Tcheka Nu Monda (Lusafrica, 2006/Times Square 4Q, 2007) The small country of Cape Verde produces some mesmerizing artists. Although a lot of the recent Cape…
A New Master of Batuque
Category: Album reviews
Experience UB40 Live
UB40 Live at Montreux 2002 (Eagle Records, 2007) UB40 is a legendary name in reggae music. The pioneering British band has had a stable line-up…
Roma Road Shows and Royalty
Gypsy Caravan – When the Road Bends… Music in and Inspired by the Film (World Village 468070, 2007) Fanfare Ciocarlia – Queens and Kings (Asphalt…
Gypsy Sounds from the Northwest Balkans
Various Artists Gypsy Music of the Balkans (ARC Music, 2007) With the growing interest in Gypsy music, the number of Gypsy music compilations has grown.…
Not Just Maur of the Same
Malouma – Nour (Marabi 46819.2, 2007) Mauritania lies at the western edge of the Sahara Desert and the Islamic world. It was a French colony…
Heavenly Hep Harmonies, Delectably Deep Dubs
The Heptones – Sweet Talking (Heartbeat 11661-7828-2, 2007) Roots Man Dub (Heartbeat 11661-7832-2, 2007) Massachusetts-based Heartbeat Records releases plenty of contemporary reggae music, but it’s…
Remarkable Ivorian Singer
Dobet Gnahoré – Na Afriki (Cumbancha, 2007) Dobet Gnahoré has been described as an exciting new African talent. She definitely has a terrific voice and…
Girls, Girls, Girls
12 Girls Band Shanghai (Manhattan Records, 0946 3 78957 2 6, 2007) Yes, it’s music that’s the stuff of PBS specials and mainstream aspirations. Sure,…
Latin Jazz Time
Various Artists Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz (Putumayo World Music PUT265-2, 2007) Is it world music or is it jazz? Latin jazz has always been difficult…
Remixing The Wizards
Ojos de Brujo Techarí Remixes (Diquela/Six Degrees, 2007) Ojos de Brujo has become one of the hottest bands in the world music scene. They are…