Ensemble Kaboul Radio Kaboul(Accords Croises ACC 100, 2003) By the time the Taliban completely criminalized popular music by deciding it was an abomination before God,…
Score One For the Good Guys
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.
Veteran and Newcomer Big Up the Roots on New Reggae Releases, Marley Progeny Branches Out
Everton Blender – King Man (Heartbeat 11661-7758-2, 2003) Iba – Jah Lion (Mt. Nebo Records NEBO03003, 2003) Julian Marley – A Time & Place (Tuff…
Two of Brazil’s New Leading Ladies
Mylene- Mylene (Fast Horse/Ryko FH004, 2003) Daude – Neguinha Te Amo (Real World 70876 18101 2 7, 2003) Many of Brazil’s brightest musical stars have…
On Track As Always
Super Rail Band De Bamako Kongo Sigui (Label Bleu/Indigo 2581, 2003) Recent times have seen the resurgence of longstanding African bands Bembeya Jazz from Guinea…
Lovin’ Makina Loca
Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca Ay Valeria! (Mopiato Music MOPI-1991, 2003) Congolese vocalist Ricardo Lemvo and his band Makina Loca are based in Los Angeles,…
European Sounds Head East, West, Every Which Way
Orkestina – Transilvania Express (World Village 498002, 2003) Harmonious Wail – Gypsy Swing (Naxos World 76056-2, 2003) Nadya Giga and Their 101 Candles Orchestra (no…
Brazil Up to the Minute
Various Artists – Brazilian Groove (Putumayo PUT 216-2, 2003) Various Artists – The Rough Guide to Brazilian Electronica (World Music Network RGNET 1123 CD, 2003)…
Pancho Quinto’s Percussion Quintessence
Pancho Quinto Rumba Sin Fronteras (Riverboat Records/World Music Network TUGCD1031, 2003) A true master percussionist from a land that has produced many, Cuba’s Pancho Quinto…
New Highs in U.S./Jamaican Relations
The Slackers – Close My Eyes (Hellcat Records 80455-2, 2003) Zema – Black Sheep (Melchizedek Music MEL2040, 2003) It’s odd what you find in the…
Doin’ the Hip-Hop Horah
Solomon and Socalled Hiphopkhasene (Piranha CDPIR1789, 2003) If it had been made strictly to milk laughs, this disc could have been a disaster rather than…