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The Power of a Song

GHANDI's inspiring Salt March of 1930 provides the inspiration for a powerful new album by CHANDRIKA KRISHNAMURTHY TANDON, who reimagines the 241-mile trek, which led to India's independence, for a new generation. Interview and...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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She’s Got Hand

Born in Vietnam, now residing in the U.S., VAN-ANH VANESSA VO employs her country's traditional instruments in compelling fashion on her new album, THREE-MOUNTAIN PASS.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Enlightened Moodism

East meets East in a mesmerizing collaboration between Russian pianist-composter ANTON BATAGOV and Tibetan singer YUNGCHEN LHAMO on the haunting album TAYATHA. In our interview, this musical odd couple explains it all.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Down and Dirty Strings

On his Stringtet's new album, In the Gallery, composer/guitarist JASON SEED, unites classical players, jazz freedom and imaginary folk music. Jason explains it all in our interview.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Equal Opportunity Vibe

Vintage Calypso is alive and well...in Berlin, where LORD MOUSE AND THE KALYPSO KATZ are packing 'em in with their swaying beats, hot horns and bold lyrics. Go Calypso is the group's new album, explained herein by Lord Mouse hi...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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‘Welcome Has No Boundaries’

Zimbabwe's beloved OLIVER 'TUKU' MTUKUDZI has released his 61st album, SARAWOGA, of songs of hope and respect. 'There's always something to talk about,' he tells us, and then proves it.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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From Senegal to Many Ports of Call

Senegalese singer-songwriter-guitarist NURU KANE has released his most ambitious work yet, EXILE, described by our reviewer as 'an eclectic, franco-african-diasporic fusion album.."
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Two Worlds Under One Sun

On THE SUN OF BOTH WORLDS: TRADITIONAL TURKISH SUFI MUSIC, Turkey's DÜ-ŞEMS ENSEMBLE demonstrates the musical interaction between its homeland and its neighbors. A review and band profile ensue.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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On Dawning, Saffron Engages East and West In Service to Rumi’s Impassioned Insights

On Dawning, its new album, Saffron engages East and West in service to the Persian Sufi poet Rumi's impassioned insights. World music at its most moving, this.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Taj Weekes’s Anthems of Hope

2013 is off to a great start for St. Lucia's TAJ WEEKES, a singer-songwriter with a topical bent and a clear vision of his responsibility to help make the world a better place now and for future generations.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Southern Strategy: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino Brings the Music and Culture of Italy’s ‘Heel’ to the World at Large

Southern Strategy: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino is making waves bringing an updated version of the traditional pizzica music and the culture of Italy's 'heel'--Salento-to the world at large.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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The Wonders of the Beggar’s Kingdom

With its 2012 album, The Wonders of the Beggar’s Kingdom, Lithuania's Sutaras went beyond cheery celebrations of its native land’s music and culture and addressed the reality of the outside world where most live in 'uncerta...
by David McGee