"Canto"
Los Super Seven
order here
A Latin American supergroup, Los Super Seven feature Rick Trevino, Caetano
Veloso, Susana Baca, and members of Los Lobos. The tunes vary in Latin
styles, but there's not a dud to be found on "Canto."
"Hawaiian Love Songs"
George Kahumoku
order here
Slack-key guitar master Kahumoku has hands as deft as anyone working in
the
genre (and some good vocal chops!). On the aptly titled and simply
gorgeous
"Hawaiian Love Songs," he really gets to show off his instrumental skills
on a set of beautiful tunes. Bob Brozman and Norton Buffalo guest.
"Las Flores De La Vida"
Compay Segundo
order here
Even in his 90s, Buena Vista Social Club alumni Segundo continues to
produce some of the best Cuban son CDs available. The soulful, yet
spirited
"Las Flores de la Vida" features Segundo, friends, lots of son, and one
memorable version of "Guantanamera."
"Music Typewriter"
Moreno Veloso + 2
order here
If "Music Typewriter" is any indication of his talents, Moreno
Veloso--yes,
he's the son of Caetano--is a musician to watch. The disc shifts between
plaintive, gorgeous ballads and jazzy, electronica-influenced sambas, but
great production and Moreno's soulful vocals tie the whole package
together. Simply beautiful.
CHARLES TRENET: 1913-2001
"Cocktail Hour: Charles Trenet"
Charles Trenet
order here
The world lost one of its great crooners on February 18, when French
singer
Charles Trenet passed away. Whether singing goofy and peppy ditties
("Boum!") or heartfelt ballads ("La Mer"), Trenet seemed to transcend any
language barrier with his infectious vocals. If you haven't been seduced
by
his charms, this double-CD anthology will help you get started.
GREAT REISSUES
"Ethiopiques Vol. 9"
Alemayehu Eshete
order here
The "Ethiopiques" series continues to mine the Amha label archives for
some
of the best (and strangest) pop music ever produced, that coming out of
Ethiopia in the late '60s and '70s. At the forefront of this scene is
Alemayehu Eshete. Wearing his James Brown and Elvis influences on his
sleeve, Eshete performs some of the wildest, and weirdest, rock & roll
heard coming out of Ethiopia.
"Lamento Borincano--Early Puerto Rican Music: 1916-1939"
Various Artists
order here
On first listen to this two-CD set of Puerto Rican laments, you can't help
but forget these 50 tunes were recorded some seven decades ago. These
haunting, rhythmically diverse ballads and dances are a riveting listen
for
lovers of Caribbean songs. Great liner notes elaborate on this timeless
mood music with vintage photos and English translations for all of the
tunes.
OUR NEW CELTIC STORE
From fiery fiddles to meditative ballads, you'll find all the discs you're looking for in our new Celtic Music Store. Whether your taste in Celtic leans toward Altan, Enya, the Pogues, or Sharon Shannon, we have music you'll love.
Amazon.com's Celtic Music Store
order here
COMING SOON
"Walkabout"
David Hudson
order here
Chances are, you've heard the music of David Hudson: he's the didgeridoo
player on the theme to "Survivor: Australian Outback." On "Walkabout,"
Hudson's didge is backed by hypnotic percussion.
"Catch A Fire (Deluxe Edition)"
Bob Marley & The Wailers
order here
Bob Marley's classic "Catch a Fire" gets a fresh coat of paint on this
double CD: great packaging, a complete remastering, and the complete
Jamaican version of the LP.
You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's
International Music section.
here
LEGACY OF THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE ~ Volume One
Alasdair Fraser and Paul Machlis
CULBURNIE RECORDS ~ Hear audio Clips
BUY: Legacy Of The Scottish Fiddle Vol. 1...
These two guys got the jump on Celtic-NewAge fusion in the early '90's. Here is their newest collection of Scottish favorites in the traditional Scottish fashion. Frasier on fiddle and Machlis on piano, made their first recording for Narada in 1983 but this is a collection of their fondest Scottish melodies. I'm slipping them into my classical morning radio show. ~ Alan Campbell, KUAT-FM, Tucson.
GRAMMYS
Western pop sensibilities (and superstars) are always finding their way onto world music recordings, so we're glad to announce that the pure and simple bossa nova found on Joćo Gilberto's latest disc won top honors at this year's Grammy Awards. That triumph, along with the first-ever Native American Music category, made this year's award ceremonies something to talk about. Here are the winners of the 43rd Grammy Awards, along with our thoughts (and in some cases, our own choices).
BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM
Winner:
"Joao Voz E Violao"
Joao Gilberto
...order here.
For four decades now, the vocal stylings of Brazil's Joćo Gilberto
have defined the bossa nova. "Joćo Voz e Violćo," his Caetano
Veloso-produced return to studio recording, is as hauntingly beautiful as
world music gets.
Our Pick:
"Jin Jin/Firefly"
Takashi Hirayasu
...order here.
Sadly, this gorgeous East-meets-West collaboration wasn't even nominated
for a Grammy. That's a shame. Bob Brozman's Hawaiian guitar melds
perfectly
with the traditional Okinawan folk songs from Takashi Hirayasu to create a
virtuosic tour de force. A stunning achievement.
BEST NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC ALBUM
Winner:
"Gathering of Nations 1998"
Various Artists - International - North America - American Indigenous
...order here.
The first winner of this groundbreaking category went to one of the more
traditional Native American discs of the year. "Gathering of Nations Pow
Wow: 1998" captures more than a dozen drum groups from throughout the U.S.
performing at the annual Albuquerque, New Mexico, festival.
Our Pick:
In forthcoming years, we look forward to seeing Grammys awarded to Native
American albums that not only embrace the past but also the future of the
thriving genre. That said, this traditional, simple, and fascinating disc
is still a must-have and a worthwhile Grammy winner.
BEST REGGAE ALBUM
Winner:
"Art & Life [PA] [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Beenie Man
...order here.
Beenie Man's fusion of dancehall with hip-hop and R&B is hardly
groundbreaking, but it does boast infectious tracks and some truly great
impressive guest artists. And with the ongoing popularity of both Man and
Shaggy, we can only bet that there will be a lot more albums such as this
in 2001.
Our Pick:
"More Fire"
Capleton
...order here.
For those who like their reggae undiluted, Capleton's "More Fire" was one
of the best discs of 2000. Political, furious, and consistent, it gathers
some of the artist's finest tracks to date. No big-name collaborators on
this one, just raw dancehall and righteous lyrics.
BEST POLKA ALBUM
Winner:
"Touched by a Polka"
Jimmy Sturr
...order here.
If Eminem can collaborate with Elton John, why shouldn't polka king Jimmy
Sturr work with Irish vocalist Dermot O'Brien or country legend Mel
Tillis?
On "Touched by a Polka," he does just that, proving once again why he's
won
so many Grammys.
Our Pick:
Surely everyone loves an underdog, but in the world of polka, who doesn't
want superstar Jimmy Sturr to win every dang Grammy he can? He's worked
with legends, he tours constantly, and his 100 or so albums have spread
the
gospel of modern polka better than anyone else. Next year, they should
just
give him a Lifetime Achievement Award.
You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's
International Music section.
...order here.
NEW AND NOTABLE
"Las Flores de la Vida"
Compay Segundo
~ more...
The 93-year-old "Buena Vista Social Club" veteran returns with
another romantic collection that spotlights his baritone voice along
with Cuba's finest musicians. As on the earlier "Lo Mejor de la
Vida," Segundo sings several favorite ballads he'd never had a chance
to record in the past. "Las Flores" has a warmly nostalgic air with
spurts of energy in a sassy bolero and a playful version of
"Guantanamera." Not to be missed.
"Space Lullabies and Other Fantasmagore"
Ekova
~ more...
On "Heaven's Dust" the European trio established a global-fusion
sound comprised of Celtic, African, and Arabic elements with Deirdre
Dubois singing in a made-up language. Now on "Space Lullabies" Ekova
take their alchemy one step further with Deirdre crooning in English
while the group creates a lush, cosmic music that alternates from
acoustic oud and tabla to electronic programming. "Space Lullabies"
probably won't lure you to sleep, but it's sure to put you in a
heavenly trance.
"Looking Back Tomorrow: Live"
Beausoleil
~ more...
America's beloved Cajun music preservationists are celebrating their
25th anniversary of togetherness, and with "Looking Back Tomorrow:
Live!" they'd like you to join in on the fun. This spirited
performance recorded outside of Washington, D.C., in March 2000
showcases the band's virtuoso talent with several traditional songs,
four new tunes, and a handful of covers from greats like Dennis
McGee. There's even a touch of rock & roll, Beausoleil-style.
