…
The Occidental Purists
Occidental Brothers Dance Band International (Self-Released, 2006) You could easily believe the tracks on this very sharp CD were recorded in Kinshasa or Accra years…
Calling Out Around the World
Various Artists Putumayo World Party (Putumayo PUT 263-2, 2007) The various-artist collections from the prolific Putumayo label can be built around the lightest of concepts,…
Kidjo and Co.
Angelique Kidjo Djin Djin (Razor and Tie/Starbucks Entertainment 7930182967-2, 2007) Albums featuring an array of guest stars are certainly nothing new in mainstream pop music,…