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…
Visionary Traditionalists
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.
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…
Africa End to End
Moh Alileche – North Africa’s Destiny? (Flag of Freedom Productions/City Hall Records FFP 004, 2004) Various Artists – Ancient Civilizations of Southern Africa (ARC Music…
A Continuum of Reggae
Gregory Isaacs – Gregory Isaacs Sings Dennis Brown (RAS Records 06076-89934-2, 2004) The Gladiators – Father and Sons (RAS Records 06076-89935-2, 2004) Various Artists –…
Mining the Depths of the Spirit
The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Early Years Vol. I (Narada 70876-19221-2-7, 2005) The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Early Years Vol. II…
Every Tongue Shall Tell
Free Joseph Speaking in Tongues (Far Island Vision FIVD003, 2005) Free Joseph has been a working reggae musician for many years, proficient on various instruments…
A Party in Two Worlds
Various Artists Afro-Latin Party (Putumayo PUT 235-2, 2005) Lest anyone forget that Latin music has African rhythms at its core, there are plenty of recorded…
It Takes a Village
Warsaw Village Band Uprooting (World Village 468036, 2004) These three guys and three gals from Poland caused quite a stir with their previous album People’s…
Benin There, Dug That
T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-1980 (Soundway Records SNDWCD004, 2004) I’m so very glad there are people who seek out and…