WYCE Music Journal reviews.pdfThere are four fine instrumentals: tracks 4,8,10 & 13, with pipes being featured on 8 & 13. Beware, the 9th song is in Gaelic. The last song, The Night

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WYCE Music Journal:

Luminescent Orchestrii

Neptune's Daughter

March 16, 2009

Neptune's Daughter, by NYC's Luminescent Orchestrii, is anintriguing blend of traditional Romanian Gypsy folk songs, punkrock rhythm, bluesy vocals, and jazz improvisation. TheOrchestrii, or small ensemble with orchestral intentions, is madeup of a fiddler and guitarist from the NYC Theatre underground,a free-jazz bassist, and an old-time fiddler. The group touredextensively in Europe for a time, gaining much. Their music isnot something you would expect to hear in modern America, butcertainly welcome nonetheless. – Matt Kwiek

Fula Flute

Mansa America

March 9, 2009

Sure, opening cut "Obama" (#1) feels like a bit of a novelty songafter the 2008 election. But concentrate on the playing -especially Bailo Bah's and Sylvain Leroux's crazy good flute chops- instead of the foreign language words, and the track will winyou over like everything else on the disc. This traditional-basedFulani music from the Fouta Djalon highlands of Guinea featurescomplex balafon, kora, and flute solos that feel like thewellspring of American jazz, especially when paired withgenuine jazz change-ups. But there's also a stateliness to theinstrumentation that somehow seems classical. The two strainscombine brilliantly on "Fouta Canada" (#5), thanks to aseamlessly integrated horn section. It's the Fulani flute thatsteals the show on "Lele"(#4) and "Boloba" (#6) via performancesso physical, it's as if the flutist is trying to fit his entire bodyinto the mouthpiece. The vocal interjections that punctuatethese solos increase the crazy intensity of an already thrillingrecording. - Bob Tarte

Mishka

Above the Bones

March 9, 2009

Mishka's third album, Above the Bones, is a socially chargedreggae album reminiscent of Bob Marley. Mishka appeals to hisBermudian heritage for a funky reggae feel, but cannot escapethe folk and rock influences of his Canadian heritage. Above theBones was an independent project produced by Mishka with thehelp of guitarist Darryl Thompson and the creative assistance ofMatthew McConaughey. It's a free-spirited album, bringing newlight to the reggae genre. – Intern Matt

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Liz Carroll and John Doyle

Double Play

March 9, 2009

Two of the finest Celtic musicians, Liz Carroll and John Doylehave teamed up again to produce a beautiful collection oftunes. Carroll’s fiddling is as superb as ever, and Doyle’s guitar(and voice on three tracks) complement it nicely. If you enjoyCeltic music at all, this disc is for you. Of the three tracks withsinging, my preference is “Down at the Wakehouse/The TrueLove of My Heart,” but you really can’t pick a bad track here. -Tim Smith

LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS

LA LUZ DEL RITMO

March 3, 2009

LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS LA LUZ DEL RITMO Los FabulososCadillacs has been described as “Argentina’s hippest musicalexport pumping Latin heat into punk, reggae and fun for a wildride that demolishes borders.” I can’t agree more after a sevenyear absence LFC has provided us with this year’s ultimate partyCD. Most tracks on this disc blend all the genres listed aboveinto an infectious groove that would fill any dance floor with alot of hot sweat drenched body’s. Most tracks are LFC originalswith the exception of their masterful cover of the Clash’s“Should I Stay or Should I Go.” If the Jammies or Grammy’sadds a category for best party CD of the year this disc shouldwalk away with the award. Reviewed By: Gregg Saur

Quick Links:

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs Home PageAmazon

MO' HORIZONS

TEN YEARS OF

January 27, 2009

MO HORIZONS TEN YEARS OF Mo’Horizons music has always beena little hard to describe, so I am going to try; Sexy, Seductive,Bossa Nova, Jazz, Dance, Funky, Electronica, Caribbean Beats,Original and fun music are just a few adjectives that describeMo’ Horizons. Located in Lower Saxony Germany or as they callBoss Hanover, the duo of Ralf Droesemeyer and Mark Foh Weizerhave release 4 terrific studio discs over the past 10 years. Thisdisc would represent a terrific place to start for the unfamiliarlistener as it captures some of the finest on these discs. Thebonus remix disc is also well done and will be a must for all fansof this duo. This disc should find a permanent spot in your CDchanger for a long time to come. Reviewed By: Gregg Saur

Quick Links:

All Music GuideAmazon

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ROKIA TRAORE

Tchamantche

January 24, 2009

Singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Rokia Traoredescribes her music as "something contemporary with traditionalinstruments". This is Ms. Traore's fourth release. Her first onewas released in 1998 and received the Radio FranceInternational Prize for African Discovery of the Year. This is apretty album. It is comprised of Rokia's pleasing voice, a Gretschguitar, the n'goni (a tiny West-African lute), classical harp,traditional percussion, and backing vocals. Human beat box, SlyJohnson, adds to the mix as well. I have to point out "Kounandi"as a nice piece featuring traditional harp and guitar keeping thebeat for the lovely vocals. "Tounka" is nicely upbeat andfeatures more of a pop sound with its kit drums. All these songswere written by Rokia, herself, except for the Gershwin piece,"The Man I Love", which was originally made popular by BillyHoliday. Reviewed by Rebecca Ruth.

Quick Links:

Rokia Traore's WebsiteNonesuch Records Website

FEMI KUTI

Day By Day

January 1, 2009

Femi Kuti, son of the legendary Afrobeat founder and politicalactivist, Fela Kuti, takes up his father's mantle with this mixtureof Afrobeat and jazz, backed by the 17-member band PositiveForce. Femi, like his late father, flirts with attracting the wrathof the Nigerian government as he decries corruption andencourages people to empower themselves. Some musiciansface barriers that we can't imagine here. Femi mentions that hewas particularly influenced by American jazz musicians inmaking this record, and that's most apparent in "They Will Run,""You Better Ask Yourself" and "Do You Know" (the latter is aninstrumental after which he mentions many of the names ofjazz greats). W-Africa 01/09 Michael J.

Quick Links:

Femi Kuti bio and musicFemi's Myspace site

LUCKY DUBE

RETROSPECTIVE

December 2, 2008

Inspired by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, South African LuckyDube brought Reggae to the land of apartheid and used hisrecordings to speak endlessly about the need to end corruption,racism, Aids, poor education and black-on-black violence.Ironically, in 2007, at the age of 43, Dube fell victim to the

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violence that he preached against during a random car-jacking.While that tragic event stilled an urgent voice of change, theworld is left with the 22 albums he recorded in his too shortlife. This set collects some of the highlights from his career.Disc one is a standard music disc while disc two is a dvd concertrecording. The first two tracks, "Baxolelemi" and "Abathakathi"on disc one are representative of the zulu party music(mbaganga) that fueled his career before he switched to Englishlyrics fueled by a Reggae beat. The balance of the set has muchthe same exuberance but is aimed at both your hips and yourhead. With a large band and back up choir in tow on mosttracks the music hits has hard as the lyrics. Worthy of muchspinnage! Smitty

DELEON

– DeLeon

October 27, 2008

To classify DeLeon in any one category almost doesn’t seemfair. They’re not rock, pop, or world. Believe it or not,monikers like those aren’t vague enough to explain exactly whatit is that DeLeon does. The result, built on a base of haunted15th century Spanish shepherding music, is creepy, anddeliciously weird. Along the vein of the Pogues and GogolBordello, DeLeon has taken an obscure sect of traditionalEuropean folk (this time Jewish, Spanish, and gypsy) and given ittheir own modern flavor, but instead of heavy punk infusion,there is an indie-ish hip-hop and dub presence that really setsthem apart. It leaves the listener feeling cloudy and strange.The whole album plays like chocolate with chili pepper on a coldevening in the woods with no moon. It’s that kind of weird, andthat kind of good. The lyrics bounce from Spanish to Hebrew toEnglish incoherently at times, and as with most Englishtranslations, come out a little corny but the positively balefuland gorgeous voice of singer Daniel Saks more thancompensates. This guy is their ace in the hole and has foundthe perfect nest amidst this mash-up of drum machines, electricguitars, and more traditional sounds. Good to play front to backso you can enjoy it’s intensity and almost painful (think theSmiths a little) joy, DeLeon has come up with a sound that stayswith you long after the album is over. Perfect for seducing anemotional exchange student, or your next foray into mysticism.Check out tracks 6, 10 and 12 especially. – Stef-alopogus

GAELIC STORM

- What’s the Rumpus?

October 20, 2008

Another fine release from this international Celtic band. Thereare plenty of tunes to dance to, although there are a fewslower, serious ones too, including tracks 2,5 and 11. Is track 2,Lover’s Wreck, actually a love song? Gaelic Storm style, ofcourse. Although I haven’t seen them perform these songs yet, Isuspect tracks 1, 3, 7 & 12 will become crowd favorites. At

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least they are mine. There are four fine instrumentals: tracks4,8,10 & 13, with pipes being featured on 8 & 13. Beware, the9th song is in Gaelic. The last song, The Night I Punched RussellCrowe, is a fun song of a true story about an encounter thatsinger Patrick Murphy had with The Gladiator. But remember,the name of an earlier song is Don’t Let the Truth Get in theWay of a Good Story! Plenty of lively, Celtic fun on thisCD…….J.R.

GAELIC STORM

- Bring Yer Wellies

October 20, 2008

More great stuff from this fun-loving band! As you might guess,most of the songs on this CD are upbeat. Track 10 is slow, butstill nice work. My favorite sing-alongs are tracks 2,7,9,12 & 14.Track 3 is the continuation of the story of Johnny Tarr (fromtheir earlier CD, “Tree”), while track 4 sounds like a sea-shanty.Tracks 2 and 14 have become audience participation songs attheir live shows, with the crowd divided into two groups andsinging different lines of the chorus on track 2. Track 14 , KissMe I’m Irish has been used by Hallmark on one of their “musicalcards”, for St. Patrick’s Day of course! Track number 5 is sung inGaelic, which makes it difficult to sing along. The followingsongs are instrumentals: Tracks 6 & 11 feature pipes, while thefiddle is prominent for songs 8 & 13. If you enjoy Gaelic Storm,you will find lot’s to like on “Bring Yer Wellies” (which is a loteasier to say than “Bring Yer Wellington Boots”). I like thisrelease more every time I hear it……….J.R.

CURUMIN

- Japan Pop Show

October 20, 2008

Quannum Projects Luciano Nakata Albuquerque, is a Brazilian ofSpanish/Japanese ancestry, early on he earned the monikerCurumin (Koo-roo-mean), a term reserved by indigenousBrazilians for their more precocious children. By the time hewas 8, he'd already formed his first rock band with classmates,with pots and pans substituting for a proper drum kit. Hisintelligent assimilation and synthesis of American New Wave,Reggae/Dub, Afro-Beat and Brazilian Samba is too good toignore. Flawless layers and samples BPM’s inundate the listenerinto Curumin’s truth and awareness. The palpitations of“Dancando No Escuro” stream cerebrally through soul andvibrate our earthen roots. Mal Estar Card drops in on everythingwith wide bass lines in an undertow below slinky guitar chops.Legendary San Franciscan Tommy Guerrero leaves his stringwork all over the Japanese inflected “Sambito” of track 11.Japan Pop Show is a shiny round one worth dropping coin for. –While Lee Notable Tracks: 2. Compacto, 4.Dancando No Escuro,5.Salto No Vacuo Com Joelhada, 10. Mal Estar Card

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JOHN BROWN'S BODY

Amplify

October 6, 2008

John Brown’s Body has come a long way from my introduction tothem at Bell’s Eccentric Café in 1999, at which point they werea group of skinny, kind of nerdy white kids pumping out somejaw-dropping, booty-shaking reggae thunder. Since then, theirsound has matured and gained complexity. It has also taken aturn more toward the serious reggae-as-social-commentaryangle – a departure from their earlier reggae-as-soundtrack-to-fun style. They’ve also added some rap lyrics (“Amplify, “Shakethe Dice”). Those changes come, in part, through an overhaul ofthe band’s line-up. From the original members on 1996’s AllTime, only drummer Tommy Benedetti and back-up vocalist(now frontman) Elliot Martin remain. Amplify is tight, well-produced and thought-provoking. It’s just not as fun as some oftheir older stuff. ::arthur longrapids::

John Brown’s Body

- Amplify

October 6, 2008

John Brown’s Body has come a long way from my introduction tothem at Bell’s Eccentric Café in 1999, at which point they werea group of skinny, kind of nerdy white kids pumping out somejaw-dropping, booty-shaking reggae thunder. Since then, theirsound has matured and gained complexity. It has also taken aturn more toward the serious reggae-as-social-commentaryangle – a departure from their earlier reggae-as-soundtrack-to-fun style. They’ve also added some rap lyrics (“Amplify, “Shakethe Dice”). Those changes come, in part, through an overhaul ofthe band’s line-up. From the original members on 1996’s AllTime, only drummer Tommy Benedetti and back-up vocalist(now frontman) Elliot Martin remain. Amplify is tight, well-produced and thought-provoking. It’s just not as fun as some oftheir older stuff. ::arthur longrapids:: Notes: All FCC-clean.Track #4, very slow fade out (ends 6:46)

Quick Links:

PISTOLERA

~ En Este Camino

September 29, 2008

While Latin music in a language I'd largely forgotten (despite mytwo years of Spanish in high school) isn't necessarily my thing,after a couple of listens to the sophomore effort of Brooklynbased Pistolera, I was widely impressed. Thanks to their websitethat offered a translation of their lyrics into a moreunderstandable form, I was able to listen with new ears thesecond time around. The album kicks off with the catchy andhope-filled dance track Nuevas Ojos (New Eyes). While thisoptimistic view is heard throughout, the second track, Piloto

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(Pilot) perhaps exemplifies this the most as it sheds somepolitical light on border control by offering the following simpleand yet heart-felt lyrics: "one door close and another opens.There is always a way out." Another standout albeit melancholytrack is the accordion driven Inquieta (Restless) which delvesbeautifully into reminiscing about the past. This is followed bythe horn-driven and political Extranjero (Foreigner) thatreminds us all that we are all foreigners so "don't forget it." As afan of Bob Marley, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Pistoleratackle his Guerra (War) – yet another standout track on thisrecording. To hear raggae with the Latin percussion and inanother language was truly a treat and proved to be a winner onall accounts. Overall, Pistolera's release En Este Camino was apleasant surprise to me and I trust will offer you a bit of asurprise as well if you're willing to give it a listen. by JeffBouma

Quick Links:

Various Artists – Absolutely Irish

Absoulutely Irish Soundrack

September 23, 2008

Truly an amazing lineup in this one-time event. This release onCompass Records probably has something to do with theiracquisition of Dirty Linen. –P Luke Doucet And The WhiteFalcon: Blood's Too Rich (2008) In his twenties, he was noted asthe backbone of Vancouver's famed indie country rock bandVeal, where he first picked up his "guitar god" reputation, andnow he's one of the most in demand guitarists in Canada. Threesolo albums later, Luke has emerged as a champion storytellerand fearless musician. Produced by Luke himself, Blood's toorich features his band, The White Falcon, named after themodel of his beloved Gretsch guitar. Take the weary eponymoushero of opener "Long Haul Driver", on the road for 2000 miles,or the in-crisis laser heading west in "Motorbike". These talesare married to Neil Young and Crazy Horse and The Bandinspired swaggering stompers, loping, loose guitar showcasesand delicate acoustic numbers. –Joe Parsaca

