Balla et Ses Balladins – The Syliphone Years (Sterns Africa STCD3035/3036, 2008) Samba Mapangala & Virunga – African Classics (Sheer Sound SLCD 149, 2008) Fallou…
African Deluge
Category: Album reviews
Honoring Peyote
In recent years there’s been growing interest in the spiritual musical traditions of the American Indians of the Southwest. Peyote songs are used in…
Reggae Roots Rediscovered, Revitalized and Reality-Checked
Claudius Linton – Roots Master: The Vintage Roots Reggae Singles Volume 1 (Sun King Records SUNK224, 2007) Taj Weekes and Adowa – Deidem (Jatta Records,…
WOMAD foundation and the Musical Elder’s Archive
Over the years, the WOMAD foundation, has worked with many talented musicians world wide. In addition to running workshops and summer schools the foundation are…
Funky Funkadesi
Funkadesi Yo Baba (independent release, 2008) Multi-ethnic band Funkadesi is based in Chicago and it performs an explosive music of bhangra, spicy Afro-Latin beats such…
A Woman of Substance
Lila Downs Shake Away (Manhattan Records/EMI, 2008) It’s clear from the opening track of Shake Away that Lila Downs is no shy, polite songbird. This…
Delectable Sarangi
The Sabri Family 5 Ragas (ARC Music, 2008) The sarangi is a beautiful Indian musical instrument. It is bowed and produces a spacey evocative sound…
Roots Highway
Drew Emmitt Long Road (Compass Records, 2008) On Long Road, Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon lead singer and mandolin player) shows that is not only one…
Sumatran Delicacies
Suarasama Fatas Di Atas Awan (Drag City, 2008) At last, Indonesian band Suarasama has been given the opportunity to reach international audiences. American label Drag…
Sergio Rocks
Sergio Mendes Encanto (Concord Records, 2008) Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes is back with yet another masterpiece. The veteran musician has invited a collection of musical…