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Review of Hammer Down

Hammer Down

The SteelDrivers

Rounder Records

Rating: ★★★★

The SteelDrivers definitely put the hammer down on their latest album, which captures the Nashville-based ensemble’s pitch-perfect blend of country,...

Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: June/2013

Review of Too Big World

Too Big World

Bumper Jacksons

Bumper Jacksons

Rating: ★★★★

On Too Big World, their latest self-released album, the Bumper Jacksons run the gamut of rootsy American repertoire with easy...

Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: May/2016

Review of amaXesha

amaXesha

Bongeziwe Mabandla

Black Major / Platoon

Rating: ★★★

The story of Southern Africa's ‘contemporary urban folk’ music can be told in five acts: Madala Kunene, Buddy Masango, Vusi...

Reviewed by Bongani Madondo in issue: June/2023

Review of Radio Chévere

Radio Chévere

Rio 18

Légère Recordings

Rating: ★★★★

Anglo-Latin fusion has enjoyed considerable success over the years, with standout albums including David Byrne’s Rei Momo, Paul Simon’s The...

Reviewed by Huw Hennessy in issue: November/2024

Review of Orchestral Qawwali – Live at Birmingham City Hall

Orchestral Qawwali – Live at Birmingham City Hall

Rushil Ranjan & Abi Sampa with Ben Palmer & The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Top of the World

Dhamma Records

Rating: ★★★★

Combining Sufi (Islamic mystic) qawwali (devotional singing) with Western orchestral arrangements, the Orchestral Qawwali project has been making waves for...

Reviewed by Jameela Siddiqi in issue: May/2025

Review of Island5

Island5

Islandman

Rest In Space

Rating: ★★★

Turkish trio Islandman is the brainchild of musician/producer Tolga Böyuk – who plays bass and synth – joined by guitarist...

Reviewed by Daniel Spicer in issue: October/2025

Review of The Sound of the Soul

The Sound of the Soul

Debashish Bhattacharya

Top of the World

Abstract Logix

Rating: ★★★★★

Debashish Bhattacharya is one of the world's great musical innovators. He's a composer and virtuoso guitarist, who transformed the Indian...

Reviewed by Robin Denselow in issue: May/2023

Review of The Rough Guide to African Roots Revival

The Rough Guide to African Roots Revival

VARIOUS ARTISTS

World Music Network

Rating: ★★★★

One of the keys to success in the competitive compilation market is to find fresh and interesting thematic approaches that...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: June/2012

Review of Murmichan

Murmichan

Shooglenifty

Shoogle Records SHOOGLE09010

Rating: ★★★★

After five studio albums and one live collection since 1994, the latest from Scotland’s foremost folk-based dance floor posse seeks...

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

Review of Poravna

Poravna

Vesna Pisarović

PDV Records

Rating: ★★★★

In the English speaking world Vesna Pisarović might not be an household name, but in the post-Yugoslavian pop music scene...

Reviewed by Francesco Martinelli in issue: February/March/2026

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