Quick Links:

Compass Records Website

FUNKADESI

– Yo Baba

September 15, 2008

Chicago’s Funkadesi is hard to fit into a little paragraph.Mashing music styles from the Carribbean to East Indian to Euro-American jazz and hip-hop, their third major release Yo Babaliterally has something for every ear. Surprisingly enoughconsidering the million different genres and sounds present, thisalbum plays coherently, and frankly stone-solid, almost thewhole way through. And it’s fun. Really fun. Every type of feel-good music is represented. Equal parts dub-style reggae and

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East Indian vocals mixed with jazz (“No Leans”) and a little hip-hop (Chicago MC Anacron guests on “Galsun”) makes for acaptivating listen no matter where you start. There are half-naked slow jams like “Dolare” and scorching bongo solos all overthe place, so don’t expect to just do one thing while this is on.The opening track “Crash da Party” is most essential forFunkadesi’s (pronounced funk-a-dessee) mixed-up sound, andabsolutely electric. I’m also really digging the unexpected vocalpresence of lead singer Navaraaz Basati, who lends interestingand frosting-like Bollywood vocals over hip-swaying, bass-heavyinstrumentals. My Pashti is a little rusty so I can’t tell you if thelanguage is 100% radio friendly, but the tracks in English areclean and these guys seem to be focused on well-initiated fun,not profanity. Even during the quiet times though, these guysknow what they’re doing, making the whole album and intricateand riotous ride. Just a warning though, if you’re listening whileattempting to clean your house, there will be bad dancing somake sure you’re alone. – Stef

Quick Links:

Funkadesi's Official Website

RAM DASS & KRIECE

- COSMIX

September 15, 2008

RAM DASS & KRIECE

- COSMIX

September 15, 2008

This is a collaboration between Australian Electronic DJ Krieceand 60s psychedelic guru Ram Dass. Although less relevant todaythen in the 90s when “chill-out” music first enjoyed hugepopularity, this LP conjures visions of all night, drug fueledparties on distant beaches. The music is a trance mix of triphop/tribal beats, dub baselines and vocal snippets of Ram Dasschopped and looped. While Ram Dass’ spoken words are few,they create a powerful mood and combine nicely with Kriece’spercussion heavy grooves. With a sound similar to The Orb, orDJ Shawdow, the tracks all reasonable in length and broadcastfriendly. Check out tracks #2, #3, and #4, a mystical mantraabout drug use and eventual enlightenment

Quick Links:

waveform records website

Various Artists-Calypsoul 70: Caribbean andCalypso Crossover 1969-1979

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Calypsoul 70: Caribbean and Calypso Crossover 1969-1979

September 15, 2008

The Caribbean is an incredibly diverse melting pot of cultures,and this collection of rare groove tracks shows not only theinfluence of various styles on Caribbean music (calypso, reggae,African, soul, and funk) but also the influence of Caribbeanmusic on the world. Taking the listener on a non-stop islandhop, the tracks go from steel pan rarities (#11 – Trinidad), thirdworld social commentary (#5 by “rapso” pioneer Lancelot Lane),Latin dynamite (#13 – Martinique legend Marius Cultier), salsa(#3), and Afro Beat political jump ups (#17 ). There are also acouple disco fusion tracks that get funky and sweaty (#7 – StLucia & 19). This collection captures the sound and the feel ofthe era, and every selection is worth a listen. It is funky,tropical, and some of the greatest calypso performers appear inrare form. – Tim Morgan

NIYAZ

Nine Heavens

August 18, 2008

Niyaz has come very far, very fast. The trio’s 2005 debut madethem standout amongst an over-crowded world music field. OnNine Heavens, Niyaz sets out to prove that producing well-arranged songs is the key to a solid album. This record is splitinto two, one being called “acoustic” although its hardly thesimple voice and guitar approach. Its as sonically rich as thefirst disc. Drawing on some 300-year old Persian folk songs, thisalbum not only transcends cultural and stylistic boundaries, butcenturies as well. Reviewed By LaRae

Quick Links:

Niyaz's Website

BAJO FONDO

MAR DULCE

August 18, 2008

Bajofondo has been a pioneer in what has been known as“electronica tango,” and the band quickly caused a stir inArgentina and all over the world with its unique genre. Thiseight-member band, with seven musicians and a VJ who triggersimages in real time along with the music, has also started tointegrate Latin American folkloric music into its performances.Mar Dulce was recorded all over the world which reflects theband’s cosmopolitan attraction, as well as the eclectic line upof guest artists such as Elvis Costello and Mala Rodriguez. Thisalbum has a certain melancholy sound that has something to dowith the cities’ of origins old traditional barrios, which one ofthe band members likes to call, “cosmic tango.” Reviewed ByLaRae

Quick Links:

Bajofondo's Website

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VARIOUS ARTISTS

Ayombe: The Heart of Columbia's Musica Vallenata

August 9, 2008

This disc presents "musica vallenata" ("music of the valley"),traditional to northeastern Columbia. There are four formspresented: two tend to be faster paced (puya and merengue)and two generally slower paced (son and paseo). The accordionplaying on the puya numbers is extraordinary -- hard to imagineplaying all of those keys so swiftly! Two other instruments youwill hear on many of these numbers are the caja, a single-headed conical short-bodied drum, and the guacharaca, apercussion instrument similar to a stick with notches cut intothe wood. Another glimpse into the talent and tradition ofanother corner of our amazing musical world. MJVD 08/08 W-Latin (Columbia)

Quick Links:

Folkways site on Ayombe

ELJURI

En Paz

July 7, 2008

Ecuadorian guitarist Cecilia Villar Eljuri --who goes by her lastname as an artist -- delivers a strong set of Latin rhythms andvocals on this disc, devoted to her roots. Raised by a mom anddad famous in the Latin arts community of New York City,where she was raised, Eljuri was raised on American rock untilshe became interested in her musical heritage. Reggae royaltySly and Robbie assist on the opening track and Concrete Blondevocalist Johnette Napolitano duels with her on "Jaula." Catchyguitar hooks abound, and even sounds Santana-ish on"Peligrosa." The closing "bonus" number is actually by her mom,Olga; daughter reworks the song earlier in the set. A greattalent. 07/08 MJVD W-Latin (South America)

Quick Links:

Eljuri's home pageHer Myspace page

CAPERCAILLIE

Roses and Tears

June 7, 2008

The fifteenth release from this band which hails from Scotlandand if you are a fan of their music. You will not bedisappointed. Karen Matheson’s voice is only improving withtime and still as crystal clear as it was the first CD theyreleased. Personally of all the Celtic bands out there this is myfavorite of all. There are a fair amount of Reels here so takeyour pick, they are all DAM FINE. But the cuts that grabbed myattention the most are number 3 and number 9. Maybe it’s the

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dual front wars we are waging but they seem very pertinent tothe current state of world affairs. If someone were to ask me topick a bad cut from this CD my comment to them would be tochoose another CD, there is just nothing here I did not like orlisten to numerous times. I’m looking forward to seeing this oneland in the rotation.

PATHAAN

Tandava Volume 2

June 5, 2008

Pathaan is a UK-based DJ. He's probably most famous in the UKas the host of a BBC show called "Pathaan's Musical Rickshaw".This is an album of songs by global artists that Pathaan hascompiled and re-mixed. The album is basically electronica-chill-out music. All the songs blend together into one big groove. Ifyou're going to play this on-air, I'd recommend the first song,"The Eternities". It has a nice mellow vibe that would be a nicelate-night listen. Also, the fourth and fifth tracks are slightlyupbeat songs that blend together, but could also be played ontheir own. Track #6, "To the Shore", in particular, is a favoriteof mine. Due to the use of sitar and strings, it has a nice feel toit. Reviewed by Rebecca Ruth

Quick Links:

Pathaan's websitePathaan's MyspaceSounds True Website

TREMOLOCO

Dulcinea

May 29, 2008

A blend of Country, Mexican, Roots Music, and Americana makeup this debut album. Some songs in Spanish some in English.Wyce friendly. I liked the Mexicana songs best. There is a realmixing genres on this cd. But what gets the wow factor goingfor me is the list of guest musicians.! INCLUDING: DAVIDHIDALGO - (Los Lobos),COUGAR ESTRADA - (Los Lobos, Ricki LeeJones, Latin Playboys),GREG LEISZ - (Dave Alvin, K.D. Lang,Tracy Chapman, Bill Frisell, BRANTLEY KEARNS - (Dave Alvin,Dwight Yoakam), JOHNNY LEE SCHELL - (Bonnie Raitt, TajMahal, John Fogerty). JENNIFER CONDOS - (Ryan Adams, DonHenley), STEPHEN BRUTON - (Kris Kristofferson, AlejandroEscovedo, IAN MCLAGAN - (Small Faces, Faces, Rolling Stones,Bob Dylan,)CINDY CASHDOLLAR - (Asleep At The Wheel, BobDylan, Rosie Flores). - Anne Lamont

Quick Links:

Bands website - Tremolocos

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Scythian

Immigrant Road Show

May 26, 2008

Rabble-rousing and raucous, Scythian play high energy musicfusing gypsy, celtic, Americana, Klezmer, with a big rocksensibility. They've been tearing up the East coast for severalyears now, causing outbreaks of extemporaneous tambourineplaying, spontaneous jigging, and all sorts of other trouble. -Grassroots Music Festival 2008 MI Appearances: Ann Arbor -August 5th, Bay City - August 6th Michigan Irish Fest – MuskegonMI – September 12-13

Quick Links:

Scythian Website

Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible

Tijuana Sound Machine

May 19, 2008

First of all, 'Nortec' is a combination of the words 'norteño' and'techno'. Norteño being music that originates from North Mexico,near the border with the US, and music that commonly uses theaccordion and bajosexto. They also sometimes sampletraditional Mexican music. Pepe Mogt is the mastermind behindthe sound on this album, and credited with being the inventorof the genre. He wrote most of the songs on this album. Mogtcombined with some other like minded musicians form theNortec Collection and make some very interesting and funmusic. Nortec Collective's second album, Tijuana Session,Volume 3 was nominated for two Latin Grammys in 2006 andreceived much critical acclaim. On this album, you will hearboth English and Spanish, but it's sparse, as in the techno musictradition with repetition and random phrases. Track #1 The Clapis a playful track full of the accordion, leaning toward theNorteño. Track #5 Shake It Up has electronic vocals along withsome fun accordion and brass sounds. It leans more toward thetechno. There are a lot of fun tracks on here, so have fun.~Renae O.

Quick Links:

Myspace page

DJ DOLORES

1 REAL

May 15, 2008

DJ Dolores (aka Helder Aragao de Melo) goes back to hisBrazilian roots on this album full of percussive backdrops,politically astute global grooves, quirky humor and an eclecticselection of lyrical topics. The title is a pun on Brazil's currency,the real. And Dolores is concerned, like many of his musicalcountryfolk, with the accessibility of his sounds, theirrelationship to the vast economic inequalities of his potentialdomestic audience, and their connection with outer foreign

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styles. Pleasingly, all of this conceptualising doesn't interferewith the dancing. Electronic beats and clatterclaps cut acrosscompulsive basslines, and call-response vocals retain a local(Brazilian) feel. This album will keep you dancing as well asthinking. Reviewed by LaRae WYCE Programmer

Quick Links:

DJ Dolores' MySpace

SERGIO MENDES

Encanto

May 15, 2008

This is Sergio’s follow up to this highly acclaimed album,Timeless, in which he also collaborates with many differentartists. He gives this album a more global feel by bringing ininternational artists like Zap Mama, Japanese pop-group DreamsCome True, and even some American stars like Natalie Cole andFergie from the Black Eyed Peas who butchers a version of BurtBacharach’s “The Look Of Love.” All in all, Sergio stays true tothe Brazilian sound and what you get here are addictivemelodies and sexy percussive beats that always stay nice on theears. Much of the producing credit going to will.i.am who alsoguests on the album. Reviewed By: LaRae WYCE Programmer

Quick Links:

Video For "Encanto"

Rupa & The April Fishes

Extraordinary Rendition

April 28, 2008

One of the best things about Extraordinary Rendition(Cumbancha) by San Francisco-based Rupa and the April Fishesis that the music doesn't sound the least bit like a product ofthe USA. Unlike most homegrown world beat, this blend ofgypsy swing, French cabaret, tango, and other styles comesacross with an oddly organic charm that never seems forced.That's because American-born Rupa Marya brings the fruits ofher upbringing in southern France, the US, and India, weldingher wanderlust to a chanteuse persona. Peak tracks like "PlusQue Moi" (#9) are like little slices of a rousing, rollickingtheatrical revue from a bygone era, full of tempo changes,mood shifts, and ungodly clatter. The pistonic throttle of"Poder" (#3) puts the ghost of Brecht-Weill in overdrive. Rupaand her Fish wriggle into not just the cleft between cultures,but also the fissure between eras. Even slow cooker "LaPecheuse" (#6), which drifts into a dreamy middle section withfalsetto vocal, feels as if it's been sprinkled with nostalgia. --Bob Tarte

Quick Links:

Myspace page

4/2/09 11:05 AMCMC | 88.1FM WYCE


THINK OF ONE

Camping Shaabi

April 7, 2008

Think of One is an Antwerp-based band and this album is theirattempt at bringing western and Arabic music together. Byadding Moroccan musicians to their crew, they have successfullyblended western electronic, rap, and rock music with Moroccanshaabi. These songs vary from upbeat rock (with Flemishlyrics)in #3 "Wereld NI", to the traditional Arabic track #5"Gnawa Power" with its call and response vocals, to the Frenchpop of #6 "Fantome". Other highlights are the quiet and jazzy#11 "Sharia Orabi", and the Moroccan rock of #14 "Alela Minena".Check out the Flemish rap on track 10 "Trap het af". Reviewedby Rebecca Ruth

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Think of One Website

Puerto Plata

Mujer de Cabaret

April 7, 2008

If you struggle to find worldbeat music to play, this is a greatCD to grab. It's got an international flavor, but is quiteaccessible to the average listener. His music is categorized as'son', but this album also has tinges of merengue, bolero, andmore. This album claims to "take you back to the golden age ofDominican guitar music." Jose Cobles is the man behind thename Puero Plata for this, his first, album. Puerto Plata alsohappens to be the name of the resort town that Cobles grew upin. On this CD, you can also hear two other famous DominicanRepublic musicians, Edilio Paredes and Frank Mendez. PuertoPlata has been playing music for a long time, has seen a lot ofpersonal and political hard times, and finally has released hisfirst CD. The liner notes are very informative, if you'd like tolearn more. ~Renae

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Puerto Plata's Website

Vinicius Cantuaria

Cymbals

March 24, 2008

As usual Cantuaria puts together a very listenable album fromstart to finish. The genre of bossa nova and Latin lounge musicis one that often fades into the background, but don’t befooled! The allstar cast of musicians will lay down a decentgroove and then go from there. Listen for the virtuosity of thealbum, but also the surprises and flourishes that Cantuaria likesto use to accent his productions. - Pete

