Reviews
Masters of Our Roots
A masterclass of 20th century Cuban-American showbiz, this has all the vintage allure of a night at Havana's Tropicana, or...
Reviewed by Philip Sweeney in issue: September/2025
Lift Up This Old World
New York-based banjoist, vocalist and composer Hilary Hawke's résumé includes writing and performing for Broadway productions, filling in with late-night...
Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: September/2025
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco
This autumn, Smithsonian Folkways will release a 4-CD box set, Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco. Comprising 67...
Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: September/2025
Tomorrow Held
Opening with minimal, subliminal guitar, very quiet and very still, an expressive fiddle soon eases in, the two shapeshifting around...
Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: September/2025
Avenida Paulista, da Consolação ao Paraíso
The Avenida Paulista is the beating heart of São Paulo. Nowhere is the wide disparities in Brazilian society more apparent...
Reviewed by Andy Cumming in issue: August/2025
Sunwise
The third solo album from Scottish composer and smallpipes player Brìghde Chaimbeul, Sunwise feels like the start of a bolder...
Reviewed by Olivia Cheves in issue: August/2025
Les Vents Brûlants
Ensemble Chakâm are a French-based, female trio of fine instrumentalists. They performed a memorable showcase at last year’s WOMEX in...
Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: August/2025
The Makam: Oud (Live Performance at Karaca Garage)
Born in Istanbul, Turkish ud virtuoso Baha Yetkin has cultivated a busy career as a performer and composer over the...
Reviewed by Charlie Cawood in issue: August/2025
Bhangra Rangeela
Red Baraat, the Brooklyn-based South Asian brass band with a list of great albums over the years, hardly need any...
Reviewed by Maria Lord in issue: June/2025
