Ska Cubano – ¡Ay caramba! (Phantom, 2005) This is the one where Ska Cubano really seal their reputation and emerge as a band who may…
Pirates of the Caribbean
Category: Album reviews
New diva in the Malian firmament
Kokanko Sata Kokanko Sata (Honest Jons HJRCD12, Mali) For anyone like myself, a European intrigued and mesmerised by the power of the Wassoulou sound, this…
Refined Music of the Yaya Diallohood
Alpha Yaya Diallo Djama (Jericho Beach Music JBM0501, 2005) Born in Guinea but presently residing in Vancouver, guitarist/singer Alpha Yaya Diallo gives his fifth album…
Tri Muzike, The Sounds of the Northeastern Mediterranean
Tri Muzike Un vegh pes marii (Felmay, 2004) Tri Muzike is a talented Italian ensemble comprised of virtuoso musicians who have researched the sounds of…
Sharing the Land
Keola Beamer and R. Carlos Nakai Our Beloved Land (Canyon Records CR 7071, 2005) R. Carlos Nakai, master of the Native American flute, has done…
In the Red
Blood and Fire All Stars Run it Red (Blood and Fire BAFCD 047, 2005) Mich Hucknall, frontman for the U.K. soul/pop band Simply Red, didn’t…
Celtic All Over
Various Artists The Rough Guide to Celtic Music (World Music Network 1155 CD, 2005) Most folks know by now that “Celtic” and “Irish” are not…
The Doctor of Rhythmology is in
Kofi Ayivor Rhythmology (Otrabanda Records OTB 06, 2004) Devotees of percussion-drenched African grooves who listen to this CD will probably wind up feeling just as…
Fan Fan the Rumba Man
Mose Fanfan Bayekeleye (LAA Records LAA001, 2004) Classic Congolese rumba has long since all but completely morphed into the faster, slicker, more glossy dance music…
Sangue Latino
Various Artists Sangue Latino (Club Brasil CB02, 2004) & Sangue Latino 2 (Club Brasil CB03, 2004) The Sangue Latino series is a refreshing collection of…