Susheela Raman Music For Crocodiles (Narada 72438-63402-2-1, 2006) Susheela Raman’s prior releases Salt Rain and Love Trap (both also on Narada) rightly got considerable notice…
No Previous Reptilian Experience Necessary
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.
London’s Calling
Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars Carnival Conspiracy (Piranha CD-PIR1902, 2006) When he’s not trumpeting with the Klezmatics, composing scores or guesting on recordings, Frank London…
Jamaican Sounds Aged to Perfection
(Trojan/Sanctuary 06076-80548-2, 2005) Lyn Taitt & the Jets – Hold Me Tight: Anthology 65-73 (Trojan/Sanctuary 06076-80543-2, 2005) The evolution of Jamaican popular music from ska…
The Beautiful Sea
Various Artists The Caribbean (Putumayo PUTU 245, 2006) The rather broad scope of this album seems odd, since the Putumayo label has already put out…
Seck Gets his Bearings
Thione Seck Orientation (Stern’s Africa STCD 1100, 2005) Senegalese vocalist Thione Seck has always been a versatile guy, a hereditary griot whose skills include singing…
Amadou and Mariam’s Best out of Three
Amadou and Mariam The Best of Amadou and Mariam: Je Pense a Toi (Circular Moves/Universal CIM 7019, 2005) Their current album, a brilliant patchwork collaboration…
Live and Burning Oh So Hotly
Ozomatli Live at the Fillmore (Concord Records CCD2-2298-2, 2005) Call Ozomatli a fusion band only if you’ve really got a thing for understatement. Even calling…
Addis Odyssey
Ethiopiques 20 – Either/Orchestra Live in Addis (Buda Musique 860121, 2005) The impact of Buda Musique’s Ethiopiques series cannot be overstated. Since the initial volumes appeared…
With a Bang
Zarbang Persian and Middle Eastern Percussion (ARC Music EUCD 1969, 2005) I first heard of the percussion-oriented group called Zarbang some months ago and became…
Weinstein Digs Ever Deeper
Mark Weinstein Algo Más (Jazzheads JH 1148, 2005) Mark Weinstein isn’t likely to be the first name on anyone’s list of Latin jazz legends. Still,…