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Various Artist

Spirits In The Material World

March 17, 2008

The spirits are still with one of the most popular rock bands ofthe 1980’s, celebrating the “Police” reunion tour & being paidtribute to by some of the biggest names in reggae music. ThisCD showcases how easy it is to bring the Police’s stripped downrock sound & turn it into a fine Reggae release. Notable artistson this disc include Toots & the Maytals, The Wailing Souls,Inner Circle, & Gregory Isaacs’. Joan Osborne & Big Chief MonkBoudreaux artist not normally associated with the world ofreggae also make fine contributions to this disc. This is a fundisc that will have you & your listeners reminiscing too the funthey had in the 80’s. - Gregg Saur

Toumast

Ishumar

March 10, 2008

The kind of worldbeat that’s on display in Ishumar is one oftrance-inducing complexity, where what’s important isn’t wherethe songs are going, but wherever they are currently. Ingeneral, middle-eastern music doesn’t treat melody assomething absolute, but only as a guideline, a blueprint that theperformer can feel free to modify on whim. This works wellwhen paired with blues, a genre whose own philosophy isn’t thatfar removed from the middle-east’s. Ishumar is primarily afusion of these two ideas, and the result works quite well –unpredictable and varied Arab vocals sit atop bluesy bass andguitar lines, lines that are just as likely to change at anymoment as the vocals are. Ishumar isn’t perfect (the songssometimes stretch on for too long), but it’s definitely worthlistening to, if for nothing else than to witness how well twoseemingly unrelated genres work together. – Adam Goran

VARIOUS ARTISTS

In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2

March 4, 2008

Bono's advocacy for the continent of Africa is well-known, so itisn't a surprise to see some of Africa's finest musicians paytribute to his band, U2, in this innovative set of covers. Ofcourse, album proceeds are going to charity. But the listeneralso receives much in the transaction: Benin's Angelique Kidjofine rendition of "Mysterious Ways" (#1); Mali's Vieux Farka Touremarvelous take on "Bullet the Blue Sky" (#2); a hymn-likeversion of "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by the Soweto GospelChoir of South Africa (#9); and the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars re-inventing "Seconds" (#10). And there's more where thatcame from. Each cut takes on some of the legacy of a differentAfrican country's musical culture, proving that the road fromDublin to Dakar isn't all that far to traverse. Here's a detailedroad map. 03/08 MJVD W-Africa

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Quick Links:

More information on the recordingShout! Factory store siteGlobal Rhythm story on the making of the record

Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures

Dream Garden

March 3, 2008

Adam Rudolph, originally from Chicago, is a hand drummer/percussionist. Known as one of the early innovators of what isnow called “world music”, he has been on the creative scenesince 1979. He has been involved with various percussiongroups, most notably, his percussion ensemble Vashti. He hasalso collaborated with legendary multi-instrumentalist YusefLateef and the late jazz trumpeter Don Cherry, among others.This disc starts out strong with the percussion-laden piece“Oshogbo”. The horn-driven melody of this piece is reminiscentof jazz great Don Ellis’ trumpet-centered pieces. Anotheraccessible track is #3 “Twilight Lake”. This composition isalmost other-worldly and mellow, as is track #8 (one of myfavorites) “A Vision of Pure Delight”. Track#5 “Happiness Road”,with its various native instruments, has an African/jungle flavor.The track I favor most (besides the first track and track #8) istrack #14 “Walking the Curve”. This piece is probably the mostlistenable with its lounge-like Latin feel. An interesting, butcomplicated piece is #4 “Scintilla”. This is more of a free-formpiece with the thumb piano keeping the beat and thewoodwinds and strings coming in short, quiet bursts. - RebeccaBehrens, WYCE Music Review Committee

Quick Links:

Adam's Homepage

Senor Flavio

Supersaund 2012

March 3, 2008

You may have heard Senor Flavio. He was the bassist andsongwriter for the Argentine rock band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs,whose song “Matador” was featured in the movie Gross PointBlank. I don’t know what I expected when I first listened to thisArgentine disc, but it certainly wasn’t the ska-influenced pop-rock it delivers. This is a fun album with lots of organ androckabilly guitar. Except for track #4, which has one line inEnglish (for which it should be a no-play); the lyrics are inSpanish. Don’t let this keep you from checking it out. Highlightsare tracks #2, #5, and #7. These are all upbeat tunes that justmight find you doing a little dance. Track #9, entitled“Caumont” is somewhat mellow, but an outstanding track,nonetheless. Track #13 is another highlight as an instrumental..- Rebecca Behrens, WYCE Music Review Committee

4/2/09 11:05 AMCMC | 88.1FM WYCE


DENGUE FEVER

Venus On Earth

February 7, 2008

Dengue Fever delivers a warm and toasty record with “Venus OnEarth”. “Venus On Earth” does just what it should. Provide asmooth and relaxing soundtrack to the daily commute. There issomething about Dengue Fever that reminds you of traveling.The sound reminded me of the music in the movie “BrokenFlowers” and as it turns out, they made an appearance on thesoundtrack. Dengue Fever is serious about the music, but has alittle fun with the lyrical content also. With sentences like “It’s4am, I check my e-mail” and “I’m at a party, in …(hey, wheream I) man in the distance says “Echo Park” continues to sing “InEcho Park”, and “I take an Ambien”, you get the feeling theyare just having fun. “Tiger Phone Card” is the standout trackhere. With playful lyrics about two lovers separated by 3000miles of America, trying to stay together and day dreamingabout what they will do when they see each other again.“Integration” has Ch’hom singing in her native Cambodiantongue, which she does on several tracks, sounding eerilysimilar to the lovely Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar. “Oceans ofVenus” is a great instrumental that shows off the bands talentand detail to making great music to groove too. For all youMoped Army members out there, you can find a nice pic of aPuch Maxi in the CD tray.--Tim Warren for WYCE

Quick Links:

Dengue Fever myspace

Various Artists

Kalamazoo Community Rhythm Project

January 20, 2008

Multiple Artists/ Kalamazoo Community Rhythm Project Vol. 1An album not helping sway the stereotype of Kalamazoo asbeing a hippie town I thought that, while at points dull and alittle to wispy, there are some really solid tracks on thisrelease. I did imagine the album to have a lot of spontaneousdrum circle like jams and was a little disappointed to not findthem but I think this release will fit in superbly when looking foran esoteric segue. I really enjoyed track four. Five isreminiscent of the African style Paul Simon brought to us in the80’s. Number nine is a traditional sounding Native Americannumber that I found to be a lot less pretentious than much ofthe album. Get into number ten, Zumbi, by the Skintones. Ithink that’s the best the compilation has to offer and it’s kindof a drag they only contributed one track. Eleven’s not half badwhile I’m at it. Oh, track 14 is pretty alright too. Derrick.

Ramiro Musotto

Civilizacao & Barbarye

January 16, 2008

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Ramiro Musotto : Civilizacao & Barbarye : Circular Moves Havingworked with Brazilian music moguls Sergio Mendes and CaetanoVeloso in the past, Argentinean-turned-Brazilian Ramiro Musottopaves his own way on one string alone. The string in question isthe single string belonging to the berimbau, the instrument ofchoice for Musotto. Considered a defining recording for theinstrument, one can liken this record to the berimbau the wayClara Rockmore’s Art of the Theremin can be likened to thatethereal, pioneering, electronic instrument. All tracks suitablefor airplay. Reviewed by Trevor Edmonds : January 2008

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Ramiro Musotto Online

ANTIBALAS

Security

January 6, 2008

Brooklyn-based Antibalas … “bulletproof” in Spanish … ricochetsfrom horn-heavy numbers like “Beaten Metal,” to themelancholy, almost funereal (B-3-laden) vibe of the final track,“AGE.” Their sparse yet clever, politically-charged lyrics amp uplengthier tracks like 2 and 3, “Filibuster X” and “Sanctuary,” 12and 13 minutes, respectively, to prove these afrobeataficionados pack heat with protest. Reviewed by Sara Cosgrove

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Antibalas Official WebsiteAntibalas MySpace page

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Radio Noise Vol. 1 & 2

January 2, 2008

This radio only release highlights the best tracks from the NewYork City record label that formed in 2006. “Asa Branca” byForro in the Dark with David Byrne is by far the standout trackhere. Another great track is “Rock the Rhythm” by Love Trioand U-Roy. “Asa Branca” has a kind of world beat to it, while“Rock the Rhythm” has a Techno meets Reggae mood. WaxPoetic has three tracks, while the Nublu Orchestra is alsopresented. Disc 1 is quite good and offers a good look into whatNublu can bring to the table as a record label. Disc 2 “TheRemixes” doesn’t fare so well. Most tracks are the generic “fouron the floor” remixes. Nothing to imaginative or interestinghappens here; mostly just the same beat that could sparehaving a few minutes cut of the end. --Tim Warren

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NubluNublu Myspace

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Ilembe - Honoring Shaka Zulu

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January 1, 2008

Even though the music on Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Ilembe –Honoring Shaka Zulu is completely a cappella, you’ll never missthe lack of accompanying instruments. The South Africanensemble fills each song to the brim, sometimes with voice andjust as often with judiciously placed silence. Less boisterousthan some of the group’s other albums, and more emotionallydirect than its collaborations with western musicians, Ilembe isexactly as involving as you choose it to be. Give them slightnotice, and these repetitive songs seem to provide little morethan a lovely background. But close listening reveals amplecomplexity, from the subtly shifting chanted sections of theEnglish-language hymn "This is the Way We Do" to the harmonicrichness of the choral singing, or the way Joseph Shabalala's soloparts on "Vela Nsizwa" and other tracks sometimes feels like alead vocal and sometimes like ornamentation. The repetitivearrangements have an appealing organic quality, like themusical equivalent of waves washing on the beach. This adds ameditative almost hypnotic quality to the songs. While "Princeof Peace" and a couple of other tracks are obviously religious innature, even the political commentary of "Let's Do It" hasbeautifully modulated spiritual energy.-- Bob Tarte

For over 1,000 world music CD reviews by Bob Tarte, visitBobTarte.com and click on 'Music Reviews.'

TABU LEY ROCHEREAU

The Voice of Lightness

December 30, 2007

Beginning in the late 1950s, visionaries in the Congo beganinventing a new kind of pop music that would eventually sweepthe continent. Combining Cuban rhythms, Congolese percussion,repeating electric guitar figures, and gorgeous vocals, Africanrumba continues to influence African and Afro-Latin stylesaround globe. The Voice of Lightness, a career retrospective oflegendary singer and bandleader Tabu Ley Rochereau, collectssome of the most heavenly sounding music ever made. Openingtrack "Kelya" suggests some idealized tropical island, but eventhose delicate vocals are scant preparation for the fragility ofthe opening notes to "Christine". Also remarkable is Rocherau'svocal on "Mongali" a song told from a woman's point of view,which dispenses with the usual cascading electric guitars infavor of subdued acoustic accompaniment. Every track justifiesits inclusion in this two-CD set, from the looping vocal line of"Savon Omo" that echoes the circular guitar lines, to thecontrast between the simple, almost cabaret-style melody of"Pesa le Tout" and Dr. Nico's highly ornamental guitar.Rochereau and his band created some of the most sophisticatedpop ever made, and if anything, it sounds better than ever now.-- Bob Tarte


4/2/09 11:05 AMCMC | 88.1FM WYCE


YOUSSOU N'DOUR

Rokka Mi Rokka (Give and Take)

December 30, 2007

I’ve often felt that Youssou N’dour was holding back on hisalbums by being miserly with the soaring, extended phrases thatshowcase his voice and bristle the neck hairs. I chalked up theapparent stinginess as catering to the different tastes of aSenegalese audience rather than pandering to America’sinsistence on thrills. I also figured that Africans were hearingsomething in the short, choppy melodies he favored that flewright over my head. But I’m hearing it now on Rokka Mi Rokka(Give and Take), his quirkiest and most engaging album in years."Bajjan" (The Father's Sister) is tough to resist with its herky-jerky meshing of computer rhythms and sabar drumming,caffeinated vocals, and unstoppable drive -- not to mention bitsof vocal acrobatics. "Baay Faal" boasts highly dramatic singing,starting off in a folkie mode with xalam 'banjo' and localpercussion before detouring north into the desert with ahandclap beat and a string section borrowed from Egyptian filmmusic. It's a great release, and the icing on the cake is "WakeUp (It's Africa Calling)" a duet with Neneh Cherry in the mold oftheir 1994 radio-friendly "Seven Seconds." -- Bob Tarte


CHEB I SABBAH

Devotion

December 30, 2007

There's little on Devotion to connect it with Algerian-bornproducer Cheb i Sabbah's last release, a rhythmic blend oftraditional North African songs. There is even less to suggestthat this gorgeous meditation on the devotional music of India isthe work of one of Europe's most innovative DJs. In place ofelectronic beats and synthetic instruments, Devotion serves upIndian and North African percussion seamlessly blended withIndia's premier vocalists and instrumentalists. The genius is thedistillation. Cheb i Sabbah conveys the scope and intensity ofextended classical styles in fairly compact songs that nearlyburst apart with drama. Opening track "Jai Bhavani" featuresstirring call and response singing, while "Kinna Sohna" sung byMaster Saleem is a composition by the late, great Nusrat FatehAli Khan that pays fit tribute to this qawwali legend."Qalanderi," is the first here to use full-frontal vocal loops andkeyboards, but these meld nicely with North Africaninstruments. If you've ever forgotten why you love music, thissong will surely remind you. And if you can resist steadilyincreasing the volume, especially during the throttling coda,you're made of stronger stuff than I am. -- Bob Tarte


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APHRODESIA

Lagos By Bus

December 30, 2007

West coast American band Aphrodesia present their take onWest African music with Lagos by Bus, featuring a blend of funkyAfrobeat with the smoother highlife style. Lara Maykovich andMaya Dorn sound larger than a vocal duo with their mostlychanted, occasionally interwoven singing, which wafts richharmonies on the traditional Afro-Cuban hymn for healing "AgoMado." Although their ecstatic voices open "Ochun Mi" massedhorns and a stabbing electric piano straight out of Afrobeatfounder Fela Kuti’s stylebook dominate the extended groove.“Holy Ghost Invasion” pits its English language invocationagainst fierce percussion, a theremin effect, and sonic collagein an energetic ditty that ends almost as soon as it begins. Besttrack honors go to instrumental "White Elephant," whichbeautifully modulates quiet tension and full tilt boogie, thenerupts into Charlie Gurke's throttling baritone saxophone solo. --Bob Tarte


JAI UTTAL

Dial M for Mantra

December 3, 2007

Sanctity and the sacred undergo a succulent treatment ofdowntempo electronica as the passionate kirtan chants are putunder the knife of remix artist Rara Avis. In Jai Uttal's "Dial Mfor Mantra" the raw and powerful sacred Sikh hymns are set tothe ambient whisperings of modern zen dance to produce anethereal backdrop to the soul. Rara Avis found Jai Uttal's classickirtan chants oozing with rhythmic appeal when he broke themdown to provide a modern trip-out into Indian mysticism.Featuring a compilation from Jai's album "Kirtan!" andcollaborations such as "Music for Yoga and Other Joys," this 10song album takes traditional chants into uncharted territory. -Daniel J. Graeber

