Tyler Bennet | World Music Central

The cover of Gangar's debut album, "Stubb," features a painting by Norwegian artist Kenneth Lien. The artwork depicts a lone rider on horseback traversing a winding path through a dense forest, set against a backdrop of softly lit mountains under a dusky sky. The band's name, "Gangar," appears in stylized, rustic typography at the top left corner, while the album title, "Stubb," is positioned subtly at the bottom right.

Album reviews

Norwegian Folk-Metal Rockers Gangar Release International Debut, Stubb

Gangar – Stubb (Heilo Records, 2023) Norway’s Gangar brings a fresh take on Nordic roots music. The young, five-piece ensemble digs deep into Norway’s extensive…

The album cover for Orchestrations by Guy Buttery features a minimalistic design with a muted green background. At its center is a vintage-style illustration of a bird perched on a rocky outcrop, characterized by vibrant green plumage with subtle red accents. The title and credits are displayed in elegant serif fonts, with contributors listed on the right. A small ginkgo leaf illustration adds a delicate botanical touch.

Album reviews

Guy Buttery’s “Orchestrations”: A 12-Year Project of Innovation

Tyler Bennet January 31, 2025 No Comments Guy Buttery western classical music world music

Guy Buttery — Orchestrations (Guy Buttery Music, 2025) South African guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Guy Buttery is set to release Orchestrations on February 21, 2025. This…

This album cover for Panoramas by Norman Menzales features a multi-layered design that combines natural and cultural elements. The background shows the iconic rice terraces of the Philippines, overlaid with colorful, stylized fish swimming along a flowing orange line resembling a river. In the foreground, a black-and-white photo of farmers working in the fields. Bright golden sunray-like patterns and subtle white swirls complete the design. The title and subtitle, "Flute Music of the Philippines," are prominently displayed in elegant, white typography.

Album reviews

Flute Virtuoso Norman Menzales fosters a rich dialog between Western Classical and Filipino Traditions

Tyler Bennet January 27, 2025 1 Comment Filipino music Norman Menzales western classical music

Norman Menzales – Panoramas (Para Recordings, 2025) Norman Menzales’ Panoramas (Para Recordings, 2025) presents a nuanced exploration of his Filipino heritage through a series of…

The album cover for "Salta!" by Peixe e Limão features bright yellow hues. The background appears to be a large spiral or wavy structure, resembling a slide or artistic architectural element, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. Three individuals are central to the image, walking downward on this structure, each carrying musical instruments. They are dressed in neutral, light-toned clothing, contrasting subtly with the intense yellow backdrop.

Album reviews

Peixe e Limão Dives Deep with Salta!

Tyler Bennet January 14, 2025 No Comments Peixe e Limão world fusion world music

Peixe e Limão – Salta! (Muziekpublique, 2024) Peixe e Limão (fish and lemon in Portuguese), a trio formed by two Italians and a Belgian in…

Christine Zayed - Kama Kuntu cover artwork. An illustration of the artist's face in black and pink. With tree branches and flowers on her left side.

Album reviews

Christine Zayed Bridges Arabic Tradition and Modernity with Kama Kuntu

Tyler Bennet January 5, 2025 No Comments Arabic music Christine Zayed kanun Palestinian music qanun world music

Christine Zayed – Kama Kuntu (T-Rec., 2024) Christine Zayed, a Palestinian-born singer, composer, arranger, and kanun (qanun) master, has captivated audiences with her innovative approach…

JB Moundele - Racines cover artwork. A map of Africa.

Album reviews

JB Moundele: From Jazz Roots to African Rhythms

Tyler Bennet December 29, 2024 No Comments African music JB Moundele world fusion world music

JB Moundele – Racines (New Groove, self-release, 2024) JB Moundele is a versatile saxophonist, composer, producer, and arranger whose career reflects his explorations of jazz…

Life in Grooveland - The Hymnal cover artwork. A photo of a drum with yellow leaves on top.

Album reviews

“Life in Grooveland – The Hymnal”: A Percussive Take on Classic Hymns

Tyler Bennet December 13, 2024 No Comments Justin Amaral percussion world music

Life in Grooveland – The Hymnal (self-release, 2024) Life in Grooveland‘s The Hymnal reimagines traditional hymns with dynamic, world music-influenced rhythms, creating an album that…

Reza Vali - Esfahân cover artwork. a photo of an ornamental part of a building with Persian decorations.

Album reviews

Esfahân by Reza Vali: A Bridge Between Persian and Western Classical Traditions

Tyler Bennet December 7, 2024 No Comments Persian classical music Reza Vali western classical music world fusion world music

Reza Vali – Esfahân (Navona Records, 2024) Reza Vali’s Esfahân presents a profound, exquisite and masterfully crafted fusion of Persian and Western classical music, featuring…

Santeri Dobrynin, Egor Masaltsev, Olga Plekhanova - Karjalan Jouhikko cover artwork. The three artists holding jouhikkos.

Album reviews

Karjalan Jouhikko: An Exploration of Karelian Folk Music

Tyler Bennet November 26, 2024 No Comments Karelian music world music

Santeri Dobrynin, Egor Masaltsev, Olga Plekhanova – Karjalan Jouhikko (Antonovka Records, 2023) The album Karjalan Jouhikko spotlights the jouhikko, a bowed lyre central to Karelian…

Album reviews

Maouzoun: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Classical Arabic Music in a Modern Oslo

Tyler Bennet November 25, 2024 No Comments Arabic music Maouzoun world fusion world music

Maouzoun, Inger Hannisdal, Shble Saleem – Maouzoun (Fiol, 2024) Maouzoun, the collaborative project by Syrian oud player Shble Saleem and Norwegian violinist Inger Hannisdal, intertwines…