Anchored by veteran reggae bassist Fully Fullwood, Dukes of Roots urges one and all to “Feel the Love.” It may not be an easy thing…
How It Feels
Category: Single reviews
Reviews of single recordings
Sweet Coco
A traditional rhythm called coco from the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, nimble female voices and a percussion-heavy arrangement all contribute to making “Coco da Cura”…
Turkish Delight
Cumali Bulduk, a Belgian musician of Turkish heritage, uses a variety of instruments and textures to create “Bulamadın Mı (Moğol),” a lovely blend of Anatolian…
African Connections
The sonic similarities between Kenyan and Congolese music have long been evident, and Hakuna Patata celebrates as much with a song called “Kuja Tuscheze” and…
Reggae For All Times
Ivan Garzon, former frontman of renowned Southern California reggae band The Devastators, is out on his own with a track called “Right Time.” It’s got…
Coming On Strong
A Swedish band called Colmeia harnesses the charging rhythms and chiming guitars of Congolese soukous with their song “The Best is Yet to Come.” If…
Highly Professional
An American collective that goes by the name Jamateurs has a tune called “Jam It Is” that’s hard to classify. What I hear in it…
Tradition Plus
Malian artist Niarela Papou gives his country’s wassulu music an extra danceable twist on “Sigui,” where instruments like the traditional kamalé ngoni lute are prominent…
Gettin’ Freeky
With a style rather reminiscent of Manu Dibango, France’s Hoagnan gives us “Mama Afreeka,” which starts off jazzy before bringing in an African undercurrent that…
Zesty Sauce
Spanish singer Yelem gives classic salsa its due but also adds a splash of contemporary production value to “Mi Pueblo,” a sizzling tune accompanied by…