As the title suggests, Arcoiris Musical Mexicano celebrates Mexico's popular music with 24 songs from some of the country's leading banda, grupero, norteño, and pop acts, including Los Tigres del Norte's "No Pude Enamorarme Más," Banda El Recodo's "Deja," Liberacion's "Si Estuvieras Conmigo," Grupo Bryndis' "Sin Tí," and El Poder del Norte's "A Ella." From the festive sounds of Los Huracanes del Norte's "Pa' Que Te Casabas Juan" to Marco Antonio Solis' smoothly romantic "O Me Voy O Te Vas," the collection spans many of the styles and artists defining Mexico's music. Tracks by Conjunto Primavera, Los Palominos, Jessie Morales, Grupo Mojado, and Iman round out Arcoiris Musical Mexicano, which offers a good representation of contemporary trends in Mexican pop. ~ Heather Phares

Ari Mer Doon - it means "come to our home" in Armenian - is a fun compilation of some of the artist’s favorite children’s songs. Many of these songs were passed down through the generations of Nvair’s family and some reflect back to her days in Armenian school. These rich traditions are brought into a contemporary setting, making Ari Mer Doon with Nvair a melodious mix of songs for today’s children to enjoy. The exceptional hospitality of Armenians, who traditionally open hearth and home to old and new friends alike, is well-known. With this CD, Nvair opens the doors of her HYEfamily (hye means Armenian in Armenian) and welcomes the listener to partake with song, dance and merriment. Ari Mer Doon with Nvair is a selection of songs that goes on a journey never before taken. It can be... Less

Repressing of this installment in the Mickey Hart Collection, a World Music series that the Grateful Dead drummer curated which incorporated his solo projects, other artists productions, and re-releases of out-of-print titles.

The 17-song second album by French R&B artist Tete was produced by Les Valentins (Etienne Daho, Alain Bashung). Tracks include the title cut, "Emma Stanton", and "Le Songe De Marie".Produced by pop duo Les Valentins, A la Faveur de l'Automne is the second studio album from French- Senegalese vocalist Tété. Influenced by Lenny Kravitz, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan, the 2004 follow-up to L'Air de Rien combines rock, R&B, blues, and folk, and includes the hit singles "Emma Stanton" and the title track ~ Jon O'Brien

Speak, the title of bassist Michael Olatuja's debut album, holds deep personal meaning for its creator, exemplifying in a single word the album's underlying themes of hope, encouragement, inspiration and positivity. The album, which will be released on Backdrop, ObliqSound's sub-label focusing on modern electronic and groove-based music, tells the story of the British/Nigerian artist's musical and personal journey. "The language of music is one that we all speak," Olatuja explains. "It unites diverse cultures." The ten songs on Speak find Olatuja stepping out of his role as sideman and finally presenting his personal vision as producer and composer. With musical influences and guests from around the world, the album touches on each spot Olatuja has hit around the globe, including his... Less

Ari Mer Doon - it means "come to our home" in Armenian - is a fun compilation of some of the artist’s favorite children’s songs. Many of these songs were passed down through the generations of Nvair’s family and some reflect back to her days in Armenian school. These rich traditions are brought into a contemporary setting, making Ari Mer Doon with Nvair a melodious mix of songs for today’s children to enjoy. The exceptional hospitality of Armenians, who traditionally open hearth and home to old and new friends alike, is well-known. With this CD, Nvair opens the doors of her HYEfamily (hye means Armenian in Armenian) and welcomes the listener to partake with song, dance and merriment. Ari Mer Doon with Nvair is a selection of songs that goes on a journey never before taken. It can be... Less

Recording information: Studio 200, Paris; Studio Ferber. Photographer: Didier Robcis.A seventh album from Ismaël Lo (in the Americas at least). Here, he provides a nice album of vocals and guitar work created in the studios of Dakar and Paris, as is so often the case with Senegalese artists. The album starts out with a powerful vocal showpiece in "Aiwa," followed by a light song in French. Following is the dancehall-worthy "Biguisse," with its thick beats, followed by the slower "Amoul Solo" and the heart-wrenching title track. The next two tracks bring the urban groove back, and the invocation of a democratic Africa presents a distinct Latin flavor. "Diour Sani" and "Badara" show off more guitar work from Ismaël Lo, as well as a bit of harmonica in "Badara." "Ma Dame" brings a loping,... Less