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DJ BITMAN

Latin Bitman

November 30, 2007

Thievery Corporation with a dash of hot sauce describes thisspicy new venture by the DJ formerly known as Bitman &Roban. Infusing electronica with latin grooves, this freshmaneffort by Chile's chill-maestro offers a look beyond the firstradio single "Shine." Taking a multi-lingual approach to hooks,the songs as a unit stands alone. While crossing genre's is

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admirable and easy to appreciate, most of this album relies tooheavily on a loop that makes one song indistinguishable fromthe next. A good backdrop, but no stand-outs on this loungeact. - Daniel J. Graeber

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About me

LENI STERN

Africa

November 4, 2007

Another artist goes to Africa and gets changed personally andmusically. This time, it is jazz vocalist/guitarist Leni Stern. Shespent two years fusing African and Western musical stylestogether and the result is something new -- yet with the strongflavor of African rhythms. Highlights include "Simbo" (#4), "AmanIman" (#7), "Dakkan" (#11) and the stirring "Childsoldier" (#12).Another interesting cut is "Ousmane" (#8), on which the lateMichael Brecker does a serious solo (he died soon afterrecording this; he's also on #6). Stern so impressed her Africanmusical collaborators that they gave her a special name: "MoussaGuitar Foe." 11/07 MJVD W-Africa

Quick Links:

More on the making of "Africa"Leni's homepage

KATCHAFIRE

Say What You're Thinking

September 24, 2007

New Zealand based KATCHAFIRE’s 3rd album is a can’t missmixture of jazz, pop, and rock informed reggae. Every trackissues a calming vibe, the kind that make you feel that if thiswere the soundtrack to your life, everything would be ok. Thesolid grooves make it near impossible to not bob your head intime. With 5 different members of the band sharing lead vocalduties, the each song has a different feel from the previous one.The highlight tracks from the album are #2 “Now Girl”, #6 “ThisWorld”, and #10 “Meant To Be”. Ben Cook, WYCE Intern

Los Mono

Somos Los Que Estamos

September 24, 2007

A Chilean Super-group, a collaborative among Cristian Moragaaka Funky C (founder of “Los Tetas”), Sebastian Silva (CHC),Gonzalo Gonzalez (“Los Prisoneros,” “Los Tres,” “Los Bunkers”),Vicente Sanfuentes (“The Hermanos Brothers,” and “OriginalHamster”) and Nea (singer from CHC and Yaia). The album has amoral message throughout, promoting creativity, originality,positivism amd self-responsibility

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AMIINA

Kurr

September 24, 2007

This is the debut album from Sólrún, María, Edda and Hildur,four Icelandic women in their mid twenties. Soothing, trance-like sounds from Icelandic group Amiina, is a stellar debut.Compared with Sigur Ros, it’s no wonder why Amiina arereceiving rave reviews. Not many vocals are present, with theexception of a few on various tracks, but it’s the music thatreally creates such a pristine and beautiful album. Check outtracks 1 “Sogg”, track 3 “Glamur”, track 4 “Seoul”, and track 9“Saga”. – Lane Zoerhof

MANU CHAO

LA RADIOLINA

September 17, 2007

As the enfant terrible of Latin alternative music, Manu Chaoonce again creates a frenzy by mixing rock, punk, salsa, Frenchpop ... and by bouncing from Spanish to French to English. Chaobleeds enthusiasm and creativity and, in his first studio album insix years, he foregoes traditional song structure (choruses, etc.)in favor of guitar scribble. Chao's anti-establishment, anarchistvalues are present in La Radiolina's 16 tracks (plus five bonustracks). Track 3, "Politik Kills," is particularly potent, and track7, "Tristeza Maleza" is a defiant message regarding "senorpresidente." But this album is far from dismal. Track 3, thepeppy "Rainin in Paradize," and track 7, the flamenco-inspired"Me Llaman Calle," are two danceable highlights. Theaccessability and worldwide popularity of Chao's work provesthat no one blends protest and party quite like he does. - SaraCosgrove

EASTERN BLOK

Folk Tales

September 17, 2007

The music is a wonderful collective of East European melody,along with Free Jazz out of Chicago.I enjoyed each track. It is abit out there for some, but I would hope you give it a chance togrow on you. There is clearly melodic structure that will aid youin memories of years gone by. -Tim Pieri

MANU CHAO

La Radiolina

September 13, 2007

As the enfant terrible of Latin alternative music, Manu Chaoonce again creates a frenzy by mixing rock, punk, salsa, Frenchpop ... and by bouncing from Spanish to French to English. Chaobleeds enthusiasm and creativity and, in his first studio album in

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six years, he foregoes traditional song structure (choruses, etc.)in favor of guitar scribble. Chao's anti-establishment, anarchistvalues are present in La Radiolina's 16 tracks (plus five bonustracks). Track 3, "Politik Kills," is particularly potent, and track7, "Tristeza Maleza" is a defiant message regarding "señorPresidente." But this album is far from dismal. Track 3, thepeppy "Rainin in Paradize," and track 7, the flamenco-inspired"Me Llaman Calle," are two danceable highlights. Theaccessability and worldwide popularity of Chao's work provesthat no one blends protest and party quite like he does.Reviewed by Sara Cosgrove

Quick Links:

Manu Chao's Official WebsiteManu Chao's MySpace

DABY TOURE

Stereo Spirit

September 10, 2007

Toure is from Mauritania in Africa originally but was raised byParisian musicians. "Stereo Spirit" is a gentle set in which heplays all of the instruments and his voice, at times, is a bitreminiscent of early Cat Stevens. Only one song is uptempo("Bibou") and a few are are midtempo ("Setal," "Banta" and"Yakaare"). The rest are softly reflective. His main theme ispeaceful relationships, both with humankind and theenvironment. - MJVD

ANOUSHKA SHANKAR and KARSH KALE

Breathing Underwater

September 10, 2007

Shankar and Kale, both Indians raised in the US, have created atasteful fusion among traditional and modern, Indian andWestern cultures. Kale is the founding member of Tabla BeatScience. Anoushka Shankar, successful solo artist, is also Ravi’sdaughter and Norah Jones sister. Guest singers not only includefamily members Ravi and Norah, but also Sting, and SalimMerchant, Bollywood soundtrack composer. –Pete

TARAF DE HAIDOUKS

Maskarada

September 10, 2007

In the early 20th century, many composers drew theirinspiration from folk music, often borrowing from Gypsy musicto create theur vision o f an exotic, exuberant Orient. Thingshave now been turned around, as the Taraf have taken hold ofworks by Khachaturian, Bartok, de Falla, Albeniz, Ketelbey andmore, and have re-gypsified them.

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CECILE CORBEL

Songbook 1

September 10, 2007

This is a good crossover album for fans of Celtic music, andthose who like Tori, Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennit, Enya,Sinead, and Kate Bush. Corbel was born in Britany, France, andspent her early years all over Europe with her parents, a coupleof traveling puppeteers. She picked up the guitar as a teen,then discovered the Celtic harp. It all makes sense, trust me.The most colorful description I read is “a redhead fairy, just outof a Broceliande tale.” -Pete

KONONO NO. 1

Live at Couleur Café

September 10, 2007

Konono No1’s Congotronics album introduced the world toelectro-traditional mixtures which are being concocted in thesuburbs of Kinshasa, Congo. This set focuses on a liveperformance recorded at the Couleur Café in Belgium recordedby Vincent Kenis by the original group of Bazombo musicians,dancers, and singers from the Democratic Repu blic of Congo

TOOTS & THE MAYTALS

Light Your Light

August 27, 2007

Toots Hibbert is back! Derek Trucks on track 1, Bonnie Raitt on2. Track 8 is a ray charles Cover, 3 is an Otis Redding cover; therest are originals although some remakes from the 60’s versionof the band. Grammy-winning Hibbert is also a member of theRock n Roll hall of fame.

SUPHALA

Blueprint

August 21, 2007

At once electric and accoustic, this release from tabla playerSuphala (the first female recording artist in Afganistan since thefall of the Taliban) is an intricate and beautiful kaleidoscope ofsound. Collaborating with a roster of talented musicians (such asVernon Reid and Edie Brickell), Suphala not only wrote virtuallyall of the material, she also arranged, produced, andengineered it. A talented gal indeed! I think most (if not all) ofthe programmers here at WYCE will find a cut or three theyenjoy enough to fit into their shows. Enjoy! –Carol

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SUPHALA

Blueprint

August 17, 2007

At once electric and accoustic, this release from tabla playerSuphala (the first female recording artist in Afganistan since thefall of the Taliban) is an intricate and beautiful kaleidoscope ofsound. Collaborating with a roster of talented musicians (such asVernon Reid and Edie Brickell), Suphala not only wrote virtuallyall of the material, she also arranged, produced, andengineered it. A talented gal indeed! I think most (if not all) ofthe programmers here at WYCE will find a cut or three theyenjoy enough to fit into their shows. Enjoy! -Carol- PS All clean

Quick Links:

Suphala's Official Page

TINKERS TEA

The Mummer's Jig

August 13, 2007

Some smokin’ good dance tunes on this one. Ah yes, I canalmost hear the pitter patter of pretty little Celtic dancing feetas they go prancing into the sunset together. Seriously, whatslaid down here is some rock solid tracks by Terry Lancasterplaying guitar, fiddle, plectrum banjo, mandolin, tin whistle andbodhran with a roaring train of an instrumentalist JessieMacintosh playing guitar, mandolin, highland and small pipes,mountain dulcimer, all sorts of harmonicas and a mandola. Youmay be asking: What the hell is a tinker? Well, simply put, thetinker's are the gypsies of Ireland and the British Isles. Theyhaven't been as popular in the New World but they still do existhere and there (try Canada). Anyway, a lot can be said aboutthe Tinker's and their lifestyle/ethics but why go into it. Let'sjust say that they are a small marginalized population that arenever really on anyone's guest list and are generally considereda troubled group of individuals that don't fit into a progressivesocial system. (Excerpt from websitewww.tinkerstea.blogspot.com) Teresa Jeanne

Quick Links:

Tinker's Tea Website

B-SIDE PLAYERS

Fire in the Youth

August 13, 2007

The sophomore release by septet B-Side Players blends Latin,funk, soul and reggae, with emphasis on the Latin. Taquerito,the album's ninth track is uptempo and samba-esque, whileNuestras Demandas is a smooth, reggae number with lyrics toinspire a more global perspective. Warrior Culture offers a laidback groove, while openly addressing the issue human rights.The album brings thought provoking lyrics and horn blaststogether while maintaining a consistency that is anything but

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schizophrenic. Fire in the Youth is a complex blend of words andsounds, yet an amazingly easy listen. – Sarah Minnick

COREY HARRIS

Zion Crossroads

August 9, 2007

Corey Harris has seldom let himself be conscripted to straightblues even while recording for such notable blues labels asAlligator. Instead, he’s freely incorporated elements of funk, R& B, reggae and hip-hop into his work. This disc, his first on theTelarc label, finds him leaving the blues completely on the shelfin favor of a percolating mix of reggae and ska. True to hisroots as a teacher, Harris weaves tales about role of the 10Commandments in Ethiopian culture, "Ark of the Covenant", thesteep price paid by those who supply us with bargains on theclothing we wear, "Sweatshop", the joy and promise of a newday, "In the Morning", the wasted death of Guyanese historian"Walter Rodney" and the need for people of color to unite toimprove their positions rather than simply lamenting how theygot there, "Heathen Rage". While the subject matter is oftenserious, Harris avoids taking on the air of mirthless lecturer.Buoyed by the sinuous, horn-powered, reggae grooves thetracks will hook you and keep you on board for the tales that heweaves. This disc will fit nicely alongside the works of suchsocially conscious reggae bands as Steel Pulse but with the moreaccessible feel of Third World or any of the Marley clan. Smitty

Quick Links:

TelarcMyspace Page

SENTI TOY

How Many Stories Do You Read On My Face?

August 6, 2007

Excellent mixture of many genres from a woman (full name isSentienla Toy Threadgill) born in Nagaland, a tribal state innortheastern India. Senti sings about her homeland in a numberof songs on this disc, which is described as an "unclassifiableblend of jazz, traditional folk and blues-tinged pop" (i.e., a"WYCE natural"). Half of the numbers relate to Nagaland (#2,#3, #4, #9 and #10), the best of which is "More Than the Fingers"(#3), a song about "learned" anthropologists speak in ademeaning manner about the intelligence of her people. Othergems on this disc (and there isn't a clinker anywhere) are thetitle track and "You Got Breath" (#7). Senti is currently workingon a doctoral degree in ethnomusicology at New York University.I think she'll pass. -MJVD

SOMI

Red Soil In My Eyes

August 6, 2007

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She was born in Illinois and did most of her growing up inAmerica, but the singer who calls herself Somi -- that's short forL. Kabasomi Kakoma -- is the daughter of Rwandan and Ugandanparents, also spent time living in Africa and, due in no smallpart to the extremes of that experience, has created a seamlessmerger of cultures, sounds and emotions with this richlytextured recording. Red Soil in My Eyes is all elegance and awe,and attempting to reduce Somi's pan-globalism and command ofher artistic environment to a single genre or purpose would be afruitless endeavor. She skates easily between worlds, touchingon both smooth and raucous neo-soul, nuanced jazz expressionand more than a dollop of East African tradition until somethingelse all together emerges. - AMG

BOB MARLEY

Roots, Rock, Remixed

July 30, 2007

Reggae legend Bob Marley is being reintroduced to soundsystems worldwide. Roots, Rock, Remixed balances the fine lineof being respectful to the originals. Blessed by the Marleyestate.

MARIPOSA

Eros

July 23, 2007

Mariposa, aka Stephanie Naifeh, is a classically trained operasinger who once ran away to join the circus ... and she took herband, the Underthings, with her. She's now a trapeze artist/soloartist, and her impressive vocal range caught the attention ofDanny Elfman, who included her in the music scores for "Menand Black," "Spiderman" and "Sleepy Hollow." In addition toarias, Naifeh also has a distinct flair for world beat and cabaret.The album's first track, "Such A Love," sounds like an unreleasedtrack from "Moulin Rouge." Track 2 is her rendition of "Rock MeAmadeus," complete with hip, European chic sounds you mighthear while shopping at Zara or dancing at the local discotheque.Then there are songs like track 5, "Ramo Ramo," that embraceLatin dance music. For the album’s final track she chose NeilYoung's "Love is a Rose," which doesn't really seem to fit withthe rest of the album, though I doubt a woman with glitter inher hair spends much time worrying about fitting in with thecrowd. – Sara Cosgrove

CULVER CITY DUB COLLECTIVE

Dos

July 23, 2007

Dos, the debut full-length album from the Culver City DubCollective, unites an all-star cast in a captivating blend ofJamaican roots reggae, Afro-Cuban rhythms and West Coast

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bossa beats. It's an intoxicating breeze that rattles the brain inall the right places, a simmering soundtrack to a thousand roadtrips and hazy summer afternoons. Released by Los Angeles-based Everloving Records (Cornelius, Metric, Inara George), Dosrepresents a truly "collective" approach to music making. Thealbum features stunning appearances from such luminaries asBen Harper, Jack Johnson, Money Mark, Studio One vocalistWinston Jarret, and Bedouin Soundclash singer Jay Malinowski.Despite the group's amorphous nature, the Culver City DubCollective (CCDC) is ultimately assembled, produced andcreatively grounded by two individuals: drummer/songwriterAdam Topol and guitarist/engineer Franchot Tone.

