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Review of Urban Myths

Urban Myths

Marc Crofts Klezmer Ensemble

Frémeaux & Associés

Rating: ★★★★

Swiss/English/Ashkenazi/Sephardic violinist Marc Crofts and his Klezmer Ensemble made up of clarinet, accordion and double bass make for the classic...

Reviewed by Tom Newell in issue: July/2025

Review of Ao Vivo

Ao Vivo

Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia

Sony

Rating: ★★★★

In 2024, Caetano Veloso and his younger sister Maria Bethânia reunited half a century after they first performed together for...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: September/2025

Review of Prelude to the Divine Realm

Prelude to the Divine Realm

Gao Hong & Zhao Xiaoxia

ARC Music

Rating: ★★★★

While the pipa lute and guqin zither are each highly respected and culturally representative instruments of traditional Chinese music, they’re...

Reviewed by Charlie Cawood in issue: May/2025

Review of 1990: The Hidden Years Recording

1990: The Hidden Years Recording

Madala Kunene

Bella Union

Rating: ★★★★

When Madala Kunene signed to Robert Trunz’ MELT/B&W operation in 1995, the label released an album by Kunene titled King...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: September/2024

Review of Thai? Dai! The Heavier Side of the Luk Thung Underground

Thai? Dai! The Heavier Side of the Luk Thung Underground

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Finders Keepers

Rating: ★★★

The typical Thai luk thung (often described as ‘country music’) shows of the 1970s were glitzy affairs with huge orchestras...

Reviewed by John Clewley in issue: Apr/May/2011

Review of 1970s Algerian Proto-Rai Underground

1970s Algerian Proto-Rai Underground

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Sublime Frequencies

Rating: ★★★

A pair of fascinating albums mining a fruitful seam of musical esoterica – the Algerian 45rpm vinyl releases of the...

Reviewed by Philip Sweeney in issue: Nov/Dec/2014

Review of Adagh

Adagh

Tamikrest

Top of the World

Glitterhouse Records GRCD 703

Rating: ★★★★

The Beatles begot numerous generations of groups and 30 years after they broke up, the likes of Oasis were still...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: Apr/May/2010

Review of Haiti: Meringue & Konpa 1952-1962

Haiti: Meringue & Konpa 1952-1962

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Frémeaux & Associés 3 CDs

Rating: ★★★

An earlier Frémeaux release, 2014's Dominican Republic: Merengue, excelled in profiling the small-combo and orchestra roots of merengue in the...

Reviewed by Charles De Ledesma in issue: Jan/Feb/2016

Review of Latin Perspective

Latin Perspective

Ahmed Dickinson & The Santiago Quartet

Cubafilin Records

Rating: ★★★

A government-owned bar named Yellow Submarine has recently opened in Havana. Its Beatles-themed interior – porthole windows, blue-and-yellow interior, Beatles...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: Jan/Feb/2012

Review of Traveler

Traveler

Jerry Douglas

eOne

Rating: ★★★★

Even if you have no idea who Jerry Douglas is, chances are you’ve heard him play. A regular member of...

Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: October/2012

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