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The single cover for Anywhere the Wind Blows by Missy Raines & Allegheny features a painted landscape with rolling hills in shades of orange, gold, and teal. A red heart-shaped balloon floats above, its string curving down toward a small, solitary red house nestled among the hills. The song title is written in a curved, handwritten-style font, while the artist names appear in clean typography. Featured guests Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, and Ellie Hakanson are listed beneath.

Music videos

Wind at Their Backs: Missy Raines & Allegheny Breeze Into New Song

Missy Raines & Allegheny, fronted by Grammy-nominated bassist and vocalist Missy Raines, have announced their upcoming album Love & Trouble, due May 2. The project…

The cover of Step Up by Sonic Alley features a black-and-white photograph of a person holding a pair of rugged leather shoes by the laces. The person is dressed casually, with only their lower half visible, standing in a natural, grassy outdoor setting. Bold, golden-yellow text reading "Step Up" is centered across the image, while the Sonic Alley name appears at the bottom in the same yellow color.

Music videos Single reviews

Best Foot Forward

Tom Orr March 30, 2025 No Comments Caleb Hart funk Sonic Alley world music

Multicultural ensemble Sonic Alley, fronted by Caleb Hart, mixes reggae, funk, and hip hop on “Step Up,” a hard-hitting, timely-as-can-be plea for personal improvement that…

The single cover for Leavin’ by Vickie Vaughn features the artist straddling a large upright bass, which bears her name. Dressed in a magenta outfit with red and green cowboy boots, she gazes directly at the camera.

Music videos

Bass Instincts: Vickie Vaughn Steps Into the Spotlight With “Leavin’”

World Music Central News Room March 29, 2025 No Comments Bluegrass Vickie Vaughn world music

After a decade-long hiatus from solo recording, two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Vickie Vaughn returns with “Leavin’,” her first release under her own…

Keith Hines Pick Yourself Up single cover. It shows KHP, Keith Hines Productions

Music videos Single reviews

You Can’t Be Too Picky

Tom Orr March 27, 2025 No Comments Keith Hines Reggae Tammi T world music

Based on the number of uplifting reggae tracks I’ve received lately, it would seem that the world is in need of such music. I believe…

The cover art for Ashby Frank’s The Bug features an anthropomorphic bug wearing aviator goggles and a leather jacket, driving a car down an open highway. The background is a flat peach-orange, with minimal line art suggesting motion and a distant horizon. The title and artist's name are handwritten in a casual script.

Music videos

Bluegrass Bug: Ashby Frank Puts the Pedal to the Mandolin

World Music Central News Room March 27, 2025 No Comments Ashby Frank Bluegrass world music

Ashby Frank reimagines “The Bug,” originally recorded by Dire Straits in 1991 and later a Top 20 country hit for Mary Chapin Carpenter in 1993,…

Andy Leftwich Highland Rim single cover. A photo of Andy Leftwich playing mandolin.

Music videos

Andy Leftwich Goes Bananas on “Highland Rim”

World Music Central News Room March 25, 2025 No Comments Andy Leftwich Bluegrass world music

Andy Leftwich returns with “Highland Rim,” a high-energy instrumental that highlights his virtuosity alongside some of bluegrass’s finest musicians. Following his soulful interpretation of “Talk…

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Motivating Reggae

Tom Orr March 24, 2025 No Comments Kingly T Reggae world music

“We Can Do It,” a new track by American-based artist Kingly T, has all the best characteristics of classic reggae: A positive message, soulful lead…

The album cover for Laye Laye by Elana Sasson features a black-and-white photograph of a woman seen from behind. Her dark hair is braided into two plaits, and she wears a sheer, floral-patterned garment draped over her shoulders.

Music videos

Elana Sasson’s “Laye Laye”: a Reimagining of a Traditional Kurdish Lullaby

World Music Central News Room March 23, 2025 1 Comment Elana Sasson Kurdish music Matthieu Saglio world music

Elana Sasson’s latest single, “Laye Laye,” featuring French cellist Matthieu Saglio, is a reimagining of a traditional Kurdish lullaby. Released on March 21, 2025, it…

Music videos Single reviews

Music of a Different Griot Home

Tom Orr March 22, 2025 No Comments Ablaye Badji kora world music

Born in Senegal but based in Poland, kora player Ablaye Badji harnesses longstanding griot tradition to a funk/jazz backdrop on “Aduna,” a sparking piece of…

The single cover for Things Have Changed by Benson features a rustic, weathered wooden house with a metal roof, surrounded by overgrown grass and lush green trees. The setting is bathed in warm, golden sunlight.

Music videos

Picking Up the Past: Benson Revives a Harley Allen Classic

World Music Central News Room March 21, 2025 No Comments Benson Bluegrass world music

Bluegrass duo Benson, featuring award-winning banjoist Kristin Scott Benson and renowned mandolinist Wayne Benson, launch their 2025 releases with a fresh take on Things Have…