Mamelang: Julia Mathunjwa, Joe Legwabe, David Serame, Ruby Serame (vocals); Simon Zagorski-Thomas (keyboards, programming); Brian Short (keyboards). Producers: Simon Zagorski-Thomas, Brian Short.Personnel: Ruby Serame, Joe Legwabe, David Serame (vocals); Simon Zagorski-Thomas (keyboards, programming); Brian Short (keyboards).As its title indicates, Zulu Heartbeat is heavily influenced by the rhythms and culture of Africa's Zulu tribe. But the music of Mamelang, an interracial group from South Africa, isn't traditional tribal music -- rather, it is modern South African pop with a heavy Zulu influence. While many South African artists sing in English, Mamelang sticks to the Zulu and Sotho languages. Mamelang's songs tend to be very reflective and relaxed, and its lyrics are quite... Less

Personnel: Damian (vocals, pan flute, piano); London Symphony Orchestra; Richard Bona, Sasha Lazard (vocals); Michael Brook.On this 2004 release, the Romanian panflutist merges folk music from his homeland with European classical music, enlisting the London Symphony Orchestra on some tracks. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Depending on the song, listeners will hear a variety of Middle Eastern and African modalities, touches of American jazz and Spanish gypsy music, and a wide assortment of techno-driven grooves.Rarely does an artist bring together so many disparate styles of music with such clarity. However, ONENESS, as the title suggests, unites musical cultures with great ease. Best known as a panflute virtuoso, Damian focuses more here on intense musical tapestries and... Less

Speak, the title of bassist Michael Olatuja's debut album, holds deep personal meaning for its creator, exemplifying in a single word the album's underlying themes of hope, encouragement, inspiration and positivity. The album, which will be released on Backdrop, ObliqSound's sub-label focusing on modern electronic and groove-based music, tells the story of the British/Nigerian artist's musical and personal journey. "The language of music is one that we all speak," Olatuja explains. "It unites diverse cultures." The ten songs on Speak find Olatuja stepping out of his role as sideman and finally presenting his personal vision as producer and composer. With musical influences and guests from around the world, the album touches on each spot Olatuja has hit around the globe, including his... Less

LA CUMPARSITA G. RODRIGUEZ 1917 Possibly the best known tango melody, it still evokes the mood and mindset of the world in which it was created over 80 years ago. The story of the composer is fascinating: Rodriguez sold the rights to the song for 20 pesos. After La Cumparsita became a world-wide sensation, he spent many years trying to regain a share of the profits from his song. ADIOS NONINO A. PIAZZOLLA 1961 If Astor Piazzolla can be said to have a signature composition, this would certainly be the one. Written to honor the memory of his father, it has been recorded in over 150 different versions. Our performance is based upon a statement-answer between the violins and the trumpet or piano and accordion. LA SEDUCCION G. NOCETI 1913 A delightful tango from the early days, it displays the... Less

Recording information: Amber Palace Of The Maharaja, Jaipur (06/1962- 02/1968). Photographer: Deben Bhattacharya. Rajasthan is a region in northwest India that borders on Pakistan. Songs from Rajasthan: The Land of Princes & Gypsies is an overview of the music from that region. Most of the pieces here are vocals, although there are several instrumental pieces, as well. This is a regional folk music, not the Indian classical music many people think of when Indian music is discussed. Besides vocals, various drums, shenai, and sarangi are the main sounds heard, all instruments that have been around for hundreds of years. ~ Sean Westergaard

Young Brazil is definitely on the rise and Rita Ribeiro might well be its best female singer. Having worked with artists like Chico César and Zeca Baleiro, she's now strutting her own stuff very effectively, moving beyond the samba and bossa nova to create some playful pop music that draws on funk, dance beats, and forro (sometimes in the same song) as much as the music that people usually associate with the country. "Ha Mulheres" is the perfect example, beginning with an Afro-Brazilian chant and Carnaval samples, then moving through Kenny G jazz, before exploding into a song whose melody owes a great deal to the Who's "You Better You Bet." The title track brings Bob Marley and the Wailers to mind. It's eclectic and fun loving, acknowledging five centuries of tradition but still skipping... Less

