JohnStone Eyes Open (JohnStone Reggae LLC JSEO, 2005) JohnStone Eyes Open Dub (JohnStone Reggae LLC, 2005) The already-strong USA reggae scene gets another big boost…
Reggae Set in Stone
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.
Nothing Motley About This Krewe
Toubab Krewe Toubab Krewe (Upstream Records UP252, 2005) The word “toubab” reportedly means something along the lines of “white guy” in much of West Africa,…
His World is Your World
Various Artists Sound of the World (Wrasse Records WRASS 169, 2005) BBC London DJ Charlie Gillett has, as they say, done it again. The latest…
Benin’s Big Brass Blow
Gangbe Brass Band Whendo (World Village 468050, 2005) The colonization of many an African nation in the 19th century brought European music to those countries…
A Well-Mixed Drink
Pink Martini Hang on Little Tomato (Heinz Records HNZOO2, 2004) You could call them a globally-influenced pop band, a world music ensemble with a taste…
Kid Stuff?
The Rough Guide to African Music for Children (World Music Network RGNET 1166 CD, 2005) The Rough Guide to Latin Music for Children (World Music…
Beyond Celtic and Back
Afro Celt Sound System – Anatomic (Real World 094633180024, 2005) Various Artists – Celtic Crossroads (Putumayo PUT 243-2, 2005) Rosheen – Musique Celtique (Compass Records…
Dream Walkers and Global Rockers
Kan’Nal Dreamwalker (Physiks Records [no number], 2005) Difficult to label yet strangely compelling because of that very difficulty, the music of Kan’Nal is a tightly…
Traore’s Trials and Treasures
Boubacar Traore Kongo Magni (World Village 468051, 2005) Boubacar “Kar Kar” Traoré was a musical star in Mali by the time that country became independent…
Rio in the Rough
Various Artists The Rough Guide to the Music of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro (World Music Network RGNET 1157 CD, 2005) This isn’t the first in…