Reviews
Empire & Love
The Imagined Village began not so much as a band but a concept – melding multi-cultural Britain with its folk...
Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: March/2010
Queen of Sheba
Ibrahim Maalouf & Angélique Kidjo
Fusing the West African roots of Angélique Kidjo and the Levantine heritage of the French-Lebanese jazz composer Ibrahim Maalouf, this...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: October/2022
Houdou Nisbi
Drum roll, please – and a sinewy horn line and psychedelic Moog squiggle – for the vinyl release of this...
Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: May/2022
Grandmother’s Dance
Ahmad al Khatib’s 2012 album Sabîl was one of the most exciting oud (Arab lute) recordings in recent years. His...
Reviewed by Bill Badley in issue: Jan/Feb/2014
Äiti Maa/Mother Earth
Zäpämmät are a Finnish duo, comprising Marjo Smolander (voice, kantele) and Pauliina Kauppila (voice, berimbau, lamellophones and percussion). Their aim...
Reviewed by Merlyn Driver in issue: June/2020
Sistema Subversiva
Don't expect to hear any mint-breathed sighing, loose-hipped swaying and general ‘la-la-la-ing’ from Da Cruz. Bossa nova and its anodyne...
Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: Nov/Dec/2011
Sobre Crianças, Quadris, Pesadelos e Lições de Casa…
Though Criolo has stolen the limelight as the voice of those living on Brazil's periphery, Emicida's career has followed a...
Reviewed by Russ Slater in issue: July/2016
Too Hot to Sleep
The debut album by accordionist and pianist Sam Reider, supported by his band, the Human Hands, manifests all his joyfully...
Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: April/2018
Central African Republic: Gbáyá Music – Thinking Songs
The Gbáyá are one of the largest ethnic groups in an area spanning the border of the Central African Republic...
Reviewed by Martin Sinnock in issue: June/2019