Vamos Pal Monte.... Masterworks Series (with Previously Unreleased Tracks) As an introduction,let me specify that Mr. Eddie Palmieri was born in New York to Puerto Rican parents.He is considered to be one of the greatest artists in contemporary Latin music.(Produced by Miguel Estivill).Song titles: Revolt/La Libertad Logico(5:23). Caminando(3:51). Vamonos Pa'l Monte(7:06). Viejo Socarron(6:09). Yo No Se(4:12). Comparsa De Los Locos(7:20). Bonus Tracks:Viejo Ocarron(Take 9)Previously Unreleased(7:10). VP Blues-Previously Unreleased(14:15). Mixed Marriage- Previously Unreleased(10:18). Moon Crater 1(Lyndsay's Raders) Previously Unreleased(10:37). Musicians: Eddie Palmieri(Leader,Pi ano). Ismael Quintana(Vocal). Bob Vianco(Guitar). Jose Rodriguez (Trombone). Alfredo" Chocolate" Armenteros... Less

Personnel includes: Joyce, Dori Caymmi (vocals, acoustic guitar); Romero Lubambo (acoustic guitar); Guello (berimbau, pandeiro, surdo, tamborim, tabla, cuica, percussion); Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); Mulgrew Miller, Renee Rosnes (piano); Rodolfo Stroeter (bass); Tutty Moreno (drums, percussion). Recorded at Sound On Sound, New York, New York in March 1998. Includes liner notes by Joyce and Neil Tesser. ASTRONAUTA: SONGS OF ELIS was nominated for the 2000 Latin Grammy Award for Best Musica Popular Brasileira Album and Best Musica Popular Brasileira. Personnel: Joyce (vocals); Joe Lovano (saxophone); Mulgrew Miller (piano).On this excellent album, Brazilian singer Joyce is surrounded by important jazz musicians Joe Lovano, Mulgrew Miller, Renee Rosnes, and Romero Lubambo, along with... Less

Various Artists: Zoran Predin, Ezerki, Sarr-e-roma, Miroslav Lackovic, Vlatko Stefanovski, Klapa Cambi, Karavan. Personnel: Richard Bridge (sequencer). Highlighting the diversity of what is considered "Gypsy" music, the Petrol Records compilation Greatest Songs Ever: Gypsyland is a collection of seven artists and 12 tracks, varying from the modern flamenco and drum kit-influenced Sarr-e-roma to the chorus of Klapa Cambi, the more traditional folksinger Zoran Predin (who leads the pack with three songs included), and the eclectic Karavan, whose "Pomagele" is a samba song (and whose other contribution, "Szép Ez a Világ," is definitely Brazilian- inspired as well). It would be nice to hear some other voices (surely there are more than seven artists who have written the greatest Gypsy songs),... Less

With the story of an entire people to tell and a set of vocals bearing so many nuances often strong and fierce, sometimes tender, but always confident and passionate Irish folk hero Damien Dempsey lends a voice to generations of his homeland past and present in his fifth studio album, The Rocky Road.In this collection of eleven traditional and contemporary Irish folk songs, which has already reached the No. 8 spot on the Irish album charts, Dempsey conveys his country s tumultuous history, his own family tradition and his personal emotion in a way that remains relevant and meaningful to the Irish and non-Irish listener alike.Ballads are my roots, Dempsey explains. It was the first music that turned me on, and the first songs that I heard being sung in my home by friends and family. I... Less

Includes liner notes by John Armstrong.Liner Note Author: John Armstrong .All 15 of the songs on this 2000 anthology were originally released in the late '90s by five Brazilian artists: Ceumar, Renato Braz, Jards Macale, Mauricio Pereira, and Quinteto Violado. According to the back cover, this was assembled with a mind to feature more acoustic- oriented, back-to-basics Brazilian pop musicians, none of them familiar to North American listeners. It's fair, and not amazing, Brazilian pop with characteristic lilting melodies, mixtures of bossa nova beats with jazz and rock, and an overall low-key, pleasant attitude. If you're thinking that's not the sort of stuff that musical revolutions are made of, that's correct. Of course, very few North Americans will be able to understand the lyrics,... Less

