Reviews of single recordings
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,…
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…
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 deliver longstanding reggae consciousness and a sound to match, bringing together Congolese, Belgian and (most resoundingly) Jamaican musical aesthetics on…
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)…
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…
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…
Jamaican singer Mikha’el has some things to say via “Justice,” a thematically familiar reggae music topic delivered in a vocal style that’s equally vulnerable and…
“Pudesse Eu Voltar,” by Portuguese band Esfinge, delightfully combines the melancholy tones of fado music with a waltz-like tempo, Mediterranean overtones and perfectly entwined acoustic…
Australian singer Kattimoni is new to me, but the message of her tune “Planet United,” in which she teams up with chanter Buggy Nhakente, is…