Reviews

Encyclopedia Mandolinnica

Ethan Setiawan

Mandolinist Ethan Setiawan’s latest album, Encyclopedia Mandolinnica, showcases the Indiana-born, Berklee School of Music graduate’s virtuosic skills in a series...

Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: October/2025

W

Populous

Populous is a producer and queer activist from Lecce, a reggae-and-dancehall-loving town on the heel of the boot of Italy,...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: Aug/Sept/2020

We are Connected

Jan Wouter Oostenrijk

Traditional Western rock, blues and jazz seamlessly meet the music of the Maghreb in Jan Wouter Oostenrijk's latest and fourth...

Reviewed by Franki Black in issue: August/2017

Jola: Hidden Gnawa Music in Brussels

Jola

A label, venue, and performing arts foundation, Muziekpublique's latest release focuses on Brussels’ population of Gnawa musicians, which numbers some...

Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: July/2020

Stòras

Cruinn

Stòras, which may be translated as ‘store,’ ‘treasure,’ ‘wealth’ or ‘abundance,’ is a suitable title for the latest release from...

Reviewed by Billy Rough in issue: March/2015

Magnificent

Nicolas Meier World Group

This latest album from Swiss jazz guitarist Nicolas Meier is a collection of originals and improvisations on themes inspired by...

Reviewed by Tom Newell in issue: January/February/2022

Populaj Kantoj

Massimo Ferrante

Massimo Ferrante's latest album reflects the politics that are the major influence on his life and music. The Calabrian-born, Naples-resident...

Reviewed by Ciro De Rosa in issue: May/2016

Hafla

Jon Balke’s Siwan

East meets West via North and South in this latest project from Siwan, an international collaboration of musicians headed by...

Reviewed by Tom Newell in issue: July/2022

Ethiopiques 28: Great Oromo Music

Ali Mohammed Birra

The latest from Buda Musique is a vital instalment from the seemingly limitless supply of Ethiopian music from yesteryear. Ali...

Reviewed by Chris Menist in issue: July/2013

Sicilia Araba

Milagro Acustico

This album is the latest instalment of a longstanding project to reimagine the music created by the Arab population of...

Reviewed by Philip Sweeney in issue: Apr/May/2014