Third solo release since his days as songwriter for Simentera. ‘Badyo’  but the first one to get an International release. On this he takes his Cape Verdean roots back to the arrival of the African slaves and the styles and influences they brought with them (he wears a chain around his neck instead of a tie on the cover image). It’s a grower this one with a subtle but telling rawness that soon involves you and brings you back for more, very good.

Graham Radley

You’ll likely recognise samples from the brothers 60’s and 70’s Hindi soundtracks and cult exploitation movies with Black Eyed Peas (CD One kicks off with Asha Bosle with Aye Naujawan Sab Kuchh Yahan’ which formed the basis for ‘Don’t Phunk With My Heart’) and Danger Mouse two of the more ‘high profile users.  This is music of it’s time but also way beyond its time, creatively mixing new instrumentation of the time like the claviolin to create a mix of funky, jazzed up psychedelia.  Great collection.

Graham Radley

Atongo Zimba’s new studio album sees him give a stripped back Fra Fra acoustic reworking to some of his older songs, in a collaboration with guitarist and producer Niels Brouwer.  There’s a peaceful fluidity to the mixture of his lovely voice with calabash and percussion. Excellent.

Graham Radley

Great new CD from Kate with production from Joe Broughton and a fine collection of material which draws influences from nature (‘Wild Poppies, Eucalyptus, My Sweet Dandelion and Watch The Flowers- with some lovely kora from Daniel Wilkins) using it to invoke imagery of a wider view of life. My pick is probably ‘In Full View’ a loving view of a growing child.

Graham Radley

Formed in Iran in 1991 by Hamid Motebassam this CD has lyrics from the poems of Attar, Rumi, Hafiz and Sayeh beautifully sung by Salar Aghili. This is classical Persian music that’s spiritual, sensitive and enveloping in it’s warmth and beauty. Superb.

Graham Radley

Third album and he just keeps getting better. Brazil provides the source with the mix bringing in a varied selection of dance friendly influences . Behind this infectious dance music though DJ Delores addresses issues like capitalism (Proletariado) and idealism (Cala Cala) as well as on a lighter note looking at relationship. Regulars joining him include Maestro Forró, Gabriel Melo, Fernando Catatau, vocalists Isaar and Maciel Salu, and guest appearances by Silvério Pessoa and by Marion. Excellent.

Graham Radley

Big band samba is back and oh yes it sounds sweet, the driving force is producer Alexandre Kassin, plus percussionist Domenico Lancellotti and singer/guitarist Moreno Veloso (son of Caetano) who started Orquestra Imperial as a side project, Listen out too for veteran samba star Wilson das Neves, cool tasty and vibrant.

Graham Radley

Featuring Shuggie Otis, Moreno + 2, Domenico +2, Kassin + 2, Eddie, Os Mutantes, Jim White and Los de Abajo, plus exclusive unreleased tracks from the Godfather of Brazilian soul Tim Maia (Que Beleza and Bom Senso) this is Luaka Bop doing what they do so well, mixing it up and making it special. Great.

Graham Radley

How to classify ? it’s a folked up jazz, fired by dubby brass meets electro type thingy really. Formed by three members of Bellowhead, plus Japanese musicians and the Bon dancers, it’s a wildly different sound that’s often challenging but if we wanted safe we can find enough cans of mediocrity on the shelves can’t we ? Terrific.

Graham Radley

An amazing guitarist who Dave Grohl has rightly been championing, her voice is lighter and by nature takes the tracks in a different direction but there’s a diversity going on that’s refreshing and honest.  Also includes full length CD of her debut ‘Everybody Loves You’.

Graham Radley