M’Bilia Bel – Belissimo (Sterns AfricaTCD1098, 2004) M’Bilia first came to prominence in the 1970s as vocal sidekick and wife of the top Zairian [Congolese]…
Bel, Bel…
Category: Album reviews
Ecstatic Voices
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain, The Very Best of (Wrasse Records WRASS 139, 2004) There can be no doubt that the collective voices…
A Different Kind of Blue
Various Artists Blues Lounge (Putumayo PUT 229-2, 2004) The art of mixing roots music from various sources with modern electronica has really taken off lately,…
Children of the Earth
The Juan L. Sánchez Ensemble Hijos de la Tierra (Música Cosmopolita, 2004) Juan Sánchez is a Spanish singer-songwriter based in California, who collaborates with musicians…
The Great Salsa Dominicana
Ricky González – Oasis (Rumba Jams Recordings RJ1017-2, 2004) The new album by Dominican producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Ricky González is a perfect example of…
The Gypsy Travels of Thierry Robin
Thierry “Titi” Robin Alezane (Naïve WN145049, 2004) For an artist looking back over twenty-five years worth of composing and performance, choosing your favorite pieces for…
Quimbombó, soneros de New York
Quimbombó Quimbombó (Testa Dura Records TDCD 001, 2004) Quimbombó is a creative New York-based band (there seems to be a band with the same name…
Wondrous Women of the Western World
Eva Ayllon – Eva! Leyenda Peruana (Times Square Records TSQCD 9040, 2004) Emeline Michel – Rasin Kreyol (Times Square Records TSQCD 9041, 2004) Lhasa –…
Rhythm Orgy
Tino di Geraldo Tino (EMI Spain) Tino di Geraldo is one of the most talented musicians you’ve never heard of, though he is one of…
Bang-Up Dibango
Manu Dibango The Rough Guide to Manu Dibango (World Music Network RGNET 1144 CD, 2004) For many, Cameroon’s Manu Dibango truly arrived with his massive…