KARLEX

Ghetto Fabulous

July 17, 2007

An easy listening world album that combines elements of R&B,reggae, blues, rock, and funk, Karlex grooves a great sound. Hehas fun with this record and it shows. Check out tracks 1 “I’veGot News For You…”, track 4 “Ghetto Fabulous”, track 5“Farewell Angel”, track 10 “Kreol Woman”, and track 12 “Let’sHarmonize (A Bom Bom)”. by Lane Zoerhof

GOGOL BORDELLO

SUPER TARANTA

July 17, 2007

If you take the punk sounds of the Pogues & mixed them withthe Russian sounds of the Red Elvises you have a gooddescription of Gogol Bordello. Gogol Bordello mixes Gypsy &Eastern European sounds with punk, alternative rock & evenmay I say metal to create their unique sound. Lead vocalistEugene Hultz a Ukrainian doesn’t sing the 14 tracks he shoutsthem with a fury. You mix his vocals with a Russian Fiddler,Jewish Guitarist & Slavic accordionist and you know this is notyour traditional rock album. It is also not for the faint of heart.The biggest downfall on this CD is the inability to make outmany of the lyrics as shouted by Eugene Hultz; I would haveloved to have him slow it down at times so I could understandall his lyrics. Reviewed By: Gregg Saur Language Concerns: # 6Goddamn #11, 12 &13 F-bomb.

DOBET GNAHORE

Na Afriki

July 17, 2007

One of contemporary African music's most exciting new talents,thrilling stage presence, powerful vox...touted as the next, upand coming Angelique Kidjo!

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SINEAD O’CONNOR

Theology

July 3, 2007

Sinead O’Connor’s, Theology offers both acoustic versions, Disc1 (Dublin Sessions), and versions with pop arrangements, Disc 2(London Sessions). “Something Beautiful” on Disc 2 is a mustlisten. “Whomsoever Dwells” on Disc 2 is good although it doeshave an excessive 90 second intro. The acoustic versions giveyou a more intimate connection with O’Connor, and “Dark I AmYet Lovely” and “Whomsoever Dwells” sound better acousticallybecause of this. You don’t lose a lot, if anything, with O’Connorby going from electronic to acoustic, and you can’t say thatabout a lot of artists. A great album no matter what version yougo with. – Jerrod Willea (Intern)

R CARLOS NAKAI with UDI BAR-DAVID

Voyagers

May 28, 2007

Multi-grammy nominee Nakai melds the haunting sounds of theNative American flute with the soulful expressiveness of thecello of Udi-Bar-David. Native American, Jewish, Arabic, andTurkish melodies are presented in diverse arrangements unifiedby two eclectic and iconoclastic artists who personify theirrespective peoples. Multi-Grammy nominee Will Clipman addssubtle percussion.

Stephen Marley

Mind Control

May 24, 2007

From the sinewy first blast of the title track to the fade outsome 11 tracks later, one thought is inescapable: why in theworld did Stephen Marley wait so long to cut this fabulous disc?While comparisons to his famous dad are inevitable because ofthe uncanny vocal resemblance Stephen has also inherited hisfather’s social conscience which he uses to deal with thecorrupting power of government on the title track and withantiquated laws that put too many young people in jail on "IronBars". He also advocates sending politicians for a hike on "ChaseDem". Elsewhere as on "Fed Up" and "Lonely Avenue" he dealswith the heartbreak of broken relationships. As is par for thecourse with the close knit Marley clan, he pulls in his sisterCedelia Marley and brother Julian Marley on background vocalson a number of tracks. He also features younger brother Damian“Jr. Gong” Marley on lead vocals on a couple of tracks includingthe toast heavy "Traffic Jam" which hits the spot in Jamaicandance halls but will be a bit of a stretch for those whose Reggaetastes don’t stretch much beyond his father’s Legend collection.Also featured are various guest artists including Ben Harper on"Inna Di Red". Overall, a terrific addition to the Marley legacy.Smitty

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BALKAN BEATBOX

NuMed

May 14, 2007

Balkan Beat Box is the world’s music. They are Confusing andirreverent; taking influence from Gypsy, Jewish, and MiddleEastern traditions, dancehall, ragga, dub, as well as Americanfunk and hip-hop. This results in an explosion of creativelycontrived hooks and beats. I have to see this band.Unfortunately look out for track 2, ‘Hermetico’ which is notentirely FCC friendly. Terrific, and radio friendly tracks, includethe gypsy style instrumentals ‘BBBeat,’ and ‘Balcasio.’‘Pachima’ and ‘Joro Boro’ are amazing collages of genre.Another, more dub oriented, standout is number eight, ‘Quandest-ce qu’on arrive?’ MC Tomer Yosef has made his way into theBBB coalition and is highlighted on ‘Digital Monkey’ and ‘MexicoCity.’ George Clinton, meet your Jewish cousins. – Derrick Mund

CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG

5:55

May 14, 2007

Appealing to both French and American audiences is no easytask. But Charlotte Gainsbourg, Serge Gainsbourg's daughter,just might pull it off with her second album, 5:55 — the firstalbum was Charlotte Forever, which was released when she was13. Now Gainsbourg is 35, and she’s achieved the majority ofher success as an actress … both in French films like HappilyEver After, and English language films like 21 Grams. She morerecently starred in director Michael Gondry's The Science ofSleep. She’s re-entered the music scene, and her sexy voice andobsessive lyrics, particularly on track 6, "Beauty Mark," andtrack 10, "Everything I Cannot See," would surely make Sergeproud. -Sara Cosgrove

EMILIE SIMON

The Flower Book

May 14, 2007

From pop to electronica and English to French lyrics, Simon hasexperienced wide success in Europe and with this release setsher sights on the United States. Her background is avant,classical, jazz, string arrangements and soundtrack composition.The Flower Book is basically a compilation of the best of herfirst three European releases. As can be assumed, the album isnot the most cohesive but has a variety of tempos and stylesgood for mixing it up track-by-track on the radio. The Stoogescover (2) reminds me of the Breeders or maybe Magnapop.Other sounds smell like Bjork, Kate Bush, and Joanna Newsom. –Pete

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CORNELIUS

Sensuous

May 14, 2007

Tough to spell but easy to hear (a.k.a. Keigo Oyamada), thisguy is a genius--or maybe he just goes to the right nightclubsand has a good taste in gadgets. No, this release showsdiscipline, with each track building upon itself to smartlyentertain. The loops contain significant presence of acoustic andelectric guitars as well as the human voice. His third release. –Pete

JOE REILLY

Planting Gardens

May 7, 2007

Local Joe Reilly, pronounced "Ry-Lee," a Kalamazoo native, nowlives and works in Ann Arbor. The musical styles on his CDinclude folk, blues, hip-hop, gospel, world, and NativeAmerican. Many of his songs speak of his home state of Michiganor of Chicago, where he has also lived. His music is alsoinfluenced by his spiritual and activist callings. Joe has a degreein Environmental Justice from U of M. He has sung with a NativeAmerican drum group in Ann Arbor. He has studied andpracticed Buddhism and is a follower of Thich Nhat Hanh, aVietnamese Buddhist Monk, teacher and peace activist, whoappears on Joe's CD three times with spoken word segments.Seth Bernard appears on and co-produced this CD. Joe's band onthis CD is "The Faith Project." He is also part of a group calledthe "Long Hairz Collective." Many gems on this CD with a varietyof styles to please most everyone. My personnel favoritesinclude: "The River", "State of the Possible" and "Infinite Hearts."Several pieces would be appropriate for "In The Spirit." "Tee"VanHammen

JEF STOTT

SoukSonik

May 7, 2007

Part of the Six Degrees Emerging Artists in which the label isreleasing new artists to the public over the internet (digital-only). Stott is a member of LUMIN and also STELLAMARA, and isnow producing. He has worked with artists from Morocco,Algeria, Egypy, Iran and Turkey, and is accomplished in severaltraditional percussion instruments of the Middle East. “Souk”refers to a marketplace in Arabic. -P

ZAMAN 8 AND HAFEZ MODIR

Suryghati ep

May 7, 2007

Part of the Six Degrees Emerging Artists in which the label is

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releasing new artists to the public over the internet (digital-only). A San Francisco-based world-electronic duo incollaboration with Iranian-American sax master Madir. Draws onPersian and Indian classical traditions, jazz improvisation,African rhythms and modern dance grooves. – P

TAFFETAS

Fanta

May 7, 2007

Kora and guitar playing vs lyrical exploration. Vocalist FrancescaCassio’s wordless improvisations mixed with Africaninstrumentation. – P

INDIALUCIA

INDIALUCIA

May 7, 2007

A unique blend of Flamenco with classical Indian folk music,flamenco chords with sitar and Indian vocals. –P

BEBEL GILBERTO

Momento

May 7, 2007

Bebel’s third release of graceful downtempo electronica andsoothing vocals, while writing or cowriting most of the songs.Cacada, Tranquilo and Night & Day are covers. Recorded inLondon, Rio, and New York. “Momento” was a spontaneouscreation by Gilberto and her longtime guitarist Masa Shimizu. –P

VARIOUS

PUTUMAYO WORLD PARTY

April 30, 2007

Fun infectious & uplifting songs from all over the globe.Combining Zouk, Salsa, Reggae & more this disc is truly amusical celebration. This is a feel good disc that will put a smileon your listeners face & make you the ultimate king of theparty. To make things even better, proceeds from this disc willbe donated to Action Against Hunger, an international relief &development organization committed to saving the lives ofmalnourished children and families all over the world. So Partyhard & know you are also being a loving humanitarian at thesame time. - Gregg Saur

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THE MOTHERS

Township Sessions

April 30, 2007

The Philani Nutrition Project is a community-based nonprofithealthcare and nutrition program for kids based in township andsquatter communities in a poor region of Cape Town, S. Africa.The Philani Mothers formed a choir and put out a benefit CD 12years later in 1998, a collection of acapella songs. The mastertapes have formed the backbone for this album, a VariousArtists project formed to create awareness and funds for thePhilani, while extolling the values of care, welfare, andoptimism. –P

IBRAHIM FERRER

Mi Sueno

April 30, 2007

The most famous of the Buena Vista Social Club revival, Ferrerputs out his final album. He passed away at the age of 78, threeweeks before the final recording was due. On his death bed, hedictated a letter asking that this, his “dream recording,” becompleted. Fortunately the high-quality demo tapes wereproduced. -P

Various

20 WAYS TO FLOAT THROUGH WALLS

April 23, 2007

This is world beat at its best! This disc takes you way out fromthe United States. If your looking to go somewhere else forcheap this one will do it for you. It truly feels like a train ridearound the world, like passing through a foreign countryside onyour way to no where. At times it has a techno sound, but attimes it's more jazzy, or bluesy so you get your fix no matterwhat genre you prefer. Enjoy! – MK

CHAMBAO

Pokito a Poko

April 16, 2007

¡§cham-BAHoh -- poke-EAT-oh ah POKE-oh¡¨ or¡K ¡§Little ByLittle¡¨ Malaga, Spain-based group that became synonymouswith trailblazing the ¡§flamenco chill¡¨ sound. Fronted byfemale vocalist La Mari. The last release went platinum in Spainin 2002. Track 9 is a duet with famed Miguel Campello, the fierylead vocalist of Flamenco fusion band ¡§El Bicho¡¨ (don¡ t saythat on-air ƒº). Aside from her successful career in music, LaMari is a breast cancer survivor who recently co-wrote a bookwith her sister Aurora, entitled Enamora De La Vida, Aunque AVeces Duela, translated: In Love With Life, Although at Times itmay Hurt. -Drover

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ANGELIQUE KIDJO

Djin Djin

April 11, 2007

The four-time Grammy nominated singer from Benin, Africa hascollaborated with a few well know pop stars in Djin Djin.Despite a few duets with Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, JoshGroban, Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel, and Ziggy Marley this albumprevails with true worldly vibe. How could someone fluent infour languages not come across worldly? I think the release ofDjin Djin is the determining album that says Kidjo has "made it,"where ever "it" may be. -MK

The Prodigals

Go On

April 4, 2007

The Prodigal boys have returned and with them they havebrought their high power interpretation of the traditional Irishmusic. Featuring Lamments, Jigs, Reels and Ballads. GregoryGrene leads The Prodigals on vocals and accordion (known asthe button box in the auld country) along with Andrew Harkin,bass, Ray Kelly, vocals and guitar and Brian Tracy, drums,percussion and backing vocals. The opening song for the 12 songCD is a reworking of the cowboy song of the 50's Ghost Riders InThe Sky, too Spancil Hill, a story of the Irish lad so far fromhome that he can only return through his dreams. With 2instrumentals, The Open Reel and Boru's March, Go On, has thecontemporary sound behind the rhythmic boran beat. Are theyrock, maybe so but not in the sense of U2, Cranberries and thesuch. The Prodigals pays homage to their native culture as onlytheir name can imply. Slip

Quick Links:

The Prodigals official web site

NIBS VANDERSPUY

Beautiful Feet

April 2, 2007

Global nomad, Nibs is a prolific and imaginative creative voice.Now based in London, Nibs is South African born. He does acover of Nick Drake (13). This is his international debut and 3rdsolo album. From British folk baroque to a dash of India andReggae.

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VARIOUS

Backspin – Six Degrees 10 Anniv. Project

April 2, 2007

All crazy-ass covers from crazy-ass bands. Six Degrees motto is“Everything is closer than you think.”

ZEB

Stop the Earth…

April 2, 2007

Eastern dub, bossa, funk, afrobeat and more. Zeb was born ofItalian and Gypsy parents.