This album is a tribute to Mexican singer Jose Jose.In romantic Latin pop -- Latin adult contemporary, if you will -- José José enjoys the sort of popularity that Luther Vandross enjoys in the R&B field. Although José José is from Mexico, he has never been marketed as a regional Mexican artist; rather, the veteran singer has an across-the-board appeal in the Spanish-speaking world. José José can sell out a concert hall in Mexico City, but he is equally popular in countries that range from Spain to Argentina to Venezuela. And because José José caters to the Spanish-speaking world in general rather than having a specifically Mexican focus, it's fascinating to hear Mojado providing a Mexican-oriented tribute to the Latin pop star. The English translation of this CD's title is Mojado... Less

The album and song title Out Beyond Ideas, comes from a poem by the 12th-century Sufi poet, Jelalludin Rumi. The project was produced by Windham Hill pianist, composer and Montana native, Philip Aaberg. The tracks were recorded at The Garage in Reese Creek, Montana, and mixed and mastered at Spark Studios in Emeryville, California, where Jai Uttal and numerous San Francisco Bay-area artists have recorded. Best described as “contemporary world music”, Out Beyond Ideas features 10 original compositions by Matthew Marsolek. With melodic and rhythmic influences from West Africa and India, the music is grounded in the band’s extensive jazz, folk and classical background. Mandir’s original instrumentation and its use of voices for instrumental textures creates a surprising depth of sound from a... Less

Personnel: Ray Gasper, Hudson Ahiyite, Jimmie Awashu, Bobalo (vocals).Liner Note Author: Mary Boley.Recording information: KGAK Radio Station, Gallup, NM (09/13/1953-04/??/ 1971).

Track List Home of Mine Pauoa Ka Liko Ka Lehua Boardwalk Angel Its All Gone Kaulana Kawaiahae In Your Eyes Waikoloa You Have the Right to Remain Silent Wild Nights Hana He Puawehiwa with Palani Vaughan Aloha No Na Kupuna O Maui Album Notes Pono's debut album -- HOME OF MINE -- is a collection of songs performed and recorded in honor of family and loved ones. The simple acoustic styling blended with harmonious vocals will take you on a musical vacation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From the title track -- celebrating the beauty of these islands -- to the stirring duet with legendary singer/composer/m usician Palani Vaughan in a remake of his classic "He Puawehiwa", Pono's melodic images will paint pictures for all to enjoy. Pono is: Joshua Kahula Kaleo... Less

Completing the trilogy of The Plus 2 s, Moreno/Domenico/K assin+2, Futurismo nimbly threads together the playful lyrics and experimental sound of its predecessors Music Typewriter(2001) and Sincerely Hot (2004). The Plus +2 s arrive on the scene again, however, this time the playing field is a bit different. Alongside bands like Bonde de Role and CSS, the Plus +2 s take their place with a new crop of Brazilian artists that demonstrate that music from other cultures and in other languages is no longer considered outside of the mainstream of indie rock.The album includes tracks that feature collaborative work with Sean O Hagan (High Llamas) who co-wrote and sings with Kassin on ''Ya Ya Ya'' and ''Back Bow,'' and additional instrumentation and production from John McEntire (Tortoise) on the... Less

LA CUMPARSITA G. RODRIGUEZ 1917 Possibly the best known tango melody, it still evokes the mood and mindset of the world in which it was created over 80 years ago. The story of the composer is fascinating: Rodriguez sold the rights to the song for 20 pesos. After La Cumparsita became a world-wide sensation, he spent many years trying to regain a share of the profits from his song. ADIOS NONINO A. PIAZZOLLA 1961 If Astor Piazzolla can be said to have a signature composition, this would certainly be the one. Written to honor the memory of his father, it has been recorded in over 150 different versions. Our performance is based upon a statement-answer between the violins and the trumpet or piano and accordion. LA SEDUCCION G. NOCETI 1913 A delightful tango from the early days, it displays the... Less

