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Reviews

Review of Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

Top of the World

Matsuli Music / Platoon

Rating: ★★★★★

In terms of guitar and kora duos, it’s hard to think much beyond the inspired collaboration of Toumani Diabaté and...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: July/2024

Review of Ginga

Ginga

Flavia Coelho

[PIAS]

Rating: ★★★★

The fifth album by Brazilian singer-songwriter Flavia Coelho is brimming with uplifting, catchy melodies, which have become her signature appeal....

Reviewed by Huw Hennessy in issue: July/2024

Review of The Joy

The Joy

The Joy

Top of the World

Transgressive Records

Rating: ★★★★★

Yes, it’s a lazy quip, but what a joy this is. Six years ago, when these five young men from...

Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: July/2024

Review of Live in Turku

Live in Turku

Dawda Jobarteh & Stefan Pasborg

April Records

Rating: ★★★★

Bliss it must have been to have attended the Finnish jazz festival where this live set was recorded featuring the...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: July/2024

Review of Radio Masoda

Radio Masoda

Franck Biyong

Tangential Music

Rating: ★★★★

On this, his latest of 20 albums, the Paris-based guitarist and composer adds to his native Cameroonian music generous pinches...

Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: July/2024

Review of No Reino dos Afetos 2

No Reino dos Afetos 2

Bruno Berle

Far Out Recordings

Rating: ★★★★

For his second outing Berle, now relocated to São Paulo from his home state of Alagoas, has once more co-produced...

Reviewed by Andy Cumming in issue: July/2024

Review of Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds in the Diaspora, 1980-93

Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds in the Diaspora, 1980-93

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Soundway

Rating: ★★★

This compilation, the second in a Soundways series that started with 2009’s Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-1981,...

Reviewed by Liam Izod in issue: July/2024

Review of A Strange Day in June

A Strange Day in June

The Folklorkestra

Smiling Fez

Rating: ★★★★

Led by mandolin, guitar, banjo, flute, harmonica and sitar player John Kruth, New York-based The Folklorkestra are a mostly instrumental...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: July/2024

Review of Sonido Cósmico

Sonido Cósmico

Hermanos Gutiérrez

Easy Eye Sound

Rating: ★★★

Hermanos Gutiérrez have been winning hearts around the world with their transcendent guitar sound recalling desert skies and lonely highways....

Reviewed by Dan Hobson in issue: July/2024

Review of MESTIZX

MESTIZX

Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly

Top of the World

International Anthem & Nonesuch

Rating: ★★★★

This is a concept album of sorts from the husband-and-wife team of drummer Frank Rosaly and singer Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti,...

Reviewed by Chris Wheatley in issue: July/2024

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