The Prodigals

Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen

March 23, 2007

With St. Patrick’s day come and gone when I reviewed thisalbum, I was please to hear the familiar sounds one would wantto hear during this specific weekend each year. However, thisalbum offers only reason for a listen once a year. The Prodigalsplay good Irish/Celtic folk/rock music, but there’s not muchfeeling to the songs as the performers seem to drag through themusic. However, I would advise to check out tracks 3 “TheMorning After”, track 6 “Jackie Hall”, and track 11 “One TrueCause”. Lane Zoerhof

The Prodigals

Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen

March 23, 2007

With St. Patrick’s day come and gone when I reviewed thisalbum, I was please to hear the familiar sounds one would wantto hear during this specific weekend each year. However, thisalbum offers only reason for a listen once a year. The Prodigalsplay good Irish/Celtic folk/rock music, but there’s not muchfeeling to the songs as the performers seem to drag through themusic. However, I would advise to check out tracks 3 “TheMorning After”, track 6 “Jackie Hall”, and track 11 “One TrueCause”. Lane Zoerhof

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Tony Tuff

Say Something

March 23, 2007

Tony tuff is a reggae and dancehall veteran, born in Kingston,Jamaica composing roots reggae with groups such as the AfricanBrothers alongside with reggae legend Sugar Minot. This albumhas a great bouncy dub and calypso rhythms, filled with soulfullyrics about life and population. - Mitch FCC: Track #1 Track #7Tracks of Interest: Track #3, #4, #8, #12

GIPSY KINGS

Pasajero

March 19, 2007

This is an incredibly fresh album for the 20-year-old band theGipsy Kings. Since the release of the hit “Bandoleo” in 1987, theguys have sold about 14 million albums worldwide. For thisrecording, they brought in a new sax, trumpet, trombone,accordion, dudoc, bass, and extra percussion, in addition toeight core members. -Pete

TINARIWEN

Aman Iman

March 13, 2007

This is one of the only produced music groups from the TouregDesert, a region of nomads in Mali. Why and how did these guysget together and think of making a band? Who knows. Veryinteresting and unique. Robert Plant and Thom Yorke haveshown their approval of these fellas work. Described asHypnotic Desert Blues. –Pete

Turbulence

Do Good

March 12, 2007

Turbulence (born Sheldon Campbell) is an up and coming artistfrom Jamaica. Featuring sounds ranging from seventies styleRoots Reggae to Dub to Dancehall, 2Step, and Trip-Hop, DoGood is full of energy and colorful vibrancy. While his influencedby artists of the past, Do Good is a Reggae album for the 21stcentury and, in places, is equipped with swirling sound effects,crisp, clear vocals, and modern electronic instruments. Drugreferences on 6 & 14 Seth Allgaier

ANDY PALACIO AND THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE

Watina

March 5, 2007

These soul stirring and vibrant grooves from the Garifuna

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community of Central America unite the music legacies of Africaand the Caribbean to create a powerful saga of exhile, longing,hope and celebration. Watina is infused with contemporaryinfluences, yet firmly rooted in the rich musical heritage of thisculture. – P.R.

YOUNG DUBLINERS

With All Due Respect: The Irish Sessions

February 19, 2007

This is exactly what you’d expect of a Young Dubliners CD madeup entirely of traditional Irish songs: upbeat, feisty and rockin’.These covers kind of strike the middle ground on the continuumbetween way-traditional and ultra-rockish. This version of“Rocky Road to Dublin” is a good example — it’s peppier thanthe Chieftains/Stones version, but not as hard-edged asDropkick Murphys’ take on the classic. ::arthur longrapids::

OJOS DE BRUJO

Techarí

February 19, 2007

In America, we have the Blue Note, Verve and Savoy remixprojects. In Italy, it’s Fiamma Fumana. In Japan, it’s the YoshidaBrothers. Everywhere these days we’re seeing more blends oftraditional national/cultural music with modern dance/hip-hop/R&B sensibilities. Such is the case with Ojos de Brujo(trans: Wizard Eyes). These young Spaniards combine traditionalflamenco and gypsy roots with modern sounds to create a fun,upbeat, danceable mix. Techarí (“free” in the Gypsy languageCaló) is their third release, and their first major attempt toenter the North American music world. So, what is Techarí?According to the band, it’s “nomadic, mixed-blooded musicracing through the streets of the worlds’ cities like a pack ofmad idiots, communicating, creating and celebrating”. Itcombines the aforementioned flamenco and hip-hop, but alsoincludes Indian folk musicians, Asian underground sounds,Senegalese rap and beatbox. Ojos de Brujo sing fun-soundingsongs, but they’re not fluff by any means. This is a group ofpeople seriously dedicated to fighting off global homogenizationand to preserving the identity of Spain’s many culturalminorities. Too bad that’s lost on non-Spanish speakers! ::arthurlongrapids::

VUSI MAHLASELA

Guiding Star

February 19, 2007

Vusi grew up in South Africa in Mamelodi, a cradle of creativity.He is self-taught on a handmade guitar and an instrument madeof tin cans and fishing line. His songs address issues of politicalsignificance especially peace, and was asked to play at theinauguration of Nelson Mandella. His first album was recorded in

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1991 and is recognized as a South African classic. Guiding Star isa definitive collection that spans his recordings over the lasteleven years. -P

Fat Freddy's Drop

Based On A True story

February 14, 2007

Fat Freddy's Drop is just that. Fat in it's bottom sound, (maybethat comes from the fact that all 7 band mates hail from downunder,New Zeeland) and Phat as in the street lingo of America(the best). It's varied styles take's your ear from techno soulfunk to a bit of reggae as each track lays out the premise ofwhat is behind "Based On A True Story", Fat Freddy's Drop, firstindependent CD release. Is it true or not? I'm not sure but thejourney was worth the listen. Slip

Quick Links:

Fat Freddy's Drop Official Web Site

VIEUX FARKA TOURE

Vieux Farka Toure

February 5, 2007

pronounced like view From Mali-Vieux Farka Toure is the son ofthe late Ali Farka Toure, Ali kept Vieux from going into themusic business, insisting that he join the military, So he secretlypracticed until he was old enough to enroll in the National ArtsInstitute.Now he emerges on the music scene as a guitarvirtuoso, continuing in the “African Blues” tradition after hisfather. Toumani Diabate plays kora on this and Issa Bambaaappears on vocals. – Teresa

Pistolera

Siempre Hay Salida (There's Always A Way Out)

February 1, 2007

The Pistolera (female gunslinger) comes out firing from allbarrels on their 10 song debute CD "Siempre Hay Salida". Leadby San Diego born composer, lead singer and guitarist SandraLilia Velasquez. She weaves it's indie-pop sound through thetraditional latin music styles with the aid of Maria Elena blastingout the melodies on the accordian to the powerful back beat ofcousin, Ani Cordero on drums, percussion and background vocalsand Inca B. Satz on bass. Slip

Quick Links:

Pistolera Web Site

OZOMATLI

Don’t Mess with the Dragon

January 30, 2007

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These guys couldn’t have come out with a better followuprelease to their 2004 studio release Street Signs. Don’t Mess… isa mature, easy-to-hear release that will get anyone dancing onthe first listen. Upon further examination however,complications unfold evidencing the groups creativity. Somehip-hop and turntablism show the niche they are dropping into---they’ve been touring with some premier jazz/hip hop/jamband/world groups and the end result in the diversity of thisrelease draws all of these genres together—a good mix but stillstrongly Latin. See also CUT CHEMIST in the WYCE library, anintegral founding member of this group, twelve years ago. -Pete

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

African Spirit

January 30, 2007

Yet another release from SGC, with covers of Bob Dylan, Marley,Jimmy Cliff, and a version of “One” with Bono. You almost kindof expect Sting to be on here somewhere. Fans of Oprah, Leno,and Harpers bazaar are not among the mix who are familiarwith this group. -Pete

NATURAL BLACK

Far From Reality

January 23, 2007

A reggae album that continues the message of hope and fightingthe powers of discrimination, Natural Black has a stereotypicalreggae album. However, his positive outlook on the world is arefreshing breath of fresh air. He kicks off his album with thefirst track “Think Big” which is a really good, positive song.Though it sounds like a fun album, it should be taken seriously,as Natural Black’s message is just as important as anything BobMarley, Michael Franti, or Matishyahu has done. Check out othertracks such as track 2 “Never Hurt You”, track 8 “Can’t MixIntelligence”, and my favorite track, number 14 “BeautifulPlace”. This is by far one of the most beautiful and positivesongs ever created. - Lane Zoerhof

JOHANNES WELCH, DAVID HESS AND PAUL HINGER

Stunderthorm

January 23, 2007

Like listening to a bunch of critters in the middle of the swamp.Lotsa noise. Turan throat, didj, every percussive trick—loops –Teresa Jeane

TARTIT

Abacabok

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January 23, 2007

A tuareg band consisting of five women and four men residing inthe Timbuktu region. The women sit and play the rhythm whilethe men, veiled, sing and play instruments. Tuareg society isone of the few in Africa that allow women to choose theirhusbands. Produced by the Congotronics guy in his mobile studioin the middle of the desert.

SERGIO MENDES

Timeless

January 12, 2007

Sergio Mendes does Santana doing Supernatural, sort of. Incollaboration with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Sergioorchestrates a very interesting transgenre -- Latin hip hop jazzchorale -- CD. Mendes' jazzy piano arrangements and the BlackEyed Peas hip hop provide the thread that holds this albumtogether with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, JillScott, Q-Tip, Marcelo D2, and more adding their signature licks.Very easy music that gets the fingers and toes tapping.Highlights: 2- That Heat: beautiful mix of Black Eyed Peas hip,the sweet voice of Erykah Badu, and more; 3-Berimbau/Consolacao: Stevie's harmonica in tight with theMendes chorale makes this one; 5- Let Me: more jazz, less hopwith some nice overlapping vocals, sax and Sergio's piano…verynice; 10-Timeless with India.Arie vocal; Timberlake'smultifaceted 11-Loose Ends; 12- Fo'-Hop cuz it is intricate andmore up tempo than most of the others; 13- Lamento (NoMorro): a nice jazzy piece with the signature Mendes chorale;15- Yes, Yes Y'All: best all-around piece on the collection…catchy bosa hip hop nova…or was that samba? Michael Burgwin

KATCHAFIRE

Slow-Burning

January 12, 2007

Katchafire kicks off this album with a slow burning reggae tunethat harkens the fuller ensembles of Mr. Bob Marley and theWailers in their late 70's hey days. Solid rhythm and hornsections allow for some soulful simmerin'. Katchafire has a lot oflove to give. Many of these odes are a hybrid of old schoolreggae, dub, and old school R&B. Some bonus tracks includedwith remixes from Mad Professor and Basscamp. This is a strongeffort and definetely exhibits some quality new reggae, soakedin the 70's. Stand Out Tracks: I and I, Roots Music NO FCC Issues- Oliver

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HAZMAT MODINE

Klezmer Blues

January 8, 2007

New York’s Hebrew blues band. Definitely a wild ride without aboring moment. If you feel like nappin’ don’t put this one on.Some fine harmonica and slide guitar throughout and justenough tuba and hollerin’to make it funky..Reminds me a bit ofTubablooze , an old album we have around here somewhere. It’snice to hear a different take on blues and swing. TD

KRISTO NUMPUBY

Assiko City

January 8, 2007

Kristo Numpuby’s Assiko City is a true depiction of Assiko music.Being brought up in Cameroon, Numpuby was drawn to thesound of the Bassa people who made music with everydayordinary items. This album definitely offers something different,with not only great guitar but other interesting sounds producedfrom knives, forks, spoons, and empty bottles! If you’re lookingfor something completely different this is it for you.-MK

ALOE BLACC

Shine Through

January 8, 2007

Right out of So Cal, Aloe Blacc doesn’t exactly fit in any onegenre. Some of these songs really mix it up. At times you’ll hearrap with a kind of techno key board, or just singing along with achoppy beat. This album opens the idea of really being who youare. Aloe Blacc does many things from rap to piano. All in allit’s a welcome change and maybe the start of something new.-MK

ASTRID WILLIAMSON

Day of the Lone Wolf

January 8, 2007

Williamson is a true and effective “emo” writer. Her songs attimes can be very powerful, reflective, empowering sounds. Attimes Williamson sounds a bit like Alanis Morissette. After beingdropped from her record label, she’s really bounced backwriting and producing her own songs, distributing, and designingher own album. Just knowing that, you have such a higherappreciation for the moving sounds you here on this one.-MK

VARIOUS

One World Many Cultures

December 11, 2006

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Great tracks, but we already have a lot of these. Still, they getlost in the shuffle. p

HABANA ABIERTA

Boomerang

December 11, 2006

Eight-man collective that debuts in the US with this release ofCuban, jazz, brazilian, funk, rock, hip-hop and pop. A funupbeat release. p

RAHIM ALHAJ

When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq

December 11, 2006

Traditional Arabic music. ALHAJ plays the “oud,” which issimilar to the lute, and is accompanied on this album by SouhailKaspar, an acclaimed Lebanese percussionist. This is the musicalform of “maqam.” Each piece incorporates improvisationfollowed by a rendition of a distinctive Iraqi tune. p

FORRO IN THE DARK

Bonfires of Sao Joao

December 11, 2006

The band leader also plays with Bebel Gilberto, David Byrne andCaetano Veloso. “Forro” is a traditional style of music from theNortheast of Brazil, and this is a modern jazzed-up take. Albumfeatures vocals from Gilberto, Byrne, and also Miko Hatori.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

November 27, 2006

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero met as teenagers in aMexico City thrash metal band and have been playing togetherever since, mostly acoustic duo guitar. Now based in Dublin, thetwo have gotten the attention of Irish pubs, radio stations andmusic labels, opening for artists as diverse as folksinger DamianRice, jazzman Courtney Pine and the Buena Vista Social Club.They're known for their lightening speed on the guitars, heardbest on "Tamacun" (#1), "Vikingman" (#3), "Ixtapa" (#5) and'P.P.A." (#9). In addition, check out their versions of "Stairway toHeaven" (#6) and Metallica's "Orion" (#7). MJVD

VARIOUS

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Rhythms Del Mundo

November 20, 2006

album consisting of a variety of hot Afro-Cuban sounds containsa number of today’s biggest artists, such as U2, Coldplay, JackJohnson, and more, as well as collaborations from members ofthe Buena Vista Social Club. This album was arranged byDemitrio Muniz, Miguel Patterson, and Kenito, putting togethera “melting pot of rare sounds, taking mainstream artists andremixing their music to the sound of Cuba. The project wassparked by the devastating Tsunami of Christmas 2005, andcontinued to evolve when more environmental disastersoccurred, which is why the album aids the Artists Project Earth,which supports awareness fro Climate Change and NaturalDisaster Relief.

THE IDAN RAICHEL PROJECT

November 13, 2006

While recent headlines are dominated by conflict and war in theMiddle East, this Israeli music collaborative has achieved successby celebrating diversity, blending traditional Ethiopian folkmusic, Arabic poetry, Yemenite chants, Biblical Psalms andCaribbean rhythms. The IDAN RACHEL PROJECT is the brainchildof an Israeli keyboardist and producer who invited over 70musicians with a wide variety of backgrounds to take part in therecordings. Raichel has been fascinated in particular by thegrowing population of Ethiopian Jews in Israel, and many songsfeature members of Israels Ethiopian community. The recordalso features traditional Yemenite vocalists, a toaster andpercussionist from Suriname and a South African singer. -P

MOSHAV

Misplaced

November 13, 2006

A Jewish folk/rock/pop act with flavors of traditional Hebrewmusic scattered throughout. Comparisons to Matisyahu areunavoidable here, but Moshav focuses more on guitar driventunes having more in common with acts like Ben Harper or JackJohnson than with reggae or hip-hop. (Though those influencespop up occasionally as well, most notably on tracks 6 and 7,respectively.) A strangely pleasant and upbeat Tom Waits cover(?!) is a nice highlight (Track 9) and the rest of the Album issatisfying at least, and quite enjoyable at best. No FCC issues,so play away! - Calin

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CONECTOR

Conector

November 6, 2006

Great worldbeat! This music makes me wish I could speakSpanish. All of the tracks were pleasant to listen to. The musichas classical feeling guitaring, sometimes tribal beats, with astrong electronic background. It’s a unique blend. There’s quitea variety in vocals too. Some possible playables are 1“Troncoroca uientomar,” 4 “Musica Somos,” and 6 “Altisimo.”Jake

ATERCIOPELADOS

Oye

October 31, 2006

Aterciopelados is one of the first Latin rock bands in Columbia,as well as is among the Latin American country’s top groups. LosAterciopelados, whose name translates as "the Velvety Ones,”were recipients of Grammy award nominations in 1997 and 98.The band has created its own sound by combining a rock-solidapproach with a variety of Latin American musical traditions,which include mariachi, bolero, and much more. -Ben Buteyn

JACKIE MITTOO

Wishbone

October 31, 2006

Jackie Mittoo was born in Jamaica in 1948 and died in 1990. Hewas a Jamaican keyboardist who learned to play piano at theage of 4 and grew up to be a triple album creator. Heimmigrated to Toronto in the end of the 60’s and it was therewere he recorded his three albums, which expressed his rootswith reggae feel. This album is a reissue of Mittoo’s 1971 “hellokiss.”

