Omar Sosa Afreecanos (Otá Records, 2008) Luminary Cuban keyboardist and composer Omar Sosa continuously provides a fascinating exploration of the musics of Africa and its…
Afro-Cuban Homecoming
Category: Album reviews
Police and Thieves
Various Artists Spirits in the Material World, A Reggae Tribute to The Police (Shanachie, 2008) Much was made of the Police’s use of reggae rhythms,…
Latvia Awakens
Various Artists Best of Folk Music from Latvia (Arc Music, 2008) Although I’m usually skeptical about albums titled Best of, in this occasion, the title…
Jamaica Farewell
My ongoing quest for reggae continues to yield results from lands beyond the music’s Jamaican origins. The quality varies but the best of the lot…
Delectable Songs From A Persian Garden
Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat Songs From A Persian Garden (KKV/Valley Entertainment, 2007) Songs From A Persian Garden features a delectable collection of contemporary Persian world…
Saharan Intersections
Etran Finatawa Desert Crossroads (Riverboat Records, 2008) As world music fans, you might have noticed something in the air or perhaps a subtle shift in…
The Music of the Three Musketeers
Arabesque Music Ensemble The Music of the Three Musketeers (Xauen Music, 2008) “Softly, sweetly, softly, sweetly Sing from me; I’ll give you anything.” Those lyrics…
Celebrating Rumi
Mercan Dede – 800 (Doublemoon DM0042, 2008) Mercan Dede’s 800 isn’t what was expected, that is to say what it’s not is the proposed fourth…
Dolores Gets Real
DJ Dolores 1 Real (Ziriguiboom/Crammed Dics, 2007) DJ Dolores’s latest offering, 1 Real, is a delightfully raucous romp, full of unexpected twists and turns. 1…
Newgrass from the Crooked Road
Blue Highway Through the Window of a Train (Rounder, 2008) Contemporary bluegrass band Blue Highway recorded Through the Window of a Train (Rounder) in Big…