Composed and produced by American John Finbury and sung by Brazilian Bruna Black, “Vã Revelação” (“Vain Revelation”) gives the familiar warmth of samba an extra…
Inventive Samba Variation by John Finbury
Category: Single reviews
Reviews of single recordings
Genuine Reggae by Denmark’s Total Hip Replacement
I’d give them high marks for a great band name even if their music didn’t do a thing for me, but the authentic reggae sound…
Easygoing Afro-samba by Pedro Bezerra
A moody, mellow take on Afro-samba with prominent piano and airy vocals,”Na Beira do Mar” by Brazil’s Pedro Bezerra shows just how resilient and satisfying…
Arnito and Adama Koeta Deliver Skillful Guitar and Kora Dialog
Prolific French guitarist Arnito duets with kora player Adama Koeta on “After Work,” a deftly played piece of music that bridges African, flamenco, Roma, and…
Katara Dazzles with West African Grooves
An instrumental called “Ophelia” by American duo Katara scores big points with its skittering rhythm, West African feel, echoey production values and some of the…
Vini De Groove Makes contact with Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian Traditions
The USA’s Vini De Groove reaches for the deepest depths of the musical connections between Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian cultures on his track “Boi da Resiliência.”…
Laid-Back Reggae for the summer with Eddie Witz and The Most High
Easygoing, good-time reggae is never a bad thing. Los Angeles-based Eddie Witz and The Most High seem to know this, and their “My Island” is…
Beguiling Afro-Fusion Grooves by Hakuna Patata
The name may come across a bit whimsical, but Afro-Belgian artist Hakuna Patata captures a nicely skittering African fusion sound on “Nakupenda,” a tune with…
“Burn the Flame,” Reggae Seasoned Song by PJ Far-West Selecta
PJ Far-West Selecta has another reggae-flavored grabber that’s giving him recurring status in this column. This one’s called “Burn the Flame” and rocks with additional…
Afro-Venezuelan Drum Therapy by Parranda La Cruz
France’s Parranda La Cruz rely on nothing more than percussion and voices for “Quichimba,” a rousing piece based on Afro-Venezuelan sources and a prime example…