NATALIE MACMASTER

Yours Truly

October 30, 2006

Following Natalie MacMaster’s critically acclaimed 2003 releaseBlueprint which combined her brilliant fiddle playing with thebest of American roots instrumentalists and won her “BestFemale Artist of the Year” and “Best Roots/Traditional SoloRecording” at Canada’s East Coast Music Awards in 2005 comesMac Master’s 10th full-length release Yours Truly. Natalie hasrecently been named the youngest member of the Order ofCanada—Canada’s highest civil honor—for her extensivecontributions to Canadian culture and her tireless efforts tobring the music of Cape Breton to an ever-increasing number oflisteners. Born into an inspirational musical family in CapeBreton, an island off the east coast of Canada, and niece of the

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influential fiddler Buddy MacMaster, Natalie naturally picked upthe fiddle given to her by her great-uncle at the age of 9 andhasn’t looked back. The internationally renowned, passionate,Celtic phenomenon has kept her compelling tap-dancing/fiddlingkiller combination spinning by doing such gigs as performing foran audience of 80,000 as opening act for Carlos Santana, andopening for the Chieftains. Her fiddling has also been heard ontelevision commercials for Tim Horton’s Donuts and GeneralMotors Pontiac. -Jake Burritt

MARISA MONTE

Universa ao Meu Redor

October 13, 2006

“Universo Ao Meu Redor” “Infinito Particular” Monte has beenaround for years, from her discovery by David Byrne in the earlynineties to several releases and collaborations since. Now, afterfour silent years she’s back with a splash, and the simultaneousrelease of her seventh and eighth albums on Blue Note Records.Well, sometimes doing something crazy is what it takes to geton the radar—but, does the music stack up? “Infinito Particular”keeps it nice and slow, with simple Instrumentation, for a sambatype of feel. “Universo Ao Meu Redor,” as evidenced by thecover, is a bit poppier, but stays simple and well-crafted. All inall, these seem like a great effort. -Pete

Quick Links:

Marisa Monte

ARCHIVE

Into the Light

October 13, 2006

(Local) This is from Jim Spalink of PUCK FAIRE and Fred Willsonof AMADAUN. These long-time local collaborators sat downtogether put out an album that could be described as classical,Celtic, Renaissance, Swing, or Folk. Take your pick! (get it—“pick?”) – Pete

BRAZILIAN GIRLS

Talk to La Bomb

September 23, 2006

Brazilian Girls' sophomore album "Talk To La Bomb" explodeswith a booming fusion of electro, dub, pop, punk, and dancemusic to more edgy and elaborate arrangements. Front-womanSabina Sciubba manages to alternate between five differentlanguages-English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish-oftenall in one sentence. The band got together to record theirsecond album in a New York City Studio and created most thesongs out of an improvisatory, spontaneous mind set. A surpriseto most would be the fact that the title track "Talk To TheBomb" was essentially a first take, with the drummer and bassistlaying down a slippery foundation of cymbal hits, snare rolls,

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and bass fillips, while lead singer affects a stiff-upper-lipdelivery atop their animated groove. Tracks to listen to are 1"Jique," 2 "All About Us," 3 "Last Call," 8 "Talk to the Bomb," and12 "Problem." Talk To La Bomb is sure to blow you away with itsin-your-face intensity and sporatic dialect variations.

Quick Links:

Brazilian Girls-Home

SI SE

More Shine

September 11, 2006

This album can get a little on the dancey side, please try toplay the more “WYCE” tracks

Quick Links:

Si Se-myspace

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Explorations

September 11, 2006

Verve’s done it, Savoy’s done it, now Concorde. Why not??

Quick Links:

Concorde Music Group-Explorations

THE ELDERS

Racing the Tide

September 11, 2006

A continuation of their infectious sound mixing traditional CelticJigs & Reels with Rock sounds & as always a good sense ofhumor. It is impossible to listen to this band with out movingyour feet & singing a verse or two. My advice is to just grab aGuinness or some good Irish Whisky raise a toast & enjoy a bandthat continues to raise the bar when it comes to modern CelticRock. - Gregg Saur

Quick Links:

The Elders Official Website

AZAM ALI

Elysium for the Brave

September 4, 2006

This is Ali’s second full length solo release, and first releasewhere she sings predominantly in English. She brings inmusicians from across the globe to collaborate on this effortthat is balanced between the traditional soundscapes of herIran-born, India-raised roots, and that of her current residence

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in LA and the modern electronic sound of global fusion. She isfrom the bands “Vas” and “Niyaz.” -Pete

Quick Links:

Azam Ali

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT

The Village Lanterne

July 24, 2006

Think medieval times when you listen to this album thatfeatures ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and thesoothing vocals of Candice Night. The songs range fromFleetwood Mac-esque beauty to Irish folk ditties that may seembizarre, however are very interesting to listen to as the musicreally does capture the essence of emotion as sung by CandiceNight. Not only is Blackmore’s guitar work essential to thisproject, but Night’s vocals range from Madonna a la late 90’s toLorenna McKennitt making for a beautiful sound. The album is asteady mix of instrumentation and vocals with a aforementionedmedieval time sound. Track 3, “I Guess It Doesn’t MatterAnymore” is the standout track with upbeat catchy lyrics andBlackmore’s signature guitar licks and arrangements. Track 9,“Mond Tanz/Child In Time” is another classical piece thatsuggests more rock then traditional music. Also listen to track10, “Streets of London” and track 12 “Olde Mill Inn” and fromthe bonus tracks, track number 16 “Street of Dreams” whichfeatures Joe Lynn Turner accompanying Candice Night onvocals. Overall a good album that is a little out of the ordinary,but is definitely worth your time. Lane Zoerhof

Quick Links:

The Official Ritchie Blackmore and Blackmores NightWebsite

THE KLEZMATICS

Wonder Wheel

July 24, 2006

There has certainly been a revival of American Roots music &this CD represents one of the most unusual parings one couldimagine. Combining the still timely lyrics of the Great WoodyGuthrie with the most popular Klezmer Band of the 21’stCentury the Klezmatics. The CD starts with 3 Woody Classicsstarting with “Come When I Call You”. With the current politicalclimate the lyrics of this track feel like they could have beenwritten yesterday. “Mermaid Avenue” represents one of thefinest interpations I Have ever heard. The Klezmatics are joinedon several tracks with the beautiful vocals of Celtic musicianSusan McKewon check out “Gonna Get Through This World” as afine example. Some of the later tracks on this Disc with themore traditional Klezmer sounds were fun, but eventually lostmy interest. That being said this CD offers something foreverybody. - Gregg Saur

Quick Links:

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The Klezmatics-World Famous Klezmer Music

SUNI PAZ

Bandera Mia-Songs of Argentina

July 24, 2006

Suni Paz's "melodious musical mosaic" is a tribute to herhomeland and source of inspiration. Because of the emotionsPaz puts into her singing, one does not need to understand thewords to appreciate the songs. The album includes tango,chacarera, bailecito, carnavalito, gato, zamba, and vidalita."Her voice is strong and supple, her rhythmic instincts are sureand her repertoire of original songs... includes several affecting,straightforward celebrations of life and love." - The New YorkTimes

Quick Links:

Suni Paz children's music and folk musicSmithsonian Folkways-Suni Paz

RADIO MESSIAH

Radio Messiah

July 24, 2006

Winner of the Intersection's High School Battle of the Bands,Radio Messiah is an upbeat blend of rock, blues, jazz, andreggae. The band consists of four members who met in thesummer of 2005 at Jimmy Dillon's Blue Star Music Camp. Theirinfluences are Eric Clapton, Santana, Allman Brother's Band,Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Band, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, PinkFloyd, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, and Neil Young. – Ben Kleine

Quick Links:

Radio Messiah-myspace

LOS LONELY BOYS

Sacred

July 19, 2006

The three Garza brothers of Los Lonely Boys are still standingstrong with their second album. Lead singer, Henry, likens thetrio's music to a burrito or mosaic. "It's just a mixture ofeverything we've learned: conjunto music from our father,Richie Valens, Stevie Ray, Willie. All the music that we'vegathered... Fats Domino, Santana, Skynyrd." "On 'Sacred', LosLonely Boys sound so comfortable and at ease, it seems as ifevery song just rolled off their fingers and out their mouths." -Guitar World Willie Nelson guest sings on track 11. 4. "te quierobaby all night long" - Ben Kleyn

Quick Links:

Official SiteSony Music Site

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LENINE

Lenine

July 19, 2006

After three "remarkable" Brazilian albums, Lenine (pronouncedLeh-NEE-nee) makes his debut in America with his self-titledU.S. release. In the past, he's won "Best CD," "Best MaleVocalist," "Best Song," and two Latin Grammys. His music hasbeen compared to Ry Cooder, Beck, Silvio Rodrigues, StevieWonder, Massive Attack, and the Beatles. All in Spanish. – BenKleyn

GORAN IVANOVIC GROUP

Self-titled

July 5, 2006

This group from Croatia based out of Chicago plays a mix ofEastern European folk tunes and jazz influenced compositions,flamenco, classical, blues, and jazz. Ivanovic is a guitar virtuosoand talented band leader. -Pete “The group’s repertoire isloaded with dynamics, and they move from soft contemplativeinterludes to wholly original, speed-driven Balkan jazz.” –Downbeat Magazine

Quick Links:

GoranIvanovicGroup.com

ZIGGY MARLEY

Love is My Religion

June 26, 2006

"This album is from my heart," says Ziggy Marley, son of the lateBob Marley. Full of inspiration, Ziggy’s second solo album blendsthe sounds of blues, R&B, hop-hop, and reggae. Themes fromhis debut, Dragonfly, are revisited and further explored. Yet thealbum, as its name suggests, centers around universalbrotherhood, a message that “people need to hear.” 1. “light itup” 3. “love is the song we make tonight” the song is about sex4. “Before I met you, I was real low, now everyone know / nowthat I know you hey I’m real high” 6. “Pakalolo” (Hawaiian wordfor marijuana) -Ben Kleyn

THINK OF ONE

Trafico

June 23, 2006

Have you ever wanted to call everywhere home, cavort withwanderers, have techno parties til dawn, and pass out dailywith a cuica* in your lap? This may be your band. “Think ofOne” is a gang of wandering Gypsies that emerged from asquatter’s camp in Belgium many years ago and continues toroam, having lived in an RV for over 9 years. The members:Guitarist, singer and driver David Bovee helps move the RV

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every three days. Ganga “the Bulldozer” Barreto, is nicknamedfor how hard she hits the drum. Dona Cilia, now 67, the motherfigure of the band, specializes in traditional coco singing.Percussion wizard Carranca built his drum kit from old barrels.The band is rooted in the traditional music backgrounds of coco,ciranda, and forro, and incorporate modern sounds. Enjoy! -Pete*drum

BANCO DE GAIA

Farewell Ferengistan

June 23, 2006

Toby Marks aka Banco de Gaia is a brilliant ambient/dancecomposer and producer. His music has much less lyrics thanrhythm and sound, which in this case is a meditation onhumanity’s global predicament, of greed, commercialism andself-servitude destroying itself. In Central Asia “Ferengistan”refers to the home of fat greedy Westerners. Thusly the albumtitle means, basically, down with “The Man.” –Pete

Quick Links:

Official band site

THE LASH

Fire Under Grace

June 23, 2006

(Local) The Celtic folk-rock quartet The Lash is from Lansing,Mich. (seems that Moriarty's Pub in that town is their homebase), and on this third release from the band, another helpingof their blend of rock and Irish music is served up. Three areinstrumentals (#1, #6 and #9); the rest blend traditionalinfluences with commentary of life as we know it today. Theycall their brand of music "Celtic Mayhem." I wouldn't sayanything here will blow the doors off the studio, but they doemphasize a more power-driven style of Irish tunes than most inthe genre. "Ghost World" (#2) has a reggae beat and "The Voice"(#5) uses cell phone rings, but "Newry Highwayman" (#8) is thegem of this set. - MJVD

Quick Links:

The Lash on CD BabyMySpace Profile

Jehro

Jehro

June 2, 2006

This French Artist’s (nickname: J-Ro) American debut is prettygood, bringing to mind recent releases from Amadou andMiriam, Seu Jorge and Jack Johnson. Overall, pretty easy on theears. From the label: “As a child Jehro’s imagination was fueledby the dreams of his Greek-Italian-Corsican mother, and thesongs of his Georges Brassens-inspired singer of a father…” -Pete

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Natacha Atlas

Mish Maoul

May 8, 2006

Born in Belgium of Middle Eastern decent, globetrotter “Atlas”(her real name) creates a body of work that refuses to becategorized (yet still must be), mishing Western urbanelectronic beats with traditional Afro-Arabic sounds. Mish Maoulbrings Atlas “back to her roots” in collaboration with CountDubulah with whom she first worked in “TransglobalUnderground” and on her debut release back in the early ‘90s.The new album targets the sound and traditions of the musicshe grew up with in the Moroccan suburb of Brussels,particularly when the Golden Sound Studio Orchestra of Cairomakes an entrance. She’s also a good belly dancer, and was thegoodwill ambassador to the UN Conference Against Racism in2001. -Pete

Cibelle

The Shine of Dried Electric Leaves

May 8, 2006

“see-BELL-ee” Cibelle makes use of a variety of elements tocreate a unique sound. Imagine a collaboration among TomWaits, Madeline Peyroux, Bebel Gilberto and Architecture inHelsinki and you’re halfway there. The album is packed withacoustic instrumentation, shaped by electronic processing, withcreative use of miscellaneous items like kids toys pepperedthroughout. -Pete

Rin'

Inland Sea

May 8, 2006

Rin’ are Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Classof 2003 graduate trio - Mana, Tomoca, and Chie - whodramatically collaborates traditional Japanese musicalinstruments (Koto, Jushichi-gen, Biwa, Sangen, and Shakuhachi)with modern, pop-like musical elements, creating a uniquetraditional music & culture like never before. Their unit namecomes from the English word ‘Ring' , the Japanese word ‘Wa’(meaning ‘Ring’ and ‘Japanese-style‘), and their aspiration tocreate a ‘Ring’ (in other words, ‘Circle’) of music.

