Sure, reggae music is usually at its best when it’s full of spiritually or socially conscious attitude, but putting some fun into it is no…
Where is the Mr. Bartender? Asks Mr. Hammer
Category: Single reviews
Reviews of single recordings
Forward-Thinking Reggae by Sister Nancy and Naya Rockers
Veteran reggae chanter Sister Nancy brings the right sort of common-sense wisdom to “Teach The Youths,” a musical lesson by America’s Naya Rockers. The message…
Enticing Zydeco by Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate
A big, brassy and wonderful updating of the classic zydeco sound, “Madeline” by the U.S.’s Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate is an irresistible jam…
“Sin Un Adiós,” Spectacular World Fusion by Mexico’s MUVA
With “Sin Un Adiós,” Mexico’s MUVA creates something very close to a sonic definition of “world” music, bringing together electronic textures, thunderous percussion, rock dramatics,…
First-class Brazilian Reggae by Karola Nunes
There’s never been a shortage of top-notch Brazilian reggae, and “Botânica” by Karola Nunes is a great addition to the bumper crop, sporting layers of…
Exceptional World Fusion by Fiddler Pooya Eshghinejad
Iranian violinist Pooya Eshghinejad applies an excellent melding of traditional and jazz inspirations throughout “Panjdari,” showcasing not only his own skills but those of his…
PJ Far-West & Ras Mundele Present Jamaican Vibes on “Greedy”
PJ Far-West & Ras Mundele deliver longstanding reggae consciousness and a sound to match, bringing together Congolese, Belgian and (most resoundingly) Jamaican musical aesthetics on…
Los Hermanos del Alma, an Afro-Roots Cuban/Swiss Collaboration
Deep roots Afro-Cuban drumming, reggae-tested effects, West African mallet percussion and chanted intonations combine to make ”Rumbadub” by Los Hermanos del Alma (a Cuban/Swiss collaboration)…
Rico Côrtes’ Refreshing Brazilian Pagode
The often-overlooked Brazilian pagode sound gets a refresher courtesy of Rico Côrtes, whose “Quero Ter Replay” is a bright and bouncy example of why pagode…
Gifted Canadian Banjoist Talise Delights with “Western Pine”
Canada’s Talise has a wonderful touch on the clawhammer banjo, and she matches it with understated vocal beauty and weaving Appalachian fiddle tones on “Western…