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KG Omulo:
Ayah Ye!: Moving Train
A synergy of funk, rock, reggae and traditional African sounds from this inventive, young singer/songwriter.
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Mamadou Diabaté:
Courage
Mamadou Diabate, the kora master, takes a fresh look at Mali instrumental music with his new CD Courage.
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Various Artists:
The Kankobela of the Batonga, Vol. 2
Mysterious melodies from a disappearing thumb piano tradition of Southern Africa.
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Kiran Ahluwalia:
Aam Zameen: Common Ground
Indo-Canadian Songwriter Combines Folk Poetry with African Rock, Jazz and more
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Sona Jobarteh:
FASIYA
West African female kora virtuoso releases an album full of grace, warmth, and passion.
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Sia Tolno:
My Life
Kissi singer releases a strong second album full of pop-infused star power over songs of strife and triumph.
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Zieti:
Zemelewa
Eclectic blend of Afro-infused pop out of Cote d'Ivoire.
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Guelewar:
Halleli N Dakarou
Re-released and remastered live CD from this 80's experimental Senegambian outfit.
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Tinariwen:
Tassili
Touareg desert legends return with an offering that is meandering, sorrowful and proud.
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Los Rakas:
Chancletas y Camisetas Bordada
Oakland/Panamanian rappers -call it "Panabay"-- return with good results.
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Cheikh Lo:
Jamm
The unique Senegalese singer and multi-instrumentalist crafts an eclectically excellent record.
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David Rudder:
Random Notes
Calypsonian David Rudder returns with an album that covers various styles with excellent results.
All Reviews >>
Gilberto GilGal Costa
Personalidade
Polygram, 1987
Polygram, 1993
Personalidade is an airy collection of Gil's early work, much of it performed with just acoustic guitar, flute or horns, and percussion. Cool jazz meets African roots in "Oriente,'' "Preciso Aprender a Só Ser,'' and "Maracatu Atomico.'' Gil's affinity for bluesy rock & roll à la Canned Heat shines in "Back in Bahia.'' And among the collection's sambas is an early version of Gil's classic "Aquele Abraco'' ("I Embrace You All''), which he wrote upon leaving Brazil to go into exile, unsure whether he would ever return.
Contributed by
Banning Eyre Originally published in: Boston Phoenix