Doctor Nativo – Guatemaya (Stonetree Music, 2018) Doctor Nativo is the artistic name of Guatemalan vocalist, songwriter and world traveler Juan Martinez. His music is…
Mayan Cumbia Reggae
Category: Album reviews
Una Noche Con Rubén Blades, An Exquisitely-Crafted Mix of Salsa and Jazz Swing
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis featuring Rubén Blades – Una Noche Con Rubén Blades (Blue Engine Records, 2018) Salsa and jazz swing…
The Return of Pioneering Welsh Folk Band Ar Log
Saith – VII (Sain Records, 2018) Ar Log is Wales’ most veteran professional folk group. Saith VII is Ar log’s first album in 22 years.…
The Fantastical Musical Journey of Ozan
Ozan Aksoy – Ozan (2018) The prodigious talents of Alevi Kurdish musician, singer and composer Ozan Aksoy is apparent from the opening strains of his…
The High-Energy Sound of Trains and Moonlight Destinies
Black Masala – Trains and Moonlight Destinies (Black Masala Music, 2018) Black Masala represents the modern brass band cross-cultural sound of the Washington DC area.…
Exceptional Global Fusion from Out of Nations
Out of Nations – Quest (Riverboat Records, 2018) Out of Nations is a Berlin-based world fusion band led by talented reeds player and composer Lety…
Masterful Ethiopian Songs from Minyeshu
Minyeshu – Daa Dee (ARC Music EUCD2732, 2018) Music is an extended family. Its genealogy includes percussionists, string and wind instrument players, dancers, singers, choreographers,…
The Lost Yiddish Songs of World War II
Yiddish Glory: The Lost Songs of World War II – Sergei Erdanko, Collaboration (Six Degrees Records, released February 23rd, 2018) “Yiddish Glory” was released last…
Delightful Scottish Fiddle Inspired by Short Stories
Aidan O’Rourke with Kit Downes – 365: Volume 1 (Reveal Records, 2018) 365: Volume 1 is a truly exquisite double album of instrumental music composed…
Transfixing Arabic Sounds from Philippe El Hage and Youssef Hbeisch
Philippe El Hage and Youssef Hbeisch – Asrar (independent release, 2016) Asrar is a beautiful collaboration between Lebanese piano virtuoso and composer Philippe El Hage…