Category: Album reviews

Pat Metheny Orchestrion (Nonesuch Records, 2010) Pat Metheny is an outstanding musical innovator and guitarist, who is always exploring new ideas, blending contemporary jazz with…

Various Artists NPR Discover Songs: The New Jazz Divas (Shout Factory, 2009) NPR’s Discover Songs: The New Jazz Divas takes a look at the most…

R. Carlos Nakai Dancing Into Silence (Canyon, 2010) Native American musician R. Carlos Nakai is a prolific and innovative artist who is open to all…

Jerry Leake Cubist (Rhombus Publishing; Jan 1, 2010) The world of percussion has a new wonder named Jerry Leake. His latest album, Cubist, is an…

Brooklyn Qawwali Party Brooklyn Qawwali Party (Brook Martinez Music, 2007) Okay, this CD’s been around for a couple of years, but I got wind of…

Cedric Watson L’Esprit Creole (Valcour Records, 2009) Fiddler, accordionist, composer and vocalist Cedric Watson is the new sensation in southern Louisiana roots music. He was…

Various Artists Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds and Ghanaian Blue 1968-1981 (Soundway Records, 2009) Ghana Special, the latest compilation on the Soundway Records, focuses on…

Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté Ali & Toumani (World Circuit/Nonesuch Records, 2010) Drawing the listener close from the opening notes, guitarist Ali Farka Touré…