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Yoshida Brothers

III

May 8, 2006

Domo Records Not your father’s Tsugaru Shamisen…

Various Artists

Congotronics 2 – Buzz ‘N’ Rumble From the Urb ‘N’Jungle

May 8, 2006

All of these seven bands draw on traditional dance music towhich they have incorporated heavily distorted soundsgenerated by do-it-yourself amplification to form this “electro-traditional” sound. As musicians come from diverse regions, theyuse diverse rhythms, timbres, and instrumentation. Electrifiedthumb pianos and megaphones are joined by an array of buzzingdrums, swirling guitars, and hypnotic balafons. The subtitle ofthis album draws on the legendary Ali-Foreman boxing fightwhich took place in Kinshasa in 1974, nicknamed “Rumble in theJungle.” James Brown, BB King and Myriam Makeba performedaround the event, which had a deep impact on a generation ofCongolese musicians and fans. All Things Considered, March 27,2006 • A CD series called Congotronics showcases urbantraditional bands in Kinshasa, Congo. The first Congotronics CDwas a hit in Europe and the United States, especially popularwith DJs who work the music into their club mixes. Now,Congotronics 2 is being released.

Shrift

Lost In A Moment

April 19, 2006

Lost in a Moment is the debut album from a pair of veterans onthe electronica and club scene working together: DennisWheatley, better known as part of Atlas, and Nina Miranda, aroving British vocalist. The combination of the two for a singlesound becomes an interesting exercise in organic music. Thevocals are enveloped in electronica, but Wheatley is careful totake care with them. Miranda's voice is soft and oftenunadorned. She has a naïveté to her delivery that evokes (alongwith touches of Portuguese in her lyrics) the work of AstrudGilberto. At the same time, in combination with Wheatley'sinstrumentals, the sound comes close to the trip-hop ofPortishead at times. This is a fine example of electronica asaccompaniment, but more. Normally, the production wizardsspend so much time devising new tricks and hooks to show offthat the end result doesn't seem quite put together when avocalist is added. Here, the total is a fine piece of work, withthe components complementing one another well. -AMG

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Lila Downs

La Cantina

April 5, 2006

The rhythm loops and subtle electronic effects weave in and outof the traditional instrumentation over which Lila sings thiswonderful program of Mexican ranchera songs. Downs' dark,smoky voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs, whichjuxtapose the deep emotion of fado and mariachi music withnorteño and tejano influences. Everywhere you turn there aredeeper complexities lurking beneath the already complicatedsurfaces of the songs: the quietly wailing clarinet that followsthe distorted guitar solo on "Agua de Rosas" or the ska-funkinflections that are constantly hovering around the edges of "TuRecuerdo y Yo". -AMG

Salsa Celtica

El Agua De La Vida

April 5, 2006

Salsa Celtica is a solid, hard-swinging salsa band that justhappens to be from Scotland. Their recordings haveincorporated elements of Celtic music (both Scottish and Irish),and they have employed some instruments that are typicallyheard on traditional Celtic recordings (including bagpipes,Uillean pipes, banjos, fiddles and whistles). But the instrumentsthat really do the most to define their sound--Latin percussion,piano, horns--are standard salsa/Afro-Cuban instruments. -AMG

Stephin Merritt

Showtunes

April 5, 2006

Ever been off the edge before? This is where you end up. This isindescribable, but certainly has a feeling to it, and some pointsof interest. Its funny, tongue-in-cheek, and serious. One couldliken this to TMBG, but only if you are able to throw in a littleWoody Allen and some Lin Xu. The 26 songs that make up thiscollection are culled from three collaborative productionsbetween Merritt and Chinese theater director Chen Shi-Zheng.Try to resist the urge to play track 4.

CESARIA EVORIA

Rogamar

February 28, 2006

The legacy continues. Now in her early sixties, Evoria stillcarries the same distinctive honey-toned, soft-burred voice. Thisalbum means literally “praise the sea, pray to the sea;” theunpredictable Mar Azul that poets sing about and seamen fear.This about sums it up: “My talent is to sing.” – Cesaria Evora -P

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ANGA

Echu Mingua

February 13, 2006

Miguel “Anga” Diaz is a Cuban percussionist known for his workwith Irakere, as well as backing stuff for the Afro Cuban Allstarsand Buena Vista Social Club. This is a fusion of styles, sometimesa bit random, sometimes leaning more traditional sometimesavant-garde. His signature setup is 5 differently tuned congas,sometimes adding one or two additional drums. Lots of guestartists from the who’s who of Cuba, including his past bands.This album is intriguing—some of it is just too cool. What a nicesurprise! We need this. -P

THE COTTARS

Forerunner

February 13, 2006

Precocious Canadian Celtic quartet the Cottars formed in late2000 on the Nova Scotian island of Cape Breton. Comprised ofsiblings Ciarán and Fiona MacGillivray and Jimmy and RoseanneMacKenzie, the small collective of 15- to 17-year-old multi-instrumentalists, singers, and step dancers burst onto thetraditional music scene in 2001 with nary a glance back. Theyhave shared the stage with and played for everyone from Altanand John McDermott to Wayne Gretzky and Senator EdwardKennedy. -AMG

APOLLO NOVE

RES INEXPLICATA VOLANS

February 7, 2006

Brazilian producer Apollo Nove has played a crucial supportingrole for many of his country's talented young artists, such as thesinger Cibelle, who featured his arrangements on her entreeinto the U.S. market two years ago. On Apollo Nove's owndebut, he mixes in disco, psychedelia via an electric sitar,traditional Hawaiian refrains--and also includes a newcomposition from Rita Lee of the legendary Tropicalia group OsMutantes. The high point in this quiet collage is Seu Jorge's deepintonation of "Ensaboar Voce" over an acoustic guitar and beatsthat convey both trippy atmospherics and concerted hesitation.

- Chicago Tribune

VARTTINA

Miero

January 31, 2006

Varttina, Finland’s most successful folk group, started out in1983 when sisters Mari and Sari Kaasin and their mother Pirkkobegan to revive traditional Karelian songs and present them in

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new ways. They were soon joined by 18 other singers andmusicians. Over the years the group has experienced manytransitions and today only two members of the original group of21 musicians and singers remain.

The roots-based vocal and instrumental style on Miero (Outcast)is unusual, with alluring and haunting female harmonies.Although most of the songs have an airy, lullaby quality tothem, the English translation of the lyrics reveals the terriblecircumstances and negative emotions of ‘outcasts’ includingdespair, poverty, misery, loneliness, rejection, hopelessness,anger and a desire for revenge. For example, "Mataleena" tellsof a woman who kills her three babies by fire, water and earth."The Sin" sounds light and danceable, yet the words include "Maydeath eat them, eat them, death eat up the males." This newCD is released on Peter Gabriel’s Real World label and it’s debutcoincides with the North American premiere of Lord of the RingsMusical (in Toronto) featuring music co-composed by Varttina.

Victoria Aka Vudu

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Long Walk to Freedom

January 21, 2006

Ladysmith Black Mambazo was founded over thirty years agoand have averaged the release of an album a year. Thiscompilation of re-worked L.B.M. songs begins with the first songfounder Joseph Shabalala ever wrote for the group, which cameto him in a dream from the voice of God. The album alsofeatures contributions from several other famous artists. -Pete

PATRICE LAROSE AND JULIA SARR

Set Luna

January 21, 2006

“A solo album with two people;” Sengalese-French singer JuliaSarr with French flamenco-inspired guitarist Patrice Larose.Prior to this, each had been a backing musician.

Youssou N’Dour , who appears on track 3, called Sarr “the freshface of African Music. They begin from African roots and gofrom there. ”Africa is in motion,” Sarr explains. “Because inAfrica we now have cable TV…My generation is one that isemerging with a mix of Africa and world sounds. -P

CANTUARIA~VINICIUS

Silva

January 16, 2006

One chillin’ Brazilian. He has collaborated with Laurie Anderson,David Byrne, Brian Eno, Bill Frisell, and Arto Lindsay, but Ipromise he is not a total weirdo! Cantuaria’s main gig for 10years was backing drummer/percussionist for Caetano Veloso.

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His style has been called “post-electronica acoustic.” RyuichiSakamoto is a significant contributor on this album. -Pete

IARLA O LIONAIRD

Invisible Fields

January 9, 2006

This solo release from Afro Celt Sound System lead vocalist isfull of rich Celtic songs rooted in tradition. The album has asolemn yet poetic feel, a “love song to the Irish language.”

Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band

Rhumba Buhaina

December 3, 2005

Originally a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s band, Gonzalez hasplayed trumpet and flugelhorn with many bands as well ashaving produced over ten of his own albums since the late1970s. In this recording, his Cuban roots put a new spin on themusic of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

Curumin

Achados E Perdidos

December 3, 2005

São Paulo's Curumin (aka Luciano Nakata Albuquerque) brings usa confluence of cultures on his infectious debut album Achadose Perdidos. The album recalls 70s samba funk at its best,channeling musical greats like Jorge Ben, Milton Nascimento andTim Maia, but peppered with modern flourishes from jazz andfunk to hip hop. You'll hear egg shakers, Juno synths andscratching all in the same introduction, and later on an operaticchorus, an overwhelming orchestra, his raspy Portuguese croonconveying the urgency and passion of the music of Brazil.

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Africa Calling: Live 8 at Eden

December 3, 2005

On Saturday July 2, 2005 10 concerts took place around theworld as part of Live 8 in support fo the campaign to MakePoverty History. One of these concerts was Africa Calling,organized by Peter Gabriel and held in the Eden Project inCornwell, South West England. This disc holds 8 excerpts from alive DVD produced of this show.

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Toto Bona Lukua

Toto Bona Lukua

August 8, 2005

Two parts Africa and one part Caribbean Islands combine forthis new project that features vocalists Gerald Toto fromMartinique, Richard Bona from Cameroon, and Lokua Kanzafrom the Democratic Republic of Congo. This vocal treat is theresult of a "No Format" Paris studio session that was plannedonly to be as spontaneous as possible.

Quick Links:

Sunnyside Records

Shooglenifty

Live - Radical Mestizo

August 1, 2005

Scotland’s six-piece Celtic fusion band Shooglenifty began theirjourney in 1994. They’ve toured the world since, expandingtheir Celtic roots to include rock n’ roll, drum programming anda variety of influences from around the World. Their latest discwas recorded in Mexico City as part of the 20th Festival ofMexico and comes to us from Compass Records.

Quick Links:

ShoogleCompass Records

Shooglenifty

Live- Radical Mestizo

July 7, 2005

Scotland’s six-piece Celtic fusion band Shooglenifty began theirjourney in 1994. They’ve toured the world since, expandingtheir Celtic roots to include rock n’ roll, drum programming anda variety of influences from around the World.

Their latest disc was recorded in Mexico City as part of the 20thTeatro de La Cuidad in Mexico City as part of the FestivaleInternationale.

Quick Links:

NiftyCompass

Kiran Ahluwalia

Kiran Ahluwalia

June 28, 2005

The international debut album from this Indian-born, Canadian-raised vocalist.

The new self-titled album holds a batch of remixed highlightsfrom Kiran’s two previous independent releases - the most

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recent of which earned the 2004 Juno Award for Best WorldMusic Recording.

Ahluwalia is essentially an interpreter of “ghazals”, an ancientpoetic style of sung verse popular on the Indian sub-continent.Two new tracks featuring Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMasterhelp to broaden the global scope of the effort.

Quick Links:

Kiran's SiteFeatured

Femi Kuti

Live at the Shrine

June 28, 2005

Femi Kuti is the heir to the throne of the “Africa Shrine”, themythical temple of Afro-Beat music created by his late fatherFela Kuti. Fela merged music and activism in his 30-yearstruggle against injustice in post-Colonial Nigeria.

In October of 2000, three years after his father’s death, FemiKuti created a physical center for Afro-Beat ideology, The NewAfrica Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. Every Sunday night, people fromall over the world gather at The Shrine for music and inspirationby Femi and his band.

The cultural phenomenon of the “Sunday Jump” is now thesubject of the Documentary film - Femi Kuti: Live at the Shrine- now available in a dual CD/DVD release from Palm Pictures.

Quick Links:

FemiFelaFemi @ Palm

Matisyahu

Live at Stubb's

June 15, 2005

Cultures collide once again on the debut release from HasidicReggae newcomer Matisyahu, a live recording from Stubb’s inAustin, Texas.

Matisyahu was once known as Matthew Miller, a suburbanJewish kid with a taste for hippie culture. Following a dramaticspiritual transformation, Matthew devoted himself to his faith.He also discovered a love for reggae and hip-hop. The rest, asthe cliche goes, is history.

Quick Links:

Matisyahu

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Shukar Collective

Urban Gypsy

June 15, 2005

Shukar Collective share a fresh extension of folkloric tradition -this coming from the mountains of Romania.

Their sound is based on ursari music - the music of Romanianbear handlers. Traditionally, the men would sing and playpercussive instruments like barrels and spoons while the bearwould be made to dance.

Shukar Collective has combined three famed ursari vocalistswith six of Romania’s finest producers. Each producer brings hisown contemporary electronic flavor to the mix - minus thedancing bears.

Quick Links:

CollectiveCulture.com FeatureWorld Music Network

Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague

June 14, 2005

So, two producers, Marc Collins and Oliver Libaus, realizedthat no one had ever recorded Bossa Nova versions of the songsof Joy Division, The Dead Kennedys, Killing Joke, Sisters ofMercy, The Clash or any number of Post-Punk and New Waveartists.

See, "Nouvelle Vague" actually means "New Wave" in French and"Bossa Nova" in Portuguese. Crazy. So they managed to talk agroup of young French female singers who had never actuallyheard the original versions songs into laying down vocals forthem.

I guess we’ll try anything once.

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Home

Celso Fonseca

Rive Gauche Rio

June 6, 2005

This is just the second international release from CelsoFonseca, easily one of Brazil’s most influential musical figures.Fonseca’s name can be found all over the works of Brazil’s topBossa Nova artists.

Fonseca’s name can be found all over the works of Brazil’s topBossa Nova artists. His songs are often covered, he’s wonawards for his production skills and, in 1998, Fonseca took theSamba scene to London, producing the show Since Samba HasBeen Samba, again featuring Brazil’s best.

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Quick Links:

SELL-soMusic of Brazil ReviewBiografia

Lin Xu

Exuberance

October 16, 2003

Accordion music from China? Yep, and to make it even wilder,the 21-year-old currently lives in Grand Rapids! As a youngster,the multi-talented Lin appeared on Chinese TV shows andmovies, and also learned the accordion, but it was in the U.S.that he took up the difficult instrument in earnest. Since then,he's won numerous national competitions on the instrument.This debut CD shows a range of styles, from jazz-inflected tomusic from his homeland to classical to haunting gypsy-inspired.All this and a sense of humor: his website, features a page ofaccordion jokes. Different --- and cool.

Quick Links:

Lin's Site

Tiny Tim with Brave Combo

Girl

December 31, 1969

Documents

WYCE Music Journal reviews.pdfThere are four fine instrumentals: tracks 4,8,10 & 13, with pipes being featured on 8 & 13. Beware, the 9th song is in Gaelic. The last song, The Night