Tropical Forest Project: Ecuador

At first glance, the list of artists for this compilation appear too disparate to result in anything coherent: there’s Dobet Gnahoré, an assortment of UK folk and Americana, David McAlmont, funky soulsters The Nextmen, and an eclectic bunch from Latin America. Yet, Tropical Forest Project, who are raising money for the Ecuadorian rainforest via World Land Trust, with this release, have a trick up their sleeve.

These are all acoustic versions of songs, whether specially recorded originals or alternate takes of pre­released material, and they hold together remarkably well. It’s great to hear Brazil’s Cibelle return with a brooding take on ‘Instante de Dois’, while naked versions of ‘Good World’ and ‘Kopka’ by Martha Tilston and Gnahoré respectively are both a delight, each sounding paradoxically more expansive when laid bare. Yet cohesion comes at a price, the often methodical pace of the songs – something of a trait of acoustic versions – offers little variety, and this becomes even more noticeable when things get too syrupy (Federico Aubele) or earnest (Alan Lacroix). Thankfully, unexpected delights like Margarita Laso’s sprightly harp-augmented dose of Ecuadorian folk, and stellar performances from Jorge Drexler and Devon Sproule, ensure you’re never too far from a moment of stripped-back joy.