Yoni Avi Battat – Fragments (2022) “Fragments” is the first album by American multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer Yoni Avi Battat. The album includes a delightful…
Yoni Avi Battat Gracefully Explores His Iraqi-Jewish Roots
Category: Album reviews
Perkutao, a Hard-Hitting Encounter of Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban Percussion
Perkutao – Mis Ancestros (Buh Records, 2021) Perkutao is a rising Peruvian music ensemble that has brought new attention to the Afro-Peruvian music scene. Although…
Hungarian Folk Traditions Meet Dazzling Improvisation
Borbély Mihály Polygon – Enchantment (Fonó, 2022) Enchantment is the second album by leading Hungarian folk music band, Borbély Mihály Polygon. Ensemble members include some…
Tantalizing String Work Grounded in Swedish Tradition
Väsen – Duo (NorthSide/Olov Johansson Musik, 2021) Väsen, Sweden’s iconic contemporary folk music band, has gone through yet another change. Throughout the years, Väsen has…
Gorgeous Kora-Accordion Collaboration
Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto – Instant (Ma Case Records, 2022) Instant is the superb new collaboration between acclaimed Senegalese kora player and vocalist Ablaye…
The Crosswinds of Kansas, The Fascinating Poetry and Music of Bill Scorzari
Bill Scorzari – The Crosswinds of Kansas (self-released, 2022) Bill Scorzari is one of those rare singer-songwriters who are gifted with various talents, great songwriting,…
Flora Purim, Deeply Steeped in Brazilian Traditions
Flora Purim – If You Will (Strut Records, 2022) Trailblazing Brazilian singer Flora Purim is back with a superb, new album after 15 years. On…
Superb Qanun Performances by Maya Youssef
Maya Youssef – Finding Home (Seven Gates, 2022) Syrian qanun (Arabic zither) master Maya Youssef has released her second album titled “Finding Home“. The new…
Anne Walsh’s Splendid Celebration of Astrud Gilberto
Anne Walsh – The Astrud Project (A to Zink Music, 2022) As the album title indicates, “The Astrud Project” is a recording dedicated to the…
The Voice of the Sea, Debut Album by Rising Colombian Singer Xiomara Torres
Xiomara Torres – La Voz del Mar (Patois Records, 2022) She hails from the Colombian Pacific coast, her name is Xiomara Torres and, with the…