Novalima Coba Coba (Cumbancha, 2009) Latin melodies, natty break beats, big afro rhythms, electronica, vintage analogue tape echoes, dubby sirens and muted horns. Put this…
View More Novalima Goes for ItCategory: Album reviews
The Diverse Sides of Wei Xiao Dong
Erhu Solo by Wei Xiao Dong (2004) & Black Silk (It’s Hot Man Records, 2008) by Madame Xd Chinese erhu master Wei Xiao Dong…
View More The Diverse Sides of Wei Xiao DongBring Out the Treasures
Joe Zawinul 75 (Heads Up, 2009) I can’t hide my admiration for the late Joe Zawinul. It’s sad when a visionary musician leaves us, but…
View More Bring Out the TreasuresFranco From The Beginning
Franco & Le TPOK Jazz Francophonic (Stern’s Africa STCD3041-42, 2008) Franco Luambo was certainly the greatest guitarist in all of Congolese music. As to whether…
View More Franco From The BeginningMali’s Greatest In-House Band
Super Rail Band De Bamako Belle Epoque, Vol. 2: Mansa (Sterns Africa STCD 3039-40, 2008) The Buffet Hotel de la Gare, opened in 1961, was…
View More Mali’s Greatest In-House BandUntamed Nordic Folk
Valravn Valravn (The Orchard/Gateway Music, 2008) Folk fans looking for something different might want to check out the group Valravn and their self-titled CD. This…
View More Untamed Nordic FolkIrresistible Call of the Siren
Diana Rowan The Bright Knowledge (Sirenharp, 2008) This new recording by harpist and pianist Diana Rowan bridges the worlds of old and new. The Bright…
View More Irresistible Call of the SirenA Joyous Return
Oumou Sangare Seya (World Circuit WLWCD081, 2009) It’s been a long time since new music by Mali’s Oumou Sangare has been heard outside her home…
View More A Joyous ReturnCeltic Connections 2009 Will Present the Most international Edition to Date
Europe’s premier winter music festival, Celtic Connections enters into its 16th year in 2009. The most international Celtic Connections festival to date will see artists…
View More Celtic Connections 2009 Will Present the Most international Edition to DateEnduring Cuban Legacy
Omara Portuondo – Gracias (World Village/Montuno WVF 479021, 2008) Buena Vista Social Club – At Carnegie Hall (World Circuit WLWCD080, 2008) Ah, the Buena Vista…
View More Enduring Cuban Legacy