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Reviews

Review of Klezmer from the New World

Klezmer from the New World

Susi Evans & Szilvia Csaranko

Susi Evans & Szilvia Csaranko

Rating: ★★★★

This is a clarinet and accordion duo, Susi Evans being one of the best klezmer clarinettists of our day, playing...

Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: March/2021

Review of Kukaya Bili

Kukaya Bili

Kukaya

1000 Herz Records

Rating: ★★★★

An exceptional recording of traditional ‘trance’ music in the northern Malawi vimbuza style. The seven tracks are examples of healing...

Reviewed by Martin Sinnock in issue: March/2021

Review of The Gold Diggers

The Gold Diggers

Lengaïa Salsa Brava

Lulaworld Records

Rating: ★★★★

The 11-strong Lengaïa are a salsa juggernaut, a heavyweight Latin orchestra whose distinctive vocals and signature horn heft – three...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: March/2021

Review of Barretto-Power

Barretto-Power

Ray Barretto

Craft Recordings

Rating: ★★★★

The late great conguero, vocalist and bandleader Ray Barretto was the first US-born percussionist to bring the African-based conga drum...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: March/2021

Review of Still Time

Still Time

Karen Matheson

Vertical Records

Rating: ★★★★

Karen Matheson returns after five years to prove she still deserves her place among Scottish Folk Royalty – along, of...

Reviewed by Robin Denselow in issue: March/2021

Review of The Rough Guide to Cape Jazz

The Rough Guide to Cape Jazz

VARIOUS ARTISTS

World Music Network

Rating: ★★★

The term ‘Cape jazz’ was apparently first used as recently as 1993 as the title of a compilation album on...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: March/2021

Review of Saturday Morning in Boston

Saturday Morning in Boston

Derek Gripper & Mike Block

New Cape Records

Rating: ★★★

The fluidity, sonic beauty and musical interplay exhibited on this record leaves little to suggest that this album was recorded...

Reviewed by Douglas Macgregor in issue: March/2021

Review of Icelandic Folk Songs Volume 3: Persian Path

Icelandic Folk Songs Volume 3: Persian Path

Ásgeir Ásgeirsson

Stanga Music

Rating: ★★★

If Ásgeir Ásgeirsson does something, you simply have to take notice. This renowned Icelandic musician has a thirst for new...

Reviewed by Fiona Talkington in issue: March/2021

Review of Trovaores

Trovaores

Antonio Placer Sextet & Antonio Campos

Alma Musiques

Rating: ★★

Antonio Placer is a Galician singer, poet and songwriter who describes himself as ‘exiled’ in France. Trovaores, his latest release...

Reviewed by Jo Setters in issue: March/2021

Review of Another World of Okinawan Music

Another World of Okinawan Music

Aragaki Mutsumi

Ninuhai Recordings

Rating: ★★★★

On her debut, Okinawan musician Mutsumi reimagines the soundscapes of her native island as an electro-acoustic experience. Having studied with...

Reviewed by Charlie Cawood in issue: March/2021

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