Author: Yvonne Mitton Various Artists – Rock The Kasbah (EMI 864 7912, 2004) Compilation albums can sometimes be a bit of a risk, and in…
World Music Rocks The Kasbah
Category: Album reviews
With a Bang
Zarbang Persian and Middle Eastern Percussion (ARC Music EUCD 1969, 2005) I first heard of the percussion-oriented group called Zarbang some months ago and became…
A Musical Journey Across North Africa
Cheb I Sabbah – La Kahena (Six Degrees Records 657036111127, 2005) You don’t need to know how to speak the language to understand that the…
Weinstein Digs Ever Deeper
Mark Weinstein Algo Más (Jazzheads JH 1148, 2005) Mark Weinstein isn’t likely to be the first name on anyone’s list of Latin jazz legends. Still,…
A Powerful blend of Flamenco and Hip Hop
Zur Sale el Sol (Chivo Records, 2005) Hybrid music is the rage in Spain this decade. Zur is the latest name to add to the…
Reggae Set in Stone
JohnStone Eyes Open (JohnStone Reggae LLC JSEO, 2005) JohnStone Eyes Open Dub (JohnStone Reggae LLC, 2005) The already-strong USA reggae scene gets another big boost…
International Reggae Compilation
Various Artists Reggae Dreams (Rhombus Records, 2005) Rhombus Records has put together a compilation of international reggae recordings. Reggae Dreams, Vol.1. presents Reggae styles from…
Great Introduction to Indian Music
Ravi Shankar The Essential Ravi Shankar (Columbia/Private Music 82876 71610 2, 2005) If you have grown up with western music this CD is a wonderful…
A Classic Harry Belafonte Collection
Harry Belafonte The Essential Harry Belafonte (RCA – B000A2BFS4, 2005) This CD set is a well-rounded collection of 37 of Harry Belafonte’s best work from…
Exploring Her Brazilian Roots
Flora Purim – Flora’s Song (Narada Jazz, 70876-19349-2-2, 2005) Blurring the lines between jazz and world music, Flora’s Song proves yet again that Flora Purim…