The March 2010 issue of Songlines is on sale in the UK from February 5 and includes our regular Top of the World CD with ten tracks from the finest new releases from around the planet. There’s also a selection of five tracks selected by DJ Gilles Peterson and a second free CD World Music from Hungary 2010.

The Top of the World CD includes tracks from the second and final collaboration between the late Malian legend Ali Farka Touré and kora maestro Toumani Diabaté; Angélique Kidjo’s new album; Polish klezmer trio Kroke; English folk singer Chris Wood’s new project; the Québécois folk of Le Vent du Nord and North Indian vichitra veena master Gopal Krishan.

The main editorial features include:

• Angélique Kidjo – Allow our ebullient cover star to engage you with stories from Benin and beyond.

• Sierra Maestra – The Cuban son troupe reflect upon their active career as they unveil a new album.

• Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou – Aided by a French journalist, the masters of African vodoun rhythm hit the road again.

• Chris Wood – The Brit-folk exponent reminds us of the magic to be found in our own backyard.

• Tools of the Trade: The Talking Drum – Getting familiar with the West African drum that replicates the human voice.

• Sounding Out Marseille, France – all the best places to see and hear music in the southern French port city.

• Beginner’s Guide to Django Reinhardt.

• Postcard from New Orleans.

• Shetland Folk Festival.

• Backpage from Beirut, Lebanon.

• My World – DJ Gilles Peterson.

• Grooves – Tommy T, Sa Dingding and Warrick Sony share their favourites.

• News, including Dispatches USA.

• Reviews of the latest CD, DVD and World Cinema releases.

Tags: angelique kidjo, gilles peterson, issue 66