New Reviews: September 20, 2004
Reviews by Paula E. Kirman
Various Artists
World 2004
Wrasse Records
World 2004 is a double disc compilation. The fifth in the series, it is a
collection of picks by Charlie Gillett, host of BBC's "The Sound of the World." With tracks
from 28 countries, numerous languages, and a variety of different styles, there should be
something to pique the interest of all World Music enthusiasts. Gillett picked songs from both established
and emerging artists, based upon listener favourites, popularity, and artistic merit. Definitely
one of the year's must-haves.
Carl Bastien/Stone County Players
Extra Lovin'
Audiogram
Known in Montreal mostly as a prolific album producer, Stone County Players is Carl Bastien's current pet project.
An English-language album (with a prominent French accent), Extra Lovin' is at once experimental and rooted in
the roots-rock to which Bastien grew up listening. It's singer/songwriter music with an acoustic bent, and his flair for production
definitely comes through in the sound.
Moksha Ensemble
Lady Sun
Independent
The Moksha Ensemble is a multi-member mix of musical styles and instruments.
Heavily leaning in the genre of Indian classical and contemporary music, Moksha fuses
these ethnic sounds with Western influences such as flamenco and jazz. The results are both exciting and accessible.
Lady Sun, the band's latest album, demonstrates why Moksha is such a hit on the ethnic music scene in Edmonton, Alberta (the band's home) and beyond.
Indian percussion provides the backbeat to the fusion. One of World Music's undiscovered gems.
Various Artists
Nuevo Latino
Putumayo World Music
It's new. It's Latin. It's from Putumayo. It's fantastic -- who would expect anything less from the
Putumayo Presents series of World Music samplers. Featuring 11 new songs from 11 new Latin artists, the
countries represented on Nuevo Latino include Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries
from both South America and Europe. Even France and the U.S.A. have a voice on this ground-breaking collection. Very satisfying!
Paula E. Kirman is the Editor and Webmaster of Inside World Music.