DJ: Gordon Brothers.Audio Mixer: Gordon Brothers." Celtic" and "lounge" are two words that, when put together in this context, tend to lower one's expectations. And if you're looking for chilled-out renditions of actual Celtic music, then you will indeed find this album fairly disappointing. But if all you need is a dreamy, faintly emerald-tinted ambience that occasionally evokes Celtic tradition in a glancing sort of way, then the third installment in the Sequoia label's Celtic Lounge series will fit the bill nicely. Where there are lyrics, they should generally be ignored (note in particular the pretty but deeply silly "Fairy Nightsongs"), and it's also a good idea to try to ignore the Tolkien references in song titles like "On the Road to Rivendell" and artist monikers like Gandalf... Less

Personnel: Richard Bridge (sequencer).With the great amount of talented artists that have come from Cuba, it's confusing why Australian-based Petrol Records decided to have so many repeats on their Greatest Songs Ever: Cuba. The most obvious answer is that there were licensing problems, but the fact that the other albums in this series (Greece, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Ireland, and France are some of the other countries) included some more notable stars nearly refutes that idea (coupled with the fact that the track list on the website is completely different than the one that is actually on the album). Septeto Nacional are a great band, as are Charanga Latina, but why listeners need to hear two songs by each, instead of something from Celia Cruz, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, the Afro-Cuban All... Less

Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso defined a revolutionary period in Latin music. His compositions were known to bring out the best in the performer. Curet's name was ubiquitous, gracing hundreds of album credits by many of the top Latin music artists of the `60s, `70s, `80s and `90s. He penned more than 2,000 songs, spawning and jump-starting the artistic careers of many. He was the most sought after composer in tropical music - Curet's songs were guaranteed hits, revered as classics today. This compilation brings to light the music of one of Puerto Rico's most important composers of the 20th Century after a fourteen-year absence (brought about by ongoing litigations by the Puerto Rican performance society). This 30-tune double CD set, featuring some of Curet's most beloved works, is a... Less

A free limited edition full color 2001 calendar will be shrinked wrapped to the outside of each CD.Prayer for Peace features a variety of world music artists performing songs with a peaceful message. Some of the featured performers include Joanne Shenandoah ("Peace and Power"), R. Carlos Nakai and Peter Kater ("Surrender"), Mary Youngblood ("Yuba"), and Robert Mirabal ("Painted Cave"), along with several others. Many of the performers compose their own songs, and there are a number of duets featured on this compilation. This collection is best intended for those who already appreciate the Silver Wave label's roster of artists; however, it is likely to also please anyone who appreciates world music in general. ~ Jason Birchmeier

CARRIBBEAN VOYAGE: CARIBBEAN SAMPLER features field recordings by Alan Lomax from the Lesser Antilles and eastern Caribbean. Producer: Alan Lomax.Reissue producers: Anna Chairetakis, Jeffrey A. Greenberg. Recorded in 1962.This is part of Rounder's Alan Lomax Collection.This is the first entry in a multi-volume set exploring the Caribbean side of recordings made by Alan Lomax on his explorations for songs the world over, this batch emanating from 1962. When Lomax went song collecting in the Lesser Antilles -- the chain of small islands that form the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea -- these islands were all just gaining their independence. Lomax's job was to find a commonality to the songs and dances of these intertwined islands. These recordings went into University of the West... Less

CARRIBBEAN VOYAGE: CARIBBEAN SAMPLER features field recordings by Alan Lomax from the Lesser Antilles and eastern Caribbean. Producer: Alan Lomax.Reissue producers: Anna Chairetakis, Jeffrey A. Greenberg. Recorded in 1962.This is part of Rounder's Alan Lomax Collection.This is the first entry in a multi-volume set exploring the Caribbean side of recordings made by Alan Lomax on his explorations for songs the world over, this batch emanating from 1962. When Lomax went song collecting in the Lesser Antilles -- the chain of small islands that form the southeastern edge of the Caribbean Sea -- these islands were all just gaining their independence. Lomax's job was to find a commonality to the songs and dances of these intertwined islands. These recordings went into University of the West... Less