33 tracks over 2 CDs showcasing nominees and winners, you might debate those facts but what’s for sure is you get a great selection of quality music here. Look out for category winners like Maurice el Medioni & Robert Rodriguez, Gotan Project and Mahmoud Ahmed while among those those not so lucky but equally deserving are Balkan Beat Box, Gogol Bordello, Lo’jo, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Les Boukakes. Every ipod should have one. ps Apparently the 20th anniversary of ‘World Music’ is approaching, strange that, we thought much of this music and certainly the traditional sources had been around for centuries! Just having our periodic gripe at the patronising terminology which apparently works on the basis that lots of people use it so that makes it right-it’s not.

Graham Radley

Probably best known as the vocalist for the superb Radio Tarifa this is the debut solo album for Granada-born vocalist and lyricist Benjamín Escoriza. Several of Radio Tarifa guest on this acoustically driven album and that  blend of medieval, Moorish, Sephardic, Andalusia folk is still to be heard but flamenco comes more to the fore bringing out the best of the North African influences and driving this compelling CD forward. Highly recommended.

Graham Radley

Another good ‘Essential Guide’ with this 3 CD set themed ‘Roots’ ‘Folk Rocks’ and ‘Nu Routes’. So, to give a feel of each one, ‘Roots’ includes The Copper Family’, Anne Briggs, Pete Seeger and Leadbelly. Folk Rocks includes Linda Thompson, Lindisfarne, Nic Jones and June Tabor while Nu Routes has tracks from the likes of Tim Van Eyken, Shooglenifty, Eliza Carthy and Salsa Celtica. There’s obviously a huge range to cover but this neatly sets the ball rolling in what could be an extensive series.

Graham Radley

John Paul Jones at the controls for CD number two for this excellent female quartet. Rayna Gellert, Abigail Washburn, Kristin Andreassen and A.C. Carter are terrific musicians whose vocals like their music blend and gel with oneness. A stringband yes but one that embraces old and new, with a shine and enthusiasm delivering something special and fresh.

Graham Radley

The Calling is Carpenter’s second co-production with pianist Matt Rollings, the pair having first worked together on 2004’s ”Between Here and Gone’. There’s a political edge to tracks like ‘Why Shouldn’t We’ and ‘On The Song’ while ‘Houston’ is about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other songs like ." "We’re Alright" is a driving song of escape and freedom from the strains of life. while "Twilight" takes us into the serenity of that time of day. Excellent.

Graham Radley

CD one is ‘Contemporary Country’ and the 16 tracks includes Lonestar, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Crowell and Heather Myles. CD2: ‘The 60’s Legacy’, has 15 tracks and moves from The Byrds to the Flatlanders via Guy Clark & Chet Atkins. ‘Country Legends’ completes the 3 CD set, among those featured are Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, George Jones and The Stanley Brothers. An excellent introduction.

Graham Radley

16 track ‘Collection’ which brings together tracks which have never before appeared on an Alison Krauss album including material from off soundtracks (eg ‘Down To The River To Pray’ from the ‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ soundtrack) and five previously unreleased tracks. There are duets with Sting, Brad Paisley, James Taylor, John Waite and my particular favourite her vocal/fiddle duet with Natalie MacMaster of ‘Get Me Through December’.

Graham Radley

Roy Paci & Aretuska from Sicily get us off to a joyful start with a romping ska track ‘Ciuri Ciuri’. Next there’s zouk from Martinique followed by further Caribbean influences via Denmark’s Laid Back which in turn rolls into the classic Osibisa track ‘Sunshine Day. Further tracks include Burning Spear, L’Orchestre Tropica d’Hait and Beau Joque & The Zydeco Hi Rollers. Spreading the universal music party vibe.

Graham Radley

Two CDs which showcase this virtuosa guitarist in a range of solo, duo and group performances. Tracks include: Madrid Flamenco, Cordero De Dios: Bulerias, Tango Mayor Y Menor and De La Prima a la Bordona (one of seven tracks featuring Eduardo Falu). Master at work.

Graham Radley

An unlikely pairing as such but Champion Doug was the person who first discovered the Bhundo Boys (of whom Rise was a founding member) and invited them to the UK. You’ll soon recognise the zinging fluidity of Rise’s guitar as we get a timely reminder of his skill as a guitarist while Champion Doug’s influence means the mixture is further flavoured by country and some blues. Worth a listen.

Graham Radley