Neshama Carlebach Journey (Sameach Music NDS2004, 2004) The late rabbi Shlomo Carlebach chose music as his means of reaching people, composing thousands of songs and…
The Rabbi’s Daughter
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.
Lest We Forget
Nayim Alal – Nar (Nubenegra INN1117-2, 2003) Malabo Strit Band – M.S.B. (Nubenegra INN1116-2, 2003) Yeah, I know it’s nearly the end of 2004, but these…
Side by Side on the Map and in Song
Mariana Montalvo – Piel de Aceituna (World Village 468031, 2004) Tania Libertad – Negro Color (World Village 468032, 2004) It’s a pretty narrow strip of…
Following in the Footsteps of Fela
Akoya – Introducing the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble (Afrobomb Music [no number], 2004) Afrobeat, the percolating, politicized style constructed from some of the rougher edges of…
Recent and Retro Reggae Roundup
Steel Pulse – African Holocaust (RAS/Sanctuary 06076-89931-2, 2004) Horace Andy Meets Mad Professor – From The Roots (RAS/Sanctuary 06076-89932-2, 2004) Burning Spear – Creation Rebel:…
Expert Testimony
Samputu Testimony From Rwanda (Multicultural Media MCM 4003, 2004) It’s been a decade since the genocide in Rwanda, a massive tragedy that the United States…
Hit It
Joji Hirota / Pete Lockett – Taiko to Tabla (ARC Music EUCD 1856, 2004) Paoli Mejias – Mi Tambor (Paoli Mejias JMCD/2004-1, 2004) Since percussion…
A Cakewalk on the Latin Side
Charanga Cakewalk Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge (Triloka/Artemis ARTCD-256, 2004) Being a hardcore fan of global music shouldn’t preclude a person from possessing a working…
The Real Revolutionaries
Tinariwen Amassakoul (World Village 468026, 2004) A lot of musicians fancy themselves rebels and freedom fighters. The members of Tinariwen truly were. Their heritage is…
Feasts of Fusion
Lo’Jo – ce soir la… (World Village 468027, 2004) Global Village Orchestra – Globalistics (Random Chance Records RCD-19, 2004) As vague as a phrase like…