Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Omar Akram - Secret Journey
Omar AkramSecret Journey
Label: Real Music
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
• Omar Akram Website • Omar Akram WikiLadysmith Black Mambazo - Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black MambazoIlembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu
Label: Heads Up Africa
Taking a break from their usual heavy handed Christian focused acapella, this Grammy award winning African singing group pays homage to Shaka Zulu, one of the greatest leaders in African history. Amazing harmonies as always.
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo Website • Ladysmith Black Mambazo WikiPutumayo Presents - Latin Reggae
Putumayo PresentsLatin Reggae
Label: Putumayo World Music
I love reggae and Putumayo has managed to thrust a whole bunch of wonderful established as well as newcomer Spanish singing reggae based artists (largely from Spain) into the spotlight with this release. Ya mon!
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiPutumayo Presents - Tango Around The World
Putumayo PresentsTango Around The World
Label: Putumayo World Music
Musically touring the tantalizing Tango hotbeds around the world including Finland, Senegal, Portugal and most notably Argentina. Here we are shown the fancy footwork (and musicianship) of 11 internationally renowned artists.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiSequoia Groove Presents - Angels Voices
Sequoia Groove PresentsAngels Voices
Label: Sequoia Records
Compiled by Yogafit founder Beth Shaw and mixed by the Gordon Brothers, this compilation focuses on female voices and consists of remixes of about 5 different bands. Blissful but limited.
• Sequoia Groove Presents WebsiteUz Jsme Doma - Cod Liver Oil
Uz Jsme DomaCod Liver Oil
Label: Skoda Records
Quirky, wild and zany jazz rock with a punk attitude. Comparisons to Zappa, Zorn and The Residents are actually appropriate here. This uneasy listening band from Prague sings in Czech and is not for the wimpy at heart.
• Uz Jsme Doma Website • Uz Jsme Doma WikiDub Trio - Another Sound Is Dying
Dub TrioAnother Sound Is Dying
Label: Ipecac Recordings
Swirling metal, reggae, dub, jazz and a sphincter load of talent together with unscrupulous sounds in an elevator shaft of musical potential that also swings the fulcrum of nefarious fanaticism to produce outlandish yet cohesive results in a Melvins kinda way.
• Dub Trio Website • Dub Trio WikiPutumayo Presents - African Party
Putumayo PresentsAfrican Party
Label: Putumayo World Music
Celebrating Putumayo’s 15th Anniversary with a great compilation that pays tribute to the spirit of the music that inspired the label’s inception. With 20 million CDs sold, Putumayo’s world music party has been a global hit and “African Party” is another to add their list of success.
• Putumayo Presents Website • Putumayo Presents WikiJamshied Sharifi - One
Jamshied SharifiOne
Label: Ceres Records
Ambient world atmospheres blend into trance imaginations as this release conscientiously crosses paradoxical global musical boundaries. This prolific and award winning multi instrumentalist and composer utilizes a smorgasbord of high profile guest musicians to become “One.’
• Jamshied Sharifi Website • Jamshied Sharifi WikiDavid & Steve Gordon - Earth Drum: The 25th Anniversary Collection, Vol. 1
David & Steve GordonEarth Drum: The 25th Anniversary Collection, Vol. 1
Label: Sequoia Records
A collection of this famous duo’s favorite global drum fusions from their past 25 years. Beautiful, serene and trance-invoking drum visions. With bonus DVD of music and landscape visuals.
• David & Steve Gordon Website • David & Steve Gordon WikiJaya Lakshmi - Sublime
Jaya LakshmiSublime
Label: Sequoia Records
Continuing on with her tradition of utilizing top talent and great producers to produce a very NOW direction to her offerings of Bhakti yoga. This Kirtan themed voyage of chant, chill and grace will carry the listener to alcoves of serenity and blissful platitudes.
• Jaya Lakshmi WebsiteRupa and the April Fishes - ExtraOrdinary Rendition
Rupa and the April FishesExtraOrdinary Rendition
Label: Cumbancha Records
Etherial and whimsical whisperings spoken thru the flickering flame of chanteuse Rupa Marya. Tantalized with a multicultural temptation of sultry awareness amidst the occasional Euro spin, raga, or mariachi interlude. Superb.
• Rupa and the April Fishes WebsiteView More
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