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…
Benin’s Big Brass Blow
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.
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…
Abundant Reggae Riches
Nazarenes – Songs of Life (Heartbeat 11661-7624-2, 2005) Taj Weekes & Adowa – Hope and Doubt (AlphaPocket Records CD 0011, 2005) Winston Jarrett and the…
Cru Rings True
Seu Jorge Cru (Wrasse Records WRASS 160, 2005) Seu Jorge has been featured in a couple of movies. One was the Brazilian favela (slum) drama…
Jamaican Guitar Great Catches a Wave
Ernest Ranglin Surfin’ (Tropic Entertainment/Telarc CD-83682, 2005) Ernest Ranglin was an accomplished guitarist in his native Jamaica long before there was such a thing as…