Tomoe-Ryu Yutakadaiko Japanese Drums (ARC Music EUCD2045, 2007) Taiko drums have growing in popularity thanks to groups like Koko and Ondekoza. This has led to…
The Healthy Practice of Taiko
Category: Album reviews
Unabridged Reggae
Groundation Upon the Bridge (Young Tree Records YTR-1230CD, 2006) Remember concept albums? Well, Northern California reggae band Groundation apparently does, and they’ve made a very…
More Arabian Rhythms on Desert Roses, Volume Four
Various Artists Desert Roses, Vol. 4 (CIA, 2006) Desert Roses, Vol. 4 continues the Desert Roses series that was originally released by the Mondo Melodia…
World Music, Rock and Electronica, a Good Mix
Various Artists Backspin (Six Degrees, 2007) The idea behind Backspin is to recreate pop music from the past decades in a new form. Some work…
Little Johnny’s Large Steps
Pequeño Johnny Pasos Gigantes (Rumba Jams RJ1021, 2006) Rumba Jams is releasing some of the best new salsa in the United States. Pequeño Johnny’s Pasos…
Bittersweet Bosnia
Bosnia has suffered a lot in recent times and musicians are now bringing back joy to the Balkan nation. Mostar Sevdah Reunion continues the proud…
Nordic Fiddle Fest
H.A.T. – Nordik Tree (2006) Arto Järvelä – Far In! (2004) JPP – Artology (OArt Music, 2006) Nordik Tree is a collaboration between virtuoso Scandinavian…
Ottoman Fragrances
Ensemble Al Kindi – Parfums Ottomans (Le Chant du Monde, 2006) This beautifully packaged boxed set contains two CDs with music by Ensemble Al Kindi.…
Unbeatable Bokoor
Various Artists Bokoor Beats: Vintage Afro-beat, Afro-rock and Electric Highlife From Ghana (Otrabanda Records OTBO8, 2007) British musician and music scholar John Collins’ affinity for…
The Festival of a Thousand Stars Arba Minch 2005
Various Artists The Festival of a Thousand Stars Arba Minch 2005 (March Haire Music, 2006) More than 500 performers traveled into the desert to Arba…