Reviews
Sacred Earth
Sharon Shannon's first new studio album in three years is a curious affair. It seems to promise something for everyone,...
Reviewed by Michael Quinn in issue: July/2017
Afrikalou
Swedish percussionist Robin Cochrane resides in Stockholm, and has lately been concentrating on the balafon, West Africa’s gourd-resonating marimba-like instrument....
Reviewed by Martin Longley in issue: May/2022
Calypso Travels
Lord Invader & His Calypso Group
One of three initial releases in the Smithsonian Folkways Vinyl Reissue Series, Calypso Travels features native Trinidadian Lord Invader (born...
Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: April/2020
Cosmic Unity
There's a startling directness to Cosmic Unity, Family Atlantica's second album. Present are the same influences as their stunning 2013...
Reviewed by Russ Slater in issue: June/2016
Songs of Separation
The star-studded folk ensemble has become a staple of both stage and CD – witness the likes of The Full...
Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: March/2016
Fiesta
Chico Bouchikhi co-founded the Gipsy Kings and wrote and arranged many of their 80s hits, before leaving in 1992 to...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: Nov/Dec/2014
Dakar-Kingston
Baaba Maal claimed many years ago that the reggae rhythm was derived from the hypnotic, centuries-old sound of West African...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: July/2010
Rabbits Motel
It’s plainly a good thing that more young Americans are making and buying recordings of Americana. But there’s also no...
Reviewed by Jeff Kaliss in issue: July/2013
It’s a Good, Good Thing: The Latin Soul of Fania Records
Fania Records was started by Dominican musician Johnny Pacheco in 1964 with the idea of getting Latin recordings made by...
Reviewed by Garth Cartwright in issue: March/2022
Covers: Traditional Melodies of Dalarna, Sweden
Ian Carr | Ian Carr & The Various Artists
The best whisky I ever tasted was in Sweden, full-throated and peaty with a honeyed thread of sweetness. Listening to...
Reviewed by Fiona Talkington in issue: November/2022
