Bossa Nova Around the World (Putumayo PUT 306-2, 2011) It’s not uncommon nowadays to hear the sounds of Brazilian bossa nova (and its more African…
Bossa Beyond
Category: Album reviews
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s World
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole Facing Future (Mountain Apple Company BBCD5901, 1993), Alone in IZ World (Mountain Apple Company BBCD5907, 2001), and Wonderful World (Mountain Apple Company…
Metaphysical Latin Beats
Carlos GoGo Gomez New Paradigm Global Music (Kidlat Records, 2011) Carlos Gomez explores the wonders of electronica and percussion in New Paradigm Global Music. The…
Stratospheric Latin jazz
Paquito D’Rivera and his Panamericana Orchestra Panamericana Suite (MCG Jazz, 20100 Recorded live at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Paquito D’Rivera’s Panamericana Suite spirits away the…
Globe-Hopping Collaborations
Telepath Crush (Telepath Music TMD2311, 2011) Crush is the latest recording by Telepath, the cross-continental musical project created by american musician and producer Michael Christie.…
Ukulele, a Versatile Instrument of Peace
Jake Shimabukuro Peace Love Ukulele (Hitchhike Records HRCD1112, 2010) Hawaiian ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro has released Peace Love Ukulele this month. This is a fascinating…
Stunning Low Country Blues
Gregg Allman Low Country Blues (Rounder, 2011) With a musical career that includes a stunning bevy of recordings, a founding membership in one of the…
Extraordinary Celtic Compass
Stewart Hardy and Frank McLaughlin Compass (Claytara Records, 2010) & Root2 (Claytara Records, 2010) British musicians Stewart Hardy and Frank McLaughlin have released two recordings…
Passing the Garifuna Torch
Aurelio Martinez Laru Beya (Sub Pop/Next Ambiance NXA 002, 2011) It’s been 7 years since Aurelio Martinez’s splendid Garifuna Soul album, and a lot has…
Seductive and Memorable Dala
Dala Everyone Is Someone (Compass Records 745482, 2010) Canadian duo Dala is releasing Everyone Is Someone in the United States this month. Everyone Is Someone…