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Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Latina [Keda Records]
Dubbed as bhangra Latina this is Kuljit Bhamra, top tabla player and the name behind soundtracks like "Bhaji on the Beach", and "Bend it like Beckham", teaming up with top salsa pianist Alex Wilson. The marriage of styles flows easily and you often forget there’s two very distinct styles merging here, I especially like the opener ‘Pyar Ka Hai Bairi’ with vocals from Sangeeta.
Mawkin Causley: The Awkward Recruit [Navigator Records]
Essex folk band Mawkin in a very successful collaboration with the wonderful singer Jim Causley from Devon. The result is inspiring with their live sets adding to the excitement and expectancy over this They’ve managed to capture the freshness of their take on traditional folk and it’s all so wonderfully topped off by that terrific voice. Recommended.
Najma Akhtar & Gary Lucas: Rishte [Harmonia Mundi]
Very interesting collaboration this, Najma is obviously well known for her collaborative work with Page and Plant, Peter Gabriel etc while Gary, a brilliant guitarist, has a hugely impressive CV having been part of Beefheart’s Magic band as well as writing with Jeff Buckley on ‘Grace’. This album is a perfect sum of its parts, for instance the fusion of Najmas gorgeous voice, tabla and Gary’s bluesy guitar on ‘Daaya’ is just delightful. Well worth investigating.
Chris Wood: Albion – An Anthology [Navigator Records]
Excellent two CD collection from Chris and features material from a wide range of sources, there’s material from his solo albums as well as work with Andy Cutting, The Two Duos, Jean-François Vrod, Martin Carthy & Roger Wilson, Karen Tweed, English Acoustic Collective and my own favourite the Imagined Village, the duet with Eliza Carthy is simply spot on. Excellent.
Tony Allen: Secret Agent [World Circuit]
Legendary drummer Tony Allen oozes Afrobeat he was a mainstay of Fela Kuti’s Africa ’70 and here he returns to his Afrobeat roots after his more recent involvement with The Good, The Bad & The Queen’ . Produced by Tony Allen and using his tight funky band this is driving afrobeat with vocals from Nigerian singers Ayo, King Odudo, Switch, Kefee Obareki, Wura Samba and Allen himself on the title track and ‘Elewon Po’. Brilliant.
Vieux Farka Toure: Fondo [Six Degrees Records]
Follow up to his 2006 debut and it’s a solid step forward with the desert blues so much the trademark of his late father now broadened out by the introduction of more modern influences. Check out the dubby ‘Diaraby Magni’ for an idea of the newer influences and ‘Wale’ for the traditional side of things, including guest vocals from Afel Bocoum and ‘Paradise’ with Toumani Diabate guesting. Highly recommended.
Various Artists: Putumayo presents Salsa [Putumayo World Music]
Ten great salsa tracks from Grupo Gale, Poncho Sanchez, Chico Alvarez, Eddie Palmieri, Orquesta Aragon, Son Boricua, Fruko y Sus Tesos, Jose Conde y Ola Fresca, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca and Juanito y la Agresiva. A well rounded collection.
Mamer: Eagle [Real World Records]
Dubbed as ‘Chinagrass’ this is music which is steeped in the traditions of Xinjiang, China’s wild, desert province, the heart of Muslim culture in China. Layered, ambient music with traditional throat singing meeting alt country, it might sound strange but it’s a perfectly natural unioun as on ‘Celebration’ with a guest slot for Bella Fleck. The Womad live set was great too.
Beto Villares: Beto Villares [Six Degrees Records]
Well known Brazilian producer and soundtrack composer this is his debut CD and very good it is too, among the top guest vocalists he uses are CeU, Zeila Duncan (Os Mutantes) and Rappin’ Hood. It’s a chilled mix which has a bedrock of bossa and other Brazilian rhythms joined by gentle flavours of reggae and funk. Perfect for all the lovely summer sunshine we should be having.
Dusty: Keep It Raw [Jazz and Milk Recordings]
Jazz & Milk founder Dusty has created an amalgamation of various sounds with funk being the underlying foundation throughout this disc. Whether it’s the soul jazz arrangements of the title track, a funky organ grinder number that utilizes elements of Miles Davis “Kind of blue” or the pulsating rhythms of “Salsa Step”, the funk is the engine that drives this record. There’s plenty more that you’ll find enjoyable. The ultra talented Carla Val appears on two cuts here. The standout track, “Just an illusion” is a soul-jazz gem. “An exotic Breed” is a funky dub step treat. “Voodoo” explores afro beat rhythms with great results. Overall “Keep it Raw” is a deeply satisfying and entertaining set. Fans of soul jazz, afro beat and latin all wrapped into one session will find this record a worthy candidate for your collection.
