Africando Martina (Stern’s STCD 1096, 2003) It’s been 10 years since Africando began the full-force re-Africanization of salsa. Of course, the musical give and take…
Capping a Decade of Excellence
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.
What Could’ve Been
Polo Montanez Guitarra Mía (Evolver EVL2017-2, 2003) Originally put out by the French label Lusafrica in 2002, this is a sparkling, joyous disc that nonetheless…
Peace In Our Time
Culture World Peace (Heartbeat 11661-7764-2, 2003) “We can’t take another war/we want world peace.” So sings Culture’s Joseph Hill on the title track of this…
Sufi Serenity
Ensemble Ibn Arabi Chants Soufis Arabo-Andalous [Arab-Andalusian Sufi Songs] (Long Distance 0450103, 2003) The mystical facet of Islam known as Sufism has long regarded artistic…
Ghazal Astounds, Khan Makes Sweet Sounds.
Ghazal – The Rain (ECM 1840, 2003) Shujaat Husain Khan – Hawa Hawa (World Village 468022, 2003) Ghazal, a duo comprised of Iranian kamancheh (spike…
A Reggae Great Gets His Due
Jackie Mittoo Champion In The Arena 1976-1977 (Blood and Fire BAFCD 042, 2003) Jackie Mittoo is hardly the first name that comes to mind when…
Fear Not The Smooth
Various Artists Smooth Africa II: Exploring the Soul (Heads Up HUCD 3077, 2003) Yeah, I know. An album with “smooth” in the title fills your…
Saucy In Any Language
Various Artists Salsa Around the World (Putumayo PUT 213-2, 2003) Salsa (the music, not the condiment) has become one of the most recognizable and popular…
Second Generation, First-Rate Reggae
Morgan Heritage Three In One (VP Records VPCD 1656, 2003) After bringing reggae to the punk rock massive with their participation in the Warped tour,…
Klezmer Gypsies Take The Stage
Les Yeux Noirs Live (World Village 4680190, 2003) Led by classically-trained violinists Eric and Olivier Slabiak, Les Yeux Noirs created one of last year’s more…