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Review of Tumbélé! Biguine, Afro & Latin sounds from the French Caribbean 1963-74

Tumbélé! Biguine, Afro & Latin sounds from the French Caribbean 1963-74

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Soundway SNWCD/LP17

Rating: ★★★★

In non-Francophone world music camps, Martinique and Guadeloupe were somewhat overlooked in the recent rush for Latin and African music....

Reviewed by Sue Steward in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of La Bodega

La Bodega

Totó la Momposina

Top of the World

Astar Artes AARCDA008

Rating: ★★★★★

Totó la Momposina celebrates her 69th birthday with an irresistible disc of diverse Colombian genres, all rooted in her hometown...

Reviewed by Jan Fairley in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of The Way Home

The Way Home

Donald Grant

Glen Roy Records GRRCD01

Rating: ★★★

Having followed an early grounding in his native Highland traditions with a full classical training, Donald Grant is both a...

Reviewed by Sue Wilson in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Soundman Shots: The Caribou and Downbeat 78s Story

Soundman Shots: The Caribou and Downbeat 78s Story

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Snapper/Complete Roots SBLUECD 705X

Rating: ★★★

The title of this set refers to Jamaican so und – system operators, while Caribouand Downbeat were two pioneering record...

Reviewed by Neil Foxlee in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Africa Express Presents…

Africa Express Presents…

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Africa Express AE001/Puma Creative

Rating: ★★★★

Africa Express is a loose cooperative of like minds (with Damon Albarn somewhere near the hub) that takes Western rock...

Reviewed by Mark Ellingham in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of From There to Here

From There to Here

Omar Puente

Destin-e 777G20011962

Rating: ★★★★

It’s high time Omar Puente received his due. The Yorkshire–based Cuban violin virtuoso and jazzer has been just outside the...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Bali 1928 I: Gamelan Gong Kebyar

Bali 1928 I: Gamelan Gong Kebyar

VARIOUS ARTISTS

World Arbiter 2011

Rating: ★★★

Claude Debussy–one of the first Western composers to hear and be influenced by gamelan — titled one of his piano...

Reviewed by John Whitfield in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Rare and Glorious

Rare and Glorious

Ravi Shankar

Saregama CNFC 150918-9

Rating: ★★★★

Ravi Shankar is undoubtedly the world’s best-known Indian musician. His name has not only become synonymous with his instrument, the...

Reviewed by Jameela Siddiqi in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Wonder Wheel

Wonder Wheel

The Klezmatics

Fréa/Music & Words MW4064

Rating: ★★★

The Klezmatics – accomplished Ameri¬can practitioners of progressive klezmer music for the past 20 years – won a Grammy for...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of The Astounding Eyes of Rita

The Astounding Eyes of Rita

Anouar Brahem

Top of the World

ECM ECM2075

Rating: ★★★★★

The shadowy timbres of Anouar Brahem's last CD, Le Pas de Chat Noir, made it one of the most striking...

Reviewed by Bill Badley in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

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