Zafarán – Zafarán (self-release, 2025) It doesn’t take long. Bjorn Wennas’ softly pensive guitar is joined by the heart-drenched vocals of Carmen Marsico. Dan Meyers’…
I’m Just Mad About Zafarán
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 Very Nice Day
Sounding very much like the kind of Afropop that first attracted listeners outside of Africa, “One Day” by The Netherlands’ Lotte Walda is a melodic…
As Real as the Real Deal Gets
He’s based in France, but as both the title and feel of “Mali” indicate, Niarela Papou’s mind is on his homeland. The track is pure…
Hard to Beet
“Salute Cubano” by American quintet big beet does indeed salute the Afro-Cuban style most aptly, with deft piano, zesty synth and tumbling percussion leading the…
Playing With a Full Dekker
Oddly-named Canadian artist Notre Noise covers the old Desmond Dekker reggae classic “Fu Man Chu” in fine style, adding his own sinister sonic touches and…
A Special Something
The Beatles, as we all know, had and continue to have a huge imprint the world over. Such is evident in Vini De Groove’s instrumental…
Beyond the Finnish Line
Combining traditional Finnish music with other global influences, a band called Solisee add a bit of Latin flavor to “Itkee havupuu,” a warm, trumpet-punctuated piece…
Rough Reggae En Francais
With a lot of modern reggae sounding a trifle too polished and polite, France’s Angelo Rascool goes refreshingly in the opposite direction. His “Réchauffement” is…
Partial Culpability
An American singer by the name of Mckey brings a touch of bossa nova, both vocally and in the arrangement, to “Most of the Blame,” a…
Personal Perspective, Universal Truth
Combining roots reggae consciousness with a few R&B touches, Kingly T continues a knack for putting things in perspective. His “What A Gwaan” hits home…