The U.K.’s Stuart Wilson has some stern words for “Jezebel,” and his warning is fueled by a ska beat with blues inflections that not only…
No Virtuous Woman
Category: Single reviews
Reviews of single recordings
Walk This Way
“The Right Path” by the U.S.A.’s Naya Rockers blends unfailingly conscious lyrics, passionate lead and harmony vocals and a sway that melodically links roots reggae…
Dual South American Sizzle
Should you be in need of a pulsating, exhilarating mix of Brazilian forró and Colombian cumbia, “Anunciaçǎo” by the USA’s big beet will handily satisfy…
Quite Cool
Puerto Rican-born and currently based in Ohio, guitarist Victor Samalot shows some expert chops of both the mellow and soaring kind throughout “Que Chilero,” a…
ClubGot Soul
With the snap of nuevo flamenco and the tightness of jazz, “El Rocío” by Germany’s Bahama Soul Club moves and shakes impeccably. Listen and feel.
Transatlantic Caribbean
Born in the Dominican Republic as Angélica Polanco, and presently a citizen of France, La Polanpro voices life-lesson urgency into “Chiquitita,” a song also fueled by…
Classy Malagasy
Fusing traditional sounds from the northern and southern halves of Madagascar, “Mampamangy,” by the quartet Loko Gasy, is a superb reminder of how good music…
All That Brazilian Jazz
Rio de Janeiro-born pianist Antonio Adolfo never misses that perfect meeting point between jazz and Brazilian roots with “Vai Passar,” his take on a tune…
Far Beyond Acceptable
A classic dub reggae sound is achieved by France’s PierreFeu with his track ”Accepter le dub.” A heavy bassline, mystical vibes, properly placed effects and…
If You’ve Got the Guts
A Swede who resides in Thailand, reggae artist Mr. Hammer nails the message on “The Songs of Courage,” urging the listener to have the proper…