World Reviews

Latest World Reviews

• New Morning: Deluxe Edition Sabrina Malheiros

  
  Jazz/funk with a Latin flavour – like the best from Al Di Meola and Johnny Hammond.

  reviewed by Lloyd Bradley

• Panama! 3 - Calypso Panameño, Guajira Jazz & Cumbia Típica on the Isthmus 1960-75 Various Artists

  
  An endearing collection of music, supported by fascinating notes and photos.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• Bonjour Rachid Taha

  
  Suffers from a dearth of memorable tunes when compared to Diwan 2.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• New York – Addis – London: The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975 Mulatu Astatqé

  
  The most mercurial and accessible figure unearthed by the ongoing Éthiopiques series.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• Splendor in the Grass Pink Martini

  
  An impeccably crafted blend of intimacy and exuberance.

  reviewed by Michael Quinn

• Ibokwe Thandiswa Mazwai

  
  Cements her position at the forefront of a new generation.

  reviewed by Michael Quinn

• Revolucion! Original Cuban Funk Grooves 1967-1978 Various Artists

  
  Twelve tracks of peerless post-revolutionary Cuban music.

  reviewed by Andy Fyfe

• Kalashnik Love Speed Caravan

  
  Glossy production gripes aside, this is an enjoyable cross-cultural treat.

  reviewed by John Doran

• Far Out Spaced Oddyssey Various Artists

  
  12 tracks that take the listener on a tour of the off-beat edges of Brazilian music.

  reviewed by Colin Buttimer

• Mama Afrika 1932-2008 Miriam Makeba

  
  Majestic recordings by a genuine world music pioneer.

  reviewed by Colin Irwin

• Light a Candle Forro in the Dark

  
  The closest translation of forró is ‘party’, so the only thing to do is dance.

  reviewed by Andrew Purcell

• Inspiration Information Volume 4 Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen

  
  The most engaging and fully realised album in the series.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-81 Various Artists

  
  Sweetly infectious dance music of the most democratic kind.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• Monkeys' Wedding Netsayi

  
  She fully embraces her position on the cusp of African and European cultures.

  reviewed by Kevin Le Gendre

• Haih or Amortecedor Os Mutantes

  
  A head-turning comeback 35 years after their last studio LP.

  reviewed by Alex Denney

• Warm Heart of Africa The Very Best

  
  An energetic, life-affirming culture-clash of an album.

  reviewed by John Doran

  • 6 Music Album of the Day

• I Speak Fula Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba

  
  Deserves to find its way out of the world music ghetto and onto the world stage.

  reviewed by Louis Pattison

• Brownswood Bubblers Four. Compiled by Gilles Peterson Various Artists

  
  Proof that there’s no substitute for a good pair of ears and an engaging sequence.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• Punt – Made in Ethiopia Invisible System

  
  Improvised Ethiopian music that, at times, goes nowhere.

  reviewed by Jon Lusk

• After Robots BLK JKS

  
  A modern band with their own distinct, unique musical vision.

  reviewed by Rob Webb