Various Artists – Czech Up! Vol. 2: We’d Be Happy (Vampisoul VAMPI 178CD, 2018) The Vampisoul label is bringing back music from various countries and…
Early Psychedelia, Jazz and Beyond from the former Czechoslovakia
Category: Album reviews
Woven Threads, a Remarkable Connection of Cutting Edge Jazz and Chilean Folk
Stu Mindeman – Woven Threads (Sunnyside Records, 2018) Pianist and composer Stu Mindeman intertwines the sounds of North and South America in Woven Threads. The…
Affirmative Reggae from Guam
For Peace Band – Always Love (Rootfire Cooperative, 2018) Award-winning For Peace Band is a rising act in the American reggae field. The band from…
The Portuguese Guitar Visits Disregarded Spaces
Henrique Borges – Incursão (Henrique Borges, 2018) Virtuoso musician Henrique Borges explores the versatility of the Portuguese guitar on Incursão (Incursion). The original musical pieces…
Agricantus’ Wondrous Mediterranean Journey
Agricantus – Akoustikòs Vol. 1 (CNI Music, 2018) Celebrated Sicilian ensemble Agricantus has been making wonderful amalgamations of Italian and world music mixed with electronics…
Extraordinary Southern Hemisphere Island Music Fair Trade Connections
Various Artists – Small Island Big Song (Small Island Big Song, 2018) Small Island Big Song is a remarkable musical project envisioned by Australian music…
A Remarkable Meeting of Mexican and Chinese Plucked Strings
Wu Man & Son de San Diego – Fingertip Carnival (Wind Music, 2018) Acclaimed Chinese pipa player Wu Man enjoys musical journeys, collaborating with musicians…
Briliant Accordion Work by Matti Kallio
Matti Kallio – Waltz for Better Times (Matti Kallio, 2018) Waltz for Better Times is the first solo album from accordionist, composer, arranger and music…
Inventive Sami Music from the European Tundra
Solju – Odda Áigodat (Bafe’s Factory, 2018) Solju is an innovative Sami music project led Ulla Pirttijärvi and her daughter Hildá Länsman. The two women…
Superbly Crafted Songs of Lake Volta
Joseph Sheehan & Kinetic – Songs of Lake Volta (Ansonica, 2018) Songs of Lake Volta is a fascinating project by Pittsburgh-based pianist, composer, and educator…