Although she’s an American-based artist, Maritzaida’s tribute to legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, “Noche de Ronda,” brims with authenticity. Deep-hearted vocals, acoustic guitar and cello…
A Perfectly Fitting Tribute
Category: Single reviews
Reviews of single recordings
Come to the Water
Combining acoustic guitar with rhythmic splashing sounds, Spain’s Xurxo Mares creates a charming, Galician-rooted instrumental piece appropriately titled “Pandeirada da auga.” It’s fairly short but…
Timeless as ever Bossa Nova
U.K. pianist Michael Eastwood leads the way as a global cast of a dozen players glide through “Bo-sete-nova,” a bossa nova tune with a time…
A Personalized Message
Jamaica’s Minna LaFortune continues on her unfailingly conscious reggae journey with “The Message,” a tribute to those players and singers who are, like her, deeply…
Learning From the Past
Composed in 1933 and quickly suppressed, “Soldados de pantano” (Soldiers of the Swamp) was a song that articulately addressed the evils of fascism and the…
Say Hello
A lively, infectious mashup of zydeco and New Orleans jazz, “Hello Baby” by Jeffrey Broussard and the Nighttime Syndicate is also a perfect showcasing of…
Afrobeat Finery
It’s a shade smoother than most Afrobeat, but “Pressure” by Reb & the Good News out of Portland, Oregon is nonetheless a deep-cutting slice of…
Not Just Wishful Thinking
Without losing the surreal cynicism or rhythmic undercurrent of the original, Vini De Groove gives a northeastern Brazilian vibe to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were…
It’s Got What You Need
A hard-hitting blend of rock, reggae and soul, “Need You to Care” by America’s Talia Keys packs a punch on all three levels, as well…
Spot-On Brazilian Symbiosis
Her skill set includes work as a producer and sound designer, but it’s the voice of Brazilian artist Cammi that matters on “Azul Neon,” rising…