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Review of Crow

Crow

Mawkin

Mawkin

Rating: ★★★

The history of this Essex five-piece is a convoluted one. Formed a decade ago, this instrumental act is centred on...

Reviewed by Nathaniel Handy in issue: June/2012

Review of Bend Skin Beats

Bend Skin Beats

André Marie Tala

RetroAfric RETR023CD

Rating: ★★★

Blind singer-guitarist André Marie Tala is a veteran of modern Cameroonian music. Some of his earliest recordings were arranged by...

Reviewed by Martin Sinnock in issue: Jan/Feb/2010

Review of Drawing in an Almond

Drawing in an Almond

Katerina Papadopoulou

Golden Horn

Rating: ★★★

Greek singer Katerina Papadopoulou was previously unknown to me, but due diligence proves it's been my oversight. This album was...

Reviewed by Marc Dubin in issue: Apr/May/2014

Review of Ilé

Ilé

Omar Sosa

World Village

Rating: ★★★

The title is a Yoruba word meaning ‘Homecoming’, for Sosa's latest is steeped in the Latin jazz the Cuban-born pianist...

Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: June/2015

Review of Isle of Magic

Isle of Magic

Mop Mop

Agogo Records

Rating: ★★★★

Who are Mop Mop? It appears they are a multi-instrumental Italian seven-piece who have a passion for African diaspora music...

Reviewed by Garth Cartwright in issue: July/2013

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 M'berra

M'berra

Khalab & M'berra Ensemble

Real World Records

Rating: ★★★★

In 2018 the Italian producer Khalab – aka Raffaele Costantino – released the wildly acclaimed Black Noise 2084, an album...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: June/2021

Review of Mekfoul District

Mekfoul District

Toubab All Stars

Iris Music 3002014

Rating: ★★★

The Toubab All Stars aren’t the only French outfit to fix their gazes on the Caribbean for inspiration. Both Massilia...

Reviewed by Nige Tassell in issue: Aug/Sep/2010

Review of The Gold Diggers

The Gold Diggers

Lengaïa Salsa Brava

Lulaworld Records

Rating: ★★★★

The 11-strong Lengaïa are a salsa juggernaut, a heavyweight Latin orchestra whose distinctive vocals and signature horn heft – three...

Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: March/2021

Review of Amor Festa Devoção

Amor Festa Devoção

Maria Bethânia

Biscoito Fino

Rating: ★★★

Maria Bethânia is most famous outside Brazil as Caetano Veloso’s sister. But within Brazil she is as big a star...

Reviewed by Alex Robinson in issue: Jan/Feb/2012

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