Gigi
Gold & Wax
Palm Pictures
www.palmpictures.com
Gigi is an Ethiopian songstress that mixes African, Indian and Western melodies
and instrumentation on Gold & Wax. Produced by Bill Laswell, Gold & Wax features
the talents of Ustad Sultan Khan on sarangi, Karsh Kale on tabla and others on
keyboard and avant-garde instrumentation. The entire album contains an electronic
backbone with Gigi’s supple, yet clear vocals with engaging instrumentation and
melodies. The vocalizations and electronic instrumentation of UK’s Beth Orton
and Italy’s Nuklearte come to mind. Gold & Wax is an excellent contemporary
release out of Ethiopia. The jazzy, electronic downbeat rhythms and somewhat
meditative and mildly energetic vocals are very easy to listen to. Gold & Wax
is definitely gold to my ears!
Maurice el Medioni & Roberto Rodriguez
Descarga Oriental: New York Sessions
Piranha
www.piranha.de
Algeria’s Maurice el Medioni and Cuba’s Roberto Rodriguez, showcase the jazzy elegance
of a trendy lounge club. New York Sessions incorporates Latin Jazz with North African
rhythms with some American instrumentation. The piano, darbuka, organ, bass, trumpet
and other percussion instruments are utilized. Some vocals are also present. New York
Sessions is a magnificent recording for dance and relaxation.
Wa-Zimba
Mande Wazy
Tinder
www.tinderrecords.com
www.wazimba.com
A number of Afro-Pop string bands, including Tarika, Rajery and others, have come out
of Madagascar in recent times. Now, you can add Wa-Zimba to the list of popular bands.
Mande Wazy includes guitar rhythms with Malagasy flute and string percussion and
unmistakable vocals. Each track is richly textured with instrumentation and traditional
Malagasy rhythms. Mande Wazy should not be passed up. This is essential for African music
fans and Madagascar music fans in particular.
Various Artists
Merengue
World Music Network
www.worldmusic.net
The Latin sounds of the Dominican Republic are numerous, but the latest
Rough Guide release focuses on the merengue style of music. The merengue
style of music rose to prominence in the Dominican Republic in the 1930’s.
The music went through some instrumental changes, including an almost complete
removal of the accordion in the 1960’s. Today, meringue music is mixed with hip hop,
rock and jazz elements. Merengue showcases several notable groups that convey the
meringue spirit. Each track has lively vocals and instrumentation. The beats will
give your feet and ears a workout!
Kal
Kal
Asphalt Tango Records
www.asphalt-tango.de
Kal hails from Belgrade, Serbia. Kal can be translated to mean ‘black’. Kal is a
Gypsy band that incorporates blues, jazz, tangos, horas, waltzes and urban compositions.
The music utilizes a big band sound and evocative vocals. Fans of Balkan jazz, Klezmer
and Gypsy music should pick up Kal without hesitation! This is Balkan music at its best!
Boban Markovic Orkestar feat. Marko Markovic
The Promise
Piranha
www.piranha.de
Serbia’s Boban and Marko Markovic, have transcended the musical attributes of ages
past to bring us an incredible selection of brass band compositions from the Balkans.
The tracks are almost entirely instrumental, except for one track sung in Macedonian.
Great Brass band sounds, Klezmer-like melodies, Gypsy rhythms and European hora arrangements
lay the foundation for The Promise. You will not be disappointed with any recording by
the Markovic family!
Romica Puceanu & The Gore Brothers
Sounds From A Bygone Age: Vol. 2
Asphalt Tango Records
www.asphalt-tango.de
The Lautari music of Romania was an old-time music that included the violin, double bass,
cymbalom, accordion, cobza and vocals. Romica Puceanu & The Gore Brothers were pioneers
in Lautari music. Sounds From A Bygone Age: Vol. 2 was recorded in the 1960’s. However,
all the tracks are clear and in excellent condition. Romica’s vocals are heartfelt and
expressive. Fans of Balkan brass, jazz, classical, Klezmer, hora and other similar
genres should acquire the music of a bygone age. Superb!
