The title is the Arabic translation of the word ‘metaphor’ with the brothers this time joined by percussionist Yousef Hbeisch. Terrific at this year’s Womad and developing all the time, weaving intricate improvisations around traditional music, from their Palestinian homeland. Superb musicians and CD.

Graham Radley

Another terrific new young band rooted in tradition but exploring the future with equal enthusiasm. Songs by Karine Polwart (thaney) and Ar Williams (Fishing In The Morning) sit alongside material sourced in Scotland, Cape Breton, Ireland and Galicia. Very good.

Graham Radley

To celebrate one of the world’s finest musicians as he approaches his 80th birthday, next year, Network put together this 2 CD package of old and new. Djivan Gasparyan gave his first public performance on the duduk (Armenian flute which was mainly played by shepherds) 60 years ago, He has gone on to tour the world , play on many film soundtracks (Gladiator etc) and win many awards including the Womex Lifetime Achievement Award. There are several exclusive new recordings here but I think my pick would have to be the 2005 recording with Michael Brook featuring Djivan plus Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – pure magic.

Graham Radley

11 remixes of 7 tracks opening well with Yossi Fine’s dubby 3rd Bass Remix of ‘Ma Hine Cocore’. The tracks all let the original shine through but take them in very different directions- so the purists likely to be up in arms but that’s their loss. My two favourites are DJ Center’s funky jazz take on ‘Sangare’ and Nickodemus’s afro funk take on the same track. Adventurously good.

Graham Radley

Double CD of some of shenai master Bismillah Khan’s most important recordings between 1959 and 1989. The first CD is “with Party” whilst the second has two tracks from the 1959 film “Goonj Uthi Shehnai” plus some collaborative work with V.G.Jog and with Vilayat Khan. Superb, Indian classical music at its finest.

Graham Radley

Re-issue of two CDs originally issued in 1968 (Vol 1) and 1979 (Vol 2) with tabla player Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh the inspiration and motivation behind the project. CD one has 10 tracks which looks at different drums in turn starting with the Pakhawaj which is played against the background of a tabla ensemble, other drums featured include khol, mridangam and dholak. CD two starts with a talba ensemble piece and then features drums from different parts of India including Dhak, Sree Khole and Tasha. Guests include Anindya Chatterjee, Sanjay Mukherjee, Ustad Bafati Kan and Anup Parsad & Party. Excellent.

Graham Radley

Recorded on the last date of the band’s 2006 tour at the Barcelona Teatre Musical, the band was augmented on the night by guests from the original CD, Roberto Carcasses on piano, Raúl Rodriguez on tres, Faada Freddy from Daara J, a full Cuban horn section and Gyan Singh on tabla. Everyone is firing on all cylinders and the DVD fully demonstrates what a brilliant band they are. They also include a live and studio version of ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ what more could you want?

Graham Radley

Good new album from Luka, which sees him collaborating with Simon O’Reilly, who also produces. Tribe reflects Luka’s roots and has an overall relaxed feel but is not without a bit of bite where it’s needed. Excellent collection of musicians helping out as well including BJ Cole, Elmear O’Grady and Robbie Perry.

Graham Radley

Excellent dance floor filler with beaty, bouncing tracks fromj Jose Cone y Ola Fresca, Joe Bataan, Anitibalas, Quantic, X Alfonso, Los Amigos Invisibles, The Spam Allstars, Bobi Cespedes, Baku, Bitman & Roban, Nortec Collective, Ozomatli, Up, Bustle & Out & Los Mocosos. That’ll keep your feet busy won’t it?

Graham Radley

The title comes from the Scots word for what you do at hallowe’en – as in ‘dookin’ for apples. Mike Katz, Alan Reid, Alasdair White and Sean O’Donnell demonstrate why they are still one of the best bands around, 30 years on and still producing creative, quality music. Picks for me would be ‘Gathering Storm’ a song from Alan and ‘Dookin’ For Beetroot/The Head Rooster’ from Mike Katz. An excellent collection.

Graham Radley