"We Are Three"
Joi
~ more...
British-Indian brothers Haroon and Farook Shamsher helped put the
Asian underground scene above ground with their enormously successful
"One and One Is One." Since then the duo suffered the unexpected loss
of Farook Shamsher, who died suddenly of a heart attack in July
1999. So Joi's new album, "We Are Three," is a dedication to Farook
and the music he helped create before his death. "We Are Three" again
paints an electronic landscape with heavy dance beats and field
recordings from India.
"Carnival"
Various artists
~ more...
Grab your costume and mask because it's time to party again! While
New Orleans prepares for Mardi Gras, South America and the Caribbean
gear up for Carnival. Putumayo's collection "Carnival" brings
together the rollickin' music from each region. Greats such as Eddie
Bo, Eliades Ochoa, and Martinho Da Vila contribute to this rousing
celebration of blaring horns, pounding drums, and music made for
dancing and parading, whether you're partying in the streets or in
your own living room.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Full Contact"
Dry & Heavy
~ more...
Some argue there's no groundbreaking dub coming from Jamaica anymore,
but the scene may be shifting to another island nation: Japan.
Bassist Takeshi Akimoto and drummer Shigemoto Nanao are Dry & Heavy,
the most intriguing dub outfit to appear on the scene in several
years. Their new release, "Full Contact," sports the metallic
vibrations of King Tubby and the tripped-out psychedelics of Lee
"Scratch" Perry but is stamped with their own groovy retro sound.
HAWAIIAN HIGHLIGHTS
Founded by pianist George Winston, the Dancing Cat label has devoted
itself to bringing the gentle Hawaiian slack-key guitar to the
masses. With lower or "slack" tunings, this tradition began when
Spanish ranch workers brought their guitars to Hawaii in the 19th
century. The "Hawaiian Touch," featuring island elder Barney Isaacs
and slack-key guitarist George Kuo, is nothing short of sublime. Kuo
creates low, lilting support on slack-key guitar for Isaacs's sliding
steel guitar. Together they sway with an understated elegance that
draws listeners back to the islands of yesteryear.
~ more...
CUTTING-EDGE CELTIC
"Lemonade & Buns"
Kila
~ more...
A music fan calls Kila's "Lemonade & Buns" "ear candy," an apt
metaphor for this forward-thinking septet who play music with one
foot in a Gaelic past as the other hopscotches the globe. They know
how to drum and chant a la Afro Celt Sound System, cozy up in a jazz
ensemble, trip out on high-speed reels, or relax with an air,
pub-style. Kila stretch Irish music from the deserts of Africa to
modern urban jungles while never sounding forced or formulaic.
Also, check out these other cutting-edge Celtic albums:
"Otherworld"
~ more...
"Auga De Maio"
~ more...
COMING SOON
"Music Typewriter"
Moreno Veloso
~ more...
Though it's difficult to fill Caetano Veloso's shoes, son Moreno
proves himself more than worthy with the debut "Music Typewriter."
Rather than expounding on his father's groundbreaking tropicalia
experimentalism, Moreno turns to the old Brazilian art form of the
intimate samba for inspiration. The result is a gentle, sensual album
of soft textures whose subtle but interesting innovation may escape
you on the first listen. Highly recommended.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
"Chanchullo"
Ruben Gonzalez
Late into his 70s when he recorded his North American debut,
"Introducing... Ruben Gonzalez," the Cuban piano veteran proved
himself to be one of the instrument's great voices. His chops are in
equally fine form on his latest, "Chanchullo," and you can download
the title track for free from Amazon.com.
~ more...
"Joko"
Youssou N'Dour
Youssou N'Dour's sound--which has helped shape Senegalese pop music
since the late 1980s--is at an optimal point on "Joko (The Link)."
He's tried all manner of collaborations with Western performers,
hugely widening the appeal of Senegalese music, but "Joko" shows
N'Dour more locally focused. Download "Birima" for free at
Amazon.com.
~ more...
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2000: BULGARIAN WOMEN'S CHOIR
Bulgaria's choral tradition was born of ancient civilization, the
Eastern European mountains, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The
sound is complex, its multidimensional tones at once piercing and
ethereal, joyful and plaintive. The vocal techniques include
trilling, whooping, and masterful guttural control. Now, with members
of Bulgaria's state television and radio chorus, comes the Bulgarian
Women's Choir, or Angelite. Their "Tour '93" album exhibited the
unique talent of these 20-some women, but "Voices of Life," finely
recorded with new compositions from prog-rocker Eddie Jobson, boasts
the ladies' enormous power to move listeners in a full light. Their
2000 American tour gave them the exposure and acclaim they so richly
deserve.
To find out more about "Voices of Life" visit:
~ more
Editor, Alan Campbell's pick
"Worldbeat Brazil"
Jack Jezzro and David Lyndon Huff
Over one hour of world music for a new millenium. Hear the lilting canticle of the monks, the gentle
cry of the African natives, and the soothing song of the rain, all supported by an underlying,
harmonious rhythmic flow. This is Worldbeat. A unique audio experience that combines modern
musical technology with ancient and global elements. Relax. Listen. Explore.
FIVE TO WATCH IN 2001
Here are some younger, up-and-coming artists who made inroads in 2000
and who promise to make an even bigger splash in the coming year:
Bebel Gilberto
~ more
Bebel Gilberto had worked with several stars of Brazil's musical
canon, but it was after contributing a song to the refreshing "Brazil
2mil" compilation that she decided to follow further in her father
Joao's footsteps and record a solo album. The result was "Tanto
Tempo," a collection of modern-day bossa nova that featured her
silken voice while mixing the bossa nova's laid-back sensuality with
savvy but unintrusive electronics. It's a stunning debut from a
graceful singer who will certainly impress us in 2001.
Habib Koite
~ more
Habib Koite is the hunk of Afro-pop whose vibrant Malian music has
attracted the adoration of such artists as Joan Baez and Bonnie
Raitt. "I would drink your sweat," Raitt was heard to say after
Koite's performance in Oakland, California. Her dramaticism is hardly
overblown. On stage Koite's energy and love for music rises from him
like a halo, and the members of his band Bamada are virtuosi. To
create their unique, socially conscious music, Koite and Bamada
employ such traditional Malian instruments as balafon and calabash
with a fine mix of guitars, bass, and drums for a rootsy yet refined
music that emits the soul of Africa while celebrating the Western
song structures of pop and jazz.
Kila
~ more
One Amazon.com music fan called Kila's new release "Lemonade & Buns"
"ear candy," an apt metaphor for this forward-thinking septet who
play music with one foot in a Gaelic past as the other hopscotches
the globe. They know how to drum and chant Afro Celt-style, cozy up
into a jazz ensemble, trip out on high-speed reels, or relax with an
air, pub-style. Unfurling a bold idea on each track with what seems
like an endless arsenal of instruments, Kila stretch Irish music from
the deserts of Africa to modern urban jungles while never sounding
forced or formulaic.
Rokia Traore
~ more
Like her legendary father, Boubacar Traore, Rokia proved in 2000 that
extraordinary talent runs in the family. Her debut, "Wanita," casts a
spotlight on the young artist's unique, soulful vision. While other
rising African stars have headed to Euro lands for a more
contemporary, cosmopolitan sound, Rokia doesn't lose touch with her
Malian roots. Accompanying herself on guitar with a sparse band, she
sings in a clear, gentle intonation that's occasionally reminiscent
of blues and jazz. Traore's more of an understated folk singer than a
larger-than-life diva, and this is an approach she's made all her
own.
Paris Combo
~ more
In 1998 Paris Combo bewitched audiences at home in Paris and abroad
with their self-titled debut, packed with risque cabaret jazz. Singer
Belle du Berry reminds us why French is a language of love as she
glides and tap-dances through the 1940s, inspired by the sounds of
Gypsies, Spain, and Django Reinhardt. With muted trumpet, brushing
drums, piano, and an expressive upright bass, Paris Combo bring the
smoky clubs of yesteryear's Paris to vivid life. It's too cliche to
say Paris Combo's the perfect music for your next dinner party when
there's so much subtle, complex texture to their music. Still, their
assured tone and tight, memorable tunes will surely charm those
musically inclined epicureans as well as those who are just musically
inclined.
AMAZON.COM'S BEST OF 2000
Explore the year's best music from across all genres by visiting
Amazon.com's Best of 2000 page. You'll find our customers' favorite
CDs, our editors' favorite CDs, artists of the year, and more.
Visit our page at:
~ more
